Vacation From My Vacation

I decided I needed a break from India. A vacation from my vacation. The Stephanie girls had started their 6 week yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh and I figured this would be a great time for it. India can be kind of hectic so I was looking forward to a change for a little bit. I called up my friends Miranda and Chip who are living in Thailand teaching English, and they invited me to their home. They live in Krabi province near a touristy beach town called Ao Nang on the Andaman Sea. Krabi is known for its beautiful krast cliff formations and excellent rock climbing. Let me tell you that the beauty there doesn't disappoint.

Chip and Miranda enjoying the sunset on their local beach, Noppharat Thara

These islands pop out of the ocean every way you look

Enjoying some local beers on the island of Ko Lanta

Open water speedboat excursion

We took a minibus to Ko Lanta and then booked a day-trip snorkeling adventure to the small isolated island of Ko Rok. We heard you could join a day trip to get there and then camp as many days as you would like in the National Park and then join the day trip boats back to Ko Lanta when you were ready.

Ko Rok in the distance

Dropping anchor

Monitor lizards inhabited the island and the guides encouraged them by throwing chicken bones to get them to come closer for a tourist photo shoot

Exploring some of the trails on the island

Snorkel time

The snorkeling right off the island was the most amazing I've ever experienced. The water was crystal clear and the coral was teeming with sea life. We spent many hours each day exploring different snorkeling locations around the island.

Tent spots right by the beach

You could rent a tent from the rangers for 300 Bhat or bring your own and camp for 80 a night.

Beautiful sunsets every night

Hermit crabs were everywhere on the island

Sunrises weren't to bad either

Islands are fun, because the sunrise and sunset are both over the open ocean

Look out from the viewpoint. Ko Rok was actually two small islands seperated by a small chanell, Ko Rok Noi and Ko Rok Yai

Chips sand sculpture

We ended up staying 3 nights and 4 days on Ko Rok. It was paradise. Practically deserted except for 2 or 3 hours midday when the snorkeling day trips arrived. I highly recommend it.

Back in Ao Nang, we were treated to a night rainbow. Never seen anything like it

Miranda and I took a day trip to Railay Beach which has a ton of famous limestone climbing routes. Unfortunately I don't have any of my climbing gear with me and didn't want to shell out the money to rent, but it was a beautiful spot none the less. Although a bit crowded for my liking.

Railay beach

I tried some Muay Thai (thai boxing) at a local gym and had some nice wounds afterwords

I want to give a big thanks to Chip and Miranda for being my guides in southern Thailand. They were such wonderful hosts and I loved being able to see some good friends while on my travels.