Thip and I and J all went for a day out with Gordon and Luk on their river boat the River Rovers. I was told that if you enjoy getting away from all the tourist traps then Gordon and Luk's trip on the River Rovers was the answer.
We started off at the end of Chalong pier, note that Chalong pier is quite a walk so allow a good 10 minutes, however as Gordon told us when the tide is in he is able to collect people off the beach.
Once we had settled on the boat we were off at the turn of the key. For those who are looking for simple boating River Rovers is one of the best as they is lots of deck space and hardly any ropes to trip on. Having enjoyed a fresh glass of juice we made our first stop at one of the real fish farms. Here we were able to take a look at all the fish that have been caught by the local Thai fishermen, what surprised us was that it was not just fish for eating but also for aquariums. Gordon told me how they had first come to stop at the Thai gypsy fish farm. 'They always used to wave to us when we passed and then one day they just called us in and ever since we always stop by and let our clients buy any fish, crab or lobster, also we buy our food for the days trip there.' This is a very rare opportunity to see a real Thai fish farm and not a tourist’s fish farm.
There were 10 of us on the trip not including our 6 month son J and although this was more than was usual we had plenty of room and LOTS of great food all cooked by Luk who appeared to be cooking and serving food for most of the trip.
Our next stop after the fish farm was Ao Yon bay here we were able to enjoy a nice swim and some kayaking, until recently Gordon had 2 kayaks for guests to enjoy but unfortunately one got pinched.
We moved away from Ao Yon and I enjoyed a little sun bathing on the roof of the boat until we arrived at a wonderful little island with a white stretch of sand with nothing but water around it.
After this we went to the entrance of the river where there was an abandon beach for us to enjoy all to ourselves, here we had a magnificent lunch all cooked by Luk.
The main highlight of Gordon's trip is the ride up the quite river to see all the monkeys. Remember this is not a tourist route so it is only the local Thais who normally have any contact with these monkeys. We all had great fun feeding the monkeys bananas although they would pinch anything that wasn't tied down, we lost our sun cream to one such intrepid monkey.
After this Luk took all those who wanted on a tour in the kayak to see more wonderful wildlife that isn't accessible via the boat.
All in all this was a real treat firstly because of the hospitality of Gordon and Luk but also because of not seeing any other tourist at all.
With the River Rovers you will see a side of Thailand that not many people get a chance to see and with Gordon’s vast boating experience of over 50 years, 6 of them here in Phuket he knows these waters like the back of his hand, you are in safe hands.
Many thanks Gordon and Luk for your trip and all the lovely food.
For those of you who would like a trip on the river rovers click here boat trips phuket
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