Cave Exploration in Northern Thailand, at the Bang Mapra Tham Lot

   
     The cave at Bang Mapra is far more extensive than one would predict before entering it. This cave is close to one mile long, and is only accessible by floating downstream on a tiny rickety bamboo raft, with both a guide and raft-man.

    As we approached the cave, there was a back board set up in all its glory, as a wary hazard for first time spelunkers.

    This is Thailand, so we knew it could be rough, as we climbed aboard out small bamboo craft and drifted into the mouth of the cave.

    The original cavern is about 50-60 feet tall, and filled with both stalactites and stalagmites.

Bamboo rafts awaiting their riders.

Approaching the cave's mouth.

     The main cave has three offshoots, one to the right, which is easily manageable, and two off to the left, both of which are only accessible by climbing up a very tall, very straight ladder set all the way up to the top.

Here I am, on the raft as we entered the large cave.

 Thank you for looking, and please enjoy these pictures of teh Bang Mapra Cave in all its splendor

The real Kho Lipe, Thailand, 2012, in the Andaman Sea.

    The arrival to Kho Lipe is somewhat difficult, I won't lie. It's a long way from Bangkok, and everywhere else.  But once you get there, you won't want to leave.

    I have heard that Lipe is the third most popular beach island destination is the world, next to the Seychelles, and the Maldives. I believe this to be true.  
   
     Lately, with the political unrest in the Maldives,  Kho Lipe must be the second best international island beach destination in the world. 

Sea Cucumber in a tidal pool.

In my opinion, Lipe is number #1, for your budget, comfort, and quality of life.


Lipe is still natural, beautiful, and still relatively unspoiled. You better get there now, while it still boasts its original charm and tranquility.
Its Tidal pools are spectacular, clean and excellent to make close up inspections of the Marine life.

0n A boat trip my second day on Lipe, with a old friend.

I arrived as you will, late in the afternoon, tired, sweaty and hungry.    

The next day,  my first day on Lipe, I took on a boat trip to see the ocean and the island from off shore.