With this blog post I want to show off some of our many favorites and inspire you to visit this amazing country! These islands and mountains dressed in green and white beaches will always beat us with amazement!
How to get to the islands close to Phuket!
Phuket is surrounded by beautiful islands and coastlines, but it can take some time to reach them. Using larger ferry boats to reach Phi Phi, Phang Nga, Krabi or the Similian Islands can cost you several hours, meaning less time to enjoy everything that these destinations have to offer. With a speedboat, you can zip across the waves in a fraction of the time.
Sea Gypsie island Koh Panyee!
Sea Gypsies!
Sea Gypsies are traditionally nomads who roam the sea.
Their only historic records are legends and fables about man’s connection with nature. The Sea Gypsies of former centuries were said to be feared as pirates.
The history about Sea Gypsies!
Sea Gypsies refer to themselves as the Mogen people. Since the tsunami, there has been some movement on the part of the Thai government to issue Thai citizenship to the Mogen. As a result, the politically correct name for the Mogen has been changed to Thai Mai, or new Thai. On Surin Island, near Phuket, there is a village of 59 Mogen families. The island has been declared a national park. The Mogen area, while not off limits, is accessible only by longtail.
I first visit a Sea Gypsy Island in year 2000 and was amazed. But did you know that they are one of the smallest ethnic minorities in Asia. The Sea Gypsies were virtually unknown by the outside world until the 2004 tsunami ravaged South East Asia. One of the most amazing stories reported by the international press was that not one of the Sea Gypsies died.
Having lived in close communion with the sea for centuries, the Sea Gypsies knew well in advance when the tsunami would hit, and they all took refuge in the mountains. Soon after this story broke, international attention was focused on these fascinating people who would have preferred to remain anonymous.
Sea Gypsies refer to themselves as the Mogen people. Since the tsunami, there has been some movement on the part of the Thai government to issue Thai citizenship to the Mogen. As a result, the politically correct name for the Mogen has been changed to Thai Mai, or new Thai. On Surin Island, near Phuket, there is a village of 59 Mogen families. The island has been declared a national park. The Mogen area, while not off limits, is accessible only by longtail.
Sunbeds to be or not to be!
After a few years of absence of sunbeds Phuket governor decided that it was free for everyone to bring their own beach chairs and umbrella at Phuket’s beaches. And for those who can not or want to bring their own chairs and umbrellas as established zones where you can rent sun beds and umbrellas.
When the water disappears, the football players arrive at Koh Phi Phi!
Krabi province!
Krabi province is famous for its beautiful nature, the amazing vertical limestone mountains and islands around Ao Nang. With the long-tail boat you reach most of the islands of the Archipelago jutting vertically out of the sea. Some limestone mountains are up to 150 meters high. In the Andaman Sea between Krabi and Phuket is the stunning island of Koh Phi Phi. But actually the area is called Phi Phi ilands because the island group consists 6 islands.
A small easily arranged Thai chaos that we all love!
To just sit and watch the horizon can be pretty amazing!
This is Khao Sok, no more words needed!
Cheow Lan Lake and Khao Sok is pure magic!
About beautiful Khao Sok!
It’s a magical feeling to slowly go canoeing down the river Khao Sok. You really get the chance to soak up the jungle. In some places plunge limestone cliffs steeply down to the river and the jungle climbs on its sides. The water gurgles out of the mountain and the rocks become the roof of the canoe. Butterflies in all sorts of colors playing on the river bank and the occasional snake is coiled up on a tree branch. Birds fly around the water, the monkeys screaming in the jungle and sometimes interrupted the silence of the cicadas deafening noise.
I know that we all love an amazing view but for me it’s the people you meet that makes the difference!
Ko Chang – Elephant Island!
is said to have received its name because it resembles an elephant’s head. Large parts of the island is a national park with dense tropical rainforest. The island is located in the province of Trat. Next to Phuket, Koh Chang is Thailand’s largest island, with green mountain peaks, wild monkeys, fishing villages on stilts and bright beaches and has about 5000 inhabitants.
The National Park consists of the island of Ko Chang and 50 other small nearby islands near the Cambodian border. The island can be reached by boat from the mainland. Koh Chang is located in the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand, near the border with Cambodia.
They call it ”The view point” I can understand why!
How to get around Koh Chang!
You get around Koh Chang by taxi, car, motorcycle, scooter or bicycle. The roads are steep and curvy and becomes very slippery in the rain. For single trips, taxis are the best. You sit in the back of taxis and just hail them on the street.
If you want to make several trips, it pays quickly with car rentals. Ps There are beaches and there are beaches! I simply can’t get enough of them. Morningrun on this one was increable!
Fancy a boat trip? Hmm let’s see hard to choose where to!
How to get to Koh Chang!
The flight from Bangkok to Trat takes about 60 minutes. The transfer from Trat Airport to the port ca 30 minutes and the ferry ride to Koh Chang takes about 30 minutes. It’s worth it!
Koh Samet island!
Koh Samet is a small island belonging to the province of Rayong in eastern Thailand. You reach Koh Samet by ferry from Ban Pae.
The island has 14 different beaches. The teardrop-shaped island of Koh Samet is only six kilometers long from north to south and sparsely populated.
The settlement consists of simple fishing villages and resort hotels. Along the East Coast is the pure white beaches so close that you can walk between them in the water.
Just take the scooter! Only in Asia!
Love the Welcoming!
Sai Kaew Beach Resort Hotel!
Meet my favorite hotel Sai Kaew Beach Resort! With a perfect location along Sai Kaew Beach, feel your worries fade away as you embrace the fun and lively scene on Koh Samet’s most popular beach. For a hidden natural retreat, relax amidst peaceful tropical gardens overlooking the secluded shores of Laluna Beach.
Sai Kaew Beach Resort offers unique resort lifestyle experiences in three distinct zones, each with its own swimming pool, relaxed ambiance and stylish accommodation. With an exclusive spa, fine dining and a range of ac4vi4es to get you in the holiday spirit, let yourself unwind and enjoy an unforgettable paradise beach getaway. For more information about the hotel use this link https://www.saikaewbeach-resort.com/
About Koh Samet!
Koh Samet is according to many the most beautiful place in Thailand. Wonderful sandy beaches and coral reefs and beautiful restaurants with high-cozy. The island is a marine national park and popular destination for many Thais.
Koh Samet is just 7 kilometers long and about 2.5 kilometers wide north of the island, which means that you can hike along the island to discover the island’s gorgeous beaches on the east side. The beaches at the north is the most visited and the farther south you go, the quieter it gets. Koh Samet became a national park in 1981. It means for example that it is forbidden to litter and break branches from trees and shrubs. There are signs everywhere on the island that resembles not to litter ”Do not leave anything here except your footprints.”
Hotel Paradee!
Welcome to Paradee! You feel like coming home to a private residence in paradise! This is a luxurious five star, private villa. There are only 40 luxurious appointed villas, in this hotel. No wonder why I love it!
You travel by private speedboat to the Paradee Resort and the powdery white sands of Ao Kiew Beach. Paradee offers a beachside haven of luxurious tranquility for guests seeking an escape from it all. For more information about the hotel use this link http://www.samedresorts.com/
Kanchanaburi!
The film ”Bridge on the River Kwai” was immortalized in Kanchanaburi’s grim history! The feeling when people photobombing and you wait and wait…
Visitors can hike all the way to the bridge over the River Kwai. This 300 meter long railway bridge is a symbol that represents the efforts of each during the construction of the bridge. The middle of the bridge was in 1945 bombarded by enemies during World War II and rebuilt after the war.
A mini train runs regular trips across the bridge from the nearby train station. Once you have crossed the bridge, you can enjoy cafes and parks on the waterfront.
Death Railway!
During World War II forced the Japanese to Allied prisoners of war to build a railroad through the mountains. Today is the infamous ”death railway” still function dedicated to World War II prisoners of war. WarCementery – On the other side of Kanchanaburi train station you will find Kanchanaburi WarCementery, a well-kept cemetery with no less than 100 000 dead who lost their lives during the construction of the railway. Half were British, the rest were mostly Australians and Dutch.
The museum!
Thailand-Burma Railway Centre – This museum is dedicated to the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway (The Death Railway) and located opposite WarCementery.
The Museum discloses Kanchanaburi’s role in World War II. It tells the story of the railroad, the prisoners were treated and what happened after the railway was completed with video, models and detailed characters.
Hotels by River Kwai!
River Kwai offers a unique accommodations experience right on the flowing Kwai Noi River. Often all floating rooms are tucked into a floating bamboo lodge moored along the historical River Kwai Noi surrounded by lush green mountains and jungle. At the floatels, the historic River Kwai Noi flows underneath your bed. Often the walls are weaved from local bamboo decorated with wooden furniture reflecting Mon living style. Nestled on the bank of the world’s historic river, River Kwai in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand, surrounded by verdant greenery and mountain ranges beside the Kwai River.
Temples everywhere!
Although Kanchanaburi is located on the opposite side of Thailand, Cambodia extends from its old Rouge Austria all the way to Burma. The ruins of an ancient Khmer temples and military establishment is situated about 48 km from Kanchanaburi town at PrasatMuang Singh Historical Park. This includes four distinct buildings that are at least 800 years old and an exhibition hall with objects and Buddha images found in the ruins.
Waterfalls!
In this province you find the unique Erawan Waterfalls with its seven levels set amongst rough jungle in the Erawan National Park it’s rank among the most beautiful falls in Asia. Kanchanaburi features also 3 war museums, 2 war cemeteries, a national museum, a historical park, hot springs, some worth seeing Thai and Chinese temples and much more.
Bangkok!
View from one favorite to another favorite! Le Bua, can’t complain. So afraid of hights! But this time I don’t care, needed to step out on the balcony to take a picture from our room on the 54 floor! Cheers from Sirocco Skybar in Bangkok! Not looking down. Love rooftopbars but hate hights!
Bangkoks Hindu temple!
This Hindu temple in Bangkok dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman was built by Tamil immigrants in the 1860s. Renowned for her power to protect against disease and death, it remains a popular place of worship for Silom’s long-established Indian community. Its riotous blend of rich colours and ornate decoration makes for an unmistakable and rather unexpected sight in the Silom.
The Bangkok Tamil Hindu community!
Stalls near the temple sell flowers, garlands, coconuts and incense to be used in worship, as Mariamman Temple is an important landmark for the Bangkok Tamil Hindu community, as well as a large number of Thai people. It is said that 85% of the Thais visit the temple, many believing that Hinduism is not a separate religion but a branch of Buddhism. Arrestingly flamboyant, the Sri Mariamman Hindu temple is a wild collision of colours, shapes and deities. It features a 6m facade of intertwined, full-colour Hindu deities. It is not allowed to photograph inside the temple.
Venice of the East!
Bangkok’s former nickname Venice of the East, is not completely true today when many Klongs loaded again to be roads and construction work in hand as the city grows. But in the remaining klong engines including Thonburi, one can still experience the way of life for centuries been associated with the water.
On such a trip, you can experience life along the klong are very closely and see sampaner (The major rice boats junks), houses on stilts, and the beautiful temples. Here you will also find orchid cultivations, meet one of the owners.
Bangkok by boat!
Exploring Bangkok by boat is a fantastic way to get a glimpse into the city, as well as witness the role Bangkok’s many waterways are playing. Majestic sites and attractions are lined up on both banks of the mighty Chao Phraya. I wonder how fast a long tail boat is? Feel like I’m in a Bond movie!
Activity Biking in Bangkok!
Biking in Bangkok is not for new beginners! It’s a little tricky and you have to have good balance and done some biking. We biked in the old area on the very small streets where people selling things direct on the ground as well as in the klong area where it is very narrow. You bike on the concrete ramps and some have no railings so you can fall in to the water, but I loved it! But I have done some cycling.
For more information about biking in Bangkok use this link https://www.spiceroads.com/tours/bangkok_jungle
So fun to ride!
This is actually Bangkok!
Safety first!
Inside an old silver forge! I don’t understand how he can sit and work like this!
Don’t we just love hotels with rooftop pools!
Just grab a tuk tuk if you want!
It’s something magic about the Thailand flag don’t you think? It makes me wanna smile!
I ordered a trishaw to the hotel and this sweet old man showed up! You meet so many sweet locals in this country.
So with this two last photos we want to say – Bye Bye Thailand, see you again in February and hope you enjoyed this blog post xoxo