Elephants in Ao Nang

After the hectic surroundings of Bangkok we whizzed down to the West Coast by Thai Airways (including some questionable in flight refreshments) to our 4 star hotel in Ao Nang.

The room was fantastic - the biggest of the trip. We had a balcony overlooking the pool and the bed was huge - at least 2m by 2m! On the first day the hotel was empty but the next day we were joined by a coachload of Germans - fortunately there were more than enough sun loungers to go round.

Unfortunately every day we got rain but mostly it was pretty sharp downpours that soon dried out. It was really great to just chill out for a bit by the pool and work on those tans!

One night Ben headed to the Thai Boxing stadium for some sporting entertainment (Kat stayed in and read her book). The first fight seemed to be between two eight year olds but the proper fighting started later - great stuff (purely as a cultural experience you understand).

The last day in Ao Nang we went Elephant trekking which was amazing. We followed a stream through a jungle - only stopping for our elephant to grab a trunk-full of something to eat (he didn't seem particularly fussed what). They really are gentle giants though it took a little getting used to being so close to them. After we got to feed our ride with some bananas and he even gave us a wave goodbye!

After the elephant trekking we went to see the Tiger Cave temple. Also at the location was a "mountain" which offreed views of Krabi province. Kat wisely decided to stay at the bottom (after scaling a couple of hundred steps) and look at some more buddhas/temples - such an RE teacher! Ben gamely advanced to the top and after 1,238 steps (some of which were about four inches deep and 12 inches high!) got to the top. Unfortunately he had misjudged how long it would take and only had time to catch his breath before heading back down. Not recommended to anyone with dodgy knees (like Ben) or in high temperatures (like in Thailand). Needless to say Ben was a tad sweaty and tired once back at the bottom. While Ben recovered Kat snatched the camera away to get some more Buddha/temple photos.

There were also several rather cheeky monkeys around - some going into the shops to steal food and even straight out of people's hands. The Tiger Cave Temple was impressive as it had hundreds of Buddhas - though strangely no Tigers. Kat accidently had a bracelet tied on her arm, which in turn cost us a donation, which in turn means our names will be engraved on some bell! Good luck everytime it will be rung - Hooray!

Next stop Ko Phi Phi!