Emily writes · Khao Sok, Thailand · 18–27 October 2025
After a month on the islands, we took a minibus into the rainforest at Khao Sok. The driver treated blind corners beside cliffs as a personal challenge. I did not enjoy that. We arrived safely, somehow.
The Montania sat between cliffs, streams, and thick green trees. We stayed in a woodland cabin. Our porch filled up with books, art supplies, and conversations about what we were doing next. I finished two whole books, which felt like an achievement.
We took a boat across Cheow Lan Lake. The lake was created when the rainforest was flooded, and it did not look like anywhere else we had been. We cruised across the water, then hiked through the forest with a guide who told us about the plants and wildlife. The cave was full of critters and bats. I was very brave, despite my deep fear of rabies. As we came out, our guide started talking about cave rescues. I appreciated his timing.
After lunch we swam and kayaked on the lake. That part did not require bravery.
The area around the hotel had a cheap laundry next door and a lunch place we kept using. Every afternoon the staff brought us tea. The hotel cat often appeared dressed as a different Disney princess. When we checked out, the staff gave us Thai shirts.
Bryson and I kept arguing about whether noodles are acceptable for breakfast. I happily ate curry, noodles, or spaghetti bolognese in the morning. Bryson stayed loyal to banana pancakes and French toast.
Bryson’s main mission was to see a monkey. We found several on our walks through the rainforest. We did not see any wild elephants, despite all the warning signs. Then another monkey appeared in town as we were leaving, just to make sure the mission was complete.
No elephants. Plenty of monkeys. We called that a win.
Open the camera roll (28 photographs)
Open the camera roll (12 photographs)
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