Ko Phangan

Last week we left Phuket and headed to Ko Phangan. We decided to do the backpacker thing and travel there by minibus and ferry. With all the waiting for busses and ferries a one way trip took 12 hours! Ko Phangan is famous for it's Full Moon parties, especially on Haad Rin beach. We missed the party and decided on a motorbike trip down there, that there are better beaches to spend your time between full moons. We met up with David and Lisa at Mae Haad beach, which has fantastic snorkelling, a nice beach and not much else. We stayed in a little bungalow on stilts in a coconut grove and enjoyed the peace and quiet for a few days. We discovered the Ko Phangan speciality on the menu - NoName - which is a cross between an Indian Vegetable Pakora and Japanese Tempura. We trundled across the island to Treehouse Lodge, which is an isolated beach resort accessed by 4x4 only. This is run by Stephan and Andrea's sister and she was very surprised when we just turned up for a few days. It is a relaxed place located on a private beach and although the bungalows are basic, they have wonderful seaviews and ours was perched on top of a big boulder looking out to sea. The food was fabulous, washed down with a few cocktails each night. More chilling and a lot of reading!

Friends and Island Flips

It was good to catch up with some friends in Phuket too. Tracey came for 2 weeks - she loved it so much she extended her trip by a few days. We loved being tour guides and showing her all our favourite and little known places. We did an overnight trip to Racha Island by ferry. The bungalows were basic but the beach and the setting is so idyllic. Neil loved the rasta beach bar. Our second little trip took us to Pi Pi where we splashed out on a great seafront hotel. Both islands have fantastic snorkelling and beautiful beaches.

Life in Phuket

We arrived in Phuket on 18 February and have settled into island life with ease. We decided to hunt for cheaper long term accomodation and settled into a new apartment block a few minutes away from the beach. We have a big room with aircon, TV, fridge and wifi for less than ZAR200 per night. The secret is to have a scooter to get around Patong and the whole island. On the whole the weather is stunning. Always hot and sunny and balmy at night. We have been caught by downpours at times,though. We have our favourite beaches - Laem Singh, Freedom by longtail boat, Paradise and Tri Trang. All the beaches have beach chairs and umbrellas for rent; with drinks brought to you and great little beach hut restaurants right on the beach. Sunset drinks on the beach too.
Of course, the food is just wonderful - green curry,red curry,yellow curry,plenty of fresh fish and all sorts of rice and noodle dishes. We have our favourite places to eat and enjoy meals and snacks from the market stalls and food carts as well. We do need a pizza or burger once a week, though.
Then there is the Patong Beach nightlife! We have become regulars at a few music bars and the passing show down Bangla Road never ceases to amaze. And don't forget all the massages and shopping too!