Tundra to Thailand: Relaxation...

Like I mentioned in my last post, I was able to cross three things off my list of "Things to Do" here in Thailand. Doi Inthanon was one, followed by the beaches down South and Ayutthaya. So, not only did I get to relax, and soak up the sun, but I also got to see part of Thailand's history.

Our trip took us from Phuket over to Ao Nang, to Ko Hai to Ko Lanta - several popular beach spots on the western side of Thailand. We also made our way back up to Bangkok and slightly north to Ayutthaya. The beaches in Thailand are truly beautiful and the weather was great. I actually didn't take any pictures of my time at the beach, but managed to snap a few in Ayutthaya and Kamphaeng Phet.

We took a ferry from Phuket to Ao Nang (in Krabi) and stopped briefly in the oh so popular Ko Phi Phi.

View from a beach on Ko Phi Phi.

The next day, after getting settled in Ao Nang, we went to Ton Sai Beach and Railey beach.

"Hiking" from Ton Sai to Railey

I have been to Railey beach before, and I think it is the most beautiful place I have seen down at the beaches.

Part of Railey.

The next day, we were off to explore another island. We took a boat tour and stopped a couple places to snorkel before getting to Ko Hong. Our guide told us that the lagoon (at the top in the picture below) saved lives in the 2004 tsunami because it is mostly enclosed. It was a little crazy to think what happened there just 7 years ago (it was December 26, 2004).

Ko Hong - We relaxed on that lovely stretch of beach to the left.
Photo credit: Internet

While eating our lunch at Ko Hong we saw this fellow.
He later joined us on the beach.
Photo credit: Kelly

We later left Ao Nang for an island further South called Ko Hai/Ngai. There were no cars or motorbikes on the island - but plenty of long-tail boats! The island was so relaxing and quiet. The sand was soft and white. The water was warm. And there were other beautiful places in close proximity.

The view from our island as we lazed on the beach.
Photo credit: Kelly

Our resort.
Photo credit: Kelly

One day we took a boat trip to see several local islands. One was Ko Muk. This island has the beautiful Emerald Cave. The next two pictures show this. When you first swim into the cave you see what is in the first picture. You can hear the waves crashing against the rocks, but the sound is dulled so it almost sounds soothing. The water is warm. And you swim through emerald light for a short time before it is almost black. The guide held a flashlight and soon we were swimming through more emerald light and came upon the view in the next picture. You come out on a small lagoon in an area that is completely enclosed by walls of rock. The only way out (besides mad climbing skills) is back through the cave.