After leaving Khao Sok National Park we drove out into the countryside through coconut farms to find Ban Nam Sak (Village Water Clear). We had no idea what to expect, all we knew is that Iris told us there was beautiful water to swim in.
Turns out it’s a cool water spring in the middle of the jungle that is well cared for by the locals and parks department. They charge an entrance fee for swimming, $100 Baht per adult, $50 Baht for children. Bathrooms are pretty sketchy but that adds to the fun… Pretty sure some of the workers live in part of the building. We also encountered a large spider on the path!
They have very strict rules that nothing but a towel may go with you down to the water. Free lockers are provided, but don’t plan on taking any snacks, water, sunscreen, or water toys.
The spring is a beautiful turquoise color and very clear. It has been formed into several pools that are waist deep and have fine gravel underfoot. There are some fish that live in the spring too. Spud tried and tried to catch one with his hands, but they outsmarted him every time.
The water was cool, but it was a warm day so it felt very refreshing. There is plenty of shade from all of the palm trees around, but the pools were sunny. Perfect way to spend an afternoon!
We did not realize that there were also canoe rentals and you could paddle through the jungle… The water there was murkier, but we wish we would have saved some time for exploring there.
Near the parking lot were some food stands. We ordered staples… Fruit smoothies of course, Pad Thai, beef and glass noodles (better to look at than to eat, haha), satay pork, and rice, and enjoyed a picnic while trying to avoid the stray dogs.
When we’d had enough of the water we changed and headed back to Phuket.
See what I mean about the coconut farms? Just beautiful everywhere. But umm… Who drives 50 mph with their door open?
We had seen signs in Old Town that announced a Chinese New Year celebration for today, so we drove straight there.
Despite not having any idea what the schedule would be, as we walked from the car to Old Town a parade started. We saw lots of Thai officials or celebrities (who were more interested in taking selfies and pictures along the parade route than walking), dancers, Chinese Lions, a Chinese Dragon, and even a group of missionaries! We yelled “Hi Elders!” And they were so surprised and took pictures with us. Right after the parade was over there was a fireworks show overhead. Could not have timed that all any better if we had tried!
We ate dinner at multiple stops along the streets – there were vendors everywhere! We started with ice cream cones for thirty cents because, why not? We also got ramen, shawarma, fried chicken, donuts (fresh filled donuts for 20 cents each! Yes please! We bought extras for breakfast tomorrow), mango sticky rice (they just don’t make it very well in Phuket… It’s always a disappointment!), and shared some mango roti.
We walked around the streets listening to the little Thai kids performing Metallica songs (because what’s more Chinese than Thai kids singing American rock songs?), seeing the lit up dragons arching over the streets, enjoying the sites and crowds, and shopping for some souvenirs.
It was pretty epic to celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand!
