From big city to empty beaches. Last week, after I bid goodbye to Bangkok, I hopped on a post-TBEX tour to Trang and Satun provinces. These tours are designed to give the bloggers who attend TBEX to explore a bit more of the conference’s host country. Granted, Thailand and I do go pretty far back, but I’d yet to step foot in it’s two Southernmost provinces — so I jumped at the chance.
Our first stop was Trang, where we visited local artisans and island-hopped around to some of the region’s most treasured destinations, like the Emerald Cave on Koh Mook. Next we made our way to Satun, where we paddled through a spectacular sea cave, and explored even more hidden beaches. It was a whirlwind three days! I look forward to returning to some of the islands we stopped on again some day for a much longer stay.
Next week, I’ll be checking in from back on Koh Tao! And in between, we’ll have more posts from the American South to keep us busy. Till next time, here’s Photo of the Week…
Photo A
A weaving cooperative in Trang
Photo B
Simple and beautiful creations in Trang
Photo C
Thailand’s iconic longtail boats
Photo D
A hidden beach in Satun
Photo E
Stegodon Sea Cave in Satun
Which photo is your favorite?
D!
Looks pretty lush, eh? 🙂
Both of these destinations sound truly fascinating! I love hidden beaches more than pretty much anything else in life 🙂 Photo E is captivating, and makes me think of my geologist brother who would geek out hard in that cave.
They even found fossils of a mastodon in there! It was a cool experience no matter how I sliced it.
A — another pair of your photos that would be totally at home in AFAR magazine.
Someday… [insert dreamy look in eyes here]
I never thought Thailand could be beautiful as this. Great pictures and I love each of the scenery. Earlier next year, I’m planning to go to Thailand. Thanks for this information.
More posts about Trang and Satun headed your way soon, Marie. Stay tuned!
I love photo A, both for the colors of the fabrics and that woman’s smile! 🙂
Thanks Jamie! I loved watching her work. Brought me back to the weaving camp I did in girl scouts… yup, I was cool!
Photo D silently whispers ‘Thailand’ to me – it doesn’t scream it, it’s not a loud photo!
So true… it’s kind of a foggy one 🙂
Photo D! There’s a purity to the picture that you can’t find too often nowadays.
Thanks Marni, that’s a lovely compliment.
E! Dark and mysterious! 🙂
Definitely the reader favorite this week!
Photo D! Interested to hear more about a part of Thailand that I know nothing about!
Excited to share more <3
I am going to choose photo D. A hidden beach, sounds like paradise.
Satun is full of ’em!
My memory of Satun is way different than what you captured it here and cause of that reason I will say Photo D!
Interesting! What’s your memory of Satun?
Hey Alex,
I’m going to Thailand in November and haven’t made any plans yet for the islands! I want to be in Chiang Mai around November 25 for the big festival there. Other than that, I have November 11-23 to spend around the islands. Any recommendations on where to go for November? I hear that Koh Tao has a lot of rain then.
Indeed, that is smack in the middle of our monsoon! The Adaman side tends to be lovely then though… check out the islands on the other coast 🙂
That lovely smile of the lady and the vibrant colors of the fabric make A my favorite!
Thanks Katherine! I love taking travel portraits although I’m usually quite shy to do so.
Yeah Photo D is my favorite. I love the greens and that there is a longtail boat in it.
How’s the smog going on in Thailand right now? I got some friends there and a lot of them are saying it’s gotten pretty bad. Such a shame.
It is indeed awful. The fires in Indonesia are relentless — hoping we get some relief soon. This article explains it well: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asean/718836/indonesia-forest-fires-choke-south-with-haze
the cave looks really fantastic and the pics are perfectly clicked.
Thanks lony! Appreciate that.
I love D. Although you definitely tell that its taken towards the end of wet season- it has that misty look to it!
It was indeed pretty wet while we were there. PS: Your upcoming plans look awesome!
Soooo wishing I was in Thailand right now
Warning, once you are, you might not want to leave 🙂
It’s always nice to explore new places, even in the country you call “home”., even if it’s “home away from home”. Beautiful pictures, like always.
I love traveling around Thailand! Even after all these years there are still so many new corners to see.
Hi Alex,
what camera do you use for your travel photography? Maybe you write a post sharing what’s in your bag?
Cheers
Piotr
Check out my obsessions page and my packing posts — it’s all there! 🙂
D or E, it’s too tough to call.
Looking forward to hearing about your experience at TBEX. (Congrats on presenting! It’s a big blogging career milestone) The one in Toronto was excellent.
Thanks Shaun. It felt like one! Already looking forward to Manila next year.
Photo D…looks epic.
Thanks Julia! Definitely the clear winner this week.
Photo D! That water looks gorgeous and I love the fog settling in over the trees. A very moody photo.
A moody photo for a moody blogger… at least that’s how I usually feel when the sun won’t come out 😛 This photo was an exception!
D! It looks magical!
Thanks for voting, Elizabeth!
Photo A! It’s so colorful, and she looks so happy!
I felt so lucky to catch that genuine smile 🙂
A! When you look at both photos side by side, they somehow contrast each other yet exude a certain harmony. Amazing colours on one side, winning smile on the other. Natural beauty at its best.
Thanks Jael. What a beautiful comment!