Relaxing on the beach

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February 10th 2007

Published: February 11th 2007

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Richard Sharon

Rainforest

in Khao Sok National Park

Hi everyone!

We wrapped up our time in Thailand by heading south. We took an overnight train, then bus to the Khao Sok National Park, a dense rainforest with 200m high limestone cliffs. Since it is the dry season most of the waterfalls and the river were quite low, but along our 7-hour trek winding up and down the hillls, there were plenty of opportunities to take a dip to cool off. We were both very proud that we actually finished the hike, seeing as we've sat behind desks for the last several years. We had to keep up with our guide and 3 young Swiss guys, so we tried to keep the panting to a minimum. We did however have very sore legs the next day (and a few after that)! We saw some interesting birds and insects but unfortunately didn't spot any monkeys which live in the forest...though we think a few rummaged behind our hut during the night...eek!

From Khao Sok, it was time to recuperate on the beach. We went for 2 of the islands off the west coast of Thailand, those that were impacted by the tsunami a couple of years ago, Koh Lanta

An intrepid hiker

Keep up, grasshopper

and Koh Jum. From what we saw and experienced, they have recovered quite well.

We arrived on Koh Lanta by ferry from Krabi. Koh Lanta was beautiful. A more developed island with lots of resorts...but not nearly to the extent of say Phuket. All amenities, but we still felt like we were away from it all. We stayed at 2 different beach resorts and relaxed on the beach, swam in the sea and sipped cocktails while watching the sun set (of course!) We ate some great fish and seafood and toured the island on a motorbike. There was lots of sea life to investigate in the water and rock pools at low tide. Perhaps the only strange thing was that we were completely surrounded by Swedish tourists...did they have some holiday we don't know about, or is it just an escape from the 24 hour darkness of winter?

From Koh Lanta we got back on the ferry to head to Koh Jum. It was probably one of the more interesting modes of transportation so far (and believe us we've used many). The ferry boat stops well off the coast of Koh Jum and turns off the engine. Then

Karma Chameleon

Go on, change color

longtail boats from the various resorts on Koh Jum come up along side the ferry. You find yours and then just hop over the side of the ferry...watching you step of course! It was fun.

Koh Jum was the epitome of a true get away. The resorts are small, each with bungalows, their own restaurants and beaches. No phone lines and the only electricity is from generator power, usually from 6pm to 6am every day. We stayed at the Ting Rai Bay Resort which was really great. So friendly and so relaxing. Again, amazing seafood especially crab. Nothing to do but read, swim, walk along the beaches and watch a few more amazing sunsets over Koh Phi Phi to the west of us. It was truly a unique experience to feel that removed from the day to day, and though we had to eventually leave, we won't forget what a great feeling it was.

Before saying goodbye to Thailand and heading to Malaysia we had one final night in the town of Trang and enjoyed eating at a busy night market. A perfect way to end our time in Thailand since the unique food and markets were one of the parts

Khao Sok National Park

Limestone karsts (cliffs)

we enjoyed so much.

Next stop: Malaysia. Actually we're already there, but we'll catch up with pics on our next posting. We can't wait to celebrate Chinese New Year in a few days...the decorations are already going up everywhere.

Additional photos below

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