The Beach

Ko Chang. My favorite spot by far in Thailand.

After leaving the insanely beautiful island of Ko Chang, I found myself en route to Phuket. I knew something was amiss when I was told that the bus doesn't leave from the bus station, but rather at a small shop next door. Sure enough, the air on the bus must have been a steady 30 degrees (86 F) and smelled like it had been sitting there for days. But no turning back at that point, so I went to the only empty seats which were at the very back. I didn't think anything of it, until the stench hit me. As I gazed around for the source, I saw an overweight Thai man in his 30s sitting in front of me, shedding about a pound every ten minutes through sweat. A possible culprit, but hard to believe. Sure enough, as I continued my search I realized that to my immediate right was the bus bathroom. And thus I understood why these were the only seats available!

So after a fun six hour ride through rain which poured in through the leaky roof, I finally arrived in Phuket. I immediately headed towards the cheapest guest houses in town, and ended up booking a night at the On On Hotel. I felt a weird sense of déjà vu when I made my way up to my room, only to discover later on that this is where the movie The Beach was filmed. That fact alone probably allows them to markup their prices for rooms, but for a mere $7.14 per night for a big clean room with private bathroom, I wasn't going to complain!

So I've spent the last few days here, trying to figure out where to go next and when I'm heading back to the States. Despite what I heard from some people about this town, I think it's pretty nice. Definitely blows Bangkok away. The only hassle is that you have to take a 1/2 hour Songthaew ride to the nearby beaches...definitely something they didn't quite explain in the movie.

So based on a recommendation from a Scottish guy I met on my first night, I spent a day out at Nai Harn Beach. There's no other way to put it except that it is beautiful. It's a shame though that the tourism has taken hold, and thus felt quite crowded and definitely expensive. But I can't really complain as it's a direct consequence of people like me flooding in and Thai people just trying to make a decent living. But on the other hand, if everyone there was like me then there would not be 100 Baht beach chairs or guys walking around trying to sell watches, since that's just not my thing. Give me a quiet spot with a tree to hang my hammock and I'm a happy man :)

I guess I could pin it all on the French, as it sure felt like I was on a beach in Nice at times, at least how I imagine Nice to be. French words were tossed around everywhere, little bakeries selling baguettes and pain au chocolat, and much to my dismay many a man pacing around in a Speedo, and many an elder overweight woman sans top (whatever happened to French Women Don't Get Fat?). Obviously either they don't care about Thai customs, as most Thais will keep all clothing on if bathing in public. Or rather what I hope is that they just don't know. Either way, bless them for putting a lot of Euros into the Thai economy :)

Next up is the island of Ko Phi Phi, another filming location of The Beach and from what I understand quite possibly one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand. This I will find out, and let you all know so you can start planning your next trip!