Khao Sok in a sentence: From living like Tarzan and Jane in the jungle to living in a desert of water surrounding us ironically dry of beer.

After spending a week doing our scuba qualifications it was safe to say we needed some much needed rest - although we would of loved to stay on Koh Tao we thought we would make our way West to enjoy more of Thailand.

We had heard good things about Khao Sok National Park and the floating bungalows on the lake so decided we would stop here on our way. Definitely a decision we do not regret! We stayed in a lovely bungalow raised in the Jungle enjoying the nature around us, even making the most of the tropical rains that came out of nowhere by sitting on in our hammocks on the balcony watching the rain falling over the mountains.

The village itself wasn't very big with a few restaurants and shops along the river. The owners of our bungalows also had bungalows on the Lake near Ratchaprada Dam.... Looking at the pictures we thought it would be nice to venture out to the lake to enjoy some kayaking, safaris and trekking through the jungle.

Once we arrived at the lake we boarded a long tail (a Thai boat) and made our way to our home for the next night. Firstly taking a lake cruise on the long tail to explore the place. The scenery was staggering! But slightly eerie as we gazed over numerous silvery grey trees that penetrate the surface of the water reminding you that this is in fact a damn and that a huge ecosystem was wiped out around 30 years ago, as well as the involuntary evacuation of people living around the area.

There were 11 bungalows and a small restaurant/bar on a floating platform - the main deck itself was no bigger than 10mx15m with bungalows either side, situated in the middle a lake surrounded by mountains. Very picturesque!! Unfortunately we only packed an over night bag and forgot Emily's book which would of been lovely to read in the hammock overlooking the lake but nevertheless it was nice to have a very peaceful 2 days enjoying the scenery - no electricity except between 6pm-6am, no wifi or phone reception meant we only had each other to talk to! By the time evening came we were both very much relaxed and Curt was in need of some beer! However the bar had run out and with no shop nearby it meant for a rather sober night. Luckily we had the thunder and lightening to entertain us in the distance.

Despite the lack of beer we enjoyed spending time here - kayaking around the lake, sunbathing (of which we also forgot the sun-cream), and venturing out on the long tail to find some wildlife that occupied the mountains - finding a huge pack of monkeys grazing on berries in the trees with at least 5 baby monkeys was by far enjoyable to watch. Also we were given a guided trek through the jungle - with only the two of us (the Russian women with us didn't seem interested in leaving), our tour guide and the boy who lived where we were staying it felt like another private tour. We were given head torches as we were going to walk through some caves - in some places more like swimming as the water came up to our shoulders! Our walking shoes truly being broken into after getting completely soaked through by the rivers and caves.

Unfortunately our time on the lake had come to an end and before we knew it we were heading back to our other bungalow for one last night until we had our transfer to Khao Lak. While sitting in a restaurant we found out that some friends (Rosie and Susie) we met in Vietnam were staying next door to us and met up for a few drinks - planning a final meet up with them again in Kuala Lumpur before they have to return home!

C & E x