Deserted beaches abound up and down southern Thailand. And if you want to ride your bike on one, no one cares to stop you.

Krabi is a truly unique place and the site of "only" the of the 2nd-most beautiful beach in the world. I climbed one of the karsts to get this shot. 

Krabi is in the heart of karst country and these massive limestone outcroppings impart a surreal beauty to the surroundings. They are also a magnet for rock climbers, as one here dangles from his rope.

There are so many fantastic beaches and off-shore islands along both coastlines of south Thailand. You can go for the commercial development, like Phuket, or visit a tiny island like Ko Lipae that gets 2 boats per week.

A bather has found a cool ocean perch on Koh Bulon, a tiny island in the Andaman Sea, which is a branch of the azure Indian Ocean.

Island hopping is a great way to spend a day. Tropical isles dot these Andaman waters. Lun the boatman poles us over a coral reef up to a deserted beach for a picnic.

A little known race of sea gypsies still roam these waters. They are also known as Chao Lay or Moken. Here one is repairing his net.

While putting around on some back roads, I came across these juvenile elephants clearing a rubber plantation.

Many southern Thais, mostly Muslims, still make their living from the sea. This boat canal winds past this solitary karst and empties into Phang Nga Bay. We spend a few days riding through territory like this.

I started my climb up the 1,260 steps of the karst-top Tiger Temple with this monk, and arrived much before him. When he removed his covering shawl I saw why--hundreds of lucky amulets were pinned to his robes and must have weighed him down

This view is from the top of the Tiger Temple. It was overcast so no sunset, but I am quite happy with this moody landscape of the karst scenery.

An interior road cutting the outskirts of Khao Sok National Park. Just remember to bring a lot of film on an A.M.A tour.

The international resort of Phuket has a lot of things going for it, including some very nice roads. This one is heading towards Kamala Beach.

This pretty temple is in Betong. Here is also one of the best restaurant I have found anywhere in the country. What a treat the Thai food is.

These step-through motorcycles take the place of our Western family car. They are used for everything, including school buses! I have seen 5 people on one but have not yet caught it on film.