WILDLIFE

Please be aware there are many opportunities to see wildlife in Thailand. Some, will involve animals in captivity (elephants), while others will be unexpected, unsupervised and in the wild (monkeys, birds, squirrels, lizards, snakes, cows, water buffalo, goats, cats, dogs, marine critters…)

Elephants

We do NOT recommend any ‘sanctuaries’ apart from one: Following Giants. This is an ethical elephant sanctuary with a no touch, feed, bathe or ride policy. It is 35 minutes away from the hotel.

We also recommend visiting the Southern Elephant Hospital when returning from the Emerald Pools. It is a government owned and operated hospital which is not geared for tourism, but possibly gives you the greatest insight into how elephants continue to struggle in Thailand, largely due to the tourism and logging industries.

Monkeys

There are three types you may see. The most common are long-tailed macaques. They breed like rabbits, steal like thieves, have fangs, can carry rabies, and are not afraid of humans.

Short tailed macaques have red faces, are much larger, and their fur is browner, rather than gray. They are scary looking and again, unafraid of humans. If you see them, BACK AWAY and take a different route!

The dusky leaf monkey, also known as the spectacled langur or the spectacled leaf monkey, is adorable, shy and – as a result - seldom seen. They are dark grey/ black with white rings around their eyes. No need to back away, but please do not crowd them or stand so they have no route to escape.

NEVER FEED OR TOUCH THE MONKEYS! Keep your bag zipped up on the beach so they don’t grab things out of it. If they grab for your water bottle or food, drop it! Do not wear sunglasses or smile with your teeth bared when facing a monkey. Do not look them straight in the eyes. These things will be perceived as threats by them. Do not hold your camera out towards them to get a closer photos. They are likely to snatch it!

Snakes

Please ensure you always carry a torch when walking around hotel grounds at night as pit vipers love sitting coiled on concrete paths and bush trails. They are diurnal, meaning you may also see them at night. They are NOT afraid of humans, are highly venomous and will strike.

Ditto for cobras, which we have NOT seen around the hotel, but which are found in some caves and grassland or jungle areas.

It you see a snake. Stand very, very still and wait for it to move away. If it does not, slowly back away. Carrying a long stick with you when in forested areas is recommended.

Lizards

You’ll see loads of these. Some are small and cute, others are REALLY BIG and look like Komodo dragons. The little ones pose no danger. Neither do the big ones so long as you do NOT: feed them, touch them, get close to them, prevent them from being able to escape. The big ones can and will bite if they feel threatened.

Other

To see other wildlife, head to Khao Sok for a couple of nights. Google what exists there. You’ll be surprised!

Hornbills can be seen on the hotel grounds and in the sky above the trees at either end of the day if you look carefully.

Dugong do exist off Ao Nang. They are notoriously hard to see though.

Please Google Cone Shells and remember what they look like as you do NOT want to pick one up, even if you think it’s dead. The critter in that will kill you before you can get help.

Sea snakes are also seen; particularly in Krabi River. As you’re unlikely to be swimming in the river, you should be fine.

Take a small bottle of white vinegar with you when swimming in the sea. Sea Jellies and small stingers are commonplace all year, but particularly when there’s an onshore breeze. Vinegar will neutralize the itch or pain. A rash guard with long sleeves and tights will protect you when swimming.

There are loads of sea urchins, as well as stone fish and lionfish. Wear reef walker shoes whenever in the ocean. If you stand on a sea urchin, it is imperative the spine is removed asap. Urinate on the wound to help reduce the pain. Yes, you read that right.

Dogs in Thailand are not used to being patted. Please NEVER try to pay a dog you see on the street. Most are strays and rabies is a risk with both dogs and monkeys.

This list is not intended to be comprehensive. Please do your own research and ensure you know how to act around wild animals and what to do if injured.