28 December 2013 First islands of Thailand

We left Malaysia for the short passage to Thailand on Boxing Day stopping overnight on a mooring ball on the north west corner of Ao Lanta. Next day the wind picked up for a fine sail to Koh Muk or Mook as it is sometimes known. This was the first pretty anchorage we've been to for a long time; high limestone cliffs, clear water and a white sand beach. The draw for Koh Muk is the Emerald cave, accessed at low water from the west side there is a cave which one can swim or take a kayak through to a sandy beach inside which is completely encircled with high cliffs. Legend has it this was a hiding place used by pirates.

on the beach Koh Muk

inside Emerald cave

kayaking back to the sea

Emerald cave beach

On the morning falling tide we paddled over in the kayak and found a couple of tourist boats waiting for their guests at the entrance. We paddled into the darkness with a torch to illuminate the way, eroded ceiling above us and as the way twisted and turned the light on the other side appeared turning the water green. Magical stuff and impossible to have found without seeing t mooring balls outside.

We came out of the dark into the enclosed beach. A secret place, the only other way in to abseil from the 100m cliffs around us. We could see why pirates used this as a hideaway for their booty. We were the only people there for a short time – as we left there were ten boats with their guests and more lining up.

Our afternoon was just as thrilling – a fast sail in a hearty wind over to Koh Lanta. It had been our intention to go ashore but the wind kept blowing 25 knots on the nose which would have made putting the dinghy in the water and getting to the beach very wet. Instead we had a quiet evening aboard and watched a film.

Next day we were Phuket bound in more moderate, but still good sailing wind and arrived in Ao Chalong, southern Phuket mid afternoon. Stuart and Sheila had recommended the west side of the bay, known as Panwa Bali as a quiet and protected place to drop the hook and guess who we found waiting for us? Stuart and Sheila on Imagine! We shared a sundowner before going ashore for our firs Thai dining experience. I love Thai food. We loved our dinner on the beach with soft sand under our toes and dinghy tied to the restaurant mooring post. I don't think I'll be doing much cooking on board while we're here. Why should we when restuarants cook better than I do and it's cheaper than eating aboard?