Katie's Travel Adventures: Bangkok and the rest of my time in Southern Thailand

After my awesome 4 day adventure with Khao Lak Adventures, I headed south to see more of the beautiful beaches of Thailand and to do even more diving.

First stop was Ko Phi Phi. Known as one of the most beautiful (but also heavily touristed islands) of Thailand, it has become even more famous in recent years as the location of the movie "The Beach". All the guesthouses, shops and tourists are on Phi Phi Don, the larger island. Daytrips go to Phi Phi Le, the once secluded gorgeous white sand beach surrounded by towering mountain islands made famous from the movie. I had a horrible time getting there as the ocean was rough and so many people were seasick on the boat (thank you Scott MacLean for your Zofran prescription, it has made my days on the water so much more enjopyable!!), and the island was PACKED and really not my scene. But I thought, it's going to be worth it for this gorgeous island...and then it rained. All the daytrips were cancelled. I did decide to brave the rain for a while and hike to the lookout. It poured the entire time!!! Anyway, I didn't trust the weather, so I left. I must be one of the only people to go to Phi Phi island and not see Phi Phi Le...next time!

Before the storm - Phi Phi Don beach

Being soaking wet and not seeing getting to go on my daytrip....haha

Sunet from Klong Nin Beach - Ko Lanta

The frog that lived in my outdoor bathroom. We had a uneasy relationship.

Next stop was Ko Lanta. Beaches, diving and sunsets awaited! To be honest, I actually didn't spend any time on the beach, diving took up for entire days there. I enjoyed all 3 days I dove. Great variety of fish and beautiful soft coral. As well, it was different than the Similan Islands, so it didn't feel repetitive at all. I did get to enjoy some amazing food and sunsets with my friends Emma and Anna, who I had met in Vietnam.

Another sunset - they were all so beautiful and unique

Anna and Emma. My lovely British traveling buddies!

On the way back to Bangkok. I had a few hours in Krabi town. I went on a quick city tour and then decided to actually get some exercise and climb 1237 steps (600m) up to Tiger temple. I kept telling myself that I was just getting in shape for Calgary's hiking season. But I will NEVER go hiking in 35 degree weather and a million percent humidity in Calgary. It was pretty tough and I soaked through my clothing, but the view and the hilarious monkeys along the way made it worth it.

Monkeys playing on the steps

View of Krabi town and the ocean from Tiger Temple

Steps!! At least the scenery was amazing!

Taking a Tuk Tuk through the streets of Bangkok

Then it was off to the big city, Bangkok! I hit up the major attractions and even sampled the night life (well, some of it). I was lucky to meet up with Bjorn and Matthew on the bus ride from Ko Lanta to Krabi, who were my travel buddies in Bangkok. We hit up the main temples, lounged in their hotel pool (lucky me!) and spent a fun night on Khao San Road - although when I left to have drinks with another friend, I missed the Ping Pong show. For those of you who've been to Thailand, you know what this is. Or like me, if you've seen "Priscilla Queen of the Desert", you have an idea of what's involved...haha. Maybe, next time I'm here I'll get the full experience :) We also spent a morning doing the "Follow Me" bike tour through the alleyways of Bangkok. It was an awesome way to see another side of Bangkok.

Wat Pho

Famous reclining Buddha at Wat Pho - 15m high, 43m long covered in gold leaf. Quite the sight to see!

Wat Arun - temple of the Dawn and symbol of Bangkok

Inside the Grand Palace - home of the sacred Emerald Buddha. No pictures were allowed, so I only got pics in the temple complex.

Grand Palace

Bjorn haggling on Khao San Road

Bike tour through the alleyways of Bangkok

The bike tour group!

View made famous in Hangover 2 - it was actually closed, so we weren't allowed on the patio. Plus, we were disgusting from biking all morning and there's no way we would have passed the dress code.

I'll leave you with more diving shots. No more Manta Rays! But I was getting more steady with the camera. I also have to blame the Khoa Lak guys for making me snaphappy for nudibranchs....I mean, they are pretty much slugs! But so colourful!