Thailand 2 - Koh Lanta paradise

So Thailand… after few years of waiting I’m finally here and even better is a fact that we are here, what means two of us on first holiday together, crazy when I look back on the way how it all fall into place and how we found each other, most of how we took off like we knew each other before. Well as mentioned previously the Arawan Krabi resort is beautiful place to start and maybe finish journey as it is located in beautiful area under the hill and in sunk in green but that also means you need time and scooter to explore the area as well as travel to the beach since the beach before resort is far from swimmable. However the views are amazing and if you want to just relax and chill at the pool this is the place. As much as we were tired after this flying airports marathon we changed to swim suit and headed for the beach to wash off the travel tiredness and sweat. Unfortunately the beach is not much, only for boats so the jumping into waves was changed for jumping to the pool above, which was refreshing as well, not as much as sea but still nice. Splash a bit in it as it is some sort of infinity pool with absolutely beautiful view when you are resting on your elbows / arms on the edge of the pool looking at sunset and green jungle like forest and sea to the left. Since the water makes you hungry, we got out and walked and walked and walked maybe a bit more than three steps to the restaurant for drinks and food. We ate, talked and drink until we felt it is time to get up before we fell asleep at table since the journey was long and tiresome, so we decided to hit the bed, not literally as it was concrete made bed but figuratively speaking. Tomorrow we are leaving for the Phi Phi Island.

Morning came and the misunderstanding with double booking was sorted so now just waiting for money being returned to bank account and also for taxi to drive us to the pier. We arrived to the pier half an hour later after ferry departure so we have half a day free to wait for another ferry in afternoon. Bought tickets, left luggage at ticket office and went to beach to get some sun tan and finally splash in the sea 😊 beach was long and nice with few people around, some as us waiting for a boat, some just leisurely laying in holiday mode. There was some sort of structure build in the water like three huts from the twigs and we walked more to the end of the beach where we put our things down in the shade as on the sun it felt like in oven, not that I have been in any oven but sweet lord it felt like that. Sat on the swing, than splash, than snooze and repeat… nice rest have to say. After few hours we walked at the beach like from romantic movie, the difference was we carried some bags and snapping photos instead of holding hands and looking into each other eyes. However we got to this island across the bay, which was accessible due the low tide, took some photos and then slowly walked across the exposed beach chasing crabs towards this huts like structure which was now exposed and we could see some writing on paper or timber pad attached to it as well as light fitting, probably for the night. Got to the pier, saw a nice unusual sink made from tree trunk, then got our luggage and headed to the boat with rest of the people with colored stickers on their chest with destination written on them so everyone is easily recognized and directed to the boats. We went to the top deck where we were alone as everyone seems to stay in lower decks, probably due the fact that there  is shade. Trip to Phi Phi island was nice as we saw all the beaches of Krabi island from the boat and island what are really beautiful and definitely worth seeing in case I’m coming there again. Since the journey on the open sea is a bit boring when there is nothing to see I’ve got snooze in shade to the rhythm of moving boat like it was cradle. Also tried to reduce amount of lobster red color of my skin staying in shade. Woke up and there were two girls on top deck snoozing on the bench with Rosa. Arrival to Phi Phi was nice until we saw the amount of ferry boats and the hoards of peoples getting off, which was like in shopping mall on sale day i.e black Friday… but hey here we are so get on with it. Since we had not booked anything in advance we got food, than wi -fi and start looking for place to sleep. Eventually after some “discussion” I resigned from this effort and let Rosa to decide where to go. Found one place at the beach what was relatively cheap and looked good on the photos. After navigating the narrow street of Phi Phi full of young party goers we reached the place and we were told that we had been upgraded, worrying sign as when you are upgraded in such place it could be worse. We have been upgraded to beach side room and told that there is beach party every night from 21:00 to 02:00 so we dropped our bags to the room what was practically portacabin changed to room with bed, toilet, shower as whole hotel was built from portacabins stacked on top of each other. Since princess was not very happy camper there we went to dinner and drinks and she also booked boat for tomorrow as she said that this is not the place for more nights. Food was quite difficult to find in the night for some reason, as we met few social workers but not food. Eventually we found this shop where they served soup and ordered two. Tasty noodle soup with all the condiments added as the soup itself is quitter bland, so you have all the condiments on the table, chili of course is the main one, than sugar, and some more chili, plus some sauce. Well since I love chili I’ve got a good portion, what seen by the chef lady, she started sign language for hot and word no… upon what I said yes yes and put it in. She looked at me like I’m alien when started eating it and possibly waited for reaction of me jumping or doing some silly stuff but no I put enough chili to be tasty but not burning my tongue or mouth. Ate all and when we both finished she asked how was it ? so we again with English and sign language said good, good and I asked for one more portion upon what she just shake her head, like this is unbelievable and served another portion. Yummy yummy and full tummy we could continue to walk around island, exploring the areas. The idea of romantic dinner was nice but since we went out late we were the best dressed tourist eating in local soup shack 😊 As we walked around the empty beach, possibly due the fact that everyone from the island was at beach party in front of our hotel we found this gem bar where locals played cards and laughed. Amazing quiet place with bamboo seats in the sand directly on the beach, where we sat and enjoyed our fantastic tasty cocktails from the coconut. I’m not a cocktail person but dear lord those cocktails I could drink anytime, they were amazingly balanced and prepared, even to the last detail as coconut as glass. We were so happy and relaxed just sitting, drinking and talking that we did not want to leave the beach… with few more cocktails we were more relaxed so we have moved from the seats to beach seat and lay down in embrace. Eventually we realized that the bar turned off music, some lights and few people left the bar so we thought that it is time to go home to our lovely portacabin but this evening was so romantic that it will be in my memory for ever and ever. Something what started as not so romantic hunt for food finished as most romantic evening / morning “since it was 4am when we left beach” I could imagine. Walk back was a bit long as we were a bit tipsy and tired but happy as Larry to be together. Since we arrived after the beach party “yea we bet the youngsters with staying up later” we found few stragglers on the beach either chatting or trying chatting up the alcohol victims for early morning sex. Well veni, vidi,vici so we were happy t return to our lovely portacabin and after some exercise finally fell asleep as we need to wake up relatively early to board boat for overnight trip to maya beach, famous Leonardo Di Caprio beach.

              Reception in the morning was quite surprised that we are moving out but overall have no issues with it as they have received they money. Walked to pier where we met rest of the crew waiting for this trip we have been moved to the pier for a small motor boat what will bring us to the main boat. The sun was scorching us, like we were fish or tomato drying on the sun or as there was some competition which tourist will fall first from the sun stroke. After some time on the sun we were moved again on the other side of the pier where small motor boat was waiting for us. Horrrayyy we are on the way to the main boat with rest of the tour. Arrived on the nice big blue boat, where we all put down our things and got briefed by the tour guide on the plan of action. One group went only for day trip and they will be later taken back to the shore, second group was to stay overnight for one night “we were in this group” and if I remember correctly one couple stayed for two nights. The group was good and I think that we blended well with first stop and first jump to the sea from top deck 😊 snorkeling and kayaking was main attraction and activity for everyone so we all jumped in and tried to see something under water, what was not that much so we switched to kayak. Islands we saw were amazing with houses attached to the cliff sides by some miracle and bamboo poles. The Islands were protected as they are using for farming / collecting birds nest as they are highly priced in Asia and used for manufacturing health drinks. It is amazing see those island sticking out from water with sheer straight cliffs as if they were chiseled or as if they were elevator just surfaced from the bottom of the sea. Stone walls and green on the top it was like cake with green icing. Eventually we have arrived front of the famous “The Beach” as it is forbidden to enter the beach and we can watch it from behind the line with flags as if you are in theatre line. The beach is closed as it was destroyed by visiting tourist who went there in their thousands and all the marine life “sharks, turtles” disappeared as well as some incidents of drunken tourists who later complained that they were not looked after caused government to close access to the beach. When the beach was closed only for few months, apparently sharks and turtles returned what I cannot verify but Rosa can as she saw big shark coming into lagoon while we were snorkeling. Unfortunately I had not see it ☹ uaaa uaaa uaaa ☹ Snorkeling a bit around until the sunset hit the surface we were enjoying this romantic moment and I felt so happy that we are together. It is great when you have someone close to your heart spending time with you doing stuff you like “no I do not mean sex, well yes sex as well but in this case I mean enjoying snorkeling” and feel the love in the air. Few photos later after the sunset we went back on board get some food and wait for right time to get back to see bioluminescence effect in the night. Everyone got a safety vest upside down so we were sitting in it rather that have it on back and got in. It was like being in huge nappy sitting in the water as duck. We kicked and kicked and some bioluminescence could be seen but not as much as I expected, however I saw it much better in Mauritius so I was o.k, they say that when you pee it is getting better, laying bastards 😊 After we get out it was a party time so few drinks i.e bucket and we were whisked to private beach where the fire was going and seating area was set up with more drinks. We played games with matches, cards and as the night progressed the games become more and more personal and daring but overall great fun. Rosa was not participating but went to sea and saw sharks again but as we drank all alcohol and the fire slowly ceased we got back on the boat where party continued with music, dancing and drinking to wee hours. Since we were three couples and five single ladies the party slowly turned to single lady club as couples retracted to bed i.e mattress on the top deck under the starry sky and single Spanish ladies stayed with male crew below “dancing” what a night under the starry sky… only wind was rustle the plastic cover of emergency boat and we fell asleep.

              Opened eyes in the morning to see the blue sky and green top of island as the boat was rotating around anchor while with wind and waves playing with boat. Amazing night and wake up scenery, so soul pleased and gentle for us as for some it was hard after night drinking they were not in best shape and I was only men at breakfast. On the way back to Phi Phi we stopped at monkey island with monkeys waiting at shore for their bananas, what were throwed from boat as they gathered what they can fighting male and female over the food. Rosa also went on the shore and took some photos with monkey, then we went back to boat and got half an hour free time so got sea kayak and back to island with more bananas but this time Rosa got too close and the monkey attacked kayak like Somali pirates and she in panic throw all food at one and push them off with paddle. Well lesson learned 😊 Here we are, on the way back and most of the group were quiet and white in face probably after drinking or shame in case of girls. Well it is funny like there are more single girls traveling than boys. Maybe boys are making money so that they can pick up girls on the money when returned from traveling.

Anyhow we are back and now on the another ferry heading to Koh Lanta. Since the experience from Phi Phi this time Rosa booked accommodation in advance. Arrived with the rest of the crowd and sat down for some food at pier, trying to google up the transport to our hotel what proved a bit disappointing but hey no one stop Italian to get what she want and therefore after lunch Rosa went to street with cash in hand and shouted the name of hotel and price she is going to pay for transport, upon which the locals were stunned with shock on their faces as they probably never seen anything like it. This time the table turned and tourist chased taxi. One guy said yes and so we are boarded jeep and headed off to the hotel with stop in town local pharmacy for some diving suits. Journey was fab and easy as driver was easy and careful maybe because he thought that the road is frosty based on the Air Con blasting ice cold arctic air. As we approached the hotel we knew that this is the place… beautiful beaches, cliffs and less and less tourist and huge resorts. We took left from the road down this steep hill so steep that we nearly smacked the windscreen, here it was, our accommodation what is beautiful one bed room with sea view through the vegetation, what is covering most of the resort but not jungle like. Well we got our key and heading uphill the narrow path to our love lair i.e room with great view through the glass wall what leads to balcony so we can see the see from our bamboo bed. Bags dropped and bed tested we can now go and explore the area, what is nice long beach with not many people on it, what is pretty nice to be on the beach without thousands of people. Food is great in restaurant and later we realized that people are coming only for food here, on the map it was located as restaurant, which was probably as it started and then the accommodation came. The view matched the food and we were so happy to be there that we just sat watched sea and eventually went for a walk on the beach. Day is gone and we organized scooter for next day to see around. Next day the natural reserve at the end of the road, i.e national park with beautiful beach and park with monkeys walking leisurely around, like what the feck are you doing here you two legged creatures. Then we went to jungle to see water fall, what was really nice refreshing stop as we got under the falling water and let the droplets of cold water wash away our tiredness in the heat of the day. Took so called artistic photos under the waterfall, on the fallen tree trunk and then climbed above the waterfall and headed to find source of the waterfall deep in jungle. That was a nice walk as it was cooler up in the jungle that at bottom. First stop was this pool of water where the people sat and swam so we passed them and walked up to the hills and jungle. On our way we met another group of lads coming down the stream bed. As we progressed deep in the jungle the stream bed narrowed down to trickling stream of water and vegetation grew dense so we were like in the movie going through the vegetation. What was that … some noise came from the jungle and Rosa frozen in her tracks… hey it was only Italian couple we met down at waterfall coming back from the jungle saying that there is not much to see but the path of water. Well we went there and got to the dense forest jungle growth what was a little hard passable so we decided to turn back and played a bit of Tarzan and Jane before continued to walk back. On the way back we saw a beautiful butterfly and then the view over canopy of trees before descending to the waterfall and back on the trail. We have not found the cave what supposed to be somewhere around so just get back to meet the same Italian couple again. Hop on the scooter and hit the banner as my hand slipped on break and put full gas so I flew to the banner on the side of the road 😊 well scooter is tested that it cannot fly at least. Got it back on the road and headed off to exploring the island more. Eventually we planned to get romantic dinner at fancy restaurant on the cliff to watch sunset but as the murphy’s law is we bump into couple from Ireland who tried to get their scooter working but after few seconds I realized that they simply run out of petrol and needed a bottle of petrol what is sold at the side of the road. So I took this fella and get him to emergency petrol station what is table on the side of the road where they are selling petrol in glass rum bottles, what they drain from the scooters previously rented as everyone leave petrol in but when you renting scooter it is always empty. Got the bottle drove back and needed to convince security on the gate to national park who leisurely sat on the chair and listened to something on his headphones what he did not bother took out just saying closed and not making even eye contact. Well we showed him the petrol bottle and he understood. Got down, they fill the scooter and say good bye as I went to watch sunset with Rosa who was waiting on the beach. Sunset was over and we headed out of national park to our romantic dinner at cliff where the food was great and talk as well. A little tipsy lady back on scooter on the way home in the dark squeezing me tight is nice. We had managed come in one piece to hotel, went down to the restaurant for one more drink for the ditch and also organized boat trip to islands and emerald cave. What a pick up next morning on the beach …. Speed boat cam all the way to beach and two of us hop on the boat like king and queen headed out to the sea. Few stops for snorkeling but a bit unpleasant as the sea lices were everywhere and sometimes it was impossible to swim due the itchiness but thank God the emerald cave was clean and what a sight to swim in dark through the cave to the lagoon in the middle of the island. Love it every minute of it. You swim in dark and then you enter this paradise of middle in the island, can imagine being there at evening with fire and all, what a place to be. However not during the day as it is a touristic trap and as we exited and swam to our boat three huge touristic boats full of Chinese came and sweet lord it looks like Christmas shopping. As we stop for our lunch we sat down in shade since the sun was roasting like we were coffee beans and we have to be roasted until we crack and split open. Walked a bit around island and then jump on the boat. Every island was unique and beautiful and worth visit. We returned to the beach where we boarded and again boat glided to the beach and we were off few meters from our hotel, wave good bye to rest of the tourists and sat down on the beach. I saw the massage shack on the beach what is for Thai massage so I went there to organize couple massage on the beach as romantic as it could be. Great massage with the waves splashing and slowly carrying us to sleep and rest, while the guy and lady worked on us like they are making a dough for focaccia and kneaded us well. Experience well worth the pain and money 😊 since the restaurant was in our hotel we got lazy and ate in it, with the cocktail drinking watching sunset and talking. It is time to leave Koh Lanta paradise and move to Bangkok for last days before Rosa will fly home to Italy and that is another story altogether.