2009 Backpacking to Southern Thailand (10 days) 23 Aug to 01 Sep 2009


L-R: Ching Neng Bin, Bernard Lee, Chew Leng Soon, Arthur Hoi, Vivien, Chan Meng Fai, Choo Chew Chin, Hoi Chee Hoi at Phra Nang Cave Beach, Ao Nang, Thailand.
 
The route: KL > Ipoh > Hadyai > Krabi > Koh Lanta > Ao Nang > Trang > Hadyai > Ipoh

Day 1 (23.08.2009) KL > Ipoh > Hadyai, Thailand

Bernard Lee, Chan Meng Fai and Choo Chiew Chin drove from KL to Ching Neng Bin's house in Ipoh arriving at 2pm. We sat down to review and exchange photos taken from our recent Indonesian trip. Afternoon was a ten minutes walked from Ching's house to Bandar Seri Botani Lake & Eco-park. Walking round the lake took us about 30minutes, enjoying fresh air and the magnificent view of "Gunung Rapat". We took the Ekspres Kesatuan (RM45) at Ipoh Medan Gopeng bus station at 12pm for Hadyai. 

Sleeping - Overnight bus to Hadyai at RM45 each


Ching Neng Bin's single storey house in Bandar Seri Botani, Ipoh


Ching Neng Bin's small little garden in Bandar Seri Botani, Ipoh


Magnificent view of "Gunung Rapat" and part of Cameron highlands on the far right. Picture taken in-front of my house. Bandar Seri Botani is the latest property development by the Taiko Group of Companies. Over 1,200 acres of former plantation land, this fully integrated township development offers residents the combined benefits of city and country living at its very best. House buyers can choose from a selection of over 6,000 units of bungalows, semi-detached houses, townhouses and link homes, all bearing the stamp of quality that has become synonymous with Taiko. Completing this amazing array of quality homes are parkland and extensive landscaping.


The Bandar Seri Botani Eco-park. Consist of the viewing deck, outdoor gym, gazebo, lotus pond, children's playground & jogging path.


The Bandar Seri Botani Eco-park. Consist of the viewing deck, outdoor gym, gazebo, lotus pond, children's playground & jogging path.


L-R: Choo Chew Chin, Chan Meng Fai, Bernard Lee at Bandar Seri Botani Eco-park.


Residents come in the evening to feed the fishes in the Bandar Seri Botani Eco-park lake.


Sunset view of Bandar Seri Botani Eco-park.
 
Day 2 (24.08.2009) Hadyai to Krabi

The bus actually left Ipoh at 1.30am and arrived at Changlun boarder town at 4.30am. Stopped 20minutes for breakfast and arrived in Hadyai at 8am. We took the 10am van (TB240 each) to Krabi arriving at 3pm. Its a 4 hour journey from Hadyai to Krabi. We booked one air-con room for TB400 at Black Tiger Guesthouse along the river for four of us. As usual, we would walk all over the town and also look for food. We had very good dinner at this Kotung Restaurant, 36 Khongkha Road.
Van: Hadyai to Krabi is TB240 each

Sleeping: Black Tiger Guesthouse, Kongka Road at TB400 a/c room for 4pax 
 

Hadyai Railway Station.


Building behind this eagle is Thai Tourism office along the Krabi River.

Kongka Road in Krabi.


The Krabi River is 5 kilometres long main channel within a larger estuary to the Andaman Sea. The other two main channels are the Yuan River to the south and Chi Lat to the west.


The 300ft high Khao Khanab Nam limestone towers by the Krabi River that shape like dog's ear.


Standing at 100 metres tall the stunning Khao Khanab Nam hills are one of Krabi’s most famous landmarks.


Very sweet little pineapple at TB10 each.


A good place to eat at Kotung Restaurant, 36 Khongkha Road, Krabi.

Day 3 (25.08.2009) Krabi, Thailand

Early morning walk along the river towards Thara Park at the southern part of Krabi. Had very good fish porridge for breakfast at a stall. Chew Leng Soon and 5 friends flew in by AirAsia from KL and met us at 2pm and we put them in No.7 Guesthouse at TB450 a room. After lunch at Kotung restaurant, we went for the one hour boat ride (TB50 each) along the Krabi River, visiting the cave at Khao Kanab Nam hill, mangrove swamps and a fish farm. We bought a 3kg fish for RM45 for dinner at Kotung restaurant.

Sleeping: Black Tiger Guesthouse at TB400 a/c room for 4pax 
 

The Krabi River is 5 kilometres long main channel within a larger estuary to the Andaman Sea.


Star Ferry in Krabi River at low tide.


Boats ferrying people from across the Krabi River.


The Krabi River is 5 kilometres long main channel within a larger estuary to the Andaman Sea.


People walking to town along the Krabi River at low tide.


A large fishing boat in Krabi River at low tide.


Thara Park Krabi ia a playground, exercise areas & places for sports such as tennis & soccer in a leafy riverfront park.


The best fish porridge in this shop just opposite our Black Tiger Guesthouse.


Wat Kaew Korawaram located on a hill above the Krabi city's downtown, it is accessed by an entrance plaza off one of the city's main streets and a grand staircase lined by nāga sculptures.


View of Krabi town from Kaew Korawaram Temple.


Northern part of Krabi town.


The famous OLD WEST BAR along Chaofa Road in Krabi.


Many guesthouses along Chaofa Road, Krabi.


Our famous saying: "UP TO YOU".


Ching Neng Bin a dog lover.


Chan Meng Fai is also a dog lover.


After lunch at Kotung restaurant, we went for the one hour boat ride (TB50 each) along the Krabi River, visiting the cave at Khao Khanab Nam hill, mangrove swamps and a fish farm.


The iconic Khao Khanab Nam consists of two limestone mountains that rise around 100m from the Krabi River that shape like dog's ear.


The iconic Khao Khanab Nam by the Krabi River that shape like dog's ear.


The 300ft high Khao Khanab Nam limestone towers by the Krabi River that shape like dog's ear.


Getting onto to the Khao Khanab Nam cave entrance area.


A twisty staircase takes us up to the Khao Khanab Nam cave entrance.


Well-lit natural daylight, the spacious Khao Khanab Nam cave is full of massive stalactite and stalagmite formations.
 

Well-lit natural daylight, the spacious Khao Khanab Nam cave is full of massive stalactite and stalagmite formations.


Well-lit natural daylight, the spacious Khao Khanab Nam cave is full of massive stalactite and stalagmite formations.


Well-lit natural daylight, the spacious Khao Khanab Nam cave is full of massive stalactite and stalagmite formations.


Well-lit natural daylight, the spacious Khao Khanab Nam cave is full of massive stalactite and stalagmite formations.


Khao Khanab Nam cave is full of massive stalactite and stalagmite formations.


Khao Khanab Nam cave is full of massive stalactite and stalagmite formations.


Khao Khanab Nam cave is full of massive stalactite and stalagmite formations.


Khao Khanab Nam cave is full of massive stalactite and stalagmite formations.


Ching Neng Bin and Bernard Lee walking down the twisty staircase of Khao Khanab Nam cave entrance.


Coming down the twisty staircase of Khao Khanab Nam cave entrance.


Passenger ferries in Krabi.


Visited the fish farm in Krabi.


Visited the fish farm in Krabi.


Feeding fishes at the fish farm in Krabi.


Fishes at the fish farm in Krabi.


A puffer fish before bloated.


A puffer fish before bloated. Puffer Fish are the second most poisonous vertebrate on earth (the first one is golden dart Frog). The meat of some species is a delicacy in both Japan (as fugu) and Korea (as bok-uh) but the problem is that the skin and certain organs of many puffer fish are very poisonous to humans.


A puffer fish after being bloated. They inflate themselves so much that the stress levels exceed their normal limit and they die inflated. After some time, the water-filled in their belly release. Not each fish die after puffing up except for a few cases.


At the fish farm we bought a 3kg fish for RM45 for dinner at Kotung restaurant.

Day 4 (26.08.2009) Krabi > Koh Lanta Islands

10am van to Koh Lanta (TB200 each). It was a 2hr journey with 2 ferry crossing, each at Ban Hua Hin and Ban Lang Sod ferry terminal. Checked in at Clean Beach Resort at TB500 a room along Klong Nin Beach. We had the most expensive lunch at a stall in the village and had to help in the cooking. Afternoon was walking along the beach front with good dinner at the resort.

Van: Krabi to Koh Lanta (TB200 each) 2 hour journey
Sleeping: Clean Beach Resort at TB400 a room 
 

The best fish porridge in this shop just opposite our Black Tiger Guesthouse.


Ban Lang Sod ferry terminal to Koh Lanta Yai from Krabi.


There are 2 ways to reach the island of Koh Lanta Yai from Krabi: by car or by passenger ferry. If you are driving, head south along Route 4, direction Trang. After Klong Thom there will be a sign on the road indicating to turn right for Lanta (Route 4206). You need to drive another 30km to reach the 1st pier of Hua Hin. 
 
2 ferry crossings will be necessary, the first one to Koh Lanta Noi, then to Koh Lanta Yai. The cost (one-way) is 126 THB for a car with 2 people, 43 THB for a motorbike with 2 people. The minimum time needed for this journey is around 2 hours. Ferries operate until 10pm every night. If you have no vehicle the best way is to take the passenger ferry. Boats leave from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Koh Jum and Phuket. Prices are from 350 THB for a one-way journey.


Ferry terminal to Koh Lanta Yai from Krabi.


On the ferry to Koh Lanta Yai from Krabi.


On the ferry to Koh Lanta Yai from Krabi.


Mary & husband Dr Kee on the ferry to Koh Lanta Yai from Krabi.


A view of Saladan town in Koh Lanta Yai.


Sleeping: Clean Beach Resort at TB400 a room.


Clean Beach Resort with the scene of Klong Nin Beach has a swimming pool.


Clean Beach Resort with the scene of Klong Nin Beach is a small resort with 26 bungalows surrounded by plants.


Clean Beach Resort with the scene of Klong Nin Beach is a small resort with 26 bungalows surrounded by plants.


We had the most expensive lunch at a stall in the village and Mary & Bernard Lee had to help in the cooking.


We had the most expensive lunch at a stall in the village and Mary & Bernard had to help in the cooking.


Klong Nin Beach after the 2004 tsunami. Klong Nin Beach has a village-like atmosphere with sizeable white sand beach. The beach road is lined with restaurants and bars, with the road at the back and the beach at the front.


Destroyed beach hotel & restaurant by tsunami in 2004 in Klong Nin Beach.


Destroyed beach hotel & restaurant by tsunami in 2004 in Klong Nin Beach.


Destroyed beach hotel & restaurant by tsunami in 2004 in Klong Nin Beach.


Destroyed beach hotel & restaurant by tsunami in 2004 in Klong Nin Beach.


Evacuation area at high ground in Koh Lanta Yai.


Evacuation area at high ground in Koh Lanta Yai.


Evacuation area at high ground in Koh Lanta Yai.


A night beer at our Clean Beach Resort. Loking on is Dr Kee and Chew Leng Soon.

Day 5 (27.08.2009) Koh Lanta

Booked a van for TB1200 to take 10 of us for a 5hour round Koh Lanta island tour. Breakfast at View Point Restaurant, drive to Old Town and Lanta Pier, visited Sea Gypsy Village, Elephant Village and had lunch at Saladan town. Dinner at Cook-Kai Restaurant, a 10minutes walk from our resort.

Van: Round Island drive at TB120 each
Sleeping: Clean Beach Resort at TB400 a room
 

Morning meeting re booking a van for TB1200 to take 10 of us for a 5 hour Koh Lanta island tour.


Walking through the village Koh Lanta from our Clean Beach Resort.


Magnificent view from View Point Restaurant on the west coast Koh Lanta.


Magnificent view from View Point Restaurant on the west coast Koh Lanta.


Ching Neng Bin at View Point Restaurant on the west coast Koh Lanta.


Magnificent view from View Point Restaurant on the west coast Koh Lanta.


Magnificent view from View Point Restaurant on the west coast Koh Lanta.


Good breakfast here at View Point Restaurant on the west coast Koh Lanta.


Koh Lanta Old Town, located on East coast, was once the island’s main port for trade. Now Lanta Old Town is a charming place to visit which looks and feels like it’s stood still in time.


Koh Lanta old town Chinese temple. The Old Town has a distinct Chinese influence and a very slow, laid back feel.


Koh Lanta old town wooden houses was originally a sea gypsy settlement.


Koh Lanta old town wooden houses was originally a sea gypsy settlement.


Ching Neng Bin with Ms Sherry (dasher.lanta@gmail.com) from New Zealand have been staying at Koh Lanta old town for the past 5 years.


Ching Neng Bin with a beautiful squirrel at Koh Lanta old town shop house.


The talking bird at Koh Lanta old town shop house.


Cool bars like Mango House, and numerous restaurants offering great sea food dishes at Koh Lanta old town.


Cool bars like Mango House, and numerous restaurants offering great sea food dishes at Koh Lanta old town.


Fresh Restaurant has variety of thai food, western food etc. The place itself has wonderful settings with great views.


At Koh Lanta old town you can enjoy many shops, restaurants and homes built on stilts above the sea level. This is great when the tide is in and also overlooks other islands and the mainland allowing breathtaking views.


At Koh Lanta old town you can enjoy many shops, restaurants and homes built on stilts above the sea level. This is great when the tide is in and also overlooks other islands and the mainland allowing breathtaking views.


Koh Lanta pier at Old Town.


L-R: Bernard Lee, Chan Meng Fai, Chew Leng Soon, Hoi Chee Hoi, Vivien, Arthur Hoi, Choo Chew Chin, Dr Kee, Mary and Ching Neng Bin at Koh Lanta Old Town pier.


For many locals, the tsunami of 26th December 2004 is still a vivid memory. Koh Lanta was a lucky island and largely escaped the full force of the tsunami, however some rubble still remains in the Old Town harbour from that terrible day, leaving a reminder of the devastation.


Sea Gypsy Village. The large community of sea-gypsies is settled in the village of Ban Sangkha-Ou on the southern tip of the Koh Lanta island.


Hoi Chee Hoi and Ching Neng Bin feeding the baby elephant at Koh Lanta elephant village.


Ching Neng Bin feeding the baby elephant at Koh Lanta elephant village.


Ching Neng Bin feeding the baby elephant at Koh Lanta elephant village.


Saladan town at the northern tip of the Koh Lanta island.


Very good sea-food lunch at Saladan Seafood Restauran, Koh Lanta island.


Very good sea-food lunch at Saladan Seafood Restauran, Koh Lanta island.


Sea view at Saladan Seafood Restauran, Koh Lanta island.


Sea view at Saladan Seafood Restauran, Koh Lanta island.


Sea view at Saladan Seafood Restauran, Koh Lanta island.


Do anybody understand the writing on the board?


Dinner at Cook-Kai Restaurant, a 10minutes walk from our Clean Beach Resort.


The weird looking Cook Kai Restaurant at Koh Lanta.


Cook Kai Restaurant at Koh Lanta. A big family-run eating spot where shells dangle from a thatched roof, Cook Kai is best for its wide selection of straightforward local staples – everything from spicy Thai salads, noodle soups and fried rice to sizzling seafood hot-pans and deep-fried or steamed fish.


Sea food dinner at Cook Kai Restaurant, Koh Lanta.


Sea food dinner at Cook Kai Restaurant, Koh Lanta.

Day 6 (28.08.2009) Lanta Island to Ao Nang Beach

11am van to Ao Nang Beach at TB250 each. A 3hour journey and checked in at Baan Pimphaka Bungalows at TB600 a room for 2pax, TB800 a room for 4pax. Lunch at Orchid Restaurant in town. Dinner at Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant. Beef noodle for supper followed by sexy bar in town.

Van: Lanta to Aonang is TB250 each
Sleeping: Pimphaka Bungalows TB600 for 2, TB800 for 4
 

Chew Leng Soon's girlfriend Alice (alicioferkin@hotmail.com) is from England.


Ching Neng Bin has both Alice and also Maria from Spain (solyson@hotmail.com).


Ching Neng Bin, Dr Kee and Chew Leng Soon on the ferry back to Krabi from Koh Lanta.


Bernard Lee, Ching Neng Bin and Arthur Hoi on the ferry back to Krabi from Koh Lanta.


The ferry between Koh Lanta and mainland Thailand.


Sleeping at Pimphaka Bungalows TB600 for 2, TB800 for 4 in Ao Nang town.


Pineapple fried rice for lunch at Orchid Restaurant in Ao Nang town.


Ao Nang is the main tourist hub in the Krabi area situated 20 km from Krabi. Dive shops and motorcycle rental places announce your arrival to the beach road. This is one of the busiest roads in Ao Nang so please take care when crossing over. Be advised that the zebra crossings you see are rarely acknowledged.


Ao Nang is the main tourist hub in the Krabi area situated 20 km from Krabi. Dive shops and motorcycle rental places announce your arrival to the beach road. This is one of the busiest roads in Ao Nang so please take care when crossing over. Be advised that the zebra crossings you see are rarely acknowledged.


Ao Nang restaurants, bars and shops operate along the main road and you will find ATMs and tuk-tuks every few meters.


Another of our famous saying: "UP-TO-YOU" in Ao Nang.


Dao Art Gallery, Ao Nang artist at work.


A road construction roller on display at Ao Nang main road.


Ao Nang Beach is the area's most popular beach, home to soft sand and relatively clear water.


Ao Nang Beach is the area's most popular beach, home to soft sand and relatively clear water.


Ao Nang Railey Pier beside Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant, Ao Nang.


Long-tail boats for rent beside Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant, Ao Nang.


Long-tail boats for rent beside Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant, Ao Nang.


Long-tail boats for rent beside Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant, Ao Nang.


Dinner was at Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant, Ao Nang.


Ao Nang Railey Pier beside Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant, Ao Nang.


Ao Nang Railey Pier beside Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant, Ao Nang.


Dinner was at Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant, Ao Nang.


Dinner was at Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant, Ao Nang.


Beef noodle for supper followed by sexy bar in town.

Day 7 (29.08.2009) Ao Nang Island Hopping and Inter-City Hash Run

After breakfast, it was goodbye to Mary & Dr. Kee who had to fly back home, whom we had wonderful time together for the last few days. Island hopping by boat (TB200 each) the whole day and came back at 4pm for the Inter-City hash run at 6pm. It was a 2 hour run through villages, rubber plantation and up the hill near Ao Nang.

Boat fee: to 3 islands and beaches at TB200 each
Sleeping: Pimphaka Bungalows TB600 for 2, TB800 for 4
 

We stayed here at Pimphaka Bungalow.


A beautiful photo at Pimphaka Bungalow.


Breakfast at Pimphaka Bungalow.


Island hopping by boat (TB200 each) the whole day and came back at 4pm for the Inter-City hash run at 6pm.


We took the long-tail boat for island hopping beside Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant, Ao Nang.


We took the long-tail boat for island hopping beside Wang Sai Seafood Restaurant, Ao Nang.

Nearby the Ao Nang coast, the “rock islands” of Koh Si and Koh Haa offer excellent snorkelling year round.


Nearby the Ao Nang coast, "Chicken Island" of Koh Kai offers excellent snorkelling year round with beautiful corals.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat to Poda Island good for sunbathing and relaxing. A coral reef lies 20 metres offshore, and the combination of scenery, beach and excellent snorkelling make it one of my favourite places to spend a lazy day in this part of the world.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


A crab bite the sea cucumber on my shorts and refused to let go along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Two islands connected by sand path. At low-tide it was wonderful to walk into the see to reach other island along the Ao Nang coast.


At low tide a sand bar connects this Tup island with its neighbor creating a sight known as divided sea. Tup Island also known as Tub Island is one of the most popular offshore islands around Krabi for day trips. Most island hopping tours come here to witness and photograph the amazing parting of the seas.


Railay Beach. Railay is a small peninsula between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang in Thailand. It is accessible only by boat due to high limestone cliffs cutting off mainland access.


Railay Beach along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Railay East Beach along the Ao Nang coast.- the place to lazy around.


Railay is a secluded peninsula just south of Ao Nang. It's part of the mainland, but is inaccessible by road due to towering cliffs. It is reachable with a mere 15 minutes longtail boat ride from Ao Nang. There are 3 sides to the Railay Beach peninsula, all within walking distance, two of which boast spectacular beaches: the west-facing Sunset Beach and Phra Nang Bay. The adventure-minded can climb a rugged path up the side of this impressive karst cliff to discover a hidden lagoon in its centre.


L-R: Ching Neng Bin, Bernard Lee, Chew Leng Soon, Arthur Hoi, Vivien, Chan Meng Fai, Choo Chew Chin, Hoi Chee Hoi at Phra Nang Cave Beach, Ao Nang, Thailand.


Phra Nang Cave Beach, Ao Nang, Thailand.


Phra Nang Cave Beach, Ao Nang, Thailand.


Ching Neng Bin showing the Honda BF225 mechanical shift 4 stroke outboard motor.


At the far end of Phra Nang beach you will find a small cave with a shrine notable for its statues of penis. The shrine is dedicated to a deity known locally as Sri Kunlathewi who, according to a legend, was an Indian princess wrecked on this coast in the 3rd century BC and has been called upon by fishermen ever since to provide them with a good catch.


At the far end of Phra Nang beach you will find a small cave with a shrine notable for its statues of penis. Statues adorned with garlands and incense offerings in the hope of increased sexual potency, prosperity and good fortune.


At the far end of Phra Nang beach you will find a small cave with a shrine notable for its statues of penis. Statues adorned with garlands and incense offerings in the hope of increased sexual potency, prosperity and good fortune.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Island hopping by longtail boat along the Ao Nang coast.


Ching Neng Bin prepared for anchoring on returning from island hopping along the Ao Nang coast.


City Hash Krabi Run2009 group photo at Aree Tara Resort, Ao Nang - Hares are Uncle Teh and Auntie Margaret.


City Hash Krabi Run2009 group photo at Aree Tara Resort, Ao Nang - Hares are Uncle Teh and Auntie Margaret.


City Hash Krabi Run2009 group photo at Aree Tara Resort, Ao Nang - Hares are Uncle Teh and Auntie Margaret.


City Hash Krabi Run2009 group photo at Aree Tara Resort, Ao Nang - Hares are Uncle Teh and Auntie Margaret.


The name is "City Hash". It's motto is "Don't call us, we'll call you". Participants to this hash is by invitation only. Its runs are mostly outstation or overseas. They had runs in Penang, Sandakan, Pulau Tioman and now Krabi. I understand their next run is in Sanya, Hainan Island, China.


City Hash Krabi Run2009 getting ready outside the Aree Tara Resort, Ao Nang.


These are guest runners introducing themselves to City Hash Krabi Run2009.


It was a 2 hour City Hash Krabi Run2009 through villages, rubber plantation and up the hills near Ao Nang.


It was a 2 hour City Hash Krabi Run2009 through villages, rubber plantation and up the hills near Ao Nang.


Chew Leng Soon the sweeper and Ching Neng Bin the photographer at City Hash Krabi Run2009.


The river crossing by City Hash Krabi Run2009.


It was a 2 hour City Hash Krabi Run2009 through villages, rubber plantation and up the hills near Ao Nang.


It was a 2 hour City Hash Krabi Run2009 through villages, rubber plantation and up the hills near Ao Nang.


It was a 2 hour City Hash Krabi Run2009 through villages, rubber plantation and up the hills near Ao Nang.


It was a 2 hour City Hash Krabi Run2009 through villages, rubber plantation and up the hills near Ao Nang.


It was a 2 hour City Hash Krabi Run2009 through villages, rubber plantation and up the hills near Ao Nang.


It was a 2 hour City Hash Krabi Run2009 through villages, rubber plantation and up the hills near Ao Nang.


It was a 2 hour City Hash Krabi Run2009 through villages, rubber plantation and up the hills near Ao Nang.


Rubber tree with latex at rubber plantation near Ao Nang.


Wild banana flowers at rubber plantation near Ao Nang.


Wild ginger flowers at rubber plantation near Ao Nang.


Arthur Hoi the Mother Hash!


On!On! Lets have more beer after the City Hash Krabi Run2009 near Ao Nang.


The best Krabi coconut cola after the City Hash Krabi Run2009 near Ao Nang.


What a wonderful run for the City Hash Krabi Run2009 near Ao Nang.


On!On! Lets have more beer for the guest runners - City Hash Krabi Run2009 near Ao Nang.


On!On! The final showdown with more beer for the guest runners - City Hash Krabi Run2009 near Ao Nang.


On!On! Well, we are all drunk! - City Hash Krabi Run2009 near Ao Nang.


On!On! Well, the party goes on and on till late at night - City Hash Krabi Run2009 near Ao Nang.


On!On! Well, the party goes on and on till late at night - City Hash Krabi Run2009 near Ao Nang.


On!On! Well, the party goes on and on till late at night - City Hash Krabi Run2009 near Ao Nang.


After the City Hash Krabi Run2009, we visited the sexy bars and had supper in Ao Nang town .


The City Hash Krabi Runners had their own dinner function in the Aree Tara Resort, Ao Nang.


The City Hash Krabi Runners had their own dinner function in the Aree Tara Resort, Ao Nang.


The City Hash Krabi Runners had their own dinner function in the Aree Tara Resort, Ao Nang.

Day 8 (30.08.2009) Ao Nang > Krabi > Trang

By songtil (TB60) from Ao Nang to Krabi bus station. 
The 2 hour bus journey (TB115) from Krabi bus station to Trang bus station. 
Had lunch at the Trang bus station. 
By tuk2 to Trang town and stayed at Koh Teng Hotel. 
It was walking round the Trang town and had dinner at the night market. 
 

Morning walk along the Ao Nang Beach.


Trang Railway Station opened in April 1913 on the Southern Line section of Kantang-Huai Yot.


Old wooden houses along the side road of Trang town.


Trang is a sprawling industrial town in the South West of Thailand. It is a gateway to the holiday islands of Koh Kradan, Koh Muk, Koh Ngai, Ko Sukorn and Chao/Jao Mai National Park.


With classic architecture, the 1961 Trang Clock Tower distinctively stands in the middle of the intersection at City Hall. The design reminds people of the 1960s’.


The 5 star Backpackers Kohteng Hotel in Trang. It’s a big old rambling hotel with wood floors, wide hallways, very high ceilings and spacious rooms. And the rooms still cost only 180 BT, which is getting harder and harder to come by these days.


A beautifully painted tourist bus in Trang.


Visited the Trang night market for dinner.


Visited the Trang night market for dinner.


Visited the Trang night market for dinner.

Day 9 (31.08.2009) Trang > Hadyai
 
A 2 hour bus journey (TB100) from Trang to Hadyai.
Stayed at Tong Nam Hotel in the centre of town at TB400 a room.
Had nice food in Hadyai.
The best shop to buy cashew-nut is at Wong Swad Hatyai (Plaza) Co.Ltd., Montri Road, beside the market on the northern side of town.


Walking around in Hadyai.


Food everwhere in Hadyai.

Day 10 (01.09.2009) Hadyai > Ipoh > KL

By 10am bus (RM40) to Ipoh arriving at 4pm. 
Bernard, Chan and Choo drove back to KL after having tea at Ching's house.
 

Opposite New World Hotel in Hadyai, you can get Penang food.


The food stalls are all in this building in Hadyai just opposite New World Hotel.


The food stalls are all in this building in Hadyai just opposite New World Hotel.

Total expenses for 10 days adventure was about RM700-00 per person.
 
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9 comments:

  1. Hi Ching,
    You are truly a talented traveler journalist~

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jennifer Kuan19 October, 2009

    Hi Ching
    Beautiful photos taken! Are you able to send the City Hash photos in Picasa Album that they can download into photos size? Some don't use computers!

    Beside Hainan Island in Aug/Sep, we are going to Bangkok 1st week of June. Hope we meet again.

    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  3. Teh Chak King19 October, 2009

    Hi Ching,

    You really know how to travel, look fantastic, and places you been is really enjoying, and meeting people,,,

    Keep it up Ching, hope you post more where ever you go..

    Happy traveling.
    Teh

    ReplyDelete
  4. Really hv fun & enjoyable by having a group of close friends with same travelling interest!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Peter Cheah20 October, 2009

    Hi Ching,

    These photos are amazing. They bring out the adventurism and the exploring efforts of you guys. Congratulations and thank you for sharing them with me though we have not met in person. This is the 2nd. episode I received apart from the one when you were in Indonesia.

    Interestingly, I read some side photos of your personal life and place of residence. I have visited your garden before while on a casual drive with my wife. Apart from that, there is a photo where it was captioned on your professional career in celebrating 35 years with Public Bank. Incidentally, I was in the same sector of employment, mostly serving in Perak branches. Co-incidentally, I did serve 35 years with Maybank. It will be of much interest to meet you in person and say hello.

    Cheers,
    Peter Cheah

    ReplyDelete
  6. James Leong21 October, 2009

    Hi! Ching Neng Bin,
    Thanks for the back-packing to Indonesia article which came to my email via Ong Keng Ming in Australia, who is my Classmate back in the fifties. Likewise, Chan Meng Fye is also one of my Archer in Selangor during the eighties/nineties.

    I remember you but that was long long ago in the seventies. I then work in D&C Bank and was close to Ng Ah Seng; Johnson Pang; Joyce Richie and sometime spoke to Molly Tong and Tay Ah Lek who was in Public Finance with Wong Sek Wah.

    I am retired now and my morning walking pal is Tan Kee Seng who was also with Public Finance before he moved to Mui Bank and thereafter Hong Long Bank. Good to keep in touch after our horrible working days. Wong Sek Wah has two crafts shops in Sungei Wang, but his health is not so good, as he has Heart problem. Do keep in touch on our Bonus days ahead.
    Regards,
    James Leong.

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  7. Ching,
    Just finished browsing the photos and the writeup of your Southern Thailand trip. Wish I was there too. Simply amazing. The photos says a thousand words and captures the mood. Thanks.
    Cheers,
    Choon Y

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  8. Dear Mr Ching,
    It's very interesting to see you and groups of friends backpack to so many interesting places. I would like to do the same when I retired.

    Just wonder how you plan the visit of places of interest. Those were places you never visited before. How do you know where to visit, where to put a night, where to have a good feast. Where is the next stop?

    Regards,
    Kow Wan Hun

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  9. Anonymous30 June, 2011

    I am deeply impressed by your trip. Stumbled upon it while googling my home village gunung rapat.

    You should post it in tripadvisor for the benefit of other travellers.

    Syabas!

    ReplyDelete