Sawaadee ka (hello) from Ko pha ngan! We had a slight change of plan yesterday and within the space of about 5 minutes decided ko phi phi was too expensive for our meagre budgets so we swapped oceans and headed off to ko pha ngan (just up from ko samui). We had a bit of a panic getting here as it was difficult getting here because we couldn't find a taxi that would put the meter on (we got into one and when he refused to switch on the meter we yelled at him to stop and jumped out) just before we were about to brave a tuk tuk (crazy man on motorbike with small shed attached) a kind sole took pity on us and said he would bring us to the bus terminal for a decent price - although 5 minutes after getting in the car he turned round and said it would actually cost the equivalent of 70 pounds. We had our hands on the door handle ready to leap out when he started laughing and saying noooo i'm joking joking. We were not amused. We continued to speed through bangkok (no speed limit or seatbelts) until we got the bus terminal and we thrust the agreed price in his hand and ran. Next problem was where you go to buy a ticket, how you buy a ticket and which one you need. After much wandering around aimlessly with people laughing at us we eventually got it all sorted and got on the bus to begin our 12hr bus journey through the night. This was the coldest we had ever been even with fleeces and blankets we were freezing due to them being a little over enthusiastic with the aircon. Nevertheless we survived and arrived on time to catch our ferry (before which we braved the most disgusting squatting toilets we have had the displeasure of encountering) to the island of ko pha ngan.

The ferry trip was far more pleasant as we passed loads of beautiful islands. After fighting our way through the taxi drivers we arrived and found it to be truly beautiful, with golden sands and clear blue seas (we hope you are jealous). We have booked a beach bungalow on the quiet side of the island for a few days, which is right on the beach so we can chill out for a while and maybe go visit some waterfalls. We are now just waiting for the owners to come pick us up to take us there.

We are trying to upload our photos of bangkok and here but the island doesnt have a very good internet connection. The part of the island we are staying in is powered by generator so there is only power between certain times and no internet signal when cloudy so dont worry if you dont hear from us for a few days.

Will be in touch when / if we rejoin civilisation, take care xxx