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Published: December 4th 2009
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Thursday 19 November 2009
Got bus to coach station then coach to Ranong about 6 hours. Elaine pre-arranged our accommodation from the Lonely Planet and they agreed to pick us up from Ranong Bus Station, which entailed a lift to the pier and speed boat to Ko Phayam. The speedboat was around 5-5:30 so we watched the sun going down. We stayed at Vijit Bungalows (Ao Kwai), 300 baht a night, which was on beach front with amazing white sand. From Ko Phayam Pier we had to hire bikes to get to accommodation as no cars or minibuses on island just paths wide enough for motorbikes to pass each other. Ko Phayam is really nice and quiet, only 500 inhabitants. We had meal at accommodation and I was in bed by 11. Electricity goes off at night, any time from 12 onwards.
Friday 20 November 2009
Was up at 9 so did a bit of sunbathing as nice temperature. Went for short run along beach and did some exploring. Dan cut my hair on the beach, number 1 all over. In the afternoon we went on bikes around island (only four paths). First we went north to a remote beach
but really needed off road bikes as path was clay with many bumps. Then we went down to Long Beach Ao Yai (where I will run tomorrow). The beach at our accommodation is the nicest. We carried on around the island to the small Bhuddist area then onto the main pier. Ordered Sunday roast for tomorrow as they need to order the food in. Lads had a few games of pool. Had food and drinks at accommodation. The others had brought a bottle of Sangsom (Whiskey/Rum) to play cards with. If someone cheated or lost they had to have a shot. It was funny, Barry and Elaine ended up smashed. Barry could not even see his cards by the end! Probably no surprise for you that know him. I only had 2 shots and 3 cans so was looking good. I went was in bed for about 12.
Saturday 21 November 2009
Went for run on Long Beach then had some breakfast. Got blisters on feet and sand quite sharp. Relaxed on beach and started my first book 'First they killed my father' which is a personal account of a young Cambodian girl's experiences of life under the brutal
rule of the Khmer Rouge. Thought this would be useful as will be in Cambodia in a few weeks. On the evening we went and played pool whilst waiting for our sunday dinner (roast chicken, roast potatoes, mash, brocolli, carrotts and onion gravy). It was very nice but portions and quality were not the same as mothers. Went to room around half 10 and read book for a while.
Sunday 22 November 2009
Had breakfast. Took bikes back. Went on Internet and played pool until we got boat to Ranong at 14:00. Had to get taxi from Pier to bus station. On arrival the man at the ticket office advised us coaches to Chuphon had been cancelled and we should get mini bus that he can arrange. Another Thai trying to have us over. We went to point where coach dropped us and had some food. We spoke to lay and she called the coach and advised we need picking up. The coach came and we finished off our food then boarded. The Thai people can be very frustrating and you rarely get impartial advice. From Chumphon bus station we had to get taxi to train station. No availability
on sleeper train to Bangkok until 23:30 so had some time to kill in Chumphon. Few Changs and some food.
Monday 23 November 2009
I didn't manage to get to sleep on train until around 05:00. At 06:00 there was a Thai woman walking up and down bellowing out as she was selling some sort of food. As you can imagine I was far from impressed. People started getting up and putting the beds away, which was very noisey so I got up myself. The train practically crawled to Bangkok for 08:30. Kieran and Kate have decided to carry on travelling to Kanchanaburi. The rest of us headed for Soi Rambutri (2 minutes from Khao San but a little quieter and relaxed). Checked in to Sawasdee House my room is 250 baht for single with shared bathroom. We decided to do some sightseeing after shower and change. On way to Grand Palace we were advised by a Tuk Tuk driver and another man that it was closed today but they can take us around some temples, more blaggers! We continued towards Grand Palace and seen the tourist police, who advised Grand Palace is always open but better to go
in the morning as will be very busy. He recommended a long tail boat trip along Khlong Bangkok Yai to see various temples and the old style houses (wooden huts). Think the tourist police was getting commission for boat trip as we got over charged but did not know until after. We got boat but man just flew past all temples so hard to take photos and took us to Crocadile Farm, we declined so he wasn't happy because he must get commission. We told him to slow down so we can take pictures, he took us to Orchid Farm so we just asked him to take us to Wat Arun. Wat Arun is the most elegant pagoda of Thailand and is on the 10 baht coin. Boat man said he would wait 15 minutes so we took half an hour, luckily he was still waiting and dropped us back. Whilst we were out and about we thought we would check out another temple Wat Po. Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It is home to more Buddha images than any other Bangkok temple and it shelters the
largest Buddha in Thailand. After we were starving and all templed out so headed back to Khao San to get some Pad Thai on the street. On the evening we had a few drinks at our accommodation bar, which played funky/progressive house. A few drinks from seven eleven whilst touring Khao San, it was busier than when we was here before. Seven eleven stop serving alcohol at 12 and clubs close at 3am due to police. This was not the case a month ago. Went to Gulivers and had some crazy Thai chick chasing me. At 3am had some drinks on the street, met Anna from Poland and a French guy (can't remember his name). Went to Dang Derm Hotel roof top pool and watched sunrise.
Tuesday 24 November 2009
Met Anna and French guy for breakfast/lunch. Went to Siam Centre with Dan and Sam to purchase mobile phone and some speakers. Had drinks on the Khao San Road again then went to 'The Club' on my own. It played wicked funky house by DJ Woody and Chang was 2 for 1.
Wednesday 25 November 2009
As it was lunchtime by the time I got up, I had
Kra Prow which is Pork, Basil, Ginger, Garlic, Chillies and Fish Sauce on Boiled Rice. Tried to find gym but could only find Thai Boxing training. Heard about a park 10 minutes walk that has lots going on. Saranrom, what an awesome park. They have many people running around the outside on a path, aerobics in middle, couples ballroom dancing, table tennis, badminton and an outdoor old school gym! I spent the rest of the day there. Had Pad Thai and a few Chang by accommodation then onto Khao San for a change. Took the others to 'The Club' met couple of Swedish girls.
Thursday 26 November 2009
I have decided to go to Kanchanaburi tomorrow with Dan and Sam. Kieran and Kate returned from Kanchanaburi. Kieran noticed that we can use pool and sauna at sister hotel, Villa Cha Cha, so we headed there. Took Kieran and Barry to Park, used gym and attempted aerobics but my rhythm not the best. We all fancied some seafood so I had whole Crab on Noi Rambutri, nice but very fiddly. Had a few Changs whilst meandering down the Khao San Road then took Kieran and Kate to 'The Club'. Met
Jessica from Sweden who is only 21 and travelling on her own.
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Emily
non-member comment
Noooooo
All your hairs gone.. Although I'm surprised it took you this long! Christmas work do tonight, had day off work to prepare for party of the century... Xx