I decided to adjust my plans due to time constraints and to give me time to visit Khao Sok National Park. This would be a two-day cycle to the park. I set off with the target of camping at a Wat (Buddhist temple). The ride started on the main road and was dull, traffic, straight and nothing much to see. Eventually, I got to turn off and head towards the temple through rubber and coconut plantations.
I’ve also discovered the 7-11s in Thailand. It’s fantastic for ice for your bottles and cold drinks. It’s keeping me going in the hot weather. When I arrived at the Wat it was not clear who I should speak to but after a little wandering someone approached me. He was happy for me to put my tent up in one of the many covered areas they have for celebrations. He also offered food, which I turned down and later learnt I shouldn’t have. It is part of their custom to give.
To get to the national park I would have to head inland and away from the coast. This is a blessing. I don’t see any tourists until I reach the park. Lots of locals are shouting hello from their homes whilst they relax in the shade. For scenery though it is all rubber plantations but with good roads.
The question was where to stop for the evening and I found an option on Google Maps of an old bar which might allow camping. Once I climbed the hill, at points with a 20% gradient, I discovered the bad had been abandoned along with the campsite. I set up underneath the bar with a spot overlooking the lake. Beer in hand, I watched the sunset over the national park.
Boating fun
I shared the boat with 4 Russians also visiting and we decided on a three-hour trip to include a cave as well. The views were amazing but the popular sites got crowded with boats fairly quickly. The cave personally was a bit of a disappointment. Not sure what I was expecting but nothing special. We also get time to spend on one of the many floating hotels for lunch. I decided to wait until I got back to shore, it was expensive for what you get.
That evening I managed to camp at the rangers’ office. They have become known to cycle tourers and campers as a place where you can camp for free and they have showers and water. I also got to chat with a couple of them and with one ranger who lives out of a camper van with his father.
The next day I left towards Krabi, which was going to take a couple of days but in the end just one. I had come off my bike and sliced a chunk of skin off my elbow. It wasn’t painful but my pride took a hit. My first major fall since I started cycling. It happened next to a shop, who along with other customers came to my rescue and helped me sort myself out. I had also managed to damage the inner tube beyond repair. Luckily, I carry a spare.
Krabi is a bit of an odd place. It has a lot of tourists but there is not a lot of tourists in the town. It is used as a hub for onward journeys or visiting attractions in the area. But it did give me cut the chance to seal over correctly and for me to keep it clean. Then it was onto Koh Lanta and the chance to do some SCUBA diving.
Koh Lanta
The island is quite touristy but also has a quiet aspect to it. The council, along with the residents, have controlled the amount of partying on the island and only one beech per night can hold a party. This results in many quiet areas and a lot of families with children as well. This also brought a friend from Denmark, Andreas and his family, here for a few weeks whilst on parental leave. It was great to catch up and see them and find out how Arla was going and where everyone is these days.
I also managed to take a cycle around the island a visit the old town, which whilst picturesque hasn’t got much going for it. But it is a nice place to sit and relax for a few hours over a coffee and a book. The SCUBA diving was interesting but nothing amazing. But it was nice to be back under the water in what feels like ages!
Anyway, time to get moving again and this time for some island hopping.