Green Papaya Resort Ko Phangan

... keys o the beach hut and our hearts sank, really really basic and insect infestated, we were scared to touch anything! However, we braved it and managed to stick it out for one night. I woke up in the middle of the night to hearing Emma mumbling, "as soon as the sun is out I'm out of here". Thank god for our silk sleeping bags!<br><br>DAY 6<br>We all woke up early (no idea why that could be?!) and used the Lonely Planet Guide to ...

... of luck, boring Israeli girl was there with a friend, and the two of us were forced to make excruciatingly dull small-talk with the tedious pair until Brian brilliantly made an excuse that we were "meeting a friend," allowing us to exit stage left and bugger off down the beach. We sat on some sun loungers outside Brian's hotel with our beers for an hour or so, before Brian persuaded me to follow him to the ladyboy show. It was the second ...

... and several straws (it is intended to be shared although not everyone follows this guideline). Koh Phangan is literally a cultural nightmare; however, it serves its purpose of pleasing drunken Westerners and aiding in their debauchery. <br><br>After a meal and an hour of intermittent sleep due to the loud music blasting from our hotel restaurant and bar, we showered and got dressed. As soon as we left our room, we were reunited with the Scottish and German guys ...

... us and we got ready to walk around the complex grounds. The swimming pool (which is now a requirement when booking) is located over 3 tiers, with 2 main pools and 1 small pool. There are many paths which lead to different areas of seating which is good to relax and have a drink in the evening. One thing you did have to watch out for, and we did have a close shave on a couple of occasions, was falling coconuts from the trees. If one of these would ...

... and wehn we arrived in Haad Rin we asked around to find the quietest part of this island. Enough of the night life from Ko Samui!<br>We ended up getting a taxi (40 mins on a dirt road!) to Thong Nai Pan and got a little hut on the beach. It's very basic but very nice! It's really quiet here and everything closes about 10 at night! The beach is very pretty, a little bay with palm trees everywhere and lots of little wooden boats. The weather has ...

... phone and ipod stolen from the room last night but the padlock was put back on the door so we think it was an inside job, She was very upset as she had also had news her mum was in hospital so tried to cheer her up a bit. As expected I am the oldest but really don't mind at all. The owner Mohini is a very interesting woman and we have had some really great discussions but she is leaving on the 17th for Holland for a conference so it will be just me Tom and Leesa left. I am ...

... br><br>The folk at SJ were very approachable and keen to make sure I got the dives that I wanted (within reason, they are not diving at Sail Rock as it is too far). However, they obviously don&#8217;t have too many people with their own gear and my request for Nitrox left them a bit puzzled (despite their offer of free Nitrox with six or more dives). They were also surprised that I intended diving that afternoon. Although the diving was mostly pleasant and ...

... I've ever seen to be honest, it was a little crazy. But everything in Bangkok is about little stores and LOTS of them. Kevin and I hang out for the next few days including going to see reclining Buddha again, having a Thai massage for $15 AU for 2 hours - wow, and having dinner with Kevin's friend who was actually Thai. He took us to a place where no Westerners go and had the spiciest food I could ever dream off, well no really! But ...

... check out the next morning and try our luck at a different beach touted as being quiet but not secluded. <br><br>Within 5 minutes of looking we have found our ideal place. <br><br>Hut Sun Bungalows is located on a fine stretch of white sand beach; a smaller enterprise than many, the cabins are nonetheless well maintained, cozy and clean and the in-house restaurant offers traditional Thai cuisine for decent prices. We look at a hut right beside the beach for $20 per night; it ...