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Thailand, Chumphon: The Return of Fishing in Pak Tako

Posted on July 6, 2013 | Leave a comment

Still in Chumphon.

After the boat tour of the estuary of Pak Tako, we decided to attend the return of fishing. A short drive to the fishing warehouse to follow the action.

The boats are unloaded immediately by organized teams. At first glance, it seems that there are a lot of people. But very quickly you realize that everyone has a very specific task, in order to optimize the whole process.

Fishing is mainly composed of crabs (pictures 2, 4 & 5) and anchovies (picture 3). Each boat is specialized in shellfish or in anchovies. And while these traditional boats may seem craft, I am impressed by the quantity fished: 3 tonnes of anchovy today!

Smiling, the boat owner told me that it is a daily average. Time to shoot some more portraits. And we have to hit the road, tight schedule.

We will have many stops till Surat Thani, including the visit of a silk fabric and a Bouddhist meditation centre. The last two pictures: the Pak Tako beach. During the rainy season, throughout the day the weather is a mix between rain and heat.

Follow my whole trip in THAILAND and Twitter. You can also discover my other pictures in the Facebook of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Facebook of the Royal Thai Embassy in Belgium. ENJOY!

Thailand: The Pak Tako Estuary in Chumphon

Visakha Bucha Buddhist Celebration Near Amphawa

DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Thailand: The Pak Tako Estuary in Chumphon

Posted on July 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

For the third day I am in Chumphon.

During my first trip to Thailand, I have already stopped to Chumphon on my way to Koh Samet. This time I woke up at dawn to get to the estuary Pak Tako. A 5 minute drive from Tusita Resort & Spa.

The beach is large, palm trees, a wreck and low tide. Some pictures and mosquito bites, waiting for the traditional boat in which we visit the estuary. Timidly the sun rises. Beautiful light with golden reflections through threatening clouds, the sky cleared. This is the beginning of the rainy season. And the bottom of the air is already heavy, tropical weather.

The boat is late (ahora misma, lol). Finally sat in the front “seat”, I gradually discovered each bank. Pristine luxuriant nature on one side (pictures 5,8 & 10). Fishermen’s wooden houses on stilts, boats, fishing boats and warehouses on the other side. Gently life resumes and we meet here and there a fisherman or older women drinking tea (pictures 4 & 6).

No noise except for few boat engines. I like watching the conch of traditional boats. Everything seems immutable, like a ritual that is repeated again and again, reassuring. Time slows down. A peaceful feeling without crowds or tourist. The estuary is small and the boat is fast enough. And we decide to attend the return of fishing in the warehouses. We reach them by road in less than 5 minutes. To be contunued…

Thaïland: On the road from Amphawa to Chumphon

Thailand, Klongkone Mangrove Conservation Centre

DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Thaïland: On the road from Amphawa to Chumphon

Posted on June 30, 2013 | Leave a comment

Second day of the trip:

we leave Amphawa and its klongs to Chumphon. A lunch on the lovely Ban Krut Beach, almost desert and very clean. And as we say in French, “no shadow of (pas l’ombre)” a tourist (picture 2).

A few tables scattered here and there: excellent thai food. I’m intrigued by the giant Buddha off set on a small hill facing seafront (picture 3). After lunch, we visit the temple Prachuap Khiri Khan, where the giant Buddha rises.

Then we hit the road to Hin Chang Spirit House. A temple dedicated to Ganesh. I didn’t count how many statues of elephants, but it’s pretty impressive (pictures 4 & 5)! You can find all sizes and colors. And not to mention firecrackers … yes, deafening (I’m not exaggerating) with a maximum of smoke, facing the altar (picture 6)!

And while the mini bus away from Hin Chang Spirit House, I have a king of vision on the side of the road! My meeting of the day! A traveling monk from Cambodia (pictures 1 & 7). Angor Wat is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. There is something mystical and magical (I promise I will post some pictures!)

. The monk walked from Cambodia and goes south of Thailand. I couldn’t explain why he reminds me of David Carradine on the road in the famous Kung Fu series (I think?). Undaunted, the monk continues his road, a water bottle in hand. The best meetings are often those due to chance … Don’t you think so?