Wandering and Wondering

"Failure teaches a man how to succeed"  This was a quote hanging on a tree in Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai offered me peace when I really needed it. It gave me opportunity to break away and clear my thoughts. I chose to spend time in temples, visiting the karen tribe, observing the life of monks and making new friends.   Wat Rong Khun : The journey started from Wat Rong Khun, the white coloured temple. As I understand, the concept of temple is walk from hell to heaven. There is a beautiful but scary representation of hell at the beginning of temple. But as one walks, the fairy tale representation of heaven starts to appear. Each and every corner of this temple is beautifully done. It is an amazing feeling to be there.  Reflection of the blessings

One of the calm, serene and beautiful place in Thailand, Krabi province has plenty of islands to amaze travellers. In fact, it is much better than the nearby and more popular Phuket. The islands of Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Phang-nga bay are easily accessible. The beaches are much more beautiful than the ones in Phuket! For avid divers, Koh Ha, Koh Bida, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Similan islands are also easily accessible. And the limestone cliffs make it mecca of rock climbers in South East Asia. Here are the things travellers can expect in Krabi.  1. Ao Nang Beach: It is the most popular beach in Krabi and very beautiful place for sunset. The nearby streets have wonderful eating places and decent nightlife.

After an exciting 5 days in water, it was time for something diverse. I googled and decided to spend the day visiting Wat Chalong, Big Buddha and Promthep Cape. A good time to start would be around noon at Wat Chalong and to end at Sunset at Promthep Cape. 1. Wat Chalong

My first Live-On-Board, spending 4 days and 4 night with complete strangers as if they were the best buddies. We were completely diverse but there was at least one thing common, our passion for diving. Each one, whether young or old, novice or experienced talked about the diving with same enthusiasm. Cheers to the team. Dived with : ScubaDivingPhuket, the pickup was arranged at the hotel in Patong, Phuket. We were transferred by road to Khao Lak. And the Live on Board begins there.  Dive Sites: Similan Islands (numerous dive sites) , Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock (Bad weather prohibited our dive there), Some wrecks near Khao Lak (Visibility not so great) Dive Experience: Currents are strong at few dive sites, so some experience and good buoyancy control will make dives enjoyable.  Budget: There are Live On Board starting from 3 Days (10 dives), price starting ~15000 THB (2013). I did 4 days one and paid 22900 THB (2013) for dual accommodation. Ther...

Advanced open water diving!! but by no means an "advanced diver". It was my second dive trip, I opted for Advanced Open water certification at Koh Lanta with Lanta Diver . How to get there: Nearest airport is Krabi, but ferry and van services are available from Phuket, Phi Phi and Ao Nang also. Ferry is more convenient but check for their timing. If you are arriving at Krabi airport in afternoon, Van might be the only option. Koh Lanta: Is it one of the laid back places, complete contrast from chaos of Patong in Phuket. Beaches are serene and sedate, sometimes all for yourself. There are parties also at various locations if you are looking for one.