Railay

 When is an island not an island?

Railay, a mere 10 minute longtail trip from Ao Nang is accessible only by sea, yet it isn't actually an island. It's connected to the mainland by mountainous jungle, but no road.

It might not technically be an island, but it covers everything on the tropical island checklist.

Soft white sands?   Acres of them

Obviously taken during Covid, as there's no one on the beach (see below)

Palm trees?  A coconut lover's dream

Enormous cliffs (some suitable for climbing on) ?   Definitely.

NB. This isn't JB. He only climbs really hard stuff......

It's also got mangroves, laid back monitor lizards and, best of all, a population of monkeys that all seem to have been prescribed sedatives.

Monitor lizard enjoying a fag.

Don't do drugs kids. Leave them for the monkeys. It's safer for all of us.

Railay is also home to the rather questionable (and there's no other way of putting this) Todger Temple.

Nestled in a cave (ironically named Princess Cave), it's  a celebration of all things knob shaped.

Feel free to make up your own caption for this one.......

Cave smut aside, Railay is a really lovely spot. One that JB and I have visited many times over the years.

 A minor gripe is that it seems to be much busier than it used to be. Lots of tourists. Not like us, we're travellers (!) .

Well, at least until tomorrow when we board the plane bound for Manchester......