day 124 Trang

The overnight journey is slow and bumpy, with many stops and starts. Eventually, mid morning, we pull into Trang station- it is a world away from the busy municipal city stations we have become accustomed to - almost a village station and we realise that there is only one track. The humidity hits us as soon as we step out into the midday air as does the relief to be on dry and solid ground again! We are also approached by several agents for local tour companies, almost before we have stepped onto the platform, each trying to sell us their particular tours and guest houses. We politely decline, but promise to return later to PJ's, which we have read is the best of the bunch, to book our trip out to one of the islands the following day. We now have the task of  finding somewhere to stay  tonight! The girls have enjoyed the pool so much at Chiang Mai, we decide to head to the only hotel in the town which appears to have a pool - the rather upmarket Thumrin Thana - which we can see a few streets away with a large T on the side of the building.This is fortunate as it give us a point to head for as we walk in convoy, packs on, through the streets of Trang. 

We have no idea whether there is any availability or if the cost of the room and so David is left to negotiate with the very nonchalant reception staff. Eventually after almost an hour of back and forth conversation, visits to several rooms and the pool (which was due to be shut for the next few days) a rate is decided and we head up to the 6th floor to unpack! The saving grace was a very helpful lady on the travel desk who acts as go between for us and ensures  that we are able to use the pool atleast until 6pm. It appears that there is a government conference taking place here for the next few days which is why the pool is closed to other guests. Had it not been for her we would probably have moved on to alternate accommodation.

 

Trang is the provincial capital of this region, (also called Trang) is a charming country town, famous for its Trang Cakes, its unique Tuk Tuks and the home of one of Thailand's famous former Prime Ministers, Chuan Leekpai. From our window we can see one of the main sights in the town, an amazing white chedi - Wat Tantayaphirom- a bit like an enormous wedding cake, said to house the footprint of the buddha.

After a long swim we head out for lunch in the local food court and the supermarket before visiting PJs in the centre of Trang. Not only is PJs a backpacker hostel  but, according to the guidebook, one of the better tourist agents for trips out to the islands and the book is not wrong! Pong and Joy were amazingly helpful and patient with us and help us work through first which island to visit and then where to stay and how to get there. They also book our onwards bus to Hat Yai and advise us about our border crossing into Malaysia. A stay on Ko Mook is booked and we return to the hotel to pack 2 small to take across with us.  Pong and Joy  have kindly agreed to look after the large rucksacks so we dont have unnecessary bags with us. They have also arrange for the minvan to collect us from the hotel!