We started our sailing adventure in Langkawi, Maylasia which is a duty free island and the booze is cheap cheap cheap. 1st stop was a busy bay on Koh Lipe where we had a lovely Thai meal on land. Next stop we went to my favorite spot Rok Nok, a Marine National Park. Rok Nok is a protected wildlife habitat. An amazing array of coral gardens and brightly-coloured fish are literally right underneath the boat – one could snorkel for hours in the tropically warm waters! Most of the clear underwater photos were taken here. That night we went onshore and had a massive BBQ along side the monitor lizards and hermit crabs.
After a very long sail we stopped at Koh Muk for another lovely Thai meal and hanging out at Charlie’s beach swimming pool for a cocktail in the afternoon, then it’s early to bed as we were headed to The Lost Lagoon – an old pirate hangout. To find it, we swim through a winding, pitch-black sea tunnel (it’s ok, we do have waterproof lights!). It’s a spooky and thoroughly exciting feeling, especially when one emerges the other end into a “Lost World” in the center of the island.
Next stop the lovely Koh Lanta with the infamous Why Not Bar where there is fire spinning on the beach and cold beers. An early morning start, and a short hop to Phi Phi Li (Little Phi Phi), whose recent claim-to-fame is the Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie “The Beach” . It’s a spectacular little island – dramatic limestone cliffs, pure white sands and unbelievably bright turquoise waters.
We sail up further north to Ao Nang so we included a visit to Tiger Cave and Temple , a 30 minute minibus ride inland. This place is not as overtly dramatic and ornate as some of the more well-known Thai temples; what attracts us is it’s deeply spiritual, calm Buddhist ambiance. This is not a “tourist destination” – it’s a place that the locals visit to pay their respects to the monk community there. For the energetic, there is a steep climb to a stunning viewpoint, a huge Buddha keeping an eye on us mere mortals below; for those who prefer to take it easier (and cooler!), there is a shady hike through an enormous and ancient forest. It’s also home to a troop of very mischievous monkeys, watch out for your drinks and snacks, they’re fast! Our evening is spent at the famous Railey Beach, near Krabi. Sheer, palm-covered mountains rising vertically from the ocean, it’s a well-known spot for those who like to scare themselves silly scaling these cliffs.
Last stop to the weird and wonderful “seascapes” of Phang-Nga bay! This bay feels like sailing into some sci-fi movie set; the limestone formations are so sheer and gravity-defying. Our destination for the evening is Ko Hong. “hong” being the word for “sea cave”. The entrance to these hongs is usually a well-hidden little crevice in the cliff-face; a narrow tunnel opening up into an awe-inspiring oasis on the interior. We walked through one hong then kayaked through another one. It was amazing.
We ended our journey in Ao Yon, in the SE of Phuket island. It’s a beautiful little bay, well away from the tourist crowds, speedboats and sunbeds.
