Thai beaches
Cycling along busy roads isn't for the faint hearted but with two guides accompanying our small group (and stopping traffic every once in a while) I felt I was in safe hands. For the most part we avoided traffic anyway, cycling along canal paths and through the winding lanes of floating villages. Bangkok is a fast paced and frenetic city so this little trip was a great escape from the norm, and a lovely way to adventure into the parts of the city you wouldn't usually see. A great way to start my trip!
From Bangkok I headed to Krabi from where most head straight to the beach, but I opted to use Krabi Town as my base for a few days instead. It's a nice little place with a couple of food markets, a weekend night market and some great value restaurants. It's pretty low key and felt very much a working town rather than tourist spot, compared to nearby Ao Nang. It's easy to get around and a quick boat, taxi or songthaew ride gets you to the nearby beaches at Railay and Ao Nang.
The boat journey to Railay was lovely, passing beautiful limestone outcrops along the way. The two beaches here were busy with day-trippers but that didn't take away from the beauty and I'd highly recommend a visit. It's possible to stay on the island too if a relaxing break is the key objective.
A day trip to James Bond Island is an essential for most Krabi visitors. Without doubt it's mass tourism at its finest and you are herded with the masses, but there's a reason why everyone visits - the scenery is stunning. A drive through the countryside takes you to the longboat dock, from where your boat trip passes through calm waters and rocky outcrops - with most on board debating if every small outcrop is THE James Bond Island. Of course when you reach the real island you know all about it - even if you miss the very big sign you won't miss the very many tourists testing their best James Bond/Bong girl pose (and if you can't beat them...).
From Krabi it's just a couple of hours by car and ferry to Koh Lanta which offers long stretches of golden sand beaches and a slower pace of life than Krabi. Whether you want to party or find a quiet spot to relax, Koh Lanta can cater for you. I stayed on Long Beach with places to stay, eat and drink stretching along the length of the bay alongside requisite massage huts. In spite of the rain clouds I had a lovely time in this friendly spot and batteries were fully recharged.
From Koh Lanta I hopped across to Phi Phi Island which was the prettiest spot on the trip. The main beach has been taken over by the backpacker brigade and party time but it's not hard to find a quieter spot if this isn't your thing. Longboats will ferry you around or a half hour walk along a scenic coastal path brings you from town to Long Beach. A walk up to the Lookout is well worth the effort for stunning views over the island, and a wander through the sandy streets of town will find plenty of shopping opportunities for the keen haggler.
A very wet ferry ride later and I'd reached my last stop - Phuket - and the very lovely Pavilions for a treat on my final night. Even the rain couldn't stop me enjoying a dip in my private pool - I was used to it by then anyway!
