So we caught the bus up to Khao Sok NP...not as simple as we thought it would be...A mini bus picked us up for the hotel, on time so all was good...we knew we were being transferred to a big bus so weren't too concerned....until we got dropped off at the side of the road just as a tropical downpour began!!! Seemed like the minibus driver was trying to get rid of us to someone else, but didn't really tell us what was going on!! Eventually we got told that we were to stay where we were and a public bus would be along in an hour!!! Great! So Shane set off in search of getting some breakfast, arriving back with the delicacy that is 7eleven microwave chicken burgers, while Phil stood in the alternating heavy rain and super strong sunshine!!! Luckily once we got on the bus it was smooth sailing all the way.

We arrived at our accommodation, a nice clean basic lodge with the friendliest staff you could come across. This is believed to be one of the oldest rainforests in the world, with dramatic limestone formations and waterfalls so we booked a boat and hike combo for the next day...

Unfortunately the area lived up to its reputation as the wettest spot in Thailand, which is why they built a dam here!!! We got into the longboat nice and dry but up ahead we could see the rain lashing down....now we had been told about how scenic and beautiful the boat ride is, but to be honest all we spent our time doing was inspecting our knees, trying to avoid the rain firing in our face! It was mad! We got off the boat for lunch soaked to the bone and none the wiser about the area we were in! All we had seen were little glimpses when we were brave enough to look up while on the boat!! The water in the dam was nice and warm though so Shane dived in fully clothed as it wasn't going to make what he was wearing any wetter!!!

We had lunch on one of the floating villages, which was very tasty and in a super setting as you were surrounded by water and mountains in every direction, and luckily it had started to clear up a bit. Due to the heavy rain we didn't get to go to the original cave that we were meant to, instead we had a ride on a bamboo raft into another cave with some good stalactites and stalagmites. It's at this point we should mention it was pretty slippy during the walk, but our guide lead the way in bare feet and with only a machete in his hand!!!What a man!!!

By this time and for the journey back the rain decided to stay away allowing us to take in the beauty of the area. The cliffs are amazing, and to be able to travel in the water around it really makes you appreciate it! There is meant to be loads of wildlife there, tigers etc but they are so well hidden in the 4000 sq km they are basically never seen!