Hat Chao Mai National Park

Sikao and Kantang Districts

Trang Province

Thailand

April 23, 2026

Hello,

Last month my Facebook Feed highlighted an ad for a cruise on the Andaman Sea.  I answered the ad, and booked a three-day two-night sail on the Mohana yacht. Gary, my good friend here, decided to join me. (For many years Gary actually lived on a boat in Seattle!)

Chan, the Cruise Manager picks us up at the Trang Airport in southern Thailand.  We drive to Hat Yao Beach where we spend the night.  In the morning, with a crew of three. we set sail for Kradan Island.  The next day we visit Muk Island. (Chan, Captain Boonchok and Sailor Ta.)

Sights and Surprises:

Hat Yau Beach is surrounded by limestone karst hills.  In the evening, facing west towards the sea, the hills darken and the clouds turn red-pink.  At dinner, I decide that before we set sail in the morning, I will take a sunrise stroll.  Will I be able to see the sun strike the hills from the east? I do! And more! **

The sea is calm and the winds gentle. When the winds freshen, Captain Boonchok turns off the motor.  Chan and Ta hoist the sheets. We sail!

Moored off Kradan Island. Gary paddles about in a rubber dinghy.  Wrapped with life jacket, Jan jumps in and “swims” around the boat. Then Chan paddles me to shore.  I shoot the sights along the beach.

The next day we visit Muk Island.

The sail is invigorating. The scenery inspiring.  The fresh food delicious.

The sail is invigorating! The scenery inspiring!  The fresh food delicious!

You in the neighborhood?  We’ll book another!

Cheers,

Jan

** Set back from the road, a Thai woman is busy with her morning chores. I take a shot.  I decide to show her the image.  She invites me to her home and offers tea.  Gai introduces me to Manfred, her partner in this sunlit morning paradise.

On the wall of their home, Manfred has hung a map of his original home:  The German Island of Juist in the North Sea. We commence an enthusiastic conversation in Thai-German-English!

Chan knows Manfred. (Here everyone knows everyone.)  When sailing out of the marina, Chan points out Manfed’s sailboat.  Manfred sailed here from the North Sea!  That raises two questions: How long did it take him to sail to southern Thailand?  What was his route?  Down the Danube to the Black Sea and Suez?  Or down the coast of western Europe through Gibraltar.

I make a mental note: When next in Europe and in honor of my encounter with Gia and Manfred, I’ll take the ferry to what appears to be yet another serene paradise: Juist!  No cars! Sand dunes and the Sea.   

I tire towards the end of my walk. A young man on a motorbike offers to take me back to my hotel room.  Out on the sail, Chan mentions that he knew that I had taken that ride.   Down here, folks are so kind.  And everyone knows everyone!