People carrier arrives at 6.45 am, so no time for coffee or breakfast. Today we are going to James Bond island, sea caves in canoes, a floating fishing village and lastly the reclining Buddha’s cave. Another multi national group, this time a couple from Poland and a couple from France. The journey to The pier will takes just over an hour. The guide announces a stop for coffee, the Duke is very relieved. The coffee chain is called Amazon, very good coffee. Arriving at a jetty then onboard a longboat that will take us to the island, around 40 min. We pass the floating village and many Limestone hills jutting out of the sea. There it is James Bond Island correct name Khao Phing Kan.
Here they made The Man With the Golden Gun. Even though we left at 7, there are already many tourists. This must be one of the most photographed and selfie images The lone rock in the sea, but it is spectacular, we have 40 min on the island as we must wait for tide to come in for next excursion. It is a beautiful place with some amazing rock formations as limestone is easily eroded by rain. Next the canoes, this seems to be a very large operation there are 4 big boats probably once ferry boats. After disembarking from our longboat onto one, we then get into canoes one couple and one guide who paddles.
We get in and he tells us “Mama and Papa” please put your feet over the side, this is a strange way to sit in a canoe. The Duke is also worried about being called “Papa” and reminds himself to get out the Grecian 2000 when he gets home.
The caves aren’t as interesting as we had expected and our rower is a bit of a pain, constantly taking pictures of us and prompting for a tip, as we pull up to the jetty he gives us the sob story and actually asks for a tip.
Next it’s the floating village, the people are Muslim and came originally from Malaysia. Everything has to be brought to the island, accept the fish of course.
There’s a floating football pitch, a school and even a post office? And of course the many stalls selling tourist tat. After a walk around, the party arrive at a big hall where we will have lunch. Lunch is very good but of course no alcohol.
After lunch free time to wander, this is cut short by very sudden torrential rain. So back on boat to return to. Next stop Reclining Buddha’s Cave. Here again there are quite a few people. As we have seen a similar set up in Malaysia, not that interesting. The journey home is through some really heavy rain showers, luckily we slept some of it.
Back to Bungalow making a dash for it from van. Inside your can hear the rain on the roof. A nice refreshing swim the pool is so warm.
We decide to eat at the hotel.
Dame ‘Awkes Travels 