Thailand: West Railay
Michael and I traveled to Thailand as part of our 2007 career break. The following is an excerpt from our travel blog.
[singlepic=664,200,,,right]One thing is for sure the Thais really have the tourist transportation down. Whether it’s by longtail, ferry or high-speed boat by water, or minivan, tuk tuk or bus on land, the various networks of getting from one destination to the next is relatively easy to do – even if you don’t speak the language.
Our next destination was West Railay beach, which is situated in the province on mainland Krabi. From Kho Ngai we took a high speek boat to Ko Lanta (1 hr.) where we met up with a ferry heading to Ao Nang – the drop off point for destinations to Krabi. And as West Railay was tucked in amongst massive limestone walls, the only way to get there is by longtail boat, which picked us up from the ferry.
After coming from quiet Kho Ngai, West Railay seemed like a city to us – they actually had a food market, ATM and even a few vendors. Other than that, the resorts are all bungalow style and tucked into the landscape, which still offers a sense of exclusiveness. But it is definitely a popular base camp for many travelers, as it is central to visiting just about any destination around the Andaman Coast, even day trips. And there were plenty on offer. And because of the massive limestone formations surrounding the headland, it is a hot spot for rock climbing – even beginners.
[singlepic=674,200,,,left]We decided we would spend our few days doing a little more relaxing on the beach. But we also decided to get out and explore some of the area by kayak. Protected from the Andaman Sea by Krabi and Phuket is Ao Phang Nga Bay, which is edged by mangroves and limestone karsts. It is also known for its hongs, which house tidal lagoons only accessible by kayaking through murky tunnels and past limestone outcrops.
We decided to venture through the Bor Tor area. In addition to kayaking through mangroves and entering one of these lagoons, whose entrance was obscured by vines, we also visited caves which housed pre-historic wall paintings by the sea gypsies. Now sitting way above the tree line, these caves were once at sea level and the sea gypsies would make living rooms and bedrooms amongst the crags in the caves ceiling.
[singlepic=652,200,,,right]Back on West Railay, we enjoyed our last sunset looking out at all of the soccer matches happening up and down the beach. Like clockwork as the sun is about to set, Thais who have ended their work day, take to the beach for massive matches. It seems that anyone can jump in and at some point there must have been almost 40 people on one particular “field”. While sipping a cold Chang from our beach side table, their silhouettes were book-ended by the limestone karsts, glowing pink in the setting sun.
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Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.