Kho Lipe

 It had been a long day travelling. The next morning after sleeping the sleep of the blessed we awoke refreshed. It was dark when we got here so we were not quite sure what awaited us. We have once again hit the jackpot. It's a gorgeous little collection of wooden chalets on a steep hillside running down to a glorious quiet beach. The view from our balcony would put any self respecting post card to shame.

A series of wooden steps run down from our chalet directly to the hotel bar and restaurant.  The beach is very pretty and directly below us is one of the recommended reefs for swimming and snorkeling. The reef isn't huge but is full of coral and marine life.

This is the first of the islands we have visited after Phuket that has "shops" other than the occasional 7 11. The 7 11 is the Asian equivalent of the Spar in Europe and can often be lifesavers for essential travel requirements but it's offerings are usually sparse at best.. Crispy needed to restock her supply of "products" and we desperately needed some more sun cream. As such our first job was to walk the 15 minutes across the island to purchase said supplies. Once the shopping trip was completed we headed back to our lodgings and went on the beach. Swimming, lounging and snorkeling on the reef.

Early evening we again made our way to walking street to eat and partake of a few beers. This is the first place that has a fair number of places to eat and real bars. It definitely feels like a holiday town and it's busy but feels very comfortable and relaxed.

It is different from what we are used to over the past few weeks but surprisingly a very pleasant change. We ate well on tom yum and settled in a really cool bar. Some chairs and tables but mostly just cushions and pillows.  After we had had our fill we got a motorcycle taxi back to the hotel. 

 The previous night I had arranged a long tail to take us on a tour of the local islands and a stop at the best snorkeling spots.  After breakfast oor skipper picked us up from the beach and once more we were on the water. I think on average this trip we have spent more time afloat than on land. 

The skipper took us around the islands and as promised stopped at the best spots for snorkeling. The first spot was again deep water and very choppy. The snorkeling was good at the foot of a sea cliff but hard going in the rough sea. There were plenty of fish and coral but it was deep so difficult to see in the rough water. The next stop was better. A large reef in clearer water but full of small jelly fish. Thousands of them. We swam and crispy was stung several times so climbed out and waited for me on the boat. I was surrounded by them but never felt them sting once. I guess they only like girls. The reef was extensive and was home to all manner of fish and marine life. The coral was healthy and it was interesting.

The third spot was the best. Shallow, crystal clear water and thousands of fish. It was even better than the reef off Kho Kradan. Beautiful coral of every colour and fish so vibrant they looked like a toddler had painted them. Every colour and hue in every shape and size you could imagine. We swam here for ages and Dear old Crispy loved it. Once again I am so pleased that she has mastered snorkeling and can see what wonders lie beneath the waves. She is an expert now and loves it even more than me.

We had been hoping that we would get to see clown fish whilst we were here. Nemo as it is now better known. Here they were everywhere. Every coral had the tiny orange and white Nemos darting between their swaying fronds. We were so pleased to have met them. We have been incredibly lucky in so much as we have seen everything that was on our list. We must be in the good books of the big guy upstairs.

After returning from our trip we once more showered and went back into town for tea. Once repeat we again went into the bar we found last night. We have an early speedboat ride in the morning. 5 hours back to Phuket via Kho Lanta so we only had a few drinks. The ride is going to be hard work with a clear head let alone feeling fragile. We did however meet a lovely young German couple who are travelling around the islands, Marco and Candy. We swopped tails of adventures past and I probably bored them senseless but it was a lovely couple of hours.  

Early to bed in readiness for another and final long days travelling prior to our flight home. 

Bare and Crispy signing off, Kho Lipe , Thailand.