I had high expectations for Koh Tao and I was not disappointed! We arrived mid morning at the Simple Life Resort on our free pickup truck from the pier. It was a great hotel with a pool, a free fried breakfast and a balcony overlooking the palm-fringed mountain. The first day we spent exploring Sairee beach village. We hired the best snorkels ever- unfortunately there was not much to see that afternoon and instead, I was rewarded with a jellyfish sting on my th...

This time the journey was easy, a 30 minute 'Seatran' from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. We arrived with the usual greeting of 'Taxi?' 'Where you going?' 'Taxi? Taxi?!' So we quickly chose our driver who took us to Cookies Salad Resort across the hilly rollercoaster-like roads. The beautiful beach was revealed, accompanied by the lush green jungle surrounding it. I thought the hotel's restaurant had a good view, but once we were shown to our room it became clear tha...

We woke up early to embark on the 9 hour journey to the Gulf coast which ended up being the following: Private taxi Public boat (only farangs on the boat) Songtaeaw (public bus) 'Miniwan' Coach Ferry 'Miniwan' I was apprehensive to stay at the very well known 'Chaweng beach' supposably full of ladyboys and buckets but I did not see any of the sort in our short stay, instead only a beautiful beach and some great street food. We did however have a strange o...

After a rainy night and a taxi driver with 558,846 miles on the clock in Phuket we decided to move to Koh Yao Noi, an unspoilt island set between the famous limestone karsts of Phang Nga just 30 mins boat ride from Phuket. We are staying in a wooden bungalow on stilts in the rainforest, but just 3 minutes walk from the beach. We are the only guests! Although we paid £5 each a night for this place, the view is worth 10 times more with sights over the many islands...