k8andn8: Thailand Round Two, Part 2

Krabi

We'd finished with the East side so we headed across the peninsula toward Phuket. I had assumed that our next stop, Krabi, would be just a stopping point where we would meet with our next round of company and roll on but it has been one of my favorite places in Thailand so far! The region is largely Muslim which made the town feel almost like you are in an entirely new country. Krabi town sits alongside the river between the dense jungle and giant towering karsts. It was a change of pace from the island life we'd gotten used to but it was a gorgeous difference. We stayed near Ao-Nang beach and spent a few days motorbiking around the Krabi province searching out caves, elephant trails and my favorite..night markets.
In a province peppered with natural skyscrapers, where else would you expect Krabi's Tiger Cave Temple to be but at the top of one of its tall peaks? The morning before my brother Jeff arrived with some friends Nate and I climbed the one thousand two hundred and sixty steps to the top (yeah, 1260!). A big gold Buddha sits at the top accompanied by a few dozen territorial monkeys. On the way up we talked to a monk who said he made the climb every day. I thought he was crazy, but when we reached the epic 360 degree view at the top I instantly understood. Our legs were shaky when we made it back to the bottom but I think I can speak for us both when I say we'd happily do it again.

Our fancy digs for night one in Krabi, Bamboo for life!

Tonsai

Tonsai beach lies around the bend from the more popular Ao-Nang beach and although it isn't its own island, it's only accessible by boat because it is landlocked between a half circle of towering karsts. Basically, this region is a rustic climbers haven full of people taking advantage of the walls which is exactly what we did there. After being rained out in Vietnam's Halong Bay, we were stoked to get the chance to try deep water solo climbing at Tonsai. Harness-free climbing up the towers and falling into the sea was one hell of an adventure. Even better, we had great company to try it with! Rock climbing and cliff diving all wrapped into one is right up Nate's alley, I think he started planning our second Tonsai beach trip that very night. We all spent the evenings practicing our slack lining outside of the Viking Bar. Free drinks for anyone who can make it all the way across!

Nate, Jeremy, and Jeff pre-jump

See Nate way up high? He's actually on a stalactite that is hanging separately from the rest of the wall!

Nate watching Jeff on his way down from above

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta has the very best carefree vibe. We spent about a week here with no regard to time or schedules and enjoyed every day. Having motorbikes here was a major plus because it allowed us to cruise the islands jungle roads freely. The east side of the island has Koh Lanta's Old Town and a village of Sea Gypsies, where we visited one morning for breakfast and laid in the sun in fishing nets suspended above the water (cool!). The west coast is lined with beaches. The further south you go on this side, the farther you are from the ferry and the less people there are. We stayed near the beach toward the bottom of the island away from the hustle and bustle and spent our time hopping from beach to beach, playing volleyball with new friends, snorkeling, and eating awesome food. We also saw lots of wildlife here- monkeys, huge monitor dragons, and crabs. We had a run in with some jellyfish and some food poisoning here, but that's what backpacking is all about, right? Ha! Koh Lanta is on our list of places to visit again. I hope that the local people can maintain the laid back ambiance as more people hear about everything it has to offer.

Feeling a little worn down from the travel

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi was beautifully overwhelming. The amount of people on the tiny island was immense. Although walking the streets felt like trying to get to the front row of a concert at times, dodging tipsy travelers and hurried bicyclists, it was encouraging to see the island's economy thriving as it focuses on rebuilding damage from the 2004 tsunami. Construction everywhere!

Aside from its typical Thai island party scene (flaming jump ropes, beachfront dance parties, drinks by the bucket), Phi Phi has some extraordinary scenery. We spent hours snorkeling at Maya Beach, where they filmed part of Leo DiCaprio's The Beach. Due to some lucky timing, the tide schedule, and a brave boatman we got to swim in beautiful Pileh bay all alone. This secluded turquoise pool takes the cake for my favorite part of Koh Phi Phi by far.

Pileh Bay

Phuket

Phuket was a riot! We stayed at Karon beach which is slightly less popular (and therefore much less dirty, loud, and negatively affected by tourism) than the more well known Patong Beach. I think we'd all agree that a few days in Phuket was plenty of time there, but we enjoyed the street food, endless shopping, "Big Buddha", and street walking elephants. (Jeff and I tried raw oyster here for the first time... and we liked it!)