January 29th... Khao Sok National Park

This morning we were woken at about half 4 on the sleeper train in the morning and arrived into our final destination of Surat Thani at 5ish. I mentioned that last night we ended up swapping beds, so it was rather interesting in the morning seeing everyone run round to get their stuff! Upon arrival we went straight to this cafe in what was already really hot weather in the morning darkness. I had scrambled eggs on toast, bacon and chips for breakfast morning. As far as I could make out we ate in an English cafe.

After breakfast we boarded this bus like something you'd see a few decades ago and started our journey to Khao Sok National Park. Passing through lush countryside on small roads, we arrived at this pier head after seeing the sunrise on the bus. It was here where we got ourselves changed and a day bag sorted before heading into the park. We even saw some really cute puppies here, like many of the other dogs we have seen in Thailand!

We then all headed down to the pier where we boarded a longboat like thing across a lake. As far as I am aware the lake was created through the construction of a nearby dam. I can't find words to describe the size of this lake. Passing through limestone cliffs surrounded by rainforest trees, with many islands and rocks in the middle, we got rather wet from the splash created by the boat. It was really warm by this time however.

After an hour or so getting shown various rock formations and local wildlife, we arrived at Pra Kay Pelch cave. After all clambering out the boat and climbing these wooden steps, we entered this really dark cave. We only went in part way, but there were paths going in all directions and I could see it would be easy to get lost due to lack of daylight! It was also very damp and slippery in places.

After leaving the cave to continued on the boat weaving it's way through the limestone cliffs to this floating raft area by about 10ish. It was here where we were given until 2 to do what we wanted. The first thing I did was jump straight into a kayak to look round the isolates areas nearby. I then followed a few others to this manmade diving area for a swim in the warm freshwater. It was really wobbly and was all constructed by a fallen tree. The raft itself housed accomodation, kitchen and many tables to name a few things.

It was then time for lunch where we had omelette, curry, rice, vegetables, and most deliciously some freshly caught fish which was amazing! It had been caught whilst we were there! It was funny though because the raft we were on tipped really far one way due to the weight distribution! After lunch I kayaked out to the rainforest to try and find some monkeys but was without luck. I then just lay in the shade with the others for the rest of the time.

By 2 it was time to leave the remotely located raft to boat back to the pier where we started. I got even wetter this time as we were going against the wind and surface flow of water! After boarding the bus again we started making our way to our hotel, and en route stopped at this temple, each with a bunch of bananas in hand. Before long all these monkeys came running towards us and we were able to feed them. They did keep stealing the bananas and running away though! I also managed to get a picture of a monkey, dog and chicken sitting together, as well as a selfie with a monkey!

It was then off to the hotel, which turned out to be 5 minutes round the corner. It was simply amazing as I was presented with my own bungalow with views on a balcony over the rainforest, a double bed and proper air conditioning. Thank you Brett for buying the "my own room" package! After a bit of free time, we all went to the hotel restaurant next to stream in the rainforest, where I ate garlic bread, and two dishes written in Thai which were like prawn toast and a rice omelette.

After dinner it was nice because we could play jenga, which I lost, and just relax. It was lovely listening to all the sounds of the rainforest, although there were loads of geckos above our heads in the restaurant. By about 9 I went to bed after the last two nights out clubbing and on the night train, and it wasn't that long after I was fast asleep to the sounds of the rainforest!