This was last month, July 2011 . . .

Took a 15-minute boat ride from Ao Nang towards the east to Railay.

Cutest darn puppy!

The tide goes really far out! This poor guy hurt his foot, I think.

Loved the pink slicker. : )

Fascinating to look at.

Sacred phallic rock.

Moi. Went for a dip. Felt good, but it was chocolatey water.

This was the nicest beach I experienced in Thailand. Could actually hang out here in peace in quiet . . . it was lovely.

Good thing I took the dip when I did. Yep, stubbed my toe on my way back to the hotel.

Had the most lovely next day just hanging out. How often do you just sit and think? It was such a perfect day. So thankful for the private lanai looking out at teak trees.

When I ventured out that late afternoon I found the coolest crab art.

There were literally hundreds of them!

From my perspective, beaches in Thailand are mostly nice for looking at . . . the swimming? It ain’t Hawaii.

A small sample of the pollution.

Took a ferry to Koh (island) Phi Phi.

That’s my green backpack on the hotel worker’s back. He met me at the dock. It was about a 10-minute walk inland to the hotel.

This was a common site during this portion of my journey. See the “no water”? Later in the evening the tide rose up to where I was sitting (in a restaurant on simple boards raised over the water).

This is where I hung my hat for a few nights. I had my own bungalow. Would be perfect for couples. Had a TV, which was fun at times . . . some English programs to watch when I was getting dressed to go out.

I’d heard about this and enjoyed watching it. The little fish nibble and clean their feet (or so I hear : ).

One of the nicest things to do (in my humble opinion) while on Koh Phi Phi, hike up the hill to the vista.

I found many ways to get up here . . . let’s just say I found places where I don’t think a tourist is “supposed” to go. Needless to say, I was very happy when I found LOTS of people at this lookout rather than NO one at the obscure lookouts I first found! And then to see that the way down was so easy . . . yep, that’s me, always finding alternate routes rather than the “main” one . . .

It rained and rained one morning. I had the most relaxing time sitting in a guesthouse restaurant drinking coffee and eating muesli with yogurt.

Luckily the weather and seas calmed so that I could take a boat excursion. That’s the viking cave. Vikings in Thailand? Reckon so. Or was it Pirate Cave . . . ?

Our tour guide/boat captain . . . that’s pineapple for a snack on the platter.

Moi at the famous “beach” from the eponymous movie. Thanks Michele for the use of your little “dry” bag.

This critter was hanging out on the beach. ! ! !

I think this is the well known location shown in the movie. Why think? Haven’t seen the movie yet, but I saw lots of people posing here and taking their picture.

Hi Mom!

This is where I heard a German yell out “Ganz allein in Paradis!” All alone in paradise!

We’d swum from our boat to this ladder to then walk to “the beach.”

The surge wasn’t too bad . . . fortunately!

Jelly fish in the water as we snorkeled! Luckily they didn’t sting. But there were LOTS of them.

Last stop before heading back to Koh Phi Phi: monkey beach.

These are “professional” monkeys.

Swam/snorkeled wearing my turquoise and citrine bracelet. Even had it on when I swam to “the beach.” And then it broke right on the boat over a black backpack (so I  could easily find it). One citrine decided to stay on the boat. Or maybe it jumped ship and is swimming around in Thailand. Who knows? Just know it was time for one citrine to take a walk about.

A ubiquitous mannequin in SE Asia.

Left Koh Phi Phi for Ao Nang beach.

The Aloha Inn was absolutely perfect for one night!

It dumped rain outside and I watched two movies in. And my clothes which were soaked were dry by morning. : )

Aloha Ao Nang and the “Krabi” area of Thailand.