2Up and Overloaded
  • HOME
  • ADVENTURES
    • Videos
    • Blog
    • Books
  • TOURS
    • Borneo Tour
    • Thailand Tour
  • GEAR
    • Tim's Gear
    • Marisa's Gear
    • The Bike
    • Luggage & Bags
    • Camping
    • Electronics
    • Safety
  • BIO
  • SUBSCRIBE

Thailand Tour

Thailand Tour

Thailand Tour – Day 1

Thailand Tour – Day 2

Thailand Tour – Day 3

Thailand Tour – Day 4

Thailand Tour – Day 5

Thailand Tour – Day 6

Thailand Tour – Day 7

Thailand Tour – Day 8

Thailand Tour – Day 9

Thailand Tour – Day 10

Thailand Tour – Packing List

Thailand Tour – FAQ

Picture
Start Location - Mae Chaem
End Location - Chiang Mai
Distance Riding - 191 kilometers | 119 miles
Hours Riding - 5 hours
Longest Continuous Ride - 1 hour 20 minutes
Meals Included - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
​Main Activity - Royal Pagodas of Mount Doi Inthanon
Max Elevation - 2,543 meters | 8,343 feet
Picture
Elevation Rise - 2,109 meters | 6,919 feet
Total Elevation Gain - 2,565 meters | 8,415 feet
End Point Elevation - 301 meters | 990 feet
Picture
We have saved the best for last.

Today is our final day of being in northern Thailand, as well as riding our big bikes on these gorgeous mountainous roads. And today's ride is going to be the ultimate ride - to the very top of Thailand's tallest mountain, Doi Inthanon. This isn't just a fantastic road or a feat to be conquered, it's a spiritual journey of sorts. Because Doi Inthanon is more than a mountain - it's a sacred place to the Thai people, a holy spot that overlooks their entire kingdom. 
Picture
​It's so sacred in fact, that they have built something very special on top of the mountain which we are going to see.

​So come along with us for this ride of all rides...

Breakfast

Picture
Mornings in the foothills of Doi Inthanon are normally misty and crisp. We'll definitely be feeling the chill in the air (for perhaps the last time) as we have a simple but filling breakfast of eggs, fried rice, toast, and jam.
Picture
Picture
We'll be leaving as early as we possibly can so that we can get on the road, get into the twisties, and start making our way up the colossal slopes of Doi Inthanon.

Ride Up the Mountain

Picture
As the sun evaporates the morning mist, we'll twist our way up and up and up as we scale Thailand's highest mountain.
Picture
The ride will weave through different stages of forests, from lowland deciduous trees, to more alpine conifers, all the way up to where the tree line ends and the views begin.
Picture

The Royal Pagodas

Picture
As we reach the summit of the mountain, we will find ourselves at the base of two towering and beautiful modern Thai pagodas. These are known as Phra Mahathat Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri. But if you find those names are a mouthful (I sure do), you can just call them the Royal Pagodas.
Picture
Picture
One of the wonderful things about visiting these pagodas is that although they are located almost at the very pinnacle of the mountain, you don't need to hike up tons of stairs to see them. Because they have escalators here! Yes, escalators! How awesome is that?
Picture
Picture
Plus, there are lush gardens all around with flowers, ponds, fountains, and of course, you're surrounded by the unbelievable and expansive views from the mountaintop. The architects of this place wanted the experience to be as serene and magical as possible, and they have succeeded.
Picture
Picture
Picture
These pagodas were built at one of Thailand's most sacred spots to commemorate the 60th birthdays of the former royal family, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. The first pagoda for King Bhumibol is of red granite while the second pagoda for Queen Sirikit is a delicate purple. Both are encased in gorgeous bas reliefs and murals depicting a mixture of Buddhist scenes and Thai mythology. On the inside, you'll find Buddhist artifacts and relics, as well as more murals outlining some of the benevolant acts the King and Queen did for the Thai people.
Picture
Explore the gardens, take in the views, and bathe in the history that is represented here as the Thai people commemorate their beloved royal family. It's impressive how they've mixed both ancient and modern symbolism while creating an enchanting place that is worthy of its spot at the top of their tallest, most sacred mountain.
Picture
Picture

To the Apex of Thailand

Picture
Not even ten minutes up the road from the pagodas is the tallest point in all of Thailand - the peak of Doi Inthanon. We're going to take a short ride up here on the motorcycles, so don't worry, no hiking is involved.

From the parking lot, it's a minute stroll over to the marker of the highest point. And standing at 8,415 feet / 2,564 meters, the views from up here will surely take your breath away.  As you look out across the horizon, you'll be able to say that you are standing on the highest point in Thailand!
Picture

Ride Down into the Foothills

Picture
From Doi Inthanon's highest point, we'll be twisting our way back down.
Picture
Picture
You'll certainly need to use a lot of engine breaking for this.
Picture

Wachirathan Waterfall

Picture
Picture
Right off the road, these stunning waterfalls are a sight not to be missed! The rush and flow of the water, the spray, the thunderous roar, the rainbows... This is the epitome of nature's raw power on full display.
Picture
Wachirathan means "diamond creek falls" in Thai, and although the falls themselves are broken up by different levels, their accumulative height is 80 meters / 262 feet! And we'll be visiting it at just the right time of year when the rainy season has ended and all that rain has created the dramatic splendor that is Wachirathan Falls.
Picture
Picture

Lunch

We'll order lunch at a little restaurant located by the falls themselves. You'll be able to order your favorite Thai dishes while listening to the roar of the water not too far away. 
Picture
Picture
If you like Pad Thai, then this is a great opportunity to try one of Thailand's other fantastic noodle dishes, such as Pad See Ew. This dish is made with Thailand's signature thick rice noodles (20 years ago, that was the only type of noodle you could find in Thailand), and is beloved for its fragrant aroma from frying the soy sauce. In fact, Pad See Ew actually means "fried soy sauce".
Picture
Although Pad See Ew may be served with chopsticks, that's only because of its ancient Chinese origins. Thailand has always been at a cultural crossroads where people of different culinary backgrounds mixed (which may be why Thai food is so good). So you'll find that chopsticks are used for noodle dishes here while forks and spoons are used for everything else.

Ride to Doi Suthep

Picture
Picture
Picture
After lunch, we'll be corkscrewing our way down the final twists of the mountain road and back into the urban valley that is Chiang Mai. But we won't be staying in the city for too long, because we are headed to Chiang Mai's most famous (and in my opinion, most fabulous) site - the mountaintop monastery of Doi Suthep.
Picture
And although the ride up the mountain of Doi Suthep is short, only about 20 minutes in total, it's such a perfectly winding road of smooth pavement and tight turns, you and your motorcycle will be dancing all the way up to the temple.

Doi Suthep Monastery

Picture
This Buddhist temple and monastery at the top of Mount Doi Suthep is one of the most iconic, peaceful, and joyful places in all of Thailand. Your visit to Chiang Mai simply wouldn't be complete without coming here, and so that is why we have included it as the final stop on our northern Thailand portion of the tour.
Picture
Picture
When first arriving at the base of the temple, we'll park, and then you have a choice - walk up the famous naga dragon staircase to the temple (309 steps in total), or take the cable car. We find that the steps aren't too bad, but either way, once you get up to the entrance, you'll immediately feel how beautiful the sanctity of this space is.
Picture
Picture
​This fantastic sacred monastery on a mountain feels like it's taken right out of the ancient legends of Eastern mythology. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was said to have been founded in 1383 when the first stupa was built. And it's still being used today in much the same way as it always has been. 

Legend has it that in 1368, a relic of Buddha's shoulder bone was broken into two pieces. One piece was sent to Wat Suan Dok, and the other was tied to the back of a white elephant (a sacred symbol in Thai culture) and released into the forest. Then it was said that the elephant stopped here at Doi Suthep, trumpeted three times, and then died. This was considered to be a spiritual omen, and the temple was soon after constructed on this site.
Picture
If we're lucky, we'll be able to catch the monks chanting, giving the entire experience a truly mystical and captivating feel.
Picture
Picture
Once at the main stupa, you'll have the opportunity to make a circuit walk around in a clockwise direction, three times. You may also purchase a flower to place on the altar or light a candle to give thanks for the incredible journey we've had around the mountains of northern Thailand.
Picture
Picture
And as you gaze below to the city of Chiang Mai, the same place in which we started our adventures, you'll be reminded of how much we have seen and how much we've accomplished since we were last here. 

And we're only halfway done with the tour! So much more is to come...
Picture

Your Accommodations

Picture
This evening, we'll be back in the city of Chiang Mai and back at the lovely hotel where we started. Get out of those riding boots and jacket, dip in the pool, hit the spa, and enjoy your last night in northern Thailand. 
Picture
Picture
Picture

Dinner

Picture
We'll be having dinner tonight right at the hotel itself, which has an assortment of Thai and Western cuisine to choose from.

You might be wondering after seeing all these mouth-watering pictures of Thai food full of chili peppers, is the food here very spicy? And the answer is YES! But thankfully, because the country is so tourism-heavy and used to Westerners, they understand when you ask for your food to be made "not spicy." Also, there are usually Western options available. In other words, if spice is a problem, let us know and we'll do what we can. For more on special dietary requests, please see our FAQ section.
Picture

Last Night in Chiang Mai

Since this is going to be your last night in the oh-so-fun city of Chiang Mai, you may want to celebrate your accomplishments by hitting the town for live music and excellent street food, which is all walking distance from the hotel. Just don't forget, we're leaving very early in the morning to catch our flight to the beach tomorrow.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Now that the northern Thailand portion of our trip is done, tonight we'll go to sleep excited for all the adventures that are to come on the epically gorgeous islands of southern Thailand.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Start Location - Chiang Mai
End Location - Koh Lanta

Distance Traveled by Land (Van) - 86 kilometers | 53 miles
Distance Traveled by Air (Plane) - 637 nautical miles | 733 miles
Distance Traveled by Sea (Ferry) - 0.8 nautical miles | 0.9 miles
Mode of Travel - Plane, Van, and a Ferry
Meals Included - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Main Activity - Enjoying our new beachside surroundings on Koh Lanta
Picture

Flight to Krabi

Picture
We're meeting up bright and early in the lobby of our hotel so that we can get to the airport, get on the plane, and get to our island paradise as quickly as we can. The hotel will pack up our breakfast for us to eat along the way.
Picture
The flight to Krabi from Chiang Mai (included in the tour) is two hours long, and since it's a domestic flight within the country of Thailand, it's a fairly painless process. No customs to go through, no visa issues, and it's such a short flight, by the time you get up in altitude, before you know it you're headed back down.

As someone who does not generally like flying, I have to say that this flight is actually a joy. The direction we go in, the latitude we're at, and the weather patterns at this time of year make it smooth and peaceful.
Picture
Picture
Picture
As we descend into the limestone karst archipelago that is the Andaman Sea side of southern Thailand, you'll notice that the color of the water here is the purest aquamarine turquoise you've ever seen. There's a reason why these beaches always rate as some of the world's best.

But we're not on an island yet. We'll be landing in the town of Krabi (that's what Tim calls me sometimes), and from there we'll make our way by road and ferry to the island where we'll be staying for the rest of our tour.
Picture

Journey to the Island

From the Krabi airport we'll be picked up by a van that will take us to our very own paradise island. There is a ferry involved, but don't worry, you won't have to leave the van or transfer your luggage to another vehicle. This is because our van will actually go onto the ferry.

​It's a relaxing ride to the island, so enjoy the views as we pass through the southern Thailand scenery of mangroves, coastal inlets, and lush farmlands.
Picture
Picture
Thailand has hundreds of islands, and although all are unique in their own ways, some are completely undeveloped, while others are overdeveloped and overrun with tourism. So in order to find the best of the best for this tour, we explored both coasts of Thailand extensively.

​We wanted to pick the perfect island for you to stay on that has it all - beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, full of amenities, but still feels like a hidden gem.
​
​And we have found the perfect island for you! Drumroll please... 

Welcome to Koh Lanta

Picture
You may have heard of Thailand's more famous islands, such as Koh Samui (where HBO's White Lotus was filmed), Phuket, and Koh Phi Phi (where Leonardo Dicaprio's The Beach was filmed). We have explored each of these places, and sadly, we found that they have become too well-known. Too overcrowded and too overbuilt.

Instead, we were looking for something less "paved over". Less night clubs, less high rises, and less hawking vendors. More beaches that felt untouched, more scenery that looked like a post card, more gracious people that were truly enthusiastic to meet you. We were looking for the je ne sais quoi / IT factor of Thai islands.

​And that is what we found on Koh Lanta.
Picture
Picture
So you may not have heard of it, but that's the point. And I couldn't be more excited to introduce you to the heaven-on-earth natural spectacle that is Koh Lanta.
Picture
Koh Lanta has so much to offer compared to other Thai islands, and that's for two very good reasons.

First, it's located in the perfect place - close to all the stunning karst limestone cliff geography, but far enough away from the main hubbub of Phuket to avoid the crowds.

And second, its a fairly large island so it has towns, history, a national park, beaches galore, untouched areas, and lots of island-life roads to take your scooter down. At 30 kilometers long (about 18 miles), you can ride the full length of it, dipping into one beach after the next, for a full hour of bliss before having to turn around.
Picture
In other words, it'll feel like this Thai island was made just for us...

Your Accommodations

We have prepared a real treat for you - because where we'll be staying is a luxury beachside resort! 
Picture
Welcome to your idyllic home away from home (it might even be better than home 😉). So unpack and get comfortable... though that won't be hard to do.
Picture
Picture
Picture
From the moment we arrive, we'll experience first-hand the warm welcome and genuine hospitality of the Koh Lanta people. All that hustle and bustle from Chiang Mai will feel a million miles away, and all your worries and cares will just melt into the reinvigorating sunshine and fresh sea breezes.

​And you haven't even seen your room yet! Just wait until I show you where you'll be staying... 
Picture
Picture

Your Beachfront Bungalow Awaits...

Picture
Picture
Yup, we are going to be booking for you the best rooms they have here - the beachfront ocean-view bungalows! Complete with an outdoor private jacuzzi, it's also equipped with everything else you could ever want (AC, fridge, a gorgeous bathroom, fast internet, complimentary water, tea, and coffee with a kettle, a desk, several lounge seating areas, TV... yeah, all the things). And best of all, right outside of your doorstep is the beach! 

So make yourself at home, and snap some pictures to make all your friends jealous. Because
this is exactly what you've been dreaming of.
Picture
Tim and I actually spent weeks touring tons of hotels all across the island, and although they may have looked nice in pictures online, when we went in person we could really see where the problems lay. Some places had steep cliffside inclines with tons of stairs and no elevators, or the beach would be too rugged to truly enjoy. Absolutely none of them hit the mark like this hotel did. This place HAS IT ALL. And I am so thrilled to bring you here!
Picture
Picture
Yeah... you're welcome 😁.

Lunch

We'll arrive at our paradise resort just in time for lunch, and how perfect it'll be to get our food served to us right on the beach! The restaurant cooks up some fabulous food, a mixture of Thai and Western options, and it overlooks the turquoise waters and the lapping waves of the peaceful Andaman Sea.
Picture

The Afternoon is Yours

Picture
Alright, we've made it to one of the world's greatest beaches! And I guarantee it's one of the most beautiful stretches of sand and ocean you've ever seen.

So we might as well enjoy it, right?

This afternoon is completely up to you. Get a massage, swim, kayak, sunbathe, walk the beach, or even take a ride around the island on a scooter... We'll outline some of your options below.

Life's a Beach

Picture
This slice of heaven that you're looking at is the actual beach that's mere steps away from your chalet. This is known as Long Beach, and it's 5 kilometers of golden soft sand lined in tall pine trees. To me, it's the perfect goldilocks beach because 1) it's great for swimming (not too shallow, not too deep, not too wavy, not too placid), 2) it's a dream to stroll down since it's all sand with no rocks or seaweed, and 3) it has the ideal mixture of sun and shadow for both sunbathing and relaxing in the shade without having to set up an umbrella.

But hey, don't take my word for it. When you come, you can see for yourself how perfect this beach is.
Picture
Picture
Swim, have a drink, read a book, or if you really want to get out there into the ocean, kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent from the hotel.

But sometimes you just want the pool...

We get it - the beach is great, but sometimes you want to just swim in the pool instead. And other times, you want a little of both. Well, good news is, you'll have both right there at your fingertips (and toe tips).
Picture
Picture
Picture

The Spa

Picture
After all those miles of motorcycle riding through the mountains of the north, your sore muscles will be thankful for a little pampering. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
You actually have a couple of spa options at this resort. There is the indoor spa that's completely private, and there is also the beachside palapa where you can hear the sound of the waves.

Getting Our Scooters

Picture
So you had fun riding the "real" motorcycles in the northern mountains for the first part of this trip. But I bet you're going to be quite surprised at how much you enjoy riding a tiny little scooter around this Thai island 😜!

One of the best things about Koh Lanta is that it is the perfect place to get around on a small 125cc scooter. If you've never ridden one before (or even if you have), you're in for a treat. Because nothing beats the laid back, fun-in-the-sun, zoom zoom experience of riding a little Honda Scoopy on the narrow roads of this island.
Picture
And so that's why when we arrive, our little scooters will be waiting for us. Riding them is completely optional. They're only there for the pure fun of it and nothing less.
Picture
The bike is so light, you can just pick it up and put it where you want. Going 40 kph will feel like you're going 100, every hill will feel like you've climbed Everest, and every second of your ride is guaranteed to bring you a smile.

​
The only rule is you must wear a helmet. If you brought your own helmet and want to wear it, great! If you didn't, that's also fine, they'll provide you with one. If you want to ride around in your gear, great! If you don't, that's fine too. 

Actually, pretty much anything goes on Koh Lanta!

​So now, where should you go on your new mode of transportation? I've got the perfect place in mind. We'll have more opportunities in the following days to scoot around the island together, but what I would recommend now is if you're itching to try out your bike, head south along the island's coast to a secluded beach that will feel like your own private paradise. I'll show you where, and you can't get lost. Just be sure to watch out for monkeys on the road!
Picture
If you do not want to ride a scooter at all, again, no problem! Let us know and we'll arrange for other transport when needed (only on the last day).

Dinner & Music

We'll all meet up again this evening for dinner on the beach.

​And something I forgot to mention before - from where this hotel is located, the sun sets directly over the ocean! Every single night is a glorious artistry of colorful light to behold, a moment in time that you'll want to cherish forever.
Picture
Plus, every single night of the week at the hotel's restaurant there will be some sort of performance. Tonight's entertainment will start with a traditional Thai dance, followed by live music from a local artist. So kick back and enjoy your first night on Koh Lanta!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Start & End Location - Koh Lanta
Day Trip Locations - Koh Kradan, Koh Muk, Koh Chueak, Koh Ngai
Distance Traveled by Land (Truck/Scooter) - 28 kilometers | 17 miles
Distance Traveled by Sea (Longtail Boat) - 37 nautical miles | 42 miles
Mode of Travel - Truck/Scooter, Traditional Longtail Boat
Meals Included - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
​Main Activity - Longtail Boat Tour of "4 Islands" (optional snorkel & swimming)
Picture
Today is called White Lotuses and Emerald Caves because today's voyage might remind you of the stunning scenery found in the Thailand season of HBO's White Lotus show. Although that was filmed in a different area of Thailand, we're going to see some of those same ocean karst limestone cliffs as we island hop on a traditional Thai longtail boat. And also, we're going to a place called Emerald Cave!

So get your phone, camera, and put on your swimsuit (you'll have opportunities to swim and even snorkel today), because we're going on an incredible island adventure.
Picture

Breakfast

This morning, we'll wake up to the sounds of the waves crashing and the smells of coffee brewing and breakfast cooking.
Picture
Breakfast at the hotel will be served buffet style and it consists of both Thai options such as fried rice and Pad Thai noodles, with also an English breakfast of eggs, toast, and sausage. And as always, there will be an assortment of local fresh fruits to choose from. Enjoy and eat your fill, because today is going to be a fun one!
Picture
Picture

Ride to Old Town Pier

Picture
Our boat leaves from a pier located in Old Town on the other side of the island. So you can either hop in the truck or jump on your scooter to ride the twenty-five minutes across Koh Lanta's rural interior to the pier.

We'll be taking the truck there no matter what because there is one glaring problem with riding scooters around - no panniers! So the truck will be there to take your day bag of sunscreen and anything else you'd like for the boat trip. This way you'll be free to ride without carrying anything.
​
As we pass through, you'll notice that Old Town is really cool (it actually is old and wooden and very picturesque). We won't have time to explore it now, but don't worry, we'll be back to see what it's all about on Day 9.
Picture
Picture

The Longtail Boat

Picture
Longtail boats are traditional Thai wooden-hulled boats that originated in the early 20th century and were designed to carry passengers and light cargo. They have since become a cultural icon of Thailand's maritime regions.
Picture
Picture
To me, it's a bit of a misnomer to say they're longtail boats. If anything, they should be "long nose" boats, but I suppose that doesn't sound nearly as beautiful. But I love how each boat is unique with scarves and flowers decorating its front.

We're going to board our longtail boat and head south from Koh Lanta all the way to Ngai Bay where the limestone islands jut out of the ocean in that gorgeously-iconic Thai way that we've all been excited to see.
Picture
Picture

Koh Kradan Beach

This picture-perfect tropical paradise has been named the World's Best Beach in 2023 by the World Beach Guide in the UK. The island of Koh Kradan is one of 51 in the Hat Chao Mai National Park, which means that it's been kept pretty much in its natural state and not too developed by tourism. In fact, the entire island only has about 200 people living on it. It doesn't have a pier, and our longtail boat will just pull up on shore and anchor right into the sand.

This beach is as natural as it gets.
Picture
Picture
Because of Koh Kradan's crystal-clear waters and pristine environment, I guarantee that this beach will feel like it was taken right out of your greatest tropical fantasies.

Snorkeling on Koh Kradan

Picture
As we pull up to Koh Kradan Beach (also known as Paradise Beach), we're going to have the opportunity to snorkel! This beach is world-renowned as being a perfect snorkel spot, and Tim and I can testify to that. The boat operators will provide us with snorkel equipment, and all you have to do is wade out to the coral which is about 200 meters away from the shallow beach, dip your head under water, and be bedazzled by all that you see.

Unfortunately, both of our underwater cameras died at the same time when we were here (both! at the same time 😡). So we don't have any footage of us snorkeling here. But you can trust us, it's amazing.
Picture
The bay's topography keeps the waters here warm, shallow, and clear, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
​
If you don't want to snorkel, you can also just swim, float around, or hang out on the beach. One person in our group went off to his own private spot on the beach just to sit with his eyes closed and take in the perfection of the moment. Whatever it is you want to do to find your joy within this natural splendor, you can.
Picture
Picture

Lunch on Koh Kradan

Picture
After all that swimming and sun, it's time to eat! While we were off having fun enjoying Koh Kradan, our guides had prepared for us a lunch that we'll eat right on the beach.

The lunch will consist of fried rice, sautéed noodles, red curry masaman chicken with potatoes, and a medley of vegetables. It's great local food, and the best part is the view that we get to look out at as we eat.

There's no restaurant and no tables here. We're just going to spread out on the beach with our toes in the sand and have a truly unique picnic lunch surrounded by scenery so gorgeous, you won't believe you're actually here.
Picture
Picture

Emerald Cave

Picture
When we're done with lunch, we'll head back onto the longtail boat and make our way to another island in the bay called Koh Muk. This is a tiny deserted island with no infrastructure on it and not even a beach (well, sort of... you'll see). But it does have something very very special - Emerald Cave.

Said to have been a hiding place for pirates, this secret cove inside the island itself is only accessible by swimming through an 80 meter (262 ft) cave tunnel. 
Picture
Going to Emerald Cave is like stepping into another universe, like Peter Pan discovering Never Never Land. It feels unreal, as if taken from a page of Treasure Island or the Count of Monte Cristo. It's hidden, it's private, the waters sparkle emerald green, and it's completely and utterly magical.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Getting inside the island's hidden lagoon is no easy task, and it should only be attempted by the most adventurous of us, though it is worth the strenuous swim.

*Note: If you would like to sit this out, you can just relax back at the boat, When we went, many people chose to stay behind, and that's completely fine.

In order to get inside, we'll put on life jackets (it's required) and jump into the ocean. As we make our way into the small opening of the cave, you'll notice right away the color of the waters change to stunning turquoise and jade. This is from the way the light hits the particles in the water here, and its hues will continue to evolve and enrich as we swim the 80 meters into the darkness.
Picture
The guide will lead us through the cave with a flashlight, and he'll carry a waterproof bag full our belongings that we want to bring, such as cameras and phones.

And then suddenly, we'll make a turn in the cave, and...
Picture
We'll be confronted with the secret interior lagoon of the island! This is Emerald Cave, the very essence of a hidden gem!
Picture
Even if the outside seas are wavy and windswept, once you're inside the lagoon you will feel as if you've crossed the boundary into a peaceful, protected, special place. The waters here are perfectly calm, the color is a verdant green, the lagoon walls are covered in jungle vines and foliage, and if there was fresh water inside, I'd live here forever (and a restaurant, and maybe Netflix too).
Picture
But sadly, we cannot live in our secret lagoon forever. So as we swim our way back into the real world, we'll forever remember having once truly made it to a pirate's paradise.
Picture
Picture
You've already had the best adventures of Thailand's northern jungle-crested mountains. Well, there's no denying that Emerald Cave is the pinnacle of adventure in the tropical southern seas!
Picture

Snorkeling on Koh Chueak

Picture
Once back onto our longtail boat, we'll head over to a tiny neighboring island that's also deserted. It's just a rocky crag that sticks out of the ocean, but the reason why we're stopping here is because it's got some truly phenomenal snorkeling. 
Picture
The reef is bright and vibrant, and the rainbow-colored fish are inquisitive and lively. It's impossible not to be entranced by the beauty of this underwater seascape.
Picture
Picture

Koh Ngai Beach

And now, for what's maybe my favorite part of the day, we'll make our last stop at Koh Ngai Beach.
Picture
We previously witnessed the glory that was Koh Kradan's natural sand strip. But now it's time to enjoy a beach that has all the luxury you'd want, as well as a stunning view and perfect waters.
Picture
Picture
With drinks, fresh coconuts, food, music, bathrooms, ice cream... after all that swimming you definitely have to treat yourself to something nice while here. I ordered a chocolate banana roti (like a crepe) with a chocolate hazelnut ice cream bar. And I have to say that the surroundings made my treats to myself all the more dilectible!

So grab a spot on a bean bag chair (or a regular chair), or lay out a towel and soak up the sun with a drink in hand. Either way you do it, you can't go wrong on Koh Ngai. 
Picture

Dinner & Fire Show

Whoa, what a day! After we make our way back to our home island of Koh Lanta, we'll head to the hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at our beachside resort before dinner. 
Picture
And what better way to end the day than with a fire show on the beach! These performers are simply incredible, and the show with the waves crashing behind them represents that perfect juxtaposition between fire and water, man and nature.

Get a good night's sleep, because tomorrow we'll be heading off bright and early for another incredible island hopping excursion, this time closer to home.

Picture
Picture
Continue your journey here...
​
Thailand Tour – Day 8

Did we peak your interest in coming on this tour with us? Let us know!
I'm Interested!
Picture
2Up and Overloaded
Join our clan of like-minded adventurers...
YouTube - NotiersFrontiers
YouTube
Subscribers
Facebook - NotiersFrontiers
Facebook
Followers
Instagram - @TimNotier
Instagram
Followers
Picture
Become a Patron
Members
Picture
Subscribe to our Blog
Subscribers
Picture
Picture

Proudly powered by Weebly
Designed by Marisa Notier
  • HOME
  • ADVENTURES
    • Videos
    • Blog
    • Books
  • TOURS
    • Borneo Tour
    • Thailand Tour
  • GEAR
    • Tim's Gear
    • Marisa's Gear
    • The Bike
    • Luggage & Bags
    • Camping
    • Electronics
    • Safety
  • BIO
  • SUBSCRIBE