It was our last day on Kho Libong and we have loved it here. It was a treat for dear old Crispy and she has thoroughly enjoyed it. Even the trauma of the kayak will fade into a happy memory. The Tigerline speed boat was booked for 14:45 but to save any hanging around at the hotel we took a motorcycle taxi to the pier at 11:30 after breakfast.
Early I agree but it seemed better to get across the island and spend a couple of hours watching the boats coming and going rather than hang about at the hotel. The time passed quickly and 14:45 came and went. The speedboat was delayed and we had another 3 hours wait before it eventually came into view.
Once it was here we quickly boarded and set off for the 2 hour crossing to Kho Lipe. The sea was rough, very rough and the high powered boat ploughed it's way across open ocean. Bouncing and crashing through the waves. It was like being in a washing machine. The boat leaving the water and crashing down with a jolt every few seconds. Listing left and right against the current. It was not the most sedate of crossings by any means. Plus the windows are above seat height so it's impossible to orientated yourselves.
We got talking ( over the roar of the four outboard engines) to a young British couple who now live in southern Spain. She is a private chef and he works as a tour guide for American students doing the grand tour through Andalucia. Handy thinks I as in nine weeks time we too will be touring the cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville on a little 2 week trip to Espania. He has given me his number and asked me to contact him when we get to Granada. He will be our free private guide.
Eventually we arrived at Koh Lipe. 3 hours later than expected. The speedboats only operate in daylight hours and as such don't have any internal lights. We alighted onto the beach in total darkness with the aid of torches. Pattaya beach was busy. Neon lights and lots of tourists patrolling walking street.
Every Asian resort town has a walking street. Either called walking street or bar street. I mentioned the one in old Phuket when we were there. This one was manic. Shops, bars, restaurants all full of the regular tourist tat. It was a shock after our quiet island life over the past 3 weeks. Our lodgings are on the north of the island at sunset beach so I knew it would be a lot quieter. Koh Lipe is the last of the islands we will visit on this trip before heading back north to Phuket in readiness for the flight home. I thought it important to see it as it completes our tour of every island in the gulf of Thailand. Plus being far out to sea it has some of the best snorkeling and clearest water of all the Andaman and Trang islands.
We are tired after a very long day travelling. It should have been a breeze but that's travelling for you.
We got to our lodgings after a short motorcycle taxi trip and found our room. A little chalet on jungle covered hills overlooking a cute little sandy bay. It looks really rustic, nice and quiet so will suit our needs. Tomorrow is going to be a chill day while I try to sort out onward transport. I know there is a speedboat but don't relish the thoughts of a 5 hour crossing if it is going to be anything like today's. I'm hoping there is a slow boat where we could sit on deck and proceed at a more leisurely pace. Plus I need to arrange a full days snorkelling to keep Crispy occupied while we are here.
Early to bed
Bare and Crispy signing off, Kho Lipe, Thailand
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