road trip south with choco pie

We took Choco Pie to Khao Lak for the long weekend, 4 hours in the car from Phuket with stops. I was scared she would get car sick, she always does a little, but this time she was perfect. Maybe the new blanket helped, or maybe she is just 6 and more chilled.

Most of the trip was fine. We stopped near the bridge in Phang Nga for a break and she walked the whole length of it, stopping to look at every truck. Sometimes I forget how small she is when she gets so bold.

The hotel in Khao Lak was not pet friendly on paper, but we asked by email first and the front desk said yes for a small fee. The room was nice, the aircon was strong, and there was a little balcony. Choco Pie slept on the balcony chair the whole first afternoon, she loves the wind there.

On the beach she was not sure about the sand. She put one foot on it and went back to the grass. Then a Thai family's dog came running and she decided sand was fine after all. Two little dogs running around like crazy, the kids were laughing, it was adorable.

Some honest notes for anyone planning the same trip: the road after Takua Pa is long and bumpy, so bring water and some snacks for the pet. Check the beach rules before you go, some places do not let dogs on the sand during the day. We drove back on Sunday evening because of traffic on the highway.

Overall it was a good weekend. My French friends said I am crazy to bring a dog on holiday, but she is the best travel companion I have ever had. Next time maybe Krabi.