Journey to Thailand.
What a wonderful 10 days we had travelling through the islands of Southern Thailand to Phuket and Ao Chalong, the home of cruising.
Finally the skies were clear and the weather fine. We checked the boat out of Malaysia with the Harbour master at Telaga Harbour, then we went to Customs and Immigration – well tried to – the Customs man did not arrive at work that day – or the next – so we caught a cab to Kuah Town and checked out with Customs and Immigration there. When we returned we lifted the anchor, and bade farewell to Malaysian waters. We enjoyed Malaysia, the gentle people and their quiet lifestyle. It is not far to Thailand. We
motor-sailed to Koh Lipe in
the Butang group to spend our first night in Thai waters. It was a
beautiful calm night and clear sunny morning. The island looked
inviting – long tails and resorts scattered along the white sand
beaches.  The beautiful island of Koh Lipe       Boat maintenance in exotic locations Further north the geology changed from granite to limestone and the iconic karst landforms that are the signature of Phang – na Bay east of Phuket, the water became less clear but the scenery was spectacular. Koh Phetra, a limestone ridge 377m high was a stunning anchorage.   Looking north to the island of Koh Phetra as we approached. The anchorage is to the east 
Our first visit ashore was on the island of Koh Muk where we walked through the local village and were reassured by the signs that let everyone know where to go in the event of a tsunami. This place was badly damaged in 2004. The village and resorts on the sandy spit are on very flat land, although there are some higher hills here too. The main industry here seems to be fishing, but there were rubber and coconut plantations as well, and there is the beginning of a tourist industry. signs of the times in Koh Muk
Our next destination was the tourist Mecca, Koh Phi Phi Don, again damaged badly in the 2004 tsunami but there is little evidence of it now. Thousands of people arrive there every day and stay at the myriad resorts lining the beaches. It is hard to find a quiet anchorage here now. The dive charter boats have taken up residence along one wall of the main bay and there are hundreds of other fast speed boats and longtails vying for business to take dive tourists to the caves and bays of Koh Phi Phi Le only a few km away. It is a bit sad that there is virtually nowhere on this magnificent island that can be visited without being crowded out by the many tourist operations. But there are other islands. We will find them while we are in Thailand.  Colourful longtails at Koh Phi Phi Don waiting for customers
Then it was on to Phuket to Ao Chalong where we anchored amongst the moorings and went ashore to officially check in to Thailand. We have discovered the Phuket Cruising Yacht Club – a friendly joint where the beer is cold the food excellent and the water there sometimes. The dinghies are safe and the welcome is cheerful. The wet market is nearby, pork is easily available and the food is great  Anchorages from Telaga Harbour to Ao Chalong
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