Thailand Part 15 - Railay Beach

Thursday, March 19th

We left Ao Nang early to catch our boat to Railay, our last stop on our journey across Thailand, and Kimber's second home.

the weary crew

homesick yet? Nah.

Railay is famous for the huge limestone cliffs jetting out of the water and all around the mainland. These cliffs make it only accessible by boat, thus very secluded.

limestone cliffs from the boat

Postcard Thailand

so happy to be here

In Railay we stayed at Kimber's go-to, the Putawan Resort. She's a regular and got us a deal for a suite with two bedroom areas, AC, and free breakfast so we'd be comfortable for the next three nights. However, we did not spend much time there before joining up with Kimber's friends and boarding the Krabi Sunset Cruise.

VIP in Railay

Kimber was friends with the boat captain, and knew a lot of others on the tour, so it ended up being a little reunion for her.

Dinner on our sunset cruise

One of the first stops on the cruise is to see Chicken Island.

Rock climbing and cliff jumping

sunset cruise

Perhaps the coolest part of the pirate boat cruise was the bioluminescence you swim with at the end. It's too tough to photograph so I have no proof, but swimming around with it should definitely be on your Thailand bucket list.

Thailand Part 14 - Koh Phangan to Ao Nang

Wednesday, March 18th

DAY OF TRAVEL! We covered a lot of ground by boat, bus, and car this day. It had to be done, and we did it in the cheapest, best, way we could. But, boy oh boy, were we happy when it was over.

from one end of Thailand to the other

way too much AC on the boat to the mainland. My Chicago clothes came in handy.

For dinner in Ao Nang, Kimber's favorite is the Mexican restaurant

In Ao Nang we had trouble finding a suitable guesthouse for four, and ended up staying in a lovely apartment above a nail salon. It was weird, for sure, but complete with AC, a balcony, a nice king sized bed and pull-out couch so nobody had to sleep on the floor.

Thailand Part 13 - Koh Phangan (Thong Nai Pan to

Tuesday, March 17th

After an amazing night's rest, the four girls traveled by boat to another beach on Koh Phanang. Head Yuuan, one of Kimber's favorite spots, filled with lots of super-cheap housing, hippys, and real bad service. Basically, Thai paradise.

journey on a boat

mode of transportation

our home for the next two nights

When we pulled up to our new beach, the surf was pretty high causing me to very graciously get pummeled by a wave. Attempting to keep my bag above my head, the rest of my body was drenched underwater. Furthermore, our room was far from ready for us to check into, so we camped out on the beach to let my stuff dry and soak up some rays... Thai Paradise. 

First, stopping for lunch, and other things you buy at Thai restaurants.

Pina Colada was way too sweet at first taste.

Sometimes you just want to take a quick nap.

The rest of our stay in Head Yuan was very relaxing. We spent most of the time at the beach, and ended the day doing the crossword puzzle with a group of ex-pats who call Thailand home, including the "International Love Doctor." All in all, an experience not to forget. 

Thailand Part 12 - Trust Your Gut in Koh Phanang

Monday, March 16th

Good Morning

The plan for the day was to check out the secret beach, only accessible by boat or foot. Kimber had heard rumors about the "moderate" hike from Haad Khom to Bottle Beach. "Oh, it's just up the hill and around the corner, I'm sure flip flops are fine." Oh, how naive we were. While it was no week-long Grand Canyon hike, this was a very strenuous hike, made 10x more difficult by our inadequate footwear.

map to the Bottle Beach hike. If you're ever in the area.

Texans in Haad Khom (please note our footwear)

at the trail-head, about to start the trek

Treking up the mountain in flip flops. Nobody is happy here.

Bottle beach trail markers

we made it!

Bottle Beach

After fresh coconuts, lunch, swimming in the ocean, and napping on the beach. We're all smiles on the boat back to our beach.

Thailand Part 11 - Koh Samui to Koh Phanang

Sunday, March 14th

Matt, Kimber, and I spent the morning visiting the Big Buddha statue, and taking care of a few travel errands as we packed up our things in Koh Samui.

very big Buddha on Koh Samui

pre-ferry boat beers on Koh Samui

Ready to board the ferry to Koh Phanang

 The plan was for us to meet Jaime and Marta at the boat dock on Koh Samui so the five of us could ride together to Koh Phanang. We waited for a bit, but neither of them arrived.

our ride

 Just as we were about to depart, I see a blonde girl with a gigantic purple backpack, wearing flip flops and yoga pants, running up to the boat. I say, "JAIME!" Kimber and I run up and go to the boat entrance, but she's nowhere to be found. We walk back around to the front of the boat while I'm thinking, "she was just there!" Eventually, we make it back to our seats to find Matt and Jaime chatting away. Long story short, she JUST made it!

on the boat. Jaime barely made it!

 We arrived in Koh Phanang, still uncertain of Marta's whereabouts. Knowing she'll figure it out, the four of us boarded a songthaew and headed north to our next destination.

She made it!

the front yard of our guest house in Koh Phanang

 In Koh Phanang, we spent two nights at the Baan Panburi Village at Yai Beach. It was beautiful. Not long after we checked in, Marta joined us. One thing learned with international travel, just meet at the hotel.

All of us together

beach time in Thailand

Sunset, our first night all together.

Thailand Part 10 - Koh Samui

Saturday, March 14th

Kimber, Matt, and I spent the day exploring Koh Samui. One of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

We rented motobikes to explore the island

View from the south end of Koh Samui

Friends in Thailand

Northwest side of the island. Kimber's friends' lounge

 We circled the entire island! Later that night, Kimber and I ventured back out into downtown Chaweng.

dancing in the sand

Thailand Part 9 - Reunited with Kimber

At this point in my travels I met up with my friends, and stopped emailing my parents almost entirely. Thus, I'll recap the rest of my journey from memory.

Friday, March 13th

I took it easy this morning, enjoyed a slow breakfast at the hotel and lots of air conditioning.
In Cambodia, I stayed at the Okay1 Villa, which was a recommendation of a friend from high school. The hotel was extremely comfortable, but a bit away from the main stretch of town. Thus, I would not recommend it for individuals traveling solo.

Later that day, my driver took me on his motobike to the Siem Reap airport. He work my backpack across his chest, and I road on the back. It was pretty nerve-wrecking!

To get to Koh Samui from Siem Reap, I had to fly through Bangkok. Although it was a pretty easy trip, this leg was the most expensive of all the flights.

In Koh Samui, we stayed at the Marine Bungalows. 5 Star recommendation. It's on the beach, super cheap, and convenient to get anywhere. Worth every penny.

Made it to Ko samui. Paradise at last.

Reunited with Kimber

Downtown Chaweng

Odd Number of Tequila Shots with a Russian Tourist