Friday, 24 October 2008
PARADISE AT A PRICE
While we were kicking back in Bangkok, we got messages from Dave & Jo inviting us to join them in Railay Bay....we didn't have to think twice before hopping on the night bus down there and before we knew it we were sipping some more Chang beers with them on the gorgeous white sands of Railay Beach.
It wasn't a cheap option, that's for sure; although the bay itself is beautiful and the atmosphere laid back, it comes at a price. Railay Bay is just one example of high-end post-tsunami development that appears to be taking over this part of Thailand. Dave had been to Railay about 10 years ago and he told us that it has changed beyond belief. Having said that, it is still gorgeous and a great place to chill out for a few days. We swam, snorkelled, waited for the rain to pass, and took a boat to nearby Hong Island, where we swam with tropical fish and were lucky enough to see a mighty monitor lizard right on the beach. It's true, the weather was lousy, we were still in the rainy season but the sea was warm, the beers were cold and it was great to get away from the chaos of Bangkok.
BANGKOK - THE RETURN
After a ‘V.I.P’ (not sure what this stands for in Laos!) bus ride from Vang Vieng to the border, the 4 of us crossed the Friendship Bridge over to Nong Khai in Thailand and jumped on the sleeper train to Bangkok. Not a lot of sleep was had though - very cold and very juddery - but a great experience nonetheless.
Back in Bangkok, we found ourselves on the Khao San Road once again and with no persuasion needed whatsoever, Ben and Emily checked into the lovely Buddy's Lodge, where Dave and Jo had already booked a room. It was way beyond our budget, but the comfy bed, wonderful shower and rooftop pool and bar was more than enough reason for one night's splurge.
The plan was to explore the city a little but we ended up spending the day relaxing by the pool, then heading out for a final blast before we said our goodbyes. What a night! Shopping, curry, cocktails, buckets, ping-pong, the fastest tuk-tuk ride in Thailand and fun'n'freaks at Gazebo night club to finish....we headed back to the hotel with just half an hour in hand for Dave and Jo to pack up their bags and catch the 5am shuttle bus to the airport. They were headed off to Railay Bay down south for a week's luxury beach action and we, having made a last minute decision to miss our flight to Singapore the next morning, were to stay in Bangkok for a few days to catch our breath after two weeks of full-on activity and, of course, to update our blog.
Saturday, 18 October 2008
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