On Wednesday morning, we piled into a long tail boat and headed for Railay. The minute we rounded the corner from Ao Nang, we began to see giant rocks covered in green, jetting from the crystal blue water. It was the most magnificent display of mother nature I think I've ever seen. It is amazing how enormous these boulders are, and how crazy it is that they just sit there surrounded by deep blue ocean. The boat dropped us off on the Railay West beach, and we had to carry our luggage for about 20 minutes until we got across to Railay East. There are no paved roads anywhere on Railay, so no bikes or cars either. The travel agent set us up at the Diamond Cove resort...and it ended up being a great place to stay. It was a nice change from staying in hostel after hostel. Derek, Liz, and I really wanted to get out on the water and visit the nearby islands of Koh Phi Phi, but it was too late in the day by the time we went down to sign up for a tour. We decided to reserve spots for the next day, and prayed that the beautiful weather we had today would last through tomorrow. Being in such a tropical area, the weather can change at any given moment.
With all our beach gear in tow, we decided to explore Railay, and went for a hike up the side of the mountain in search of a lagoon we had heard about from someone over lunch. Not realizing we would be hiking up a sheer vertical rock, we were in for quite a treat. Leaving our shoes behind, we began the long trek up the muddy mountainside. The trail had been forged many times before, so there were obvious places to grab onto, to set your feet in, and so forth. There was also a rope to hang onto for support when needed. Eventually we made it to the top and stopped for a bit at the view point. It was a spectacular view, and probably the most amazing hike I've ever been on.
After stopping to collect some air in our lungs, we followed the very few signs that directed us to the lagoon, which was back down the same direction we had just come up. Getting to the lagoon required climbing down 3 very steep and tricky dried up waterfalls. At one point I had to rest my body on Derek's muscular shoulders because there was just no place to put myself. It was quite the adventure and I am very surprised I managed to make it down because I am terrified of heights. Once at the lagoon, we swam for awhile to cool off, without even realizing how disgusting the water was. We were covered in mud though, so it didn't really matter. We spent maybe 30 minutes in the lagoon and then began the journey back up the mountain, and then back down the other side. The mosquitoes were out and VERY about....biting each of us as we climbed.
Finally back down where we started from, we walked to Pranang beach and dove straight into the beautiful ocean. Pranang is a spectacular beach; so relaxing and serene. It was a great way to wind down a very adventurous day!
so excited for Railay!
front of the long tail boat.
yahhooooo!
walkin.
the climb!
shoes weren't necessary....to much mud!
view from the top.
we were already covered in mud.
Liz being helped down by a nice English boy.
in the lagoon!
Pranang beach.
great day :)
No comments:
Post a Comment