After an amazing few weeks exploring the islands off the Andaman Coast of Thailand (and junglegate) we made our way over to the Gulf of Thailand for yet more beach life. Two long tail boats, two minibuses, a ferry, a normal bus and a hitchhike later (sorry mum but she was a sweet old lady so we thought we'd take our chances) and we there. Our hotel was set right on the beachfront of Lamai and we spent many lazy days on the beach watching the rough sea take out tourist after tourist (us included). Ko Samui itself is beautiful but slightly trashy compared to some of the paradises we've been lucky enough to visit so far. Amid the hoards of tourists, the place is rife with DOMGs (dirty old man gangs). Each of them well and truly in the midst of a mid/late life crisis, they drape their tubby bellies in leopard print satin shirts and prowl the bars looking for young Thai girls/ladyboys. It's probably one of the best places in the world for people watching and we spent many a night cringing at the scene whilst chowing down on some strange meat or another that you buy on sticks in the night market.

Sex tourists aside it's like Brits/Germans/Russians abroad and apart from the ladyboys hanging out of bars yelling 'hello boy, you come see me!' at Luke; you really could be in any country that's warm. Nevertheless we were determined to find some little gems on the island and that we did. One of the highlights was Na Muang waterfall which, after a steep climb, was well worth the trip. Split into two stunning cascades and forming bright green pools at the bottom, we spent the morning relaxing and waiting for Russians in speedos to get out of the shot. Another lovely spot was Crystal Bay which was a beautiful little cove with white sands and completely hidden away from the crowds.

Scooter has been the best way to explore each island and this time I decided to have a go at driving - bad idea. I managed to pull away with my toe still on the ground tearing the skin off it and creating a bloody flip flop... Standing on the roadside dabbing the blood, Luke kindly demonstrated to me 'how it should be done'.... Yea, cheers Luke. I think I'll leave the driving to him from now on.