LittleSandyBeach

Contrary to the reviews of Ho Chi Minh airport and Vietjet airlines we had a very smooth flight to Phuket and even arrived 20 minutes early!

For the first two nights we stayed close to the airport to get everything sorted such as new SIM cards and cash. After spending three months in Vietnam we’re refreshing our Thai and trying not to say Cam on! (Thank you in Vietnamese)

Our hotel was just a 5 minute walk from Sirinat National Park which is next to the airport on the coast.

From Sirinat beach you can see Mai Khao beach which is famous for plane spotting as it’s directly at the end of the runway. Unfortunately the wind wasn’t playing ball so the planes weren’t landing the right way to get the really low passes but still got to see some cool takeoffs!

We then got a bus from near Phuket airport up to Khao Lak which is about 2 hours north along the coast.

As soon as we arrived at our homestay we checked in and went to check out the nearest beach, Nang Thong which is about a 10 minute walk. From the beach you get a great view of Khao Lak lighthouse that was built after the 2004 tsunami to act as a warning beacon for future tsunamis.

Yesterday we headed just down the road to Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park. The main attraction being Small Sandy Beach. There’s two ways to get to the beach the first being a 1.5km hike through the jungle or an easier 400m straight walk from the road.

We decided to do the long hike on the way and take the easier way out. Lots of noises from the jungle from animals and we even had to take a pause as the path was blocked by our new lizard friend enjoying the sun trap…

After a very hot 45 minute walk we made it to Small Sandy Beach. Hardly anyone around, no trash and lovely soft sand – definitely a hidden gem.

We did go for a paddle but the sea was slightly rough so we didn’t go too deep in! Had great fun swinging on the swing though!

Tasha got to revisit her favourite Thai curry Penang curry. The Thais always work some magic in the kitchen.

This morning we went to the nearby Thai Navy base as they have a Sea Turtle Conservation Centre. They collect the eggs from the local beaches to save them from being taken by poachers and to give them the best chance of survival. They keep them until they are around one year old and then release them into the sea.

They also have a couple naval ships on display from the 2004 tsunami. One being coastal patrol boat 215 which was heavily damaged as it was on patrol along the coast at the time. There is also a memorial to the 33 Royal Thai Navy personnel and family who died on that day.

Due to Typhoon Bualoi which is about to go over Vietnam, Thailand has issued wind and flooding warnings so we have hid away for the rest of today and the rain has well and truly started.

Hopefully after tomorrow the storm will pass and we can get back to exploring this wonderful country!