Noppharat Beach

 As I've already alluded to, we're here in Ao Nang for some quality beach time before our return to the UK.

We've taken to beach life exceptionally well. 

In fact, three months of eating out constantly  has virtually assured that I am, without doubt, the 'Biggest Beach Bum ' here......

Following our somewhat mixed day out to Pai Plong, we ventured to the other end of the bay  to the much praised Noppharat Beach.

On paper, it's a long long stretch of white sand, fringed by palm trees and framed by a couple of small islets accessible on foot at low tide.

Eagerly, we set off, passing various sea-themed sculptures and a couple of (unmanned) tsunami lookout posts.

The beach was, as promised, a palm fringed, white sand delight.

Apart, that is, from the overwhelming pong.

Having checked that neither I nor JB were responsible for the whiff, we pushed a little further on.

I couldn't fail to notice a rather jaunty scum at the waters edge and I presume that this was the source of the stench.

Through streaming eyes and with hankies clasped to our faces we stumbled away.

IMPORTANT UPDATE.

We went back again today (there's a restaurant there that serves a really great fresh garlic omelette. No, really.) and were thrilled to find no trace of the previous days stink.

In conclusion, I'd have to say that the beach is definitely worth a visit, (if only for the omelette), but at the first scent of rotting haddock, retreat. And try not to inhale.