Thailand - Day 13, Krabi River

 

At the River and Cliff resort you could only get the internet at the lobby (top of the hill) or restaurant (bottom). Karen snapped a shot of me answering emails and catching up with family, at the entrance to the restaurant. She titled it "Woman in jungle checks internet".

It was early so there was a mist in the valleys as we started our 2 or 3 hour drive to Krabi.

Stopped at a gas station with a 7/11 for washroom, coffee and snacks. As we had been driving along I had been noting the "Spirit houses" outside every house and many businesses. They were all different colours, sizes and levels of ornamentation. All, even at this huge truck stop, had fresh offerings (water, fruit, vegetables, flowers, jewelry). Some had ladders up to them. Some had little buildings with deities inside (often the 3 headed elephant).

The tradition of spirit houses dates back centuries, long before the arrival of Buddhism in Thailand, and is related to animism.

Thai animistic beliefs are deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and spiritual traditions, predating the arrival of Buddhism. Animism, the belief that spirits, or phi, inhabit all aspects of the natural world—trees, rivers, mountains, and even particular locations—continues to be integral to Thai spirituality.

Thais believe that these spirits influence daily life, and to maintain harmony, they offer respect and reverence through rituals and offerings. Spirit houses are one manifestation of these beliefs, serving as dedicated spaces where spirits can dwell peacefully without interfering with human activities.

These beliefs have adapted over time, blending with Buddhist and Hindu elements to create a unique spiritual landscape where both religious and animistic practices coexist. from travelbusy.com

We pulled into a dock 

on the Krabi river

and boarded 2 long tailed boats.

Mark playing the fool, Pam is probably rolling her eyes behind those sunglasses.

This time I was prepared to do some posing for Ammy.

As were Nic and Karen.

We docked at an island and were met by monkeys.

Ammy telling us about the history and mythology of the area.

Skull like rock formation.

Dave was carrying a bottle of water in a side pocket of his cargo pants. This little guy ran up, pushed the bottle from the bottom, grabbed it at the top and immediately sat down, pierced the bottom with his teeth and drank it right in front of Dave. It was a skilled and practiced maneuver.

We climbed stairs up into a huge cave

full of natural sculptures.

A skeleton of a "giant" had been found in here,

early inhabitants had left cave paintings and the Japanese had occupied it during WW2.

Back to the boats

and we saw evidence of the fishing culture in large and small boats

and floating homes.

A short drive through the mangroves

looking for snakes (NOT!)

and we arrived at our floating restaurant

for lunch.

We had to wait for a while

for the Muslim owner to get back from prayers.

Lots to see

and then a delicious lunch.

To be continued as from here we spent an afternoon in the Muslim community.