Kayaking to the Cave of the Big Headed Ghost

The day got off to a good start, with us leaving pretty much on time, everyone covered from head to toe in sun block and insect repellent. We got to the kayak ‘spot’ in good spirits and ready to roll…yes, I mean….ready to row…okay, I mean paddle. Right, so forming the letters GVI in kayaks with a bunch of amateur paddlers at hand is not as easy as we thought – and after about 5 minutes of formation attempts, most of us resorted to water fighting. Apple had the unfortunate predisposition of being the main target for most of the day, but as usual, Apple kept smiling….

The trip up the river fringed with mangrove forest, was spectacularly beautiful and our first stop was the 'Cave of the Big Headed Ghost' (AKA Skull Cave') where the 3000-5000year old rock paintings, and rocks in the shapes of old men, dragons and prison cells had us all in awe.

After a brief river swim, we were ready to set off again. We still had one cave and the lagoon to go. Tom and Dylan kept up the lead, and the pace, which by now had picked up somewhat due to everyone’s rumbling tummies. We had visions of our seafood lunch spurring us on.

The tunnel caves were stunning, and it was the cherry on top when one of them led into a small lagoon surrounded by (steep mountain thingies). This was officially nap time and we took some time out laying back and absorbing the scenery, before starting the official homeward bound. We had some half hearted attempts at ‘row row row your boat’, but the focus was mainly on getting back to the restaurant as fast as possible, so much so that certain people resorted to drastic measures, with drastic consequences….all we need to say is that at one point there was a kayak with no one in it, and two very wet people.

A delicious lunch of battered, deep fried prawns, fish and pineapple curry, cashew chicken and fried rice, was wolfed down with gusto. Feeling thoroughly satisfied, we headed home, some for some peace and quiet, and some for the beaches of Ao Nang. Just a perfect day……drink sangria in the park……la la la la.

Written by Ilze

Kayaking to the Cave of the Big Headed Ghost