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Ko Chang, Thailand
Due to the outbreak of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), we decided to postpone our visit to Vietnam and found oursleves heading back into Thailand. Upon entering Thailand, we went straight to the beautiful beaches of Ko Chang (Elephant Island) to reflect upon our visit to Cambodia, relax in the sun and enjoy the Songkran Festival (Lunar New Year). During the Buddhist Festival of Songkran, Buddha images and monks are bathed in water as a symbol of respect and purification. Songkran takes place during April, the hottest month of the year, and has evolved into an all water war throughout the streets of Thailand. The festival lasts three days (in some cities, a few days longer) and the Thais take particular pleasure in dousing unexpecting foreigners with ice cold water. Aware of this potential drenching, we were unfortunately forced to leave our camera in our bungalow and therefore, have no pictures of the festivities. We do, however, have some pictures of Ko Chang before and after the festival. Here they are. |
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On our way to Ko Chang, we passed by this typical Thai fishing boat returning to the mainland after a night of fishing in the plentiful waters of the Gulf of Thailand. |
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Our first glimpse of Ko Chang, the second largest island in Thailand, with its lush mountainous Interior and tropical beaches. |
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Karen relaxing on the porch of our happy little bungalow at Cookie's on White Sand Beach, Ko Chang. |
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View of our bungalow shaded by the palm and eucalyptus trees. |
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Our shy but curious Thai friend hung around our bungalow all day just watching the crazy foreigners. |
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The key to keeping your beach bungalow clean and sand free is the everpresent bamboo broom. |
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Karen supporting the local economy by getting a Thai massage on the beach every day. |
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View of White Sand Beach from the Gulf of Thailand with the mountainous interior in the background. With its wide, fine, white sand, this is one of the most beautiful beaches we have visited in Thailand. |
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Sunset over White Sand Beach. |
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After a hard day of swimming, sunbathing and massages, we like to indulge ourselves in a few bottles of sato, a mild and sweet rice whiskey. |
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More dinner!!! |
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Dinner!!! |
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