MIKE AND JESS' TRAVEL DIARY
Thailand and Cambodia Trip
Day 8 - December 8 2014
Dad had reserved a longtail boat from a local tour company he had used before, Adaman Tours, to take us to the Hong islands.
We were taken to Hong Island first, because it can get very busy in the afternoon. It had gorgeous white sand beaches with smaller islands surrounding it. This was our first day with beach activities and we were thrilled. We dropped our stuff on a shady spot by a tree and jumped into the clear blue water with our snorkeling gear and cameras. The best snorkeling was by the side of the limestone cliffs, where schools of fish hung out. It was the day after a full moon and the tide was high so visibility wasn’t perfect, but most of what is nice to see here is the fish, not the coral, so it worked out fine. The fish were clearly fed often because they swarm around you, searching for any goodies you may have brought. On the beach, large monitor lizards walk close to the beach, sometimes on it, and live in the dense forest towards the middle of the island.
Once we were done on the island, around noon, we headed to a few more islands for more snorkeling and views.
The next stop was what they called “The Room” of Hong Island because it was a cul-de-sac of island and water. The natural pool was shallow enough to stand on tiptoe and the water was warm. There was very little movement in the water because it was almost completely surrounded with land, it was absolutely gorgeous.
After a quick lunch on the boat, we headed to another beach where our guide gave us a loaf of bread to feed the fish. They eat it right out of your hand and swim as close to you as possible. It was a cool experience.
Lastly, we hit the most memorable of the stops that they called “Red Island.” Exactly as you are picturing in your head, I am sure. The only island around it where the sides are red instead of tan. Sonia told us this was the best area for snorkeling and it really was. Mostly tan corals, but with sea anenomies and a few colored coral. Some bright blue fish, a few clown fish, and tons of others. Everywhere we swam, the water was so warm, it was more like swimming in a pool than an ocean.
After cleaning up back at the hotel, we took the motorbikes to the beach bar to watch the sunset again and get some delicious Thai food at what would become our favorite restaurant in Ao Nang.
