Island hopping

Langkawi, many hotel fortresses, a lot of traffic but later the island still surprised us. Unfortunately, we only got accommodation for two nights. In the evening, we asked for rooms in all the hotels on the 5 km long promenade. No luck! Maybe we have to spend New Year's somewhere else, but there is no hotel available on the next island, Koh Lipe, either! Luckily, we met Liu by chance, who can definitely get us accommodation until January 1st, wonderful. So, the next day could be spent relaxing on the beach. On the third day in Langkawi, we went by scooter and cable car to the second highest mountain on the island. The many tourists from the cruise ships (yes, you definitely don't have to wait for twenty minutes on such a steamboat ...) and a theme park-like area somewhat clouded the mood, but the view and landscape definitely compensated for it! The waterfall we visited turned out to be a trickle in the dry season, as suspected, but we still used it as a welcome refreshment. On the way back, we found a mobile food stall right on the beach, super delicious dinner including a drink for just €2 per person, we like it that way :)

In the evening, we picked up our luggage and brought it to our next accommodation, where we were then informed that we could only stay for one night and that we should ask Liu again. Well, we could have figured that out ourselves. Since we still had to pick up the second backpack, Jessi really wanted to ask our old accommodation again for a room. Although I said from the beginning that it doesn't make sense, as I had already asked yesterday, well, I'll go to the scooter already... And of course, as it should be, there were still two nights available and I paid for the next dinner, everything just works out :)

After another day at the beach, we wanted to rent a scooter again. But on New Year's Eve, it was almost impossible, unless you are as lucky as we are (as always) and someone lends us their own scooter. Riding a scooter is incredibly fun on this island. We drove to the highest mountain in Langkawi, to 2 more waterfalls (or what was left of them), and to a pretty secluded bay in the north, enjoying the sunset. In the evening, we had our night market shopping on the beach and started the new year with wine and beer.

New year

As mentioned before, contrary to our initial impression, we really liked the island and would have liked to stay a little longer, but curiosity made us move on :)

Koh Lipe:

The arrival was a bit chaotic, as the identity cards were only handed out 1 hour after arrival by announcement. So if you somehow thought you heard your name, it meant you had to quickly get up and shout, or get back in line.

The island is crowded and the sunset beach is almost overcrowded, but you can also find quiet corners and amazing beaches here, and the atmosphere in the evening with the narrow walking street is really cool.

Two nights later, we continued to Koh Mook, because Tim and Lippe were already on their way there.

Koh Mook:

Initially, we planned to stay for two nights, but in the end, it became three nights because no ferries were operating due to an incoming storm. Since the weather was bad for two days, we explored the island with rain jackets. We walked through the jungle and the mudflats.

The island had a completely different atmosphere than Koh Lipe, a few 'illegal' resorts were demolished by the government a few years ago, and so the island seems somewhat deserted and run-down. It definitely reminded us again of how lucky we are to be healthy and to be able to get to know other cultures and ways of life.

Lippe had to say goodbye after three nights as he was heading to Cambodia. The three of us then kayaked to the Emerald Cave, a small lake that can only be reached through a dark cave. The headlamp was definitely invaluable, and it was very pleasant that we were there early and almost alone. Later, as shown in the photos on Google, you can see less water there and more Chinese people in life jackets.

Koh Kradan:

Our next stop was Koh Kradan, an island without cars, roads, or motorcycles. Electricity is only available at night and only for a limited time. The beaches are absolutely stunning, and you can just enjoy the peace and quiet.

However, I can only partly recommend a jungle tour in the dark, as some spiders, monkeys, and large crabs with a big appetite are lurking for prey as light as us :)

'Supermarket'

Koh Lanta:

After three days of relaxation, we went to the last island, Koh Lanta. We first went around the island by scooter, here too, driving is really fun. We went to a viewpoint and a 'waterfall'. Oh well, let's give up waterfalls for this year... But the disappointment was quickly forgotten when we saw the elephants.

Since the wind didn't allow a beach visit either, we spent the time eating (again) and riding a scooter. I think it could be worse. We spent the next day completely on a boat, diving and snorkeling, it's just always fun. Unfortunately, the visibility was still somewhat impaired due to the storm. So far, this island appealed to me the least. The beaches are not quite sooo amazing, and I miss the atmosphere with the small alleyways and markets. Of course, I'm nitpicking, but let's be honest.

Finally, we went back to Krabi and then flew back to Bangkok. Here, we can mention the Tiger Caves, Railay Beach, and the food. We managed the first one sportively. 1260 steps and 309 vertical meters in 20 minutes (the target was 40 minutes).

Railay Beach can only be reached by boat. It's a beautiful beach with an impressive rock backdrop. However, the boats constantly docking and departing make it almost impossible to relax due to the incredible noise. On the other side, there is a quieter beach, but it is quite crowded. We skipped the climb to the lagoon because we didn't want to be disappointed again.

In Krabi and Bangkok, we once again explored the markets and ate everything we could. It's great that we both lost a few kilos anyway. I would actually emigrate for that, eat, eat, eat, and still not get fat, great!

Then it was back from Bangkok, unbelievable that 4 1/2 weeks have already passed. Well, the next trip will come for sure!

Oh yeah, in the previous text, I criticized the clothing style of some fellow human beings. I won't say anything else about it, the pictures will take care of that.

McDonald's?