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Published: November 5th 2014
Natong Beach, Phuket Thailand
First stop in Thailand and such a great spot to start our journey here together.Hello from Singapore! We feel we've closed a chapter in our trip upon arriving here a few hours ago from Phuket, Thailand. So much to share about our time in Thailand over the past 10 days.
The start was in Natong Beach on the west side of Phuket, Thailand. We stayed one night at a place right on the beach. It was quiet, picturesque, and a perfect spot to get our minds in the right place and reflect on what was to come!
From there we took a boat for 45 mins from the east side of Phuket to Koh Yao Noi, Thailand (Koh = Island). Yao Noi is a small relatively untouched island in the Phang- Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi with a population of about 4,500. They've had electricity for only 15 yrs and most of the roads look like sidewalks. The locals there are so welcoming and clearly love living there. We stayed 5 days at a fabulous "honeymoon" spot - Six Senses. During our time there we met and spent time with people from all over the world. We had dinner with a couple from Toronto and did a day trip over to Koh
Koh Yao Noi
Pulling up to Six Senses Phi Phi with a couple from France. Koh Phi Phi is about 1 hr south of Koh Yao Noi. We did some snorkeling and explored some stunning coves on Phi Phi. The fish are plentiful and colorful, however the coral all around the island is dead. This is because of extreme changes in water temperature and, of course, humans coming to the island. Koh Phi Phi is famous now because the movie "The Beach" was filmed there. Boats full of tourists come from Krabi and Phuket to view the island. Our Thai guide told us about his experience during the tsunami that hit there 10 yrs ago. Phi Phi was hit very badly because of its small size and location. It's not in a bay like Koh Yao Noi, so it felt the brunt of the Andaman Sea. Back home on Yao Noi we paddle boarded and definitely had some relaxation time at Six Senses Resort. The rest of our time on Koh Yao Noi was spent at a Yoga Retreat for 3 days. Again, we met a lot of different people and learned a ton about Yoga from our two instructors - one who was Ethiopian and one who
Koh Yao Noi
Our honeymoon bungalow :) was Chinese/Hindu. Very rejuvenating experience. During our time at Island Yoga we explored the island even more on a motorbike and hit up some authentic restaurants. Deliciously fresh seafood mixed with Thai cuisine. I definitely learned not to place judgement on a restaurant until I've tried the food. 😉 I loved every bite. Brennan also got a chance to climb the main cliff on the north side of the island. His guide was a local who grew up "free climbing" on the cliffs in order to protect and collect rare birds' nests. We loved our 8 days on Koh Yao Noi! Khab Khun Kaa (thank you) to all the people who made it a welcoming and memorable stay at both Six Senses and Island Yoga.
From there we took a boat back to Phuket and spent a day and night in Patong Beach, Phuket. Wow! Talk about "Spring Break" central. Such a contrast from Koh Yao Noi, but still so fun! We had "a few" drinks on Bangla Road there. It was...interesting. Lots of night life and a must of you're in Patong Beach.
It has been such a great experience so far to explore this part of
Koh Yao Noi
Lush vegetation all over the island the world. Meeting the locals as well as people from around the world is a treat, and reminds us that our huge world is filled with cool people who are so interesting to talk to. We've definitely picked up the #travelbug and feel hooked.
We are in Singapore for 2 more days and then head to Bali for 14 days! Lots more to experience and share from there.
All our love,
Mr. and Mrs. Hughes
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Beth Kosar
non-member comment
What an amazing beginning of a beautiful journey!
Looking forward to more entries and incredible photos! Thank you for including us on your journey! Enjoy! Much love!