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Elefantbathing in Khao Sok National Park

We decided to go to Khao Sok National Park on yet another guided tour. Since the snorkeling trip was windy and not really worth the money, I did not have very high hopes. We left Ayara Villas at 8:20. Guide and one couple was already on the bus, and we went on to a luxury hotel to pick up the last tourists. Starting of with sturdy breakfast and some selfies.

Breakfast at Ayara Villa- pancakes, omelette, croissant, toast, coffee, tea, fresh fruits, yoghurt and a nice view overlooking the ocean.
Heading back to our room after breakfast.

Minibus went on east. First stop was Fresh Market in Takua Pa, where our guide instructed us to by banana and tamarindpast for our later feeding of the elephants we were supposed to meet. Really nice market. It was fun to go with Bee who could explain a few of the questions we had on what we saw. The first couple bought those sweet and tasty fried coconut-halves. Axel got a bag of soyadrink and Sten wanted some sticky rice (Khao Niao) so I bought a couple of bags. One of the bags already had some chicken in it.

On our way to the river rafting, our first event so to speak, we stopped by at a small  waterfall and a view point. Need I say that the scenery is just amazing? The hills are lush green covered completely by forest and many steeps and endless views. At one point there had been a landslide- pictures by the road showed how the entire road had just disappeared and made a 10 meter gap in the road. Must have been a nightmare going by car in the night when that happened, it had been impossible to foresee and break before.
Sten and a lizard, (descendant of Raptor)
A butterfly that I came across
To be our next family portrait? Tells the truth.
Mr Engan
We got on the bambu rafts, two by two, and went on a calm and so peaceful journey down the river. A thai took care of us so we could just sit and enjoy. Mathias told be yesterday that the best food he has had so far is that rice with chicken that he had while on the bambu raft. Imagine this river in the rainperiod...
We made a stop on a river bank where the thai men made coffee on a fire made of dry bambusticks. The water was heated in a fresh bambu stick. Coffee was served in small bambu cups, cute souvenirs for us. Sten and Axel played around.
Making fire, water heated in the upright bamboo stick.
Swing
Pouring heated water from the fire into our bamboo cups.

We continued down the river and had a real farang lunch. It was tasty, but don't think there was chili in anything. Now we were really starting to get exited to see the elephants. There are only three types in the world: African, Asian-Indian, and Sumatra (mini elephant). When we came to the Conservation area, we had to wait a little, they were busy with another guided tour. Finally, they came. One stayed to be feeded and bathed with us. We made tamarind balls and placed inside the mouth of the elephant. New experience, I tell you!
Cutie!
The elephant pooped in the water just before we got in. Not so nice, but at least I got a real nice picture of the poop-splash!
Elefant spa with poop
Putting some dirt on her. Clay mask.
Leaving for next cleaning
 In the jungle...
Washing her up
After that experience, we went down to the Sunday market in Takua Pa. This was ordinary Sunday market, but since it was Christmas eve, I told the boys to get something. Axel got a pair of sunglasses, Sten a Rubiks cube-copy.

In the midst of it a few ladies came with placards with anti-beggars propaganda. They were guarded by military, but it all was very calm and quiet. I have not seen many beggars in tourist-Thailand, but I reckon it could be big problem in the larger towns.
A few farangs but this market was mostly for thai.
Lots of interesting and yummy foods, fruits, drinks and candy.
 A Christmas gift from Ayara hotel waited for us when we came back home.

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