Preparations but not too much
ENAre you the type of person who plans everything before a trip, or do you improvise as you go along? I tend to fall into the second category. In one week, I will be in Thailand. I haven't planned or booked much, except for the essentials: plane tickets, a room in Bangkok so I don't have to worry about arriving in the evening, and a diving cruise in the Similan.
The rest... we'll see! 😎
Search for information on the internet
My only preparations these days consisted in browsing the web, in search of fresh info and travelers' impressions, on various places that interest me: Koh Yao Noi in the bay of Phang Nga, the beaches a little away from the tourist flow in the south of Phuket (Ao Sane, Nai Harn, Ya Nui, but hush!) and a whole string of islands along the Andaman coast, up to the Malaysian border (Koh Jum, Koh Muk, Koh Libong, Koh Bulon, Koh Lipe).
I will not stay in Krabi nor in Koh Phi Phi nor in Koh Lanta, where I already dragged my flip-flops several times. I don't know yet if I will go very far south. My initial plan was to go to Koh Lipe... But I might change my mind along the way.
For the island to island connections in the Andaman Sea (ferries and speed boats), I found several interesting sites. It allows to have an idea of the existing routes and prices:
"Andaman Island Hopping
"Tiger Line Travel
"Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club
"Koh Lipe Thailand
"Koh Yao Travel
Diving gear
My most serious preparations consisted in investing, finally, in a thicker wetsuit (there were promotions on 5mm at RenSports!). It will replace my 3mm one (on the left on the picture), even if the water is hot at the moment in Thailand (it must easily be between 27-30°C).
So I should not go out blue and chattering like this summer in Bali, on the side of Nusa Lembongan.
I also put some money in a new diving computer: the Pucks from Mares. A simple computer, one of the cheapest on the market, but which does its job very well, according to the reviews found on the web. In any case, this model is more than enough for the "leisure" diver that I am.
The Puck is more complete than my old Aladin Pro (Uwatec), since it can handle air AND nitrox (yes... I needed that, since there is free nitrox on the boat I chose for the Similan cruise). It gives the temperature and you can change the battery yourself, which is not the case with the Aladin.
UPDATE → In 2015, I changed my wetsuit again and in October 2016, I unfortunately "left" at the bottom of the Red Sea, my trusty little Puck, which was still working fine... So I changed my computer again! To see all the items of my diving equipment, visit the page Equipment.
Travel Guides
I took advantage of these "preparations" to gather all the travel guides on Thailand that I have kept over the years. I found seven of them, and I don't count the two chapters of the last one Lonely Planet, downloaded from Pick & Mix Chapters.
I see that in 2004, I was still boarding the hitchhiker...
And that's when I realized that I didn't even have a map of Thailand... That's the last straw. Zou! Direction Ariane, the travel bookstore...to find one. The map's on the wall and it's already taking me on a trip!
Finally, the last and very serious preparations: I stocked up on bathing suits. In-dis-pen-sa-ble!!! I confess: I bought three in one go. As I'm always in the water, I like to change.
Now I think I'm all set! 😀
In short, the pleasure of projecting oneself in the journey to come is, in my eyes, more important than planning a roadmap... If you read English, go have a look at How to plan a trip without making any plans, on Vagabondish. I find myself well in this article.
😎
Three jerseys? 😉
I like a bit of a struggle when I arrive in Bangkok... It's all part of the trip!
Your itinerary makes me dream... and even more so the idea that it's not set in stone!
I will spend a week in France while you are among the fish. Less exotic, but at least no white carpet!
HAVE A NICE TRIP!!!!!
Listen Corinne, stop talking about me on your blog, it's getting embarrassing 😉 readers will wonder...So I publicly confirm that I don't make any contribution to appear on this Blog!
On a more serious note, I'm one of those people who don't really plan their trips (although I have plenty to do, given my environment!). I mainly focus on the cultural aspect of a country or, more often, a city (I'm an urban tourist) before I leave... then, when I get there, I let myself be guided by my impressions, inspiration and, of course, the guides.
For hiking, it's different, I would say that there, on the other hand, I try to control everything before leaving. So there can be 2 types of traveller in 1 person 😉
I notice in your photo a collector's item, the (now defunct) Michelin NEOS guide. For me, it was an excellent collection that unfortunately didn't have the time to find its readership.
...and then Bon Voyage 😉
You'll have to explain to me where you find 3 swimsuits in the middle of winter in France...
I hope you'll come across some whale sharks (they're becoming rare) and mobula rays around Koh Bon!
Buen viaje.
@ Marie-Julie:
Yes, three jerseys, perfectly!!! 😛
I found some very pretty and inexpensive ones in the boutique of a clothing chain that had just received its new collection. Unable to choose, I took the three models I liked. The ones I already have are starting to show signs of fatigue. It's high time to renew the stock. All these purchases are, in a way, my Christmas presents in disguise...
As for me, I don't like the hassle of arriving in Bangkok any more... Especially as I'm lugging around my diving bag as well as my backpack, and I'll be arriving late at night. This way, I'll be able to settle down straight away, and go for a padthai in a flash, without having to do the rounds of the guesthouses.
I savor in advance the happiness of this trip, in this beautiful region ... Me who loves the islands so much, I will be served!
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy your stay in Lyon. It'll be a nice change from the winter rigors of Montreal. In Brittany, the weather is surprisingly fine and mild today. It almost feels like spring is in the air...
8)
@Paco:
This is MY blog and I advertise if I want, for who I want, when I want, because such is my good pleasure. Na!!! In my eyes, it's less “advertising” than a useful link and info, which can be of service to travelers who read this post...
🙄
Hiking is a special kind of getaway: I can see why you need to leave a little less to chance, if only for the logistical aspect of organization.
I too have rediscovered this famous Neos guide on my shelves. I thought it looked pretty good when I bought it. I didn't know that the collection no longer existed.
@ Marie-Net:
I've just discovered your comment... So I'll add to mine. As for the swimsuits, I refer you to my answer to Marie-Julie above. I don't really like mentioning the names of clothing chains that really don't need me advertising them (whereas I'm happy to promote quality independent bookshops), but just so you know, there's a good selection of inexpensive swimwear just arrived at Etam.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be lucky enough to come across some spectacular big beasts again, like I did three years ago. That was at Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock... Ah, I can't wait!!!
😉
Yeah...well...us...there...we've either prepared too much...or not enough...I'm writing you this note from Australia, Perth, and we booked a camper van via the internet to spend 4 days wandering around, thinking: too great, we'll be free to move around, it'll cost less..etc..etc...In short, we had planned ahead...Result: we went to pick up the van this morning....and...my god....It's HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!on the photos, it looked small, manageable, etc...but there....the anguish!!!!In short, the horror of driving this big truck on the left, shifting gears with your left hand, in the middle of snakes, with your knee swelling to the bone... No, it's too much!So, in the end, we decide to leave the monster in an out-of-town parking lot, because, given the size of the thing, we're not allowed to park in the town; and tomorrow, we go to Rottness island (it's not as good as the Kohs...but hey!) relax at the hotel, I can ice my knee, and we take the camper van north on Sunday morning!
So there you have it...don't plan too much...because we've been tricked...and what seemed like a practical solution has turned out to be a real drag!!!
Well, at the same time, it makes us laugh ... yellow ...
Anyway, it's warm, and it's nice, and the good mood prevails!!! 😕
@ Helen: I promise, I won't book an RV!!! 😆
That's also why, to avoid disappointment, I don't like to book things in advance when it's not essential. I decided to go straight to Koh Yao Noi at the beginning of my stay, to rest and acclimatize quietly, while waiting for the date of the diving cruise. I scouted out several places to stay, but preferred not to book anything. I'll choose on the spot, on sight, that's just as well.
Clean your knee while waiting. It'll be fun your adventures driving the monster! Take pictures especially.
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@Manta: Yes, we follow the trail !!! And I'm sure we'll end up diving together someday!
Bambi is very nice. The transfer offered by Leyte's SBSR is not cheap, but it's a great service. Bambi also works for him, so he can take you around the island.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you'll come across the big giants of the bay. If you're there in March, it's usually just the right season for whale sharks... Last year, I was there a little too early. That said, even without the big beast, the seabeds are superb at Sogod Bay. Enjoy the bubbles!!!
🙂
Well, all that's left is to wish you an excellent vacation in the land of smiles...
😉 Funny, last year I was there, you were in the Philippines....
This year it'll be the other way around! By the way, I've just got the name of my driver in Leyte... it's Bambi who'll be picking us up when the ferry arrives!
🙄 I hope we see some big beasts this year, in addition to the palanque of small ones!
Here we go at the same time, but not at the same place ...
I'm off to Indonesia, first Papua Barat in the Raja Ampat islands, then Sulawesi around Lembeh.
In Papua, I'm not sure I'll be able to find Wifi to post a few comments, but in Lembeh it should be fine (I took the MSI in the end).
According to a tour-leader I met in Thailand 2 years ago, there's nobody in the Similans, it's rotten with mantas and they saw 2 whale sharks at Richelieu at the beginning of the month.
In any case, you won't be cold contemplating all this with your 5 mm 😯
Yes, but since I've been lugging around my diving gear, it's hard to do less... Mask + wetsuit + fins + booties + regulator + stab + odds and ends like knife, lamp, diving chute etc., all of which end up weighing 8-10kg. My “clothes” rucksack, which also contains my electrical gear (rechargeable batteries, cables, plugs etc.) weighs in at 10kg when I leave.
The principle is that I have to be able to carry everything on my own, otherwise there's no point. The bags I have are well made, and so far, they've always done the job without a hitch.
I make sure I take the TGV that goes straight to the airport, so I don't have to wade through endless corridors in Montparnasse. In France, nobody feels sorry for me, but in Asia, when I have to drag my bags over a long distance, there's always someone to help me...
😀
I'd be exaggerating if I said I didn't prepare anything, but really not much. Depending on the trip, as I don't like to mess around, I have at least one or even two nights booked. For hot countries, I buy a minimum of two or three items of clothing on the spot. I scan (or photograph) addresses, passports, plane tickets - in short, any important documents for this trip - and send them to myself as e-mail attachments. In case I lose my papers, I can find them in my mailbox. I often carry two copies of my papers with me. In India, I don't plan anything and I always do a lot more than I planned. I buy travel maps in the country. On the other hand, before I leave, I read books - guidebooks, of course, and generally novels, to get a better grasp of civilization and enjoy myself at the same time. But I only take one book with me on the plane.
The jerseys depend on the destination, but that's not my priority.
Oh yes, I always take a digital camera (or two). And I'd like a new one that doesn't take up too much space for the next trip and has some autonomy.
How many kg do you wear with all your gear?
@Alimata: Oh my... PNG + Sulawesi? Now that's a nice program. I'll be happy to read you live from your MSI!!! 😉
As for mantas and whale sharks, I want to believe... Come on, I believe!!!! 8)
@Nono: Basically, our practices are quite similar. Like you, in a hot country, I limit my clothing and buy locally. I take the same precautions for my papers, scanned copies of which are stored on my messenger just in case, and likewise, I carry a photocopy of my passport around with me.
When it comes to books, I don't carry any more: like you, I take just one, for the plane. As for swimsuits, I'm letting myself go, of course, because I'm in the water all the time! As for the camera, I'd like to change too, but in the meantime, suits me well enough: small, not bulky.
All in all, with the diving bag, I'm lugging around twenty kilos. Given that 20kg is the maximum allowed by many airlines at no extra cost, I'm sticking to it.
🙂
20 kg is a lot! On the way out, I've got presents in my suitcase, and on the way back I come back with this weight of objects (jewelry, paintings) that we sell at humanitarian markets for the benefit of the association. In the metro or at the station, when there's no escalator, I tell myself it's the last time...
I sometimes combine like this, but from Finistère it's not always easy, and I like to stop off in Paris to see my friends. It's true that in Asia, you're always helped...
Come on, three short days and the big splash! 🙂
Having a good idea of where to go, and not planning too much (when you have the leisure or time), is sometimes the best thing. Particularly as you're going to places that are undoubtedly less touristy, more welcoming (i.e. without the usual tourist smile), and fishier too. Because, as far as Alimata is concerned, the Similans are currently full of boats and tourists, and there are fewer fish to be seen (but there are the usual ones, and there are still some nice things to see there, such as Richelieu Rock... in any case, no stingrays (none in Koh Bon for about 1 month, for sure), no whale sharks (very lucky... and I know you've had some... after a few years in Thailand;-). Lots of good dives and great encounters.
ps: a 5 mm is sometimes not too much even in Thailand!
So bon voyage Corinne... Oh, by the way: whale sharks, so far: 7 to zero! ;-))
@Martial: It was Alimata, not Nono, who was referring to the Similan, I rectified in your comment... As I'll be there in March, maybe I'll have less crowds than you had in February? We'll see, the dives will be beautiful, anyway!!! And then the mantas and whalesharks won't resist the pleasure of coming to admire my new 5mm, I'm sure of it!!!!
😀
@Francis: The trip will be good, as it always was for me in Thailand, thank you! But... you're counting wrong, Francis. Of course, the score so far is 7 to 1 (not zero!!!) for the whale sharks, because of your Mexican skewer (and since I'm a nice girl, I won't be so indelicate as to remind you of the count, in my favor, of the Balinese molas-molas).
OK, that was three years ago, that whale-shark, but it still counts, no but! 😈
[flash https://titbulle.fr/02_videos/videos/20060203whaleshark/whaleshark.FLV w=400 h=300 f={image=https://petitesbullesdailleurs.fr/wp-content/videosimages/whaleshark.jpg&id=Requin whale}]
Whale shark at Richelieu-Rock • February 2006
@Francis: You didn't have to look for me... 😈 😆
@Nono: Oops, I'd missed your comment, so I'm republishing mine to answer you... I quite agree with you, even the “touristy” places are worth a detour. For example, to get back to Thailand, I often advise people who ask me where to go to discover Koh Phi Phi, because it's a beautiful place, despite the crowds. Similarly, closer to home, Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-see, even if it is crowded. And there's always a way to get away from the crowds, even in “touristy” places.
On the other hand, as far as “diver traffic jams” are concerned, I can confirm that they do exist. We call them “bubble factories”. I've never been to the Red Sea, but I've heard that the concentration of divers per cubic metre of water is particularly dense there... In Asia, I've seen “bubble jams” in places like Koh Tao (Thailand) and Amed (Bali) on the Liberty wreck.
Thank you Corinne for your correction. Since this morning, I've been looking for the undertones and allusions that explain this comment. So I did a little research on the Similan Islands.
I'd like to take this opportunity to say that I'm working on the principle that a tourist spot is generally worth a visit: you don't have to be in the most crowded areas, it's often enough to walk a little to discover beautiful places and interesting people; the same goes for Paris, Rio or small villages.
And underwater, it can't be too crowded with tourists. I can't imagine a traffic jam of divers, but as I know nothing about diving, I could be wrong. I like this blog because I'm discovering a world I'm not familiar with.
8)
What a job! And paf, a video... I bow my head!
Hello Ludovic-Wet&Sea! You must have had a wonderful time in North Sulawesi... Hope to see you soon on Plongeur.com?
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As for Koh Lipe, as I haven't planned anything (preparations, but not too much!) I don't yet know who I'll be diving with, or where I'll be staying... I'd spotted Forra Diving, on Sunrise Beach. They offer bungalows too... But I'll have to wait and see. I'll make a note of the sites to see! As a matter of fact, I went yesterday to reread your report on Lipe...
😉
Hats off to your 3mm frog-fish!!!! You're right, it's not just the big ones that count. I'm not going to argue with you, as someone who loves flashing the little ones!
🙂
Ah la la... it hurts so much to see those who leave when you just get back (for me it was last week Gangga island/N.Sulawesi) 😥 .
So you'll tell us Koh Bulon huh?
Who are you going to dive at in Lipe? Say hello to Yan if it's Ocean pro... and ask Noi if she's got my yellow snorkel 😉
In all cases: requires three miles reef if the currents are not too strong and failing, Stonehenge for the strange basaltic monoliths and its beautiful soft corals, or Koh Yang for its splendid alcyonniares and its resident ghostpipefish.
Ludovic / Wet & Sea
(0 whale sharks 😕 but the smallest frogfish in the world on Kasawari in Lembeh : about 3 mm, 8) ) there is not only the size that counts... 😆
I still wonder how I found it, luckily it was fluorescent orange...I even wowed the Indonesian guide! 😀 )
Hmmh... 😡 finito for me p.com.
Despite my great age, I have the gameness to hate the paternalism of the forum's tauliers... 😀 I won't be caught again. 🙄
So no CR planned in principle, or else on another site... but I have so much to do in the meantime, Mozambique, Andaman & Nicobar Islands or Lipe -again- last December...
When I grow up I'm going to make a website with trip reports 😆 .
😆
For me, it's mostly a case of laziness... Given that I write almost direct “reports” on my blog, I don't really see the point of starting all over again on Plongeur.com. Besides, if you're looking for specific information on one of the destinations I've visited, sooner or later you'll come across Petites Bulles d'Ailleurs in the course of your research...
I'd still love to have your impressions and photos of Mozambique, Andaman and Nicobar... A site, a site, a site!!!!
🙄
Frankly, Corinne, I don't see why you'd waste your energy with a trip report, since you're making it up as you go along in your blog. Besides, you put in so many links that everyone should be able to find what they're looking for. Reading the comments on Petites Bulles d'Ailleurs makes my legs tingle, and I don't think I'm going to wait until August for a getaway. But you have to go to work to keep up with the daily grind and the extras, don't you?
How many hours until the big plunge?
Bon voyage and happy diving... If we don't leave, we'll wait for you to tell us all about it, so I can wait for my next vacation. In May, and the Red Sea: yes, the factory of divers and bubbles, but also with beautiful coral and lots of pretty fish. And then, with just one week, there's not much choice! 😛
For Indonesia, I'll have to wait even longer, probably until November, with a return to Froggies and after Bangka or Pulisan, finally in this corner of North Sulawesi... 😀
Wet&Sea: we miss your reviews on diver.com 😥
but you could not practice your talents and your English on the big site of Scubaboard ...
@Nono: Yes, long live energy saving! That's why I've gradually abandoned the diving and travel forums, and don't contribute much to them any more, even though I still browse them for information. As far as getaways are concerned, mine is in the right “timing” of the year, I think, to wait for summer... It makes me think that I haven't decided where I'm going to go in July.
😉
PS. I take off this Wednesday night. Arrival Thursday in Bangkok. Take off Friday for Phuket. I should be able to find a bungalow in Koh Yao Noi in the process. As for the ploufs at Similan, it will be from March 3rd to 7th !!!
@Malene: One day, I'll have to dip my flippers in the Red Sea! Even when it comes to bubble factories, there are ways to have fun. As for North Sulawesi... oh my, what good memories. I'd love to go back there! Otherwise, like you, I regret not seeing Wet&Sea on Plongeur.com anymore...
🙁
Oh boy... 😮 So with all these requests, I'm going to have to find a way to post reviews... 😛
Malene: you're right, the Bangka/Pulisan region is the best in N/Sulawesi, 8) it combines both the big and the small, between the Sahaung spots for coral lovers and Paradise for the small (an incredible micro-Lembeh: 3 distinct biotopes covered on a single dive).
Thinking of you....you're on the plane...lucky you!!!Looking forward to reading you soon, especially as I'm off, and yes, the meniscus....
@ Wet & Sea Eh yes! You have many fans ... Your reviews are missing !!!
😀
@ Helen: I'm taking advantage of the stopover at Dubai's brand-new airport to get online... Here, wifi is free!!!! In Paris, it's 6€ per half-hour! Take care of your knee... Have a good convalescence!
😉
“For me, travel isn't about arriving, it's about leaving. It's the unexpectedness of the next stopover, it's the never-fulfilled desire to know something else again and again, it's tomorrow, eternally tomorrow” Dorgelès
Well, it's nice to see you off while we're docked 😥 ... here the weather is gray 🙁 ...as usual 😡
(I noticed that the first two weeks back from vacation were the hardest... after even worse) 🙄
Come on Corinne, may your journey be filled with intoxicating discoveries and multiple encounters, translucent water, ghost pipefishes each more colorful than the last, subtly spiced curries... and uh... what else really? ...wonderful articles on petitesbullesdailleurs for example 😀
Very well put, this story of “desire never fulfilled”...
😉
Here, it's 33 degrees. It's so good to be back in flip-flops! Bangkok is only a short night stop between two planes... I'm glad to be there, already, but I want to see the sea, fast! It's tomorrow. I can't wait!!!
Pfff... You're putting pressure on me! Magnificent“ articles, just like that???
😆
That's a nice thought from Dorgelès.
Hurry off to see the sea. 33 degrees, I hope you have a good kiss to cool you off.
Splash! 🙂
@Nono: It's such a joy never to be cold again!!!! Those 30+ degrees are easy to bear, especially on the coast. Right now, I'm on the island of Koh Yao Noi, in Phang Nga Bay, dotted with limestone islands and rocky peaks, plunging straight into the sea. You'll see the pictures... It's beautiful!!!!
😀