Yes I've been home a few days now, but this is an excellent opportunity for me to reminisce about Southern Thailand.
Initially I imagined lying on a sandy white beach with a lone palm tree over my head while I read a book a day. You know, relaxing without a care in the world. No more 'must see' sights. A place to fix my dismal farmers tan. A badly needed vacation.
With that in mind, I started researching islands. Yes, it's a hard life picking out which tropical island you'll relax on for a week! I wanted quiet, hiking opportunities, a cheap beachfront bungalow, decent food options nearby, and close to an airport so I could fly from Hanoi.
From Surat Thani (which had the cheapest tickets), three islands are nearby: Ko Phan Ngan, Ko Samui, and Ko Tao. Evidently Ko Samui was initially that paradise, but giant resorts followed the backpackers in. Now it's a fully developed island lacking any Thai authenticity (or budget accommodation!) The same process is underway on Ko Phan Ngan - an island famous for the Full Moon Parties. I wanted to dodge the party scene, so Ko Tao was next. Since it's most known for scuba diving sites, I figured i could find a beach all to myself.
Over time though, the idea of scuba diving started to appeal to me. I traveled with a dive instructor in Thailand and Laos, and she did so much to make scuba sound amazing. I also have some scuba gear at the top of my closet (long story) still unused. So I did a little research and learned that an open water certification was just two days and included three nights accommodation. Done!
Katie
K, I had a friend take me on her motorbike to the beach around the bay to the left from main beach-Patong Beach, Phuket Island. It was basically as deserted as you would want a place to be. I remember there was a nice little bar just a stone's throw away and few people. Try it next time. Paul
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