35 degrees, sunny
We thought we ought to see a bit of this part of Thailand whilst we’re here, so today we went off on a tour of 4 of the limestone islands (of the 300) that are in this bay. We elected to join a formal tour rather than a private long tail boat so joined 33 other people on a speedboat for a 1/2 day trip.
The first stop was at a couple of small islands which are joined by a sand bar at low tide. All very pretty, but heaving with people. Apparently there are 10 companies touring this area, plus the private hire long tail boats, all arriving there at the same time to catch the low tide. And as the tide was coming in, the sand bar was getting smaller!
We managed to get away from most of the people by scrambling over some rocks around the end of one of the islands, crystal clear water and lovely soft sand.
Next we went to Chicken Island, so called because there is a rocky outcrop that looks like a Goose!
We stopped here for 1/2 snorkelling along what used to be a coral reef until the Tsunami destroyed most of it. But there were plenty of colourful fish to see; Parrot Fish, Angel Fish, Clown Fish and lots of yellow/black stripey ones along with sea slugs and bright purple something or other on the sea bed. The only problem was the number of boats coming and going into the area we were swimming in, which made it a little bit hazardous at times.
Next island we stopped at for lunch. Again people ‘thronging’ around the beach area. Lunch was provided by the tour company and we didn’t have high expectations, but it turned out to be fine. After lunch a bit more snorkelling in a sectioned off area but the water here was not very clear.
The last stop was Railly Beach with limestone cliffs and caves with external stalagmites.
One of the caves was a temple to fertility which was piled high with wooden carvings – look closely to see what of!
Back at the hotel for 3 pm to shower off the sand and have a doze round the pool.
One last use of our lovely outdoor bathroom, dinner in the Italian restaurant as we’re craving European food!
