Our final stop (outside of flying back to Bangkok just to then fly home) was Ao Nang, which was on the mainland, but still along the coast. Ao Nang’s main drag is dominated by shops, restaurants, pubs and outdoor food vendors. We meandered from our hotel there the days we were visiting, wandering in and out of shops and side streets. You could find everything from typical touristy knick knacks to expensive jewelry. With air conditioning not being a thing, expect to sweat profusely while you saunter about.
One of the best events we were luckily able to take part in was the Thai New Year celebration on April 13th. The Thai New Year is called Songkran Festival and lasts for several days, if not the entire month. Make note of this date, anyone that is going to Thailand in the future, you’ll thank me later. Unlike the States, where New Years consists of dressing up, probably drinking too much, and partying as you count down to midnight, in Thailand it is a much different sort of gala. The attire required may be equally as scandalous, but in a different way. While the origins and myths are convoluted, involve way too much math, and delved into astrology, there was one aspect that we all got on board with. The most amazing part of the celebration…
City wide WATER FIGHT!!! As you read that, take it literally. It was the largest, most intense water fight I have ever taken part in. When we arrived in Thailand, we were confused as to why so many vendors had a multitude of water guns for sale. Was it just because it is hot as hell there? Nope! They were prepping for the brewing war. Never fear, if you don’t have a water gun, just grab a bucket and pour it on unsuspecting victims. I was one of those innocent souls. As we were all jaunting happily down the street with huge smiles on our faces, a woman came at me with open arms inviting me into an embrace. As she hugged me, her accomplice approached from behind with an enormous bucket of water and unceremoniously dumped it all over me. Checkmate.
If you hadn’t caught on yet, scantily clad for Thai New Year is a swim suit instead of a low cut dress. And you don’t have to worry about not having a date.
The streets were teeming with people walking, people in cars throwing water everywhere, and trucks lurking about with 55 gallon jugs in the bed filled with H2O hunting for patsies.
Ao Nang is home to Monkey Trail. The elevated wooden walking path climbed through the trees, clinging to the limestone cliff abutting from the sea. It connected the Ao Nang beach with Pai Plong Beach. The path was aptly named as you will encounter primates swinging, scaling and crawling amongst the trees and around the pathway. Make sure you watch out for your belongings, or the little thieves will make off with your bag. They are not fearful of humans at all.
This was by far the nicest lodging we laid our heads down in while on this tour. Deevana Krabi Resort was situated a short distance (at least for Hubs and I) from the downtown area. While a beachfront location would have made this place ideal, it had a shady pool surrounded by foliage, small but well appointed villas with private entrances, all with gardens weaving through the grounds. The only change I would make in the bedchambers – happy rooms should have more than just a glass door to shield the occupants from their roommates.
Farewell Thailand and Southeast Asia, we will certainly see you again. Until then, ลาก่อน. Whatever sound that is, I have no clue, but Uncle Google tells me that is “goodbye” in Thai. Next country on the list… Turks & Caicos.
April 2023
Now there’s a New Years celebration I could get on board with. Awesome photos too, the scenery is so pretty!
It was absolutely amazing!!! Things I’d wished I’d known in advance, and a date I’ll remember for future travels.
Isn’t it strange that one country (city, actually: Barcelona) is shooting tourists with water guns to try to discourage overtourism, and another country is doing the same thing but it’s accepted and encouraged by the tourists? It’s all in the spirit of things, I guess. Sounds like you had a great time. Looking forward to reading about T & C. Our neighbors have been there several times and always loved it.
If only the tourists in Barcelona would embrace the water fight and shoot back! Bring out their inner kid. It was quite liberating and made the heat more bearable.
100% Might even make the locals like them more.