New Year New Territory

1 January 2025: A New Year and New Territory

Happy New Year adventures in Thailand’s south! We ditched the familiar for new territory, heading from Trang to Province of Satun and La-ngu on the southwest coast, eager to explore the region’s hidden gems.

Our first stop was a fuel-up at PTT La-ngu, where the staff’s warm smiles and friendly vibes set the tone for the day.

The locals were just as lovely, making us feel like part of the gang with their welcoming waves and greetings.

Next, we cruised along the protected beach, admiring the barriers that shield the community from storm surges. The scenery was stunning, with the sea breeze carrying the sweet scent of tropical flowers. Before long, we were navigating through mangrove inlets, surrounded by fishing boats bobbing in the water, their colorful nets and gear adding a pop of color to the tranquil scene.

We stumbled upon a quaint fishing port, where the road ran right alongside the boats chugging back to shore – it was like a fun, slow-motion parade, with us driving alongside our new boat friends, who waved and grinned at us from their vessels.

The drive into Langka Beach was an adventure in itself, with the locals enjoying a quiet day after New Year’s celebrations. We swooned over the majestic Royal Hill Satun Hotel, perched on a headland, its elegant architecture and stunning views making it a standout landmark. We grabbed a quick break at 7-11, refueling and recharging for the next leg of our journey. The scenic drive hugged the rugged mountains, with thick green jungle and rock cliffs that seemed to defy gravity, their ancient beauty awe-inspiring.

And to top it off, we discovered stunning murals in Thung Wa – pure art bliss that left us beaming! The vibrant colors and intricate details brought the town’s culture and history to life, and we couldn’t get enough of the creative energy that pulsed through this charming town.

2 January 2025 We started the day in Trang, heading eastwards towards the coast, eager to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Our first stop was Wat Tham Sumano, a stunning temple complex featuring an amazing cave that follows a creek flowing through the mountain. The fast-flowing water added to the natural beauty of the surroundings, creating a serene atmosphere that was a perfect start to our day. We took our time exploring the temple grounds, admiring the intricate architecture and learning about the local history and culture. Next, we stopped at Thale Noi Lake, taking in the serene atmosphere and marveling at the lake’s natural beauty. The lake’s tranquil waters and lush surroundings were a haven for wildlife, and we enjoyed the opportunity to experience its peaceful ambiance. We then crossed the impressive Chaloem Phrakiat 80th Birthday Bridge, a notable landmark in Satun that showcases the region’s engineering prowess. The bridge’s design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with breathtaking views of the surrounding waterscape. As we gazed out from the bridge, we took in the stunning views of boats plying the waves below and buffalo making their way through the shallow depths. As we reached the east coast, the weather took a dramatic turn. Dark stormy skies gathered, and the tide was high, with big waves crashing against the shore. We drove south along the coast, passing by many beaches, including Maharat Beach, but were met with a disheartening sight – kilometre after kilometre of rubbish littered the coast, with styrofoam being a major contributor to the pollution. The coastal roads were also affected, with some areas flooded and fishing boats pulled out of the water for maintenance. In some spots, boats were even parked across the road, blocking our path and forcing us to backtrack and find detours. We navigated the challenging coastal roads with caution, taking care to avoid the worst of the flooding. After navigating the coastal roads, we made our way around the southern part of Songkhla Lake, a unique lagoon complex with brackish water and mangroves. The lake’s ecosystem was fascinating, with a mix of fresh and saltwater species thriving in the area. We were struck by the stunning mural art in Songkhla Oldtown, which brought the town’s culture and history to life. The vibrant colors and intricate details of the murals were a testament to the town’s rich heritage, and we spent hours wandering around, taking it all in. After a big day of exploring, we settled into our hotel in Hat Yai and ventured out to find dinner, enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals and chatting with tourists. The evening was a welcome respite after a long day of adventure, and we savored the opportunity to relax and recharge for the next day’s adventures.