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Published: March 20th 2011
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I know it's been a while sice I've updated the blog - finding fast internet here is a problem and the price has doubled since leaving Bangkok. The journey back to Bangkok from Chiang Mai was another really long one - the train was a lot older and a lot more rickety and seemed to bang into the carriage in front everytime it stops. I've no idea how it stayed on the track with all the swaying.
We decided that this time we would stay in Siam Square in Bangkok so we could be nearer to the train station and see the less touristy side of the city. We only booked to stay the one night as we had another overnight train to Chumphon the next night. Staying in Siam Square was a real eye opener - we couldn't believe it was the same city. There were about 5 huge shopping centres boasting designer stores, concerts going on all over and no one pestering Andy for a suit!
We had a good look around MBK - one of the malls - I thought the bullring was big but this place was huuuge! Think there was about 7 levels! Andy bought himself
a cheap plastic watch - good job it was cheap as it stopped working the next day! I've never seen so many phone and electronic shops/stalls its crazy! There was every type of electronic gadget you could ask for. The prices weren't much different from back home, we found our camera and we're pleased to see that we got it cheaper from Amazon!
In the evening, we had a walk around - there were concerts, dancing competitions, and art exhibitions going on all over. It was really interesting to watch but we didn't understand what they were saying.
Before we knew it, our time in Bangkok was over and we caught the night train to Chumphon on route to Koh Tao. Because the Full Moon period it was really busy on the trains so we only got seats - not the sleepers. It was like sitting on a plane, all in rows and you could recline them. We could have got the bus down but we heard about bags being ransacked and valuables stolen. We carry our valuables with us at all times anyway (unless there is a safe) but we didn't like the idea of thieves going through our
things and slashing the bags.
There was a bit of a wait at the Chumphon train station and then we were all piled - literally - on a truck. It was so over packed I couldn't wait to get off. There were a couple of Japanese guys hanging off the back of the truck holding onto everyones bags because they kept slipping off. The boat was just as packed, we were squashed down the side of the bags. Unfortunately, but not a surprise for me, I burnt my shoulder and the right side of my face (typical!) I didn't even realise until the evening - really pleased I packed a good after sun lotion.
Koh Tao was a beautiful island. Really small only 21 sqkm. It is the cheapest place in the world to acquire your diving licence - PADI - so it was packed with diving resorts. We got a taxi straight to Sairee Beach where all the cheap beach huts are. It was a bit scary not knowing where we going to stay. It was a massive beach and boiling hot so not the most fun we've had, especially with a huge rucksack on your back.
We found
a hut after a while, they seemed to fill up so fast. It wasn't very nice, not on the beach and had a lot of bugsand holes in the bathroom (they needed some serious plumbing work Dad!). We knew we'd be up early the next day to find somewhere else to stay. The first night we treated ourselves to lovely BBQ on the beach at a restaurant. was really nice and the food was soo good and fresh. Andy had the red snapper and we spent a while discussing how he was going to eat it as the whole fish came to the table and we are not fish eaters. Hehe. It was really nice though!
We were up early the next day and moved to O Chai bungalows, and rented a bungalow one row back from the beach, it was really nice and had a great view of the sea from the porch. It was cheaper than the first place too and no bugs! They don't have a bookings in advance system, it's just turn up early and see what's available and that is only if someone leaves.
We spent the next couple of days in the shade trying
to get used to this new type of heat, Bangkok was so smoggy and humid and this is just blazing hot sun. We purchased 2 snorkel masks and did a bit of snorkelling - the fish were really nice and quite big!
On the Thursday (17th) we made our way to Koh Phangan in the pouring rain! I've never seen such heavy rain - we had the pack - a - macks on and the waterproof covers over the bags, still wearing shorts and flip flops though. Hehe. The crossing on the catamaran was crazy - 30ft waves - people screaming, being sick, I bet you can imagine. It took twice as long to get there and everyone whooped and cheered when we pulled into the pier! We hopped in our taxi and arrived at our resort - Sea Breeze Resort. It is up a very steep hill so they sent someone down to pick us up. Poor Andy had to sit in the back of this truck in the pouring rain holding onto the bags while they insisted on me sitting in the cab. The driver looked about 15! He drive very carefully though bless him! The hotel is
lovely, it has a couple of main buildings and then it is built up into the hillside, there are lots of little bungalows. We only have a standard room so I wasn't expecting much but its amazing! A normal bed, a fridge, air conditioning, a flushing toilet, satellite tv! We really don't want to leave. There is a huge balcony with a hammock and uninterrupted sea views!! We booked the place before we left as we wanted to be close to the Full Moon Party but still safely away too.
We spent the first couple of days here exploring, there is a cool, quiet beach where the water is really clear but no fish. The weather hasn't been great, but we've enjoyed the coolness. Hot again now though.
We bought our outfits for the party on Frday, everyone wears neon bright clothes and paint themselves wiuth neon paint you can buy.
On the night of the party we had a great buffet at the hotel, a BBQ on the rooftop, it was really nice and a chance to talk to some people. We walked down the party after and got painted in some neon paint. Shame the brightness of the
paint doesn't show up in pictures. There were about 30,000 people all dancing to different DJ's along the beach. It was amazing, there was a great atmosphere. I didn't drink at all at the party, wanted to keep my focus on not losing the camera. Andy had a bucket of vodka - literally! They serve the drinks in a sand castle type bucket. A small bottle of vodka, 300ml, a can of red bull and a can of sprite and ice! Ooo and a straw!
We did a lot of dancing and watching the flame throwers, the fire dancers and the fireworks, it was a really great night that lasted right until mid morning. We didn't make it that long though. ;-)
Now, we have a couple of days left at the hotel, before heading to either another part of the island or Koh Samui, who knows?
Hope you are all well, we mis you all lots!!
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Chris
non-member comment
wicked blog dude. Party looked cool dancing on the beach, dj and funcky house music sounds cool. Great glasses. Andy looks pissed in the pictures. Take care little dude. Xxxxx