Thursday 14 February 2008

'The Beach'

Well my last couple of weeks in Thailand have given me the opportunity to explore some of its most beautiful islands. Koh Samet is located in the Rayong province and a favourite haunt of the Thais due to its proximity to Bangkok. The beaches here are powder white and the sea perfect for swimming and snorkelling. My dad would have been proud of my efforts with a fishing line, it was that big - honestly - and one of the highlights was the fireshow on the beach which offered added excitement when a pole of fire accidently shot in the direction of the audience.
I also managed to get to the Cambodian border to extend my visa which was an experience in itself. I've heard stories from fellow travellers about how tourists have been refused entry back into Thailand and I must admit I was slightly nervous about letting my passport out of my sight with an absolute stranger. Luckily all went smoothly and after another stamp in my passport I was back on the road to the island.
A number of bus journeys later, I was heading down to the Andaman coast with the intention of staying on Koh Phi Phi, famous for its appearance in the film 'The Beach'. Something inside me made me jump off the ferry as we were passing a small island called Koh Jum, I'm not sure why I threw my backpack into a longtail boat from a great height but I must have sensed that this would be somewhere quite special and I was not disappointed. What greeted me was a stretch of deserted palm-fringed beach and a few bungalows set amongst the trees. With no electricity, the island doesn't appeal to everyone, thank goodness, and for a time I'm sure this will remain a hidden gem. My time here was spent in my hammock, swimming in the crystal clear water and tasting the excellent Thai cuisine. It was a welcome departure from the hectic first few weeks in Thailand and I could not drag myself away despite several attempts to move on, that's the wonderful thing about travelling.
I did manage a day trip to Phi Phi which was probably enough - 'The Beach' as featured in the film was stunning although teeming with tourists as expected. After the devastation caused by the tsunami which hit both sides of the island, the development is well under way again and the visitors are back in their millions.
So it is back again to Bangkok to end my travels in Thailand. What a wonderful country it is and I will remember the most friendly people and spectacular scenery.
My next stop is one of my favourite cities - Sydney - and I look forward to the wonderful trip across the harbour to Manly to visit friends.  
  
 
 


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