From Bangkok to Krabi

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The Gold Beach Resort consists of a hotel area, bungalows and a restuarant. There seemed to be a sort of outside entertainment area, but it was not used due to the weather. We booked a bungalow which turned out to be quite large, with all the necessities. Plus a quaint bathroom - with separate bath and shower and instructions to go easy on the water use. There was a little seating area of sorts at the entrance of our bungalow where we could watch other people walk past and the butterflies in the well kept garden. We were lucky to be only a few meters from the pool and the beach. There was air-conditioning, bar, free bottled water everyday ...and one could purchase everything in the room - even the mattresses! Mosquitoes (and geckos) didn't seem to have any trouble getting in - and there was no netting.

The restaurant area was open plan - which meant bees all over the fresh fruit during breakfast. We had a few dinners at the hotel - not all of them were successful.

Our friends chose to stay in the hotel, which they regretted - they changed rooms twice in the course of 4 days due to faulty air-conditioning in the rooms. And the hotel rooms were a lot smaller than the bungalows.

The staff were friendly, but the reception almost seemed overcrowded at times, with 4 ladies manning the night desk. There are also books and games one can borrow at reception. Those came in handy when the skies opened up.

Upon arrival, the area seemed to be sprawled into different sections. There was the actual Tiger Cave with the Temple attached. There was also a temple under construction. And the opportunity to see Buddha's footprint. We started by hiking up to the top of the mountain, to see Buddha's footprint. There was also has a pagoda and a sitting Buddha. To get to the top you have to climb about 1300 steps. The first few steps are pretty easy but after the first 10 the incline was rather abrupt and barely enough of a foothold. If you're out of shape - don't bother. I consider myself to be active and even I was wheezing and gasping half way up. The view from the top makes it all worthwhile. One can see rubber tree plantations, mountain formations, and the beaches of the Krabi area. Oh, Buddha has really big feet!

Once we came back down we went into the temple where we received a monk's blessing and marvelled at a wax figure of a legendary monk (better than Madame Toussaud's). There was not much to be seen in the Tiger Cave - rumour has it that there are a few tigers roaming about. Our conversation with the munk was unfortunately abrupt due to the communication barrier. I was also mindful not to touch him or stand too close to him. Which made me feel like I was intruding on his space, and a serious threat to him.

Along the way we saw jasmin rice paddies. Kind of amazing that it's only harvested at least once a year, and yet we can buy it in stores all year round. We also drove past some rubber tree plantations. Our guide was eager to point out these sites.

Upon arrival near Phuket, we were issued life jackets, and queued for the long tail boat. Another half hour later after marvelling at the many limestone rock formations, we started our paddling adventure. A guide paddled for us (3 in 1 boat) under rock formations and around them. Some were so low, we had to lie flat to paddle under them.

Back into the long tail boat and out to James Bond Island. The little sand there was occupied by people selling all things shell. There was a queue to take photos with the famed rock in the background. Then it was off to lunch at Panyi - a Muslim village. Another opportunity to purchase touristy stuff. Back on the boat to ride elephants. The trail was short, through mud and water. Our instant digital photos were taken and offered to us at a fee afterwards. On the ride back, some brave souls were given the chance to steer the elephants back to camp. Some elephant education followed. And whilst still on the search for the perfect Thai massage, I entrusted a baby elephant with the task. After which we got a short intro to rubber tree plantations and the production process.

I thoroughly enjoyed a Tom Yam Goong (spicy shrimp soup) throughout our stay in Thailand. It was also interesting to see how different it could taste and look depending on whether we were in Bangkok or in Krabi. There's also more seafood available in Krabi - and the size of those shrimps! Just the thought of it makes my mouth water *grin*.

Massaman curry was certainly a favorite. So was fish in lime sauce. Grilled rock lobster, squid, shrimps...finding a restaurant is quite easy, depending on your budget and how hungry you are.

Dining with many people is preferable. If you all order one dish each, then you can share all the dishes!