Southern Thailand Beaches

After four days in the vacation mecca of Ko Phi Phi, we were so ready for a relaxing break, away from the constant demands of being tourists. Kho Phi Phi was one of the islands hit hardest by the tsunami in 2004. The island has a wasp-waist shape, slimming to a thin beach area less than a quarter-mile wide. In this area most of the resorts, shops, restaurants, nightclubs and tour agencies reside; it was this area that was struck from both sides at the same instant by the brunt of the huge wave; and it was in this area that we stayed in a cluster of muggy bungalows. Ko Phi Phi, or P.P. Island, is strikingly beautiful, but not any more than the relaxed, friendly beaches of Railay, and the locals on the island are the most unfriendly locals we have met anywhere, in any country of our travels. Perhaps it is because most of them lost so many friends and family members here, and yet are hounded by the superficial desieres of vacationing farangs all day and night. But we digress...

Dan did some excellent snorkeling, and then we all did some great rock climbing. Dan's computer screen unexpectedly stopped functioning, and is still broken. This has caused a spiral of concern and some stressed out clients, and is why it took us so long to update this blog. Not to worry, we have solved the issue somewhat.

Joyously, we left Ko Phi Phi and headed back to the chilled-out atmosphere of Railay. This time we made our base on the Ton Sai side of the peninsula. It is only accessible by boat or strenuous mountain hiking, except at low tide when you can pick your way though the exposed jagged rocks and meander around to the other beaches.

Ton Sai is a stoner hippie rock-climber budget traveler heaven. It's much less built-up than some of the other beaches, and the locals are relaxed, smiling and super-friendly. There's no power during the day, but generators run at night allowing you to turn on lights and fans. During the day, you can rock climb, eat, hang out at the beach, drink, or try to balance on the slack line at The Freedom Bar. At night, we relaxed at the cozy Corner Bar and played some strategic Connect Four with new international friends, allthewhile being treated like family by the super-awesome bartenders: Bond, Tong and Chai-Tea: the less-egotistical though equally stylish Thai version of Jim Morrison. Dan stayed at The Corner Bar for 4 hours his first night, drinking and carrying on, and at the end of the night, the friendly bartenders announced that his bill came to a grand total of 50 baht... less than two dollars! Other nights, when the bar was full and there were no seats, the Bond gathered chairs and tables from his house to accomodate us in cozy spot behind the bar. When our friend Marble ordered a coconut pineapple shake, Tong harvested a fresh coconut, hacked it open with a machete, scraped out all the delicious coconut meat, and dumped the milk into a blender. Then he found a fresh pineapple, diced it up and blended it all together. The blend was then poured back into the coconut shell, graced with fresh orchids and served with a smile. Neeless to say we ordered one for each of us!Man... canned pineapple juice and coconut milk are just not going to cut it anymore! We had intended to stay at Ton Sai for 2 days but ended up staying for 4 because we liked being there so much.

We have created another video for your viewing pleasure. You can watch this YouTube version, or click the video thumbnail amongst the photo thumbnails to the right.



Now, we are heading up to Chiang Mai, a culturally rich city in the north of Thailand, where we will settle in for a month or two. Kim will study Thai Massage and Dan will zip into the mountains on his motorbike.

Love,
Dan&Kim

JenK posted on 2010-07-10 at 11:02 pm

Can I get a copy of this pic somehow? I love it! We are going back to Thailand for two months this winter.....you guys wanna come for a bit? Love Jen

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Kate Sears posted on 2008-09-08 at 10:30 am

Hey Kim and Dan! Just checked out your site....it's fantastic! Love the videos. I have been meaning to take up climbing.... Hope you are both well! kate

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Simone posted on 2007-11-10 at 10:40 pm

Hi you guys!!! Just taking a moment to say I love you. Have you learned any new fun words?

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Stavros posted on 2007-11-09 at 9:58 am

Love to see you're having fun brotha! Your back picture makes u look jacked. Makes me glad I was the big spoon last time we spooned! But really, your updates are the highlights of my day. After 90 hours a week of work, and countless rectal exams, it's truly a great way to live vicariously through you and smile for a little while. Keep rocking that stuff out man! Just don't forget to tell those people you meet that you are not just a cool american, but a JERSEY BOY as well!

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Auntie Wendy posted on 2007-11-08 at 10:45 pm

I asked Mommy if she had heard from you as I was having a Danberly withdrawal, bad. Sorry to hear about the computer, but thank God and Tuk Tuks I have a few to catch up on. I think I like Bali for cleanliness, but the food in Thailand is awesome!! I need to make my Thai massage appointment too! You both look great (Kim, super tan), happy and healthy. You may never return. Wish I was there. Thank you again for taking us in your pockets and sharing these wonderful adventures with fabulous pics and clips. Love to you both. Mata ne!!!!

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dylan posted on 2007-11-08 at 5:06 pm

lol...the phiphi locals were that way when i was there before the tsunami. I think it is just a matter of having to deal with too many farang on vacation over too many years. Railei is my own personal heaven. Did you climb "kahtoi"? It was the hueco behind kim in the video. Enjoy chang mai, there is good climbing north of there as well. Keep livin the dream brother :)

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Nona and Poppi posted on 2007-11-08 at 3:40 pm

dear dan and kim looking at the videos you both are having the time of your lives.this vacation is something you will cherish forever.love you very much.

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Grace posted on 2007-11-07 at 9:19 pm

After following you through Thailand, it sure is a place that I would like to visit. It is great to see you are having such a fantastic time. lots oflove

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Mommy posted on 2007-11-07 at 8:18 pm

Kimber-wee-wee, rock climbing??? You're scaring your mommy! So very proud of you! Love you!

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Laura Westhoff posted on 2007-11-07 at 4:04 pm

Noice! Whadda life! Yessssss!

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Mom posted on 2007-11-07 at 2:09 am

Well it's been a while, but this was worth waiting for.This is the way to live in paradise, swimming, Rock Climbing and eating. Daniel the picture of you rock climbing your back is amazing. we will stay tuned as the adventure continues.... lots of love- Mom. xoxoxoxox

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Doug posted on 2007-11-07 at 1:11 am

Sounds like you 2 are having the time of your lives! PS the thumbnail images were very annoying to look at all staggered so I decided to fix it.

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katerina posted on 2007-11-06 at 7:16 pm

so happy! i was one of the concerned ones...i haven't even checked out your photos, but i needed to say that if miss kim is studying thai massage......IN thailand........for a MONTH!... i'm requesting an appointment NOW! ....missing you guys and sending you so much love....

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