Go to the sea, not to escape the heat, but to escape love...

English:

Note: As the original text is empty, the translation is also empty.

This definition does not apply to us, as this trip to the sea is to meet friends and siblings, a total of 5 years.

Individuals from both within and outside the country have made sacrifices, such as traveling, taking time off work, and enduring physical hardships, to be here for this purpose. (Only one person is missing, who has already achieved success.)

Over the course of 3 nights and 4 days, we barely slept for 15 hours (we missed each other so much, we talked for ages).

Fun, happiness, excitement, and wide smiles were once again present in Fin In Trip. ^_____________^

***Total trip expenses (Takua Pa, Similan Islands, Khao Lak, Khao Sok)

Renting a car and splitting the cost among multiple people can bring the price down to 5,500 baht per person (excluding round-trip airfare).

Note: For this trip, we spent 4,000 baht (excluding airfare and travel expenses) thanks to my wonderful friends! ^^

**Acknowledgments**

Following the review of "Backpacking in Southern Vietnam, Following Our Two or Three People, Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat, Mui Ne, etc." in the middle of the month,

I can feel that the information I have carefully prepared is very beneficial to my friends.

Thank you for all the support, especially to my friends from the "Backpack Travel" group.

It inspires us to capture beautiful photos and gather valuable information every time we travel.

This post will focus on Takua Pa, Similan, and Khao Lak.

A new thread will be opened to take you on an exciting and adventurous trip to Khao Sok National Park. ^^

Please wait for the translation. . . We will continue at 22.30 on April 17th. We bought a bus ticket to Future Park, which took 5.30 hours. We slept on the bus intermittently.

At 3:30 AM, I felt like a country bumpkin in the big city, having never been out this late before.

Taxi: Where are you going?

We: Don Mueang Airport.

Taxi: 200 baht

You: Do you charge by the meter?

Taxi: "Hey, just flag me down and I'll charge you by the meter. No other taxi will stop for you!"

The words were so infuriating, my blood boiled. I couldn't take it anymore. I stormed off and hailed a taxi.

Finally, I found a kind taxi driver who charged me 95 baht according to the meter. It was worth the wait! However, it took a while to hail a taxi.

Arriving at Don Mueang at 4:00 AM and catching a flight at 9:30 AM. Hmm, I won't put up with that. I'll just sleep. Finding a location won't be difficult. On chairs, on the floor, giggle.

Upon waking, I embarked on a journey to meet my friends in Surat Thani.

English:

It only takes an hour to get there, but it took until 3:00 PM for everyone to arrive.

On this trip, we were incredibly fortunate to have friends from Surat Thani and Phang Nga in our group. Their local knowledge and connections provided us with invaluable support in terms of transportation, food, and accommodation on certain days.

Another surprise on this trip! A friend who couldn't make it sent me some money and told me to use it to eat well. Oh my, I'm about to cry... Thank you so much!

For those without a personal vehicle, please follow the exit signs. You will see a pink illuminated sign in front of you, where the Pantip company will be available to assist you with transportation.

There are many ways to get there, including buses, vans, taxis, and rental cars. The prices are as follows:

Car rental services are available here for 1,000 baht per day, including a full tank of gas. You must return the car with a full tank. This is a cost-effective option for groups.

Alternatively, you can rent a car from Nok Air. We have seen them on the website, and they have vinyl stickers attached. There are two prices: 620 and 840 baht. AirAsia also offers car rentals, but they are more expensive, starting at 1,000 baht.

Those who plan to visit the Similan Islands should be aware that the trip starts early in the morning at 8:00 AM. Therefore, an overnight stay is required. Some people choose to fly directly to Phuket Airport, which may be more convenient.

If you are traveling from Surat Thani Airport to the Similan Islands, it is recommended to find accommodation near Khao Lak. Most tour operators offer free pick-up and drop-off services for tourists in the Khao Lak area.

Transportation: Take a van from Surat Thani Airport to Khao Sok for 200 baht, then transfer to Khao Lak. Please research for more information.

We are currently a group of 3 out of 6, and it will be a while before we are all together. So we stopped by the city center of Surat Thani to find something to eat. We were very hungry. We asked a local friend from Surat Thani to pick us up. It took 30 minutes to get to the city center. Our friend told us that this restaurant, called "Yod Keng", was very good. It must be really good because it was very crowded. The food prices were between 40-70 baht. The seller was an elderly aunt. The other person who was helping her had a very clear voice and was very fast at calculating the bill. She didn't even need a calculator. I suddenly felt like I was bad at math.

Alright, four people came and ordered like ten people. Haha, we were just hungry! The signature dishes here are "Long Tong" and "Morning Glory Climbing the Fence." They're amazing, seriously! So delicious, you don't even need to add any seasoning. I love them! You're probably wondering what they are, right? We have some information for you to read.

Let's take a look at the menu we ordered.

Number 1: Loong Tong Nam Dam (Black Water Loong Tong) is a vermicelli noodle soup with a thick, sweet broth similar to that of "guay jub" (a Vietnamese noodle soup), and comes with a generous serving of Loong Tong toppings. It's delicious! (40 baht)

Sentence 2: Climbing Morning Glory

This dish, aptly named "Climbing Morning Glory," features sliced morning glory stems in a bed of dried rice vermicelli. The accompanying bright red dipping sauce may appear intimidating, but fear not, it's a delightful sweet and sour concoction. A must-try for just 40 baht.

Number 3, Clear Tom Yum (Original), is similar to Clear Tom Yum with Black Soy Sauce, but with a clear broth. It is fragrant and easy to drink (40 baht).

Number 4: Sticky rice with mango (60 baht) is only available seasonally. The mango is sweet and sour, and it's quite good.

Dessert (Number 5)

This stall offers a wide variety of sweet treats, including combined desserts, sticky rice in coconut milk, sago pudding, water chestnut in syrup, crispy roti, and cendol. The taste is quite good, and the price is reasonable at 15-20 baht.

Number 6 needs no explanation, right? It's so delicious that it's all gone. ^^

Today's meal cost 450 baht, which is truly good value for money (although the sticky rice with mango was a bit pricey).

After lunch, we stopped by our friend's house and had her mother drop us all off at the airport again to meet up with another friend who was arriving. We then continued our journey to Takua Pa, Phang Nga, where another friend was waiting for us. It was a bit chaotic, but we managed. We traveled by a white and green minivan from Surat Thani Airport to Khao Sok for 200 baht per person.

The car will be parked in front of the entrance to Khao Sok National Park. This is where the queue for vans and buses to various destinations is located. We chartered a van again to Takua Pa for 1,000 baht, which will take us directly to our accommodation, which our friend has already booked for us.

The road from Khao Sok to Takua Pa is lined with rubber and palm trees, with a backdrop of uniquely shaped mountains unlike those found elsewhere in Thailand. The mountains appear to have been eroded by rain, creating a beautiful landscape. At times, the road passes through tunnels of trees. Another highlight of the journey is the sight of fog and low-lying clouds in the late afternoon during the hot season. It's truly amazing! Our excitement doubled when we arrived at "Baan Ton Rak," our accommodation for the night. From the outside, it appeared small and ordinary, but upon entering, we were greeted by a stunning view of a beautiful pond. The house, which sleeps six people and has one bathroom, costs 1,200 baht per night. It also comes with a rowing boat.

After packing, I was hungry again and wanted to have a big meal. So I asked a local friend from Takua Pa to take me to a delicious restaurant. Everyone wanted to eat "Moo Kata" (Thai BBQ), so my friend recommended "Moo Kata Krua Khao Yok" located in the Yai Yan area, before reaching Takua Pa Hospital. The price is affordable, only 129 baht per person (excluding drinks and ice). The restaurant is not fancy, but it's comfortable and has a steady stream of customers without being overcrowded. The pork tastes good, especially the black pepper marinated pork, turmeric marinated pork, and BBQ pork. The meat is tender and flavorful, with a hint of spices. They also offer desserts and ice cream. You don't get charged for leftovers, which is great. This meal cost us 950 baht. Oh, and there's a stall in front of the restaurant that sells "Kway Chap" (rice noodle soup with pork), which you can buy and eat inside the Moo Kata restaurant.

Although I was already full, my friend insisted that I try the teh tarik and roti at "Ice Tea" shop, located opposite the Takua Pa Municipality, since I was already in Takua Pa.

Number 1: Iced Milk Tea, Iced Green Tea, Shaken, Fizzy, Fragrant, Creamy, Delicious (Order cold 15, shaken 17 baht)

Number 2, Charabam, is a hot tea that resembles condensed milk poured at the bottom with Cha Chak tea poured on top. When served, it bounces like it is dancing. (30 baht)

Number 3, Volcano Roti. At first, I thought it would be a flat roti sprinkled with Milo or something like shaved ice. When it was served, everyone at the table was amazed. It was truly a magnificent creation. We used our hands to tear it apart and dip it in the Milo and condensed milk below. It was crispy and delicious. (30 baht)

Number 4: Crispy roti, original style. Dry and delicious, perfect for dipping in condensed milk and sprinkling with sugar. (25 baht)

Number 5: Roti with egg, soft dough. Milk and sugar are provided separately for you to pour and sprinkle as you like. (25 baht)

The total is 195 baht.

Expenses on April 18, 2016

The cost of the car is 2,000 baht.

Accommodation fee: 1200 Baht

Food cost 1595

Total 4795 Baht for 6 people.

Approximately 800 Baht per person

The first day passed with great satisfaction. Tonight, the six of us are staying in Takua Pa District, Phang Nga Province. Today felt like a real eating and tasting trip. We ate until our stomachs were full and our eyelids were drooping. But we didn't want to sleep because we were busy chatting. It's been a while since we've seen each other, so we'll continue tomorrow at Similan. ^^ This morning we woke up at 6:00 am. You might ask how many hours we slept? Very little. There was only one bathroom, so we took turns. But most of us chose not to shower because we had just showered earlier in the evening and we were going to be in the water again anyway. Hehe, a clear excuse. From Takua Pa to Thap Lamu Pier, it takes about 30-45 minutes. For this Similan trip, we chose a tour from Fantastic Similan Travel. At that time, there was a promotion, so a friend booked it for us at 1900 baht. Tours from other companies were around 2500 baht/person. This price includes the park entrance fee, breakfast, lunch, dinner on the way back from the trip, fruits, snacks and drinks throughout the trip, transportation from hotels in Phuket and Khao Lak, snorkeling equipment (mask/life jacket/fins), and accident insurance.

Upon arrival, we immediately rushed to the counter, 15 minutes late. We paid and quickly grabbed some snacks to avoid starvation. Interestingly, the staff were all third-gender individuals, which was a unique experience. We felt that this trip would be colorful. Before boarding the boat, the tour guide took a group photo of us. Our guide for the trip was Ms. Paula, who would be taking care of us throughout the journey. Paula distributed plastic bags to the tourists and gave a humorous demonstration of vomiting, which made the foreigners laugh. The boat we were on was a speedboat that could accommodate almost 45 tourists.

We had heard of falling asleep standing up, but we managed to fall asleep sitting down! The 1.30-hour journey was long, but we knew that the beauty that awaited us was worth the wait. As the boat slowed down, Paula announced that we had arrived at the first island, Island 8, or Ko Similan, the largest island and the namesake of the Similan Islands National Park. In the distance, we could see the iconic Sail Rock, the symbol of this island.

We were among the first groups to arrive at the island, and there were few people around. What a stroke of luck!

Paula gave us an hour to admire the beauty of the island, the beach, and the sea. We wasted no time and hurried to the Sail Rock viewpoint. The path involved climbing up a rocky slope and natural stairs made of tree roots, with rope railings for support at intervals. There were small passages and paths through the crevices of the rocks. The walk took about 10-15 minutes. Be careful, as some parts can be slippery.

The ascent reveals breathtaking panoramic ocean vistas and the majestic Sail Rock. The crystal-clear waters showcase vibrant coral reefs, with hues ranging from light to deep blue. A scenic viewpoint awaits on a hilltop behind the island, accessible by a 2-kilometer hike, which may be time-constrained.

Looking south, you can see the beautiful Horseshoe Bay. But are those people or ants?!

A view in the middle of the sea. Zooming in with the camera will capture a picture like this ^^

We walked to the back to get a closer look at the Sail Rock. There is a wooden bridge connecting the deep holes of the rock. Each step was a thrill.

Let's take a selfie! ^^

Behind the sailboat rock, we can see beautiful views like this.

Front view of the sailboat rock

From Hin Reua Bo, you can see the nine islands nearby.

On Koh 8, also known as Similan Island, there is a tourist service center with a camping ground where visitors can pitch their own tents. Restrooms, restaurants, and boats for diving are available, but there are no accommodations. Be aware that the restrooms may not be clean due to the high volume of tourists, especially as the island's closure approaches.

Time flies. We went down to the beach, where the team had prepared cold water for us to quench our thirst. The weather was hot, as is typical for the seaside. We went for a walk on the beach, and there were so many people. I thought most of them would be Westerners, but I was wrong. There were plenty of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese tourists. It was a good thing we came as one of the first groups; otherwise, it would have been even more chaotic.

This person is incredibly cool.

Note: As the original text is empty, there is nothing to translate.

***Total trip expenses (Takua Pa, Similan Islands, Khao Lak, Khao Sok)

Renting a car and splitting the cost among multiple people will come out to approximately 5,500 baht per person (excluding round-trip airfare).

Note: For this trip, we spent 4,000 baht excluding flights and travel expenses. Thankfully, I have good friends! ^^

The daily expenses will be summarized in each day's post. Please take a look at the post "Love the sea when she is with me... It's too beautiful to describe..."

Fortunately, I'm with friends. Traveling alone would be a different experience. I usually prefer mountains to the sea.

Seeking refuge in the verdant mountains, where the air is cool and refreshing. The allure of the sea is undeniable, but the scorching sun and my sensitivity to light make it difficult to fully embrace its allure.

A simple view of the soft-colored sea, white sandy beaches, and beautiful scenery is enough to satisfy me. But this time, we went all out because we were with friends. ^^

Come visit before the island closes.

Tourist season closed from May 1st to October 31st of every year.

The tourist season reopens from November 1st to April 30th of each year.

Paula took us to Koh 7, also known as Koh Phayue. This island does not have a beach. We then continued to Koh 9, also known as Koh Bangoo.

We are finally going diving again! It's been three years since our last dive, and we are so excited. Let's take a look at the atmosphere.

The seawater is crystal clear and beautiful. I love it! ><

Each dive with Paula lasts approximately 40 minutes, which feels too short.

The first time I went diving at Koh 7, I wasn't very good at it because I was a beginner. But when I went back to Koh 9, I was much better and hardly came up for air.

Nine Island boasts a population of giant sea turtles, with sightings of approximately three individuals. During my visit, I observed a single turtle but was unable to capture a photograph.

The sea here is truly beautiful, with crystal-clear water and soft, white sand. However, we were not impressed by the underwater scenery. The coral reefs were dark and white, resembling debris.

The fish population is sparse, with only a few species present. Therefore, we do not recommend this location for underwater photography.

After diving at Koh 7 and Koh 9, we boarded the boat. The boat was well-stocked with drinks, so there was no need to worry about thirst. Even if there weren't any drinks, we could always drink seawater, which is full of iodine!

The boat brought us to the last island, Island 4 or Miang Island, which is the location of the Similan Islands National Park headquarters. The white sand beaches are both large and small. For the small beach, you have to walk through the rainforest for about 15 minutes. It is home to the Nicobar pigeon, the fruit bat, and the robber crab, which has a sound similar to a chick, as well as various other wildlife. The island also has a freshwater source. There are bungalows, a camping ground, and a convenience store.

Paula requested 30 minutes to prepare the food. Afterwards, you may line up to receive your meal.

We and our friends reserved two mats and spread them under a tall, shady tree. It looked cool and refreshing. When it was time, we went to get our food.

The meal consisted of steamed rice, stir-fried young jackfruit with chili paste (delicious), stir-fried cauliflower (a bit too soft, probably cooked for a bit too long), spicy fried chicken drumsticks, and chicken in galangal soup (aromatic).

The restaurant also offers spaghetti with tomato sauce, which is a popular choice among Western diners. Some Westerners also opt for rice dishes, which we find charming.

After finishing lunch around 1:30 PM, I felt full, tired, and sleepy. The wind was blowing constantly, and there was a mat available. So, I decided to take a nap. Zzz.

A couple of our friends still had energy, so they walked to the back of the island, through the rainforest for about 15 minutes.

Our friends encountered several plump, black fruit bats hanging upside down from trees. Unfortunately, they were still asleep.

And behind the island at the small beach, the view is beautiful, with rows of rocky outcrops.

15:00 hrs. Paula called us to board the boat. The return trip took another 1.30 hours. We were all exhausted and fell asleep.

We sometimes flinch at the sound of laughter, wondering if it's directed at us.

Nodding off, yawning, drooling – just your typical day, huh? ;)

4:30 PM. We arrived safely at Thap Lamu Pier. As soon as we disembarked, they presented us with two framed photos taken before the trip (for sale). It was quite a surprise.

At 200 baht each, I'm not buying any souvenirs. I've already taken plenty of pictures with my friends on my phone.

Upon returning to the starting point, we were presented with a selection of snacks, including pandan leaf cake rolls, cornflake cookies, brownies, and beverages. Coconut ice cream was also available. The flavors were satisfactory.

Our trip to Similan Islands was great! We would rate it 8/10.

The trip was incredibly affordable, with an abundance of food and beverages. The guide was excellent, and we had a lot of fun. The sea was stunning, with crystal-clear water and beautiful sandy beaches.

Two points were deducted for the diving experience. The coral was not beautiful, and there were few fish. It felt like diving to see ancient ruins.

Capturing aesthetically pleasing photographs with a clear background amidst a large crowd presents a significant challenge. This factor is particularly difficult to control, especially during the year-end period when the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is in effect.

I hope that natural tourist attractions will not deteriorate further. Oh... I don't want to think about it. My heart sinks...

We will be traveling to our accommodation tonight at Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park.

Next, visit the walking street or cultural street in Takua Pa, Phang Nga Province.

After a 30-minute drive, we arrived at Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park. We will be spending the night here in a very large house, perhaps even too large.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a living room that can be converted into a bedroom with 4 beds, accommodating a total of 10 people.

The room is spacious enough to accommodate up to 10 people comfortably. It features a balcony that extends outwards.

Looking ahead, you will see a sea view. You can hear the sound of the wind and the waves. It's a pleasant sound. The price is 2,000 baht/night.

Note: The shower and bidet have strong water pressure. Please be careful, or you might get a surprise! ><

Front view.

Let's explore the bottom. We found a crab. It's a sea crab, probably a mud crab (information from Issie).

It is incredible how nature can create such beauty. It is truly a work of art.

In the evening, the seawater recedes, revealing a beach littered with rocks. Scattered among the rocks are the remains of shells, washed ashore by the waves. Soon, they will become fossils.

It's time to enter Takua Pa. Our friend drove along the smooth Bang Sak Beach. The sun is setting on the horizon, truly beautiful. The orange light is warm and gentle on the eyes.

This evening's destination is Takua Pa Walking Street, also known as the Cultural Street, located on Si Takua Pa Road. It takes place every Sunday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

During the months of November to April, the buildings in this area are characterized by their old Sino-Portuguese architectural style.

The buildings here present a fascinating contrast, with some retaining their original appearance while others have been freshly painted. This harmonious blend creates a unique atmosphere that invites visitors to immerse themselves in its charm.

Takua Pa is a must-visit district in Phang Nga province, known for its friendly locals, peaceful atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage.

Historically known as "Takola," this area served as a vital port, a central trading hub, and a strategic shortcut for transporting goods across the Malay Peninsula from the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand. Notably, it was also the site of Thailand's most extensive tin production.

Additionally, there is the Baan Takua Pa Museum, which showcases antiques, collectibles, and historical artifacts for visitors to enjoy free of charge.

Regarding food, there are many things I want to try. Everything looks delicious. Personally, I already like southern Thai food because the flavors are strong. Let's take a look at the food.

Number 1, O-aew. I usually eat this in Phuket, but today I found it in Phang Nga and was surprised. I had to buy it and try it. It looks like jelly and is made from the mucilage of o-aew seeds mixed with the mucilage of kluai nam wa banana, then cooked in a jia guo to form a jelly-like mass. The preparation seems quite difficult. - - But it's delicious to eat with shaved ice and topped with Hale's Blue Boy syrup. So refreshing! So refreshing!

Number 2: "Luk Chok", similar to "Luk Chit" but smaller and rounder. It is served with chilled syrup and ice, and it is delicious.

Number 3, deep-fried fish eggs, looks just like roti!

Number 4: Spicy and salty sour curry with mixed vegetables and fish.

The five flat, round nuggets are fish cakes, which the people of Takua Pa call "fish balls." They are delicious and well-made.

Number 6, once salty (meaning it's not salty anymore, surprise!), is made from "เคย", which are tiny shrimps used to make shrimp paste. It has a salty, sweet, and savory flavor.

Number 7, stir-fried Parkia speciosa beans. Just one bean is enough (meaning that just one bean leaves a long-lasting Parkia speciosa smell in the mouth, similar to the smell of Leucaena leucocephala).

After finishing our meal, we stopped by 7-Eleven to buy some things. When we were about to leave, the car wouldn't start. My friend had only left the headlights on for 5 minutes. How is that possible?!

Fortunately, a kind bystander named "พี่คิว" who was driving a local shared taxi ("รถสองแถว") came to my aid. He used jumper cables to connect the battery terminals, and after a few attempts, the car started successfully. I am incredibly grateful for his assistance and kindness.

Tonight, we had a party and drank a lot of glasses, bottles, and even a whole crate of alcohol. It was almost morning before we went to sleep. Luckily, we were the only ones in the whole park. Good night, everyone! Tomorrow, we'll continue our journey to Cheow Lan Dam. ^^

Expenses for April 19, 2015.

Similan Islands Trip Cost: 1900 THB per person.

Food cost 1000 baht

Accommodation in Khao Lak for 2000 baht

Translation:

Total 14400 Baht / 6 people

Approximately 2400 Baht per person. Good morning, April 20, 2021.

Let's take a shower, get dressed, and go down to see the sea. The water recedes in the evening and rises in the morning. The waves and wind are a bit strong today.

The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was deafening.

Translation:

The seawater here is as clear as anywhere else, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

As we walked along the rocky outcrop, we noticed something moving with a tail. At first, we were startled, thinking it was a snake, but it wasn't.

It's a "hey" character, a lucky child. Well, it's auspicious from the morning.

This morning, we took our time and checked out of our hotel around 10:30 AM. We then headed towards Khao Sok National Park, stopping at the "Thai Muslim" restaurant along the way to grab some lunch.

Passing through Takua Pa, don't forget to stop by this shop.

Number 1: Turmeric-fragrant Chicken Biryani, topped with crispy fried shallots and drizzled with the restaurant's signature dipping sauce. Oh, so delicious!

(However, the chicken drumstick was a bit tough. My friend suggested ordering the thigh instead.)

Number 2, Oxtail Soup, is incredibly delicious. The fragrant aroma of the meat fills the air, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the tender, fatty meat is simply divine. Pure bliss...

Number 3, Goat Curry: This was my first time trying goat meat, and it was surprisingly tender and flavorful. It didn't have any gamey smell, and it tasted similar to pork. The curry sauce was rich and delicious, and it paired perfectly with the roti.

Number 4 is called "2-1". This might sound confusing, but it's actually a shorthand order for "two roti and one fried egg".

Number 5, Roti Mataba, served with satay sauce. It's delicious, but be careful not to overindulge as it can be quite rich.

Order number 6 is turmeric-infused rice, which looks very delicious. 30 boxes have been ordered, and the shop is busy preparing them. ^^

The total cost of the meal was 575 baht, shared among 6 people.

When the army marches on its stomach, after a hearty meal, let's go to Nex Station, the expert grandson, Dammmmm!

Stay tuned for the next episode "A Spicy and Fiery Trip to Khao Sok" at >> http://pantip.com/topic/33579165

Thank you to my friends, Be and Chabby, for providing me with these beautiful photos from various angles that I had missed. ^^

Thank you all for following.

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