Have you ever heard of Natai beach? Imagine a stretch of white sands ten kilometres long that’s completely free of vendors and beach umbrellas. There are no big hotels, tailor shops or sleazy bars in the area, and absolutely no buzzing jet skis or speedboats.
Where is this magical place? Natai Beach in Phang Nga province just over the bridge from Phuket. With its sands blissfully free of vendors and sunbed rentals, to spend a day at the beach is to be immersed in a Natai nature nirvana soothed by the sound of the waves.
The balmy turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, surfing, stand-up paddling or kayaking. A bit like the Hamptons of Southeast Asia, with strict local building laws have shielded Natai Beach from all mass development. Instead of mega resorts and shopping malls, the beach is lined with a handful of boutique resorts, private villas and high-end restaurants.
Except one, Raipiang seafood restaurant, which does cater to more normal budgets and offered delicious seafood. Sitting here watching for a sunset dinner, not as spectacular as it could have been, but oh so lovely all the same.
During my recent visit to Bangkok, just after Songkran, I made sure not to miss this colourful canal walk between Chinatown and Rattanakosin
If you know me, you must be aware of my fascination for colorful and fascinating street art. I love to visit places that are noted for their vibrant graffiti and murals. And I am always up for arty experiences. Trust me, it is a lot of fun when you turn around the corner and find a beautiful piece of art.
Every artwork has a different story to tell, which is what makes this street unique. If you too enjoy stumbling on random art in nooks and crannies of different cities, this street will leave you mesmerized for sure. I had a great time clicking pictures of the countless murals, made by some of Thailand’s best street artists. And if you are looking for photo-ops, this is the place to find some!
During my December break in 2021, I was in Phang Nga on my road trip around the province.
I had seen there was this huge beautiful Limestone park and wanted to visit it. About mid morning was actually a good time to go and visit, still cool enough , but also busy enough. I say busy, but actually most of the visitors were locals doing their morning exercise and jogging.
As we walked around the main pathway through the park, it became apparent why the locals stayed within the main pathway. There, are we found out for ourselves, in due course, two very large troupes of Macaque monkeys. With the lack of tourists and people they have made larger areas of the park their home.
We did narrowly avoid a major skirmish between the two alpha males and their harems. Along with about 20 offspring. Nearly finding ourselves with our backs up against the locked railings at the other end of the park we stayed absolutely still and made no sudden movements or noise that might attract their attention.
Thankfully they all ran like a river of water towards the limestone cliffs and disappeared into the trees. We carefully made our way back , keeping to the main paths.
I did manage before that to get some interesting views of the cliffs, and the surrounding area, I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
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Title: Anomalous Hedges by The Mini Vandals
A collection of images from my visit to this strange and surreal Wat, very similar to the one in Korat I visited, Wat Pa Lak Roi, which was my first introduction to Buddhist Hell Gardens.
The images leave nothing to the imagination.
Wat Tham Ta Pan in Phang Nga Town is one of the weirdest original temples in southern Thailand. Located around 100 km northeast of Phuket, the site offers a journey through Buddhist Heaven and Hell.
At first sight, the temple looks a bit abandoned and decrepit, which simply adds to the eeriness of the place. You’ll see a fountain at the entrance, where there are 5 sculptures of monks. Each holds a bowl that represents wealth, beauty, happiness, cleverness, and health. Try throwing a coin in the bowl of your choice. If you succeed in landing one in, your wish will come true.
Heaven Cave
Right next to a small shop, there’s a huge Chinese dragon with a wide-open mouth waiting for you to enter. This is the beginning of your ‘journey’ through representations of Buddhist Heaven and Hell. The inside of the dragon has a long and dark tunnel, with just a few tiny windows lighting your path.
At the end of the tunnel, you’ll find the entrance to a deep cave. Pray at the small shrine on your left before heading towards the Nirvana section, right at the end of the cave. It takes about a 10-minute walk along a dark track with bridges crossing a river to reach the end, which has 2 Buddha statues symbolising Heaven.
Buddhist Hell (‘Naraka’ in Sanskrit and ‘Na Rok’ in Thai) awaits you if you do not follow the 5 precepts of Buddhism during your life:
Abstain from taking life (thou shall not kill).
Abstain from taking what is not given (thou shall not steal).
Abstain from sexual misconduct (thou shall not commit adultery).
Abstain from false speech (thou shall not lie).
Abstain from fermented drink that causes heedlessness (eschew drunkenness).
A visit to Wat Tham Ta Pan can be a really scary experience, so it isn’t recommended for young children. Scenes showing torture applied to sinners are vivid and straightforward, leaving no space to the imagination.
An area behind these buildings offers a walk up a cliff through a garden dotted with statues of animals. The cliff displays sculptures and representations of Indian deities, such as Ganesh and Akhilandeshvari.
Wat Tham Ta Pan is a one-of-a-kind temple that’s well worth a visit, simply due to its weird originality.
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Title: Mist- by Odonis Odonis
A great stop off on my road trip in December 2021, when the waters were quite low.
In Thailand, however, every little trickling stream seems to be advertised as this or that “waterfall”, and more than once I’ve hiked several kilometres only to find something less impressive than a fountain you might find in front a three-star hotel. At Manora waterfall just north of Phang Nga town, however, you’ll be rewarded by something justly worthwhile.
The multiple layers and refreshing natural pools of Manora are just a short motorbike ride away from Phang Nga town. Upon entering the trail visitors are greeted by a pristine swimming hole with cool, clear water that flows straight from nearby mountain tops. This is where Phang Nga comes to cool off, and if you’ve had it with Thailand’s tropical heat, it’s a welcome sight indeed. Just beyond the swimming hole visitors will find a wide and relatively deep stream bridged by a fallen tree. If it weren’t for the hundreds of small fish that thrive here, this stream would also be a good spot for swimming. At least it makes for a nice photo. A little further up the path from the fish stream the first of Manora’s waterfalls comes into view. With less of a roar than those further up, this is a tranquil little spot to enjoy the entrancing sound of water gushing over rocks.
After passing another shallow swimming hole along the path, where you can swing like Tarzan on a vine over the water, Manora’s larger and more dramatic falls are found. Okay, so they’re not Niagara or Angel falls, but Manora is impressive, especially considering that six different sets of falls of different shapes and sizes thunder alongside a winding path of several hundred metres draped in lush jungle canopy.
music free under creative commons licence from YouTube music library Titile:Vitality by Benjamin Martins
During my Christmas and New Year break i took advantage of being able to finally move around the Island of Phuket and off it back to the mainland. After my first hurried exit in December upto Phang Nga, I promised myself that I would stop on this beach before my next visit to the mainland.
Shaded by beautiful trees I sat and picnicked whilst watching the beautiful scenery in front of me. I am so pleased i stopped the 2nd time passing and hope you enjoy the views too!.
Sai Kaew means ‘glass sand’. Sai Kaew Beach is at the northernmost point of Phuket. It stretches from Mai Khao Beach around the northwestern corner of Phuket and all the way to Sarasin Bridge. There is no physical boundary between Mai Khao Beach and Sai Kaew. They are considered to meet around the area with the rustic restaurants where Thepkrasattri Road meets the west coast.
The 600-meter long Sarasin Bridge is the link from Phuket to the Thai mainland. From Sai Kaew Beach, you look across the narrow channel to a similar beach on the Thai mainland.
Sai Kaew Beach is a thin strip of sand that slopes smoothly into the inviting waters. Considering this channel is a boat passage, the water quality is remarkably good. You will see lots of small fish swimming in the clear water close to the sandy shoreline. The northern end of the beach within view of Sarasin Bridge has the benefit of being sheltered from the rainy season waves.
Behind the beach is the sleepy village, Thachatchai. The friendly locals like to fish from Sarasin Bridge and from the beach at the area below the bridge.
Music free under creative commons licence from You tube library Title and credits to: Floating Home by Brian Bolger
Its difficult to imagine a beach 6 kilometers long, but Bang Tao is just that! So here is Bang Tao II as the beach changes its beauty from one end to the other. Here is the North end of the Beach, much quieter, and fewer people. Somewhere to come and enjoy the sound of the Ocean!
Bangtao was one of the tin mines that made the fortune of Phuket long ago. They abandoned it later, and the land was considered worthless. Laguna Phuket managed to transform it into a very profitable award-winning Eco-project. In the first years, Laguna started as a luxurious complex, but it was a little isolated.
Music free under creative commons licence from you tube music library title; Stellar Wind by the Unicorn Heads
Sun, sea and sand is all Phuket is about? right? wrong, I bring you greetings from Phuket with one of those must see places that non one knows about!
Ma Doo Bua Cafe is an incredible cafe that has become famous due to the incredible pictures you can capture of their beautiful on-site lilypad pond. Situated quite far north from the regular tourist spots like Patong, Karon, and Rawaii beaches to the south, the wonderful images we captured made the trip well worth it.
The fantastic scenery is complemented by a rather extensive food and drink menu with plenty of options for various pallets. From the presentation and quality of the food to the breathtaking lily pad pond, the unique imagery will likely appeal to many travelers and locals alike.
Ma Doo Bua Phuket is a relatively new café and restaurant which has captured the hearts of selfie-loving social media enthusiasts with their irresistible background and relaxed atmosphere. If it isn’t obvious to you already, the entire operation owes its popularity primarily to the giant circular Amazonica lily pad leaves. These being the largest in the species can allegedly hold up to 50kg! you can lay on their rows of pillows and relax while taking in the breathtaking views. The small lake or pond has traditional Lanna-style wooden houses lining the lake and really help complete the picturesque scenery.
Music free under creative commons licence from YouTube library Music: 8th World Wonder By RKVC
On a short trip to Patong recently, driving along the coast road, down from the Patong hills. I saw these amazing seascape clouds. Stunning looking like oil paintings in the sky. Breathtaking but as the weather changed dark and almost frightening!
Karon Beach in Phuket is one of the longest beaches on the island, spanning 5 km of fine white sand overlooking the Andaman Sea. The northern end of the beach is usually deserted, making it an excellent spot for those who want the beach to themselves. The southern end, close to Kata, tends to be busier but it isn’t that hard to find a nice spot for yourself.
There are very few waves during the high season (November–April), resulting in crystal-clear waters. However, Karon Beach experiences dangerous swells and riptides in the southwest monsoon season (May–October). While there are lifeguards on the beach, it’s best to take note of warning flags and be very careful.
Sea turtles often lay their eggs in the sand at night. If you see any turtles or their tracks, inform your hotel so that they’ll contact the Phuket Marine Biological Centre. The organisation’s Sea Turtle Conversation Project aims to help the population grow by rescuing injured turtles and incubating eggs in a safe environment. Sadly I didn’t get to see any that day, but they are reported to be there.
Music; Free under creative commons licence from YouTube music library Song; Pure Potentiality by Benjamin Martins
Blue Elephant Phuket From my recent visit two days ago. Every month we try and go and support our local businesses and community. This month was the turn of the Blue Elephant! Amazing building, and lovely food.
Blue Elephant Phuket is not a casual Thai restaurant, but contrary to what most people think, it is not outrageously expensive (We didn’t say cheap though). Blue Elephant Phuket is perfect for a special occasion, a dining experience to share and remember. We wrote about this fantastic old mansion that used to be a governor’s house, abandoned for a long time in Phuket Town.
Seen from the street, it always had the majesty of a place with a long and mysterious history. They returned the mansion to its original grandeur, and you can now drive up the immense garden alley, leave your car under the trees and proudly climb the stairs like a celebrity to enter the famous Blue Elephant.
Dining in a hundred years old governor’s house adds a new dimension to the experience. The Blue Elephant is a long-established cooking school from Bangkok and a great place to invite your guests or for a romantic occasion. Take the time to walk around the park with your glass in hand and appreciate the majesty of the Sino-Portuguese architecture, shaded by immense trees that witnessed moments of Phuket fascinating history.
As you explore, it becomes easy to imagine how the held parties and ceremonies within these walls. Then climb the stairs to the second floor and walk through the several large rooms with their dark wooden floors and the many windows so typical of this era.
Then, it’s dinner time, and you will walk through the ‘Blue Elephant Gallery’ to the air-conditioned indoor or outdoor dining area. Service is as impeccable as you expect it to be, the restaurant and tables setting are beautiful.
Earlier this year I stopped at an unfinished building that I had kept passing from time to time. It was easily accessible from the road and had been in its current state for at least the two years I have lived in Phuket. Always interested in Architecture of all sorts I stopped to photograph this “unfinished project”. Which for all the info I could find was supposed to be finished in three years! Sadly it seems that the funds/donations ran out and it is left for the future, when some benefactor may leave some large sum of money so it may be finished.
Also named as Kew Ong Tai De Am Rawai, I couldn’t find anymore than the translation below about this place. What appeared to be a great vegetarian, community effort that ran out of funds. None the less an interesting visit and view of what might have been and what still might be one day!
Co-construct the Kew Ong Tai Tam Temple Center of Dharma Practice And eat vegetables throughout the year. By Thewasan Kew Ong Tai Tam (Rawai) located at 60 Moo 6, Rawai Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District It is a land belonging to the “Sukkaew” family, formerly owned by Father Lamead Sukkaew and Mother Lamead Sukkaew. And both of you Had a wish for this land to be the construction of the Kew Ong Tai Te Temple When he died, the said land became ownership of the heir. And the heirs who hold all rights have inherited the spirit of the parents And jointly hand over the said land of approximately 2 rai, almost 3 rai to the Kew Ong Tai Tam Temple (Rawai). And has been carrying out the ceremony to eat vegetables throughout the year 2006 until His Majesty Kew Ong Taitae He has assigned the Lord Oun Kong to climb Tae. As Lord Aam manages to build a temple And has appointed an official construction committee With the ceremony of laying the main pole on May 5, 2012 already Therefore immediately proceeded the construction Expected to be completed within 3 years, ie in the year 2558
By Thewasan Kew Ong Tai Tam (Rawai) located at 60 Moo 6, Rawai Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District It is a land belonging to the “Sukkaew” family, formerly owned by Father Lamead Sukkaew and Mother Lamead Sukkaew. And both of you Had a wish for this land to be the construction of the Kew Ong Tai Te Temple When he died, the said land became ownership of the heir. And the heirs who hold all rights have inherited the spirit of the parents And jointly hand over the said land of approximately 2 rai, almost 3 rai to the Kew Ong Tai Tam Temple (Rawai). And has been carrying out the ceremony to eat vegetables throughout the year 2006 until His Majesty Kew Ong Taitae He has assigned the Lord Oun Kong to climb Tae. As Lord Aam manages to build a temple And has appointed an official construction committee With the ceremony of laying the main pole on May 5, 2012 already Therefore immediately proceeded the construction Expected to be completed within 3 years, ie in the year 2558, however, at the Shrine of Kyushu Ong Ah, the titration (Rawai) There is a story about the history. “Maha Pho Footprint” by Mother Lamed Which is a villager with good hearts Has a wonderful wisdom, touches according to beliefs To bring down the Bodhi tree growing on the Phrao Duan tree and plant it Mae Lamead brought the Bodhi tree to walk around, ready to plant many times until she found this point. Which is the point where Ong Ong Tai Tao has his footprint Therefore bowed to worship around the Buddha’s foot as a preliminary And is the origin of “Maha Pho Footprint” said.
While Mr. Arun Soros, Mayor of Rawai Sub-District, said that for the festival of the Yom Kippur Festival of Phuket residents Of the local government organization Has supported the tradition for a long time Both on facilitating the participants to eat vegetables To get comfortable Including supporting various factors To be used during the festival as well
As for the construction of the Kew Ong Taiteam Temple (Rawai), the municipality invites the people of faith to donate money. Although the construction has progressed a lot. But people can still donate money When this temple is completed, it will be a beautiful place that will promote tourism in the Rawai area as well.
So during Chinese New Year we managed a short four day break to Kho Phi Phi, one of the few Islands still running boat services. This is one of the two main beaches we visited during our stay.
The arrival point and central area of Koh Phi Phi, Tonsai Bay is a crowded busy area overlooked by Tonsai Village.
Tonsai Bay is the main arrival and departure hub for Koh Phi Phi as it is deep water. The bay is stretched out along a 2km long cliff which, as it heads to the east, is punctuated with promontories and smaller beaches.
Tonsai Bay is unsurprisingly flanked by the beaches of Tonsai East and Tonsai West. While it initially appears a scenic spot on arriving at Koh Phi Phi, the water at Tonsai Bay tends to have a fair bit of boat traffic continually coming in and out of the bay. As this is where the main Pier is for drop of and embarking on other Island Journeys.
Music free under creative commons licence from You tube music library Music: The Future Ancient Now by Nathan Moore
Journeys From A Small Room 