Monday, December 28, 2009


Where we spent Christmas, Koh Phi Phi Don.

The main crag, Ton Sai Tower, Koh Phi Phi Don.

Looking across Koh Phi Phi Don from the top of a rock climb. Our bungalow somewhere on the right...
Monkeys, and they are cheeky

Amazing crags, Koh Phi Phi Leh. Birds nesters are the only climbers who have made an impact here, more or less.

Bouldering at the beach where they filmed The Beach. Maya Beach, Koh Phi Phi Leh.
Koh Lanta, southern Thailand

Arrived here yesterday after 4 nights on Koh Phi Phi. Everyone had told us Phi Phi horrible, Lanta good, so its a surprise to find that Lanta has its downsides too. No central place to spend the evening, just a 20 km strip containing (perfect white) beaches, resorts, bars, restaurants etc. On Phi Phi, which is Party Island (a downside or an upside depending on your point of view and the location of your bungalow), you can at least walk everywhere and there are no vehicles. Good climbing too, and but few climbers due to the slightly costlier accommodation versus the nearby Railay. Very hot in the sun, climbing possible only in the shade. Snorkelling good (saw 2 sharks and a Moray the other day). Tan consequently rather neglected and patchy.

Thought it wise to go for the first of five rabies jabs today after being attacked by three male macaques on Monkey Beach, Phi Phi. I stood ground but on they came. Nothing but a small scratch, but you never know.

Here there is some caving, complete with bats. Went on a rented a motorbike (with proper manual gears...!!), then on to the cave and also to Lanta Old Town and almost down to the end of the road and the National Park, but the offroading on sand got a bit too technical. Linda bored with beach...first it was shopping, now this. She may be changing. Curly mop too, and I thought she had straight hair until we arrived in Bangkok.

Moving on tomorrow. At least it is only a few hours boat or bus to the next stop, Krabi or Railay, so no need for a multiday epic.

Friday, December 18, 2009


It's hard to say what my girlfriend does. She sells sea shells on the sea shore...

Our 5* hotel, Cat Ba

Blocks of ice at point of delivery to a fishing boat, Cat Ba harbour