Ko Muk

If there was ever a time that we were glad we didn't book a tour in Thailand, it was on our way to Ko Muk.  The first attraction on the 4-island snorkel tour was Emerald Cave.  To reach the protected cove inside, one must pass through opening in the limestone cliff and a swim through 500 feet of tunnel.  Yep, just jump in line and keep moving! What could be better than enjoying this scenic landmark with 500 strangers!

After making a mental note to return here when the crowds diminished, we jumped on our longtail and hightailed it to our destination...

Welcome to Had Farang, the epitome of Thailand beach paradise: White sands, blue skies, green waters, and fluffy clouds!

  Awestruck as we were by this beautiful setting, we were rudely awakened to reality as we encountered  the dreaded occupational hazard of backpacking: All the budget bungalows were full! And to compliment our accommodation conundrum, we were short on cash, with quickly discovered that there were no ATMs on the island.   Solution? Stay in a tent!  As it turned out, the tent was equipped with a fan, and had bathrooms nearby.  We managed to rent a kayak and book our escape from the isle at the nearby luxury resort, which thankfully accepted credit card (with a minimum charge, of course).  

With our problems resolved, we retired to the sweet lull of the tides.  We gave the crowds time to dissipate before departing for Emerald Cave on our trusty kayak. 

The cove was a little anticlimactic at low tide, but still peaceful.  The beach is encircled by towering cliffs.  

A glowing sunset accompanied our return paddle to Had Farang.  

In our beach bumming here, we encountered a wide variety of critters. Behold the local fauna of Had Farang:

This one wears some fine camo.

Often spotted at dusk, these crabs scuttled in the shallows and burrowed if we got too close.

This frog stayed on our tent the entire length of our stay...just two nights, but we began to wonder...

Some decent snorkeling from Had Farang

Moon Wrasse

At dusk Had Farang became a stage for displays of natural splendor.  Here's a quick synopsis: 

Although we wanted to stay longer, the money was tight and we needed to hit an ATM.  Not to mention, our Thailand visas were due to expire three days hence!  And so, after an incredible two months of exploring Thailand, we set our sights across the border.  The time had come and gone so quickly, and our departure was not without dismay.   This beautiful country will forever stay in our hearts as paradise supreme.   Not to mention, our palates will miss authentic thai cuisine: Goodbye sweet som tum, pad thai, and hot curry! 

With very little knowledge of what awaited in across the southern border, we jumped in a boat and set sail for terra nova.  Our destination was Malaysia.