Flew Jetstar from Hanoi to Bangkok to meet up with Nishes & Perottis.
Thursday
Started our von Kesson & Co bicycle & boat combo tour of Bangkok. Excellent tour through the back streets & had both ferry & dragon boat rides on the river. Also included a wonderful Thai lunch at a riverbank restaurant. Saw many aspects of the real Bangkok.
Temple with large Buddha
Dragon boat ride on Bangkok River
Challenging bike ride through narrow paths with drop offs into the river.
Garry & Paul went to Muay Thai kickboxing tournament at Rajanadene Stadium in Bangkok while the rest went to a ladyboy show.
Friday
Tuc tuc tour in the morning taking in the popular Bangkok tourist destinations (lots of temples including the magnificent 90m Reclining Buddha; flower market; amulet market; Golden Mountain; largest Chinatown outside China).
Swam in the afternoon before boarding the train to Surat Thani then the bus to Phuket.
First class had single bunk bed with interleading door to Perottis' compartment. More luxurious than Vietnam but no drinking alcohol, so we had to smuggle it into the compartment.
Saturday
Train arrived at Surat Thani about 8am & then caught Phantan bus to Phuket. Stayed at a very good value Novotel hotel in Karon Beach which included both massage & wonderful breakfast. Lovely swim in the sea before Paul managed to squeeze in another Super 15 game (Waratahs vs Rebels), then fantastic dinner at a local restaurant on the beach.
Sunday
Taxi to Ao Po Marina, stopping for supplies at Tescos. Main provisions were crates of Chang, Leo & Singha beers. Garry won 1st prize for his sailing outfit! We had our 1st taste of yachting, initially in very calm waters, but then the wind picked up & we had an exhilarating ride. Cooked dinner aboard. All very comfortable & surprisingly roomy.
Monday
Began the day by exploring an amazing "hung" that went deep into the mountain & was filled with bats, powered initially by the little motor then by paddle power. Went past James Bond Island but did not stop , as packed with tourists. Sailed among the unique mountain islands, having regular dips, then dinner at a rustic resort with palm trees & hammocks.
James Bond babe with Island in the background.
Tuesday
Some more exploring in the dinghy, then good snorkeling off Ko Pak Bia. Dinner at one of Krabi's islands (Rai Le Beach).
Wednesday
Lovely exploration trip on the dinghy into hongs & remote beaches, then excellent snorkeling on Ko Mai Phi Island off Phi Phi Island. Dinner at a restaurant on Phi Phi that was a real adventure getting to. The pier seemed to have been destroyed by the tsunami so we had to do some hectic scrambling.
Thursday
Sailed intoTon Sai Bay, Ko Phi Phi Dom, & had an hour massage (300 baht or $12) & time in the town. Went to a great restaurant for dinner on Ko Lanta Island & then went to the festive Why Not Bar, whose motto is, " People see the world as it is and ask why? We see the world as it isn't and ask why not?" Johnny, the fire dancer, was a real pro. Sampled the Why Not 2004 which had vodka, Malibu, rum & lemon/orange juice. Very rocky night on the yacht but amazingly managed to hold the drinks down.
Friday 1st May
Ko Lanta is our new favourite Thai island. We hired scooters for the day (200 baht or $8) & explored the Island. Had lunch overlooking the Why Not Bar beach from the night before.
Saturday
Sailed about 100 km from Lanta at 6 am to Ko Yao Noi , arriving at 6 pm.
Sunday
Sailed between the islands in a shallow & narrow channel, arriving back at Ao Pao Grand Marina around 11 am. Night in delightful resort near the Phuket Airport, after farewell dinner with the Nishes & Perottis. Sad to say goodbye to friends & Asia, but excited about our next adventure - Europe.
