6-19 Bangkok to Krabi

The 3 of us were happy to hop on an afternoon flight out of Bangkok. Our destination was the West cost of Thailand, about 90min flight South and 90 miles East of Phuket. We decided against Phuket because of all the warnings we got from fellow travelers. It's basically Bangkok on the beach, so it's dirty, stinky, overpriced, and everywhere there are nasty go-go bars trying to lure you in. As we ascended into the clouds, we were given an incredible show. The monsoon clounds here are like no other clouds I've ever seen. We had our faces glued to the window, watching the show got better and better as the sun set. We were to fly into Krabi ($45 airfare) and stay at a resort a ways off the beach. We pre-booked our room via the TAT office in the airport, which is often a good choice for your first night. It's no fun wandering for miles in your pack, looking for accommodation. In the end, we lucked out with the Baan Suan Resort. Airport pickup and the place was secluded with a good restaurant and pool with bar. We had a good Thai dinner and the resort owner joined us-- a predictable move to soften us up to stay more than one night and book some excursions. Despite that, we actually liked the guy; a real straight shooter. We made a real splash in the pool that night. The only other people staying there that night was a group at the pool who had also just arrived. 7 Thai girls and 1 guy we making quite a ruckus, and it only took a few minutes for Chris and I to get them talking and laughing with us, but mostly at us. We called it a relatively early night and made plans for a pool party the next night.