Tonight is the last night at the beaches. Currently, a storm is beginning to rage in the distance and if it's anything like last night's storm, might have some flooding potential.
Thailand's islands and beaches are probably the prettiest in the world (or at least that I have seen). Right now Ben and I are in Hat Railay which is near the town of Krabi. Here is a quick summary of recent activities:
1) Kayaking and hiking in Ang Thong National Marine Park
2) Taking a long-tailed boat around Ko Phangan and snorkeling on its offshore reefs
3) Lounged in hammocks on a secluded beach under coconut trees
4) Took a night ferry to the mainland (slept like a baby)
5) Rented a motorbike in Krabi and checked out a Buddist temple set in limestone caves, hiked up 1237 stairs to see a giant golden Buddha
6) Trekked around Khao Phanom Bencha National Park and saw pretty waterfalls and new flora and fauna!
7) Ate lots of street food. I can eat Phad Thai in Thailand (they generally don't use peanuts)
8) Snorkeled in Ko Phi Phi stunning bays. I've never seen such clear water
9) Hiked to a lagoon yesterday in Railay
10) Rented kayaks and snorkeled around limestones cliffs that leap straight up out of the water. Seen over 35 different species of fish!
And while the beaches are pretty and I love the island life, I'm excited to fly north tomorrow to Chiang Mai. So far, we have not experienced what Thailand has to offer culturally fully. The beaches, even the one I'm at now which has no roads, are all developed and the tourism industry seems so saturated here. That being said, I would come back to Railay again :) Here and Krabi have been my favorite spots thus far. The people in Krabi and on the outskirts have been the friendliest. And the food the best. Tonight I have fresh shrimp in coconut curry with lemongrass and onions. Nom nom nom.
