Ko Lamphu is situated in the Tapi River, which flows through Surat Thani. The island offers a serene and picturesque environment, surrounded by the river's calm waters. It's a great place to escape the bustling city and enjoy some tranquility in nature.
We stopped there on our road trip into Surat Thani province in February 2023, it was a welcome break from the City and a good way to get some informal exercise.
As a river island, Ko Lamphu may offer activities such as boat tours, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the riverside. During our walk round it we were struck by how much/many recreational facilities there were actually on the Island. Ranging from ball game courts, to outdoor gym equipement!
Back in 2016, when I lived in Nong Khai, way up in the North of Thailand, I took a road trip up and around The National Parks, of which Phu Rhea is one.
A very cool and slightly overcast day greeted us at the summit, which we arrived at by car. With a few interspersed shots of sunshine, it was a welcome break from the heat in the valleys below.
Phu Ruae is a lofty table-top mountain overspread with pine trees. Its distinctive point is the overhanging cliff resembling a giant junk's prow. Phu Ruae national park covers an area of 75,525 rai (120.84 km.2) in Tambon Nong Bua, Amphoe Phu Ruea.
Located in Nong Bua, Phu Ruea and spreading across into the Tha Li districts, the park covers a total area of 121 square kilometers, with the northern tip reaching the Thai-Laos border. This mountain and lofty plateau is dotted with rows of pine trees and an overhanging cliff that resembles the bow of a sailboat. The surrounded area is punctuated by sandstone and granite peaks and populated by wildlife such as bears, deer, hyena, pheasants and big-headed turtles. The high altitude means the climate is cool all year round, in fact it’s the coolest national park in all of Thailand, according to statistics.
October to March are particular chilly and you can often see frost or frozen dew, known as ‘mae kaning’ in Thai, clinging to the plants and grass up near the peak. The park’s most interesting spots and attractions are as follows : -Decho viewpoint is an elevated spot perfect for watching the sun rise and on clear days visitors can see Loei’s mountain peaks in all their glory stretching as far as the eye can see. - Phu Ruea Peak is the highest point in the park at 1,365 meters above sea level and is surrounded by grassy plains, rocky areas and both natural and cultivated pine forests.
About Ao Nang; Ao Nang Beach is the main beach in the town of Ao Nang, located in the Krabi Province of Thailand. It is a picturesque beach that stretches along the Andaman Sea, known for its soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and stunning limestone cliffs.
The beach is a popular destination for tourists due to its beauty and the range of activities available. Visitors can relax on the beach, sunbathe, and take in the scenic views of the surrounding islands. The water is generally calm and suitable for swimming, making it a great spot for families and those who enjoy water activities.
Along the beach, you'll find a variety of facilities and amenities. You'll also find beachside bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink, enjoy a meal, or try some delicious Thai cuisine.
From Ao Nang Beach, you can easily access various nearby attractions and islands. For example, you can take a longtail boat or speedboat to visit the famous Railay Beach, which is known for its dramatic cliffs and rock-climbing opportunities. Other popular destinations accessible from Ao Nang include the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Hong, and the Four Islands.
Laem Prathap is a boarding point to see pink dolphins in the bay near Donsak Pier.
You can stop to pay homage to Luang Poo Thuad Island stepped on the fresh water sea and see beautiful folding rocks.
This side of the sea is considered very rich, clear green water / There are baby mullets jumping around beside the boat
Not far from the wooden bridge (Jetty) at Ao Talet which you can see in another of my videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa8IlkHLrlE&t=0s
The boat ride out was filled with stunning coastal scenery, and we did get to see the Pink Dolphins as well, although they were a bit camera shy! you might see glimpses of a couple in the photos to follow!
I am fortunate to live in Phuket and one of my years highlights as a photographer is the Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods! Here not only can I participate in such a stunning public spectacle by being blessed by those "carrying" the spirits of the Gods inside them, but I get a great position in the parade en route.
Nine Emperor Gods Festival takes place in Phuket old town on the first nine days of the ninth Chinese month.
Its dates vary in the Gregorian calendar, but usually it falls around October. although if I remember rightly this one fell at the end of September.
The festival is extremely striking and exotic, with hundreds of spirit mediums competing in their efforts to mutilate themselves for the gods.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a colourful annual event held on the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, usually in September or October. The festival celebrates the Chinese community's belief that abstinence from meat and various stimulants will help them obtain good health and peace of mind.
The festival is famous for its 'extreme' celebrations. These include acts that invoke the gods, from firewalking to body piercing. Acts of self-mortification are undertaken by participants who act as mediums of the gods. These have become more spectacular and daring as each year goes by.
While the origins of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival are unclear, it is commonly thought that it was brought to the island by a wandering Chinese opera group that fell ill from a malaria epidemic. One of the performers was sent to China to invite the Nine Emperor Gods (known as the Kiu Ong Iah) to Phuket.
The Chinese followed the tradition of refraining from eating meat, drinking alcoholic drinks, engaging in sex, quarrelling, telling lies or killing. This was to ensure the purification of the mind and body. The opera group made a complete recovery and the epidemic ceased. Since then, the people of Phuket have continued to celebrate the festival.
The festival was meant to honour the gods and express the people's happiness at surviving what was, in the 19th century, a fatal illness. Subsequently, the festival has grown and developed into a spectacular yearly event in Phuket. It draws thousands of visitors each year, many of whom come from China and Asian destinations.
For the next few days, the local Chinese/Thai community brings their household gods to the temple, along with offerings of food and drink. It is assumed that the household gods will benefit from an annual injection of spiritual energy that fills the temple. You can observe and even participate in the lighting of joss sticks and candles, before placing them around the various gods.
Street processions often involve participants walking in a trance, running across a bed of burning coals, and climbing an 8-metre ladder of sharp blades. Apart from the visual spectacle of this festival, you can partake in vegetarian dishes, which are sold at street stalls and markets around the island.
Many of these vegetarian dishes aren't easily distinguishable from regular Thai dishes. Soybean and protein substitute products are used to replace pork, chicken or fish – they even look and taste exactly like meat. Look for yellow flags with red Chinese or Thai characters to find vegetarian food stalls.
The often-gruesome ceremonies during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival are definitely not recommended for the faint-hearted. Men and women puncture their cheeks with sharp items, including knives and skewers. It's believed that the Chinese gods will protect them from harm, resulting in little blood or scarring.
Even so, most injuries are usually sustained from the indiscriminate use of firecrackers. It's a good idea to stay well away from this deafening and sometimes frightening aspect of the Vegetarian Festival.
The ceremonies take place in the vicinity of 6 Chinese temples in Phuket. The main temple is Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket Town. The first event is called the Raising of the Lantern Pole, which notifies the 9 Chinese gods of the start of the festival. Once the 10-metre-tall pole is erected, celebrants believe that the Hindu god, Shiva, descends to bring spiritual power to the event. These photos are from the Guan Nabon Shrine/Temple in Chalong near to where I live.
