Thailand: Southern Islands - January 2007

Relaxing and diving trip, in the southern islands of Thailand. Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Bangkok. January 2007.

    Khao San Road, the tourist street, still lively ... Bangkok, Thailand, January 2007.

    In the frenzy of Bangkok

    Here I am, back in Bangkok, and not without pleasure, I must say... It's good to be back in civilization: no more mosquitoes, and long live fast Internet connections, restaurants, lively streets and stores worthy of the name!
    The waterfall at the end of the road

    The waterfall at the end of the road

    Today, a mini-expedition into the jungle to get to the waterfall, in the wilder south of Koh Lanta, shortly after the point where the hard road becomes a dirt road. At this point, take another red dirt road to the left, signposted "waterfall".
    a star balloon fish and a grouper reveal their true colors with the flash of the camera ...

    I saw the man who saw the whale shark

    Grrr... I've been diving for two days in a row, hoping to see the mythical whale shark I spotted in the waters off Koh Haa three days ago. But nothing...
    The divers in shadows at the entrance of the cave. Koh Haa, Koh Lanta, Thailand, January 2007.

    An underwater cathedral in Koh Lanta

    Koh Haa, off Koh Lanta (Thailand) offers a dive full of atmosphere, with this strange greenish light at the exit of the cave.
    Elephant crossed on the road at Koh Lanta. (Thailand, January 2007)

    Koh Lanta: beaches and elephants

    I continue my journey in the south of Thailand. After the very pretty, but very crowded and very expensive Koh Phi Phi, here I am in Koh Lanta, much more peaceful. 
    Maya Bay, beach become famous thanks to the movie The Beach with Di Caprio. Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand, January 2007.

    Maya Bay, the beach from the film The Beach, and diving in Hin

    Did you see the movie The Beach with Leonardo Di Caprio and Virginie Ledoyen? Yes, it's there ... Maya Beach, on Koh Phi Phi Leh, in the south of Thailand.
    A yellow seahorse just a few centimeters long, hidden in the reef (Koh Phi Phi, Thailand, January 2007).

    Koh Phi Phi: seahorses, zebra sharks and turtles!

    My first dives on Koh Phi Phi far exceeded my expectations. Despite the tourist pressure, the funds are very rich.
    The pontoon of Koh Phi Phi, where all travelers arrive. At the end, under the welcome sign, touts for hotels and guesthouses are waiting ...

    Back to Koh Phi Phi...

    January 2007. Koh Phi Phi has undergone a metamorphosis since my last visit in July 2005 (almost six months after the tsunami). The transformation is incredible.