Koh Tao
Trip Start
May 03, 2008
1
18
44
Trip End
May 02, 2009
Koh tao,
Thailand
Monday, June 16, 2008
We had to put all of our valuables in our day bags, even the bulky ones because the overnight buses from Bangkok to the islands have a reputation for the staff going through all the bags while everyone is asleep. With the smell on our bus there was to be no sleep to be had which is just as well because at about 3 in the morning we were called and told to pick out our luggage and get out! Apparently we had to change to a blue bus that would pick us up. Meanwhile, we're abandoned in a small village with one lonely café open for any passers-by that might want to call in.
Luckily the bus did pick us up about half an hour later and it was much more comfortable! We basically slept until we got to the port where we had to wait for a few hours for the first boat. Simon went on the internet at the café there but I took over our seats for some more sleep.
We all piled on the boat a bit tenderly as it was early and the sea was a bit choppy and for the whole ferry ride half of us were sick. I went to sleep (yes, again!!) to forget about being sick and once we got to the island we had to sit down and fend off the locals offering accommodation in our weakened state.
We decided to go to a place on the other side of the island as we were looking to get away from the crowds for a bit. Our free transport was a pick-up truck with us all sitting on a bench holding on to the bar on the outside of the truck as it bounced all over the place crawling up steep rocky hills. There was the occasional patch of concrete but mostly boulders and holes. Once we got through the journey it was amazing. The water was so clear and as soon as you walked into the sea you were surrounded by tropical fish. When we were in the water I thought I was constantly being hit by rocks but it turns out it was actually the fish biting on my ankle where I had been cut the week before - I thought fish weren't carnivores!!
We spent 3 days here. The only problem was that it was so far away from everywhere else that we didn't get to see the rest of the island. We had a great time snorkeling though. Apparently there were sharks to be seen if you swam further out of the small bay but as the fish seemed to like nipping at me I decided not to risk it! We had plenty to see anyway with the coral and all the fish.
Our accommodation was the only place around so naturally we had our meals there. Some were good, some not so good! One night I got a lovely whole cooked fish - it was divine, just melted in your mouth! The owners put on entertainment every night in the form of fire dancing. We had front row seats to it as there were about 10 guests altogether! The fire dancing was cool, with my clumsy hands I wouldn't like to try it - though you do see the scars on some of the dancers from previous accidents! I have footage loaded up on this page so take a look!
After our 3 days we set off for Koh Pha Ngan to get there in time for the full moon party.
