The Path Less Ridden

 

From the Cameron Highlands we made a run to the Thai border, spending the night just short in a small town. The next morning we hit the road early, and made it through the border crossing without any hassles – in fact it was almost too easy! The Malaysian side actually waved us through into no-mans-land to park the bikes before inviting us back to process the paperwork, and neither side bothered to search the bikes or take any particular interest, unlike Indonesia.

 

Since we were arriving overland the visa on arrival for Thailand is only 15 days, so we’re having to move reasonably quickly. Our first stop was the island of Ko Lanta, in the Andaman Sea, to have a little “holiday time”.

 

The route north to Ko Lanta had some interesting scenery and sights.

 

 

Even though the south of Thailand is strongly Muslim, as is neighbouring Malaysia, Buddhist temples start appearing rapidly.

 

 

To get to Ko Lanta there are two short ferry rides. We arrived just as the sun was setting.

 

 

We spent our first three days in Thailand here, relaxing by the beach in a charming tiny bungalow.

 

 

Days consisted of long walks on the beach and exploring the island.

 

 

Sunsets are always a winner.

 

 

While the nights showed off the lights of nearby Koh Phi Phi and distant thunderstorms.

 

 

We couldn’t be near the Andaman Sea, famed for its karst limestone outcrops rising from the crystal clear water, without taking a boat trip to the outlying islands.

 

 

 

Such a day wouldn’t be complete without some snorkelling. Although there were plenty of fish, it was very sad to see almost all the coral was completely dead and bleached; a stark contrast from Timor Leste and Indonesia.

 

 

Finally dragging ourselves away from our island paradise, we headed north through Krabi, and stopped at the Tiger Cave Temple on the way. Although there’s a significant temple complex at ground level, it’s best known for the shrine on top of the mountain, which can only be reached by climbing 1,260 steep and slippery stairs – a real pilgrimage!

 

 

 

The view from the top is stunning, with an enormous golden Buddha gazing out over the region, and several smaller shrines.  Thankfully there’s also a cool breeze to dry all the sweat!

 

 

 

 

Back at ground level, we explored the rest of the temple complex (after sheltering from a monsoonal downpour for 20 minutes or so).

 

 

Note the shrine top left!

 

 

Rolling further north, we stopped at yet another hilltop temple, this time in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the narrowest part of Thailand. Again, the modern temple was at ground level, with the older shrine at the top of a long staircase (only 400 stairs this time though, and not as steep!)

 

 

 

And again, at the top, a spectacular view in all directions – west to the mountainous border with Myanmar (only 11km away), south over the town, and east over the sandy bay.

 

 

 

The next town north was Phetchaburi, known as a weekend or summer getaway for previous kings, and dominated by the summer palace on top of the central hill. Arriving late in the afternoon though, the palace grounds were already closed, so we ducked in quickly to see a cave shrine, before being ushered out by the novice monks who were closing.

 

 

After all those stairs over the last two days, we had an early night and slept soundly!