(cont. from Page 5)........Nevertheless I continue my journey south along this route enjoying the ocean view. Oddly there is one resort located along this road totally isolated. This seems totally unnecessary. This isn’t the Masai Mara but may be a sign of things to come!
Ban Bo Thong Lang……..As I approach the headland at the end of Ban Krut beach there is increased activity. In the distance in front of the rocky outcrop of Mae Ramphueng hill are two piers each extended far enough to allow deep water fishing vessels to land their catch. More immediately to my right large drying racks of fish, each unit occupying the area of a football field, allow processing of the catch for export. I head for one of the piers just in time to witness the arrival of a vessel which immediately discharges its contents in a flurry of activity as a crowd of bodies frantically load baskets of fish onto a flat bed truck presumably heading for the drying racks. Other forms of fishing co-exist as individuals use more traditional rods and lines fishing off the pier hoping for a tasty supper. I now continue around the headland until Mae Ramphueng Bay exposes itself. I am not far from Bang Sapan town which is also a link on the southern railway line. But first some lunch.
Ban Ao Yang……..Having crossed the headland I travel up the southern side to the small fishing port at Ban Ao Yang. Inevitably seafood dominates local cuisine here and I am attracted by a restaurant perched on the side of Mae Ramphueng hill offering excellent views of the bay. Mangrove trees cling precariously to the rock face also offering shade while a rack of fresh squid lies exposed to the sun; somebody’s meal later. After lunch it's on to the fishing port where a collection of smaller vessels wait for late afternoon departure to provide seafood restaurants with yet more squid and fish. Small squid fishing vessels are distinguished by their array of large light bulbs which after dark glow an iridescent green. As well as attracting squid this feature also creates a curios glow on the horizon viewed from the coastline. The vessels are not equipped for deep sea fishing as squid thrive close to the shoreline. It’s rather hot and I head back and over the bridge first following the bay then heading into Bang Saphan.
Bang Saphan……..Bang Saphan is the largest community in Prachuap Kiri Khan Province before crossing the provincial border into Chumphon. Situated on the main railway line to the south but still some distance from the main Petchkasem Highway (4) it’s accessibility by road is limited. The town itself offers little in the way of attractions but today is the King’s birthday with concerts and street parties planned for the evening ........(cont. on Page 7)