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Published: March 22nd 2007
Some places are made for travelers: Southern Thailand is one of them. Dramatic limestone cliffs abruptly end to reveal white sandy beaches and the warm aquamarine water of the Andaman Sea. After two weeks of exhausting travel in Vietnam, Mark and I finally made it to our last destination: Rai Lei Beach, Krabi. For four days, we drank Singha beer and listened to Reggae as we watched the sun set over the islands.
For 1600Baht ($45), we chartered our own long-tail boat to tour the small islands and karsts that sprinkle the sea. Our two Thai sailors knew the best spots for snorkeling, and would anchor just off the colorful coral reefs. Isolated from the rest of the world, we swam with the fish as they nibbled on our fingers and toes.
At night, we'd head to the east side of the peninsula where small beach shacks sold everything from mai tais and pizza to swimsuits and island tours. Bars lit up with Chinese lanterns showcased nightly drink specials, screenings of pirated Hollywood movies and, on occasion, snake dances.
On our last day, we headed out on the quiet waters for some early morning sea kayaking. The
sun was already sizzling our skin, but we'd hug the limestone cliffs and duck into dark caves only accessible by boat at mid-tide. Stalactites hung from their ceilings as the sun's rays peeked from underneath our boat, shedding light on the clear blue water below.
The islands are not only a spelunker's dream, but also a rockclimbing paradise. Climber's scale the rocky limestone cliffs and cool off with a quick dip in the water. Mark and I embarked on our own rockclimbing adventure. Early one morning, we climbed the largest karst that anchored the island. As we reached the crest, a spectacular view rested before us. We thought there was nowhere left to go, until we noticed a rope that hung off the cliff and descended into the forest. We repeled all the way down, and found ourselves submerged in a deep lagoon.
We needed this paradise. After the rough boat rides down the Mekong, the smoky air of Laos and Chang Mai and the challenges in Vietnam, we needed to rest. It's only four days, but we know we'll be back. It would be a perfect place to get married.
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eric duvauchelle
non-member comment
mark, get the hint
Mark, since i know you upload the pics and Leighanne writes the words, take note of this: "It would be a perfect place to get married. " i think she is hinting at something.