We made our way from Bangkok down to the beautiful beaches of Ao Nang. We really wanted to see the limestone "karsts" or mountains of this area and we haven't been disappointed. The towns of Krabi and Ao Nang are built around huge jagged limestone rocks that have been thrust up by the earth. They are especially incredible to see rising out of the Andaman Sea. Really surreal.
We first got our feet wet, (hardy har), by walking out during low tide to a few of the smaller rock formations near where we were staying. The clear water was so shallow and thankfully the sun wasn't beating down on us.
During low tide you could walk forever! Lots of little crabs kept scurrying at our feet, so the sandals stayed on for a good while.
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Roasted chicken, grilled fish, chicken on a stick....
We first got our feet wet, (hardy har), by walking out during low tide to a few of the smaller rock formations near where we were staying. The clear water was so shallow and thankfully the sun wasn't beating down on us.
Finally we reach our destination. You can see where the water comes up to when the tide is in.
We booked a snorkeling trip on a long tail boat with a group of people a few days ago and visited Railey Beach as well as Chicken, Tub and Podi Island. There are no docks, so you have to board the long tail boats from the water which was fun for us because we expected to get wet, but throw in a few big suitcases and waves...beachside entertainment at its best! Just remember, you don't want to sit anywhere near the engine at the back of the boat.
Our first stop was Railey Beach. This beach is only accessible by boat because it is flanked by cliffs and caves on both sides. We spent some time climbing around the cave trying to get a glimpse of the other side, which we eventually did, but the pictures didn't turn out. I did, however, get a bit of video including a rock climber to try and show you the area. Check it out below.
This is our driver ( boat #9) chilling in the hammock at one of the island stops. Looks like a good gig.
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Jamie - all ready to go snorkelling!
Kayakers under one of the gigantic rock formations.
Railey West Beach - Phra Nang cave
Phra Nang Cave... closer up
Phra Nang Cave and Railey Beach area
Hungry? Long tail boats are used for everything here!
Rear view mirror shot.
Can you guess why this islands nickname is"chicken"?
A family from Singapore had four loaves of bread with them to feed the fish! Here are a few pictures I snapped from the site of the boat after snorkeling. Unfortunately, we didn't have an underwater camera with us. The snorkeling was good, but not great. Lots of fish, sea urchins and coral, but no leopard shark sightings. (Harmless to humans...except Jamie!)
I asked Jamie to put his foot beside this jelly fish for better perspective, but he didn't want too. Sheesh!
Long sandy beach at Tub Island.
We could wade from Chicken to Tub island easily enough.
Stranded between islands!
In Bangkok we discovered our first street stalls and I'm happy to report that we've found them in Ao Nang as well. A lot of these have English writing or pictures that you can point to which makes it very easy to order. Then, just pull up a chair and wait for the food to arrive. We haven't been disappointed yet!
Favorite food stall area in Ao Nang
Watch this funny clip to give new meaning to" fast food" and taking your food "to go"
My favorite "pancake" lady. Banana with peanut butter and honey, please!