[Khao Lak, Thailand] Lunch in Myanmar – why not 🙂 Take two for the visa run and thankfully there was space in the minivan for us. We were getting a little worried about it since V had read some stories about people being thrown into jail for overstaying their visas (I assume the couldn’t pay the fine or bribe). Even after yesterdays problems we can still highly recommend ‘Eve Visa Tour’ (Tel: +66 81 535 2637) – what a slick service. The ride out to Ranong took around two and a half hours where those (including us) with visa overstay fines to pay were split into another group and shuttled to a customs office at the port. We were marched to the front of the line and everything was processed for us efficiently and at the companies expense (B500 each) because of the mess yesterday. From there we transferred to the Andaman Club pier where, after being stamped out of the country, we boarded a waiting boat and headed out to Myanmar (well, sort of).

A 30 minute ride across the mouth of the Kwai river got us to the Andaman Club (www.andamanclub.com). What a place! :gps:(GPS)::9.950587::98.546143:gps: This is how the other half (ok maybe 2%) must live. The resort IS an island. Good to see that in a military dictatorship like Myanmar there is a place where the upper classes can relax – all that power must take it’s toll. At the dock we handed our passports in to the clubs very own immigration officials (who all had their uniforms hanging in the closet at the back of the room) while we went for lunch at the resort. A simple and good meal in a 5 star setting with stunning views out across the sea – too easy.

We were in the country for less than an hour before collecting our processed passports (stamped in and out while we had lunch) and heading back to Thailand and another two week visa. It seems crazy to us. Everyone knows that this is done so why not just charge B1800 (£38) for a two week visa extension. Maybe someone’s brother has shares in the visa tour companies. Our driver kindly presented us with ice cold drinks and a bag of snacks before shuttling us back to Khao Lak. It was a waste of 8 hours but not at all difficult.

Tomorrow we move on to Railay. We’ve got itchy feet and this is the longest we have stayed in one place so far. The only reason to be here was the PADI course at the Similans (See what I mean), we just had a little bad luck. I really hope the weather improves down south.

[Pictures: The view from the Andaman Club. Our boat at the pier – border crossing in style]

– Posted from my iPhone via WiFi