South Thailand - Phuket, Ko Lanta, Krabi, Koh Samui & Koh Tao.

Having visited the north and loved the cities, the culture, the people and most of all the food (can't say I was impressed with rice again, loved the variety though and obviously James loved it all) we were excited to experience the south! It's the 15th may and after a windy bus journey back to Chiang Mai followed by a flight, we reached our first destination, Phuket, actually Patong which is the beach area of Phuket. We got dropped off in what we can only describe as putting together all the bad parts of Magaluf, Ibiza and Benidorm, just before the craziness starts. We found a little hostel tucked away which stunk of drains, (a smell you do not get used to in Thailand) and got our heads down. Having longed to see the beaches of Thailand we were not disappointed, turquoise sea and white sand. Unfortunately our bliss was ruined by constant visits from touts selling everything under the sun together with the ultimate tourist activities spoiling the peace. Great for people watching though :) We happened to come across the street where a documentary was filmed about the tsunami which we had seen previously, very sad to think of the loss and sadness but great to see how it's been built back to its full glory. Evening came and we thought it would be rude not to explore the nightlife, 'wow' it made Ko San road, Bangkok look like a choir boy convention. We were met with lines of touts dragging us one way and another to get us into clubs. And then... Ladyboys, big ones at that, they grabbed James so I took advantage and got the camera out, to then be asked for £10 each, no way was we going to pay that, they got quite nasty so we ran, with these lady's in heels trying to chase after U.S, very funny! We opted for one drink in a go go bar, not that we had much choice as that's all there was and made a swift exit. If anyone is looking for a crazy night out then that's your place!
We decided to leave and head for the quiet island of Ko Lanta, which meant one night in Phuket town first, which surprisingly we liked! We stayed in a prison like room (again) my choice, sorry James but loved the street market, funky coffee shops and treated ourselves to some non Thai food :) The next morning we made our way to ferry port aboard moped taxis, backpacks between the drivers legs an all, quite scary but we made it. The journey would take us via Phi Phi island, leaving us 5 hours to explore. We only wished we had stayed longer. We gate crashed a posh hotel beach and dived in the turquoise sea. It wasn't until we ventured over the other side of the island, that it really felt like paradise. The water was like a bath, so still and so clear you could see your feet. It really was like a screensaver shot! The island has no roads and although we can imagine it's pretty much a party island at night, we will definitely be returning on a holiday budget.
We headed for Ko Lanta excited about the place we had treated ourselves to. A small bungalow with a pool, it was exactly what we hoped for. We spent three nights there with the luxury of our own fridge, microwave and breakfast in bed! Even got hold of a toaster after much debate which allowed to have peanut butter on toast thanks to Mat. Mat and Mel were one of two couples we met at escape cabins, one English and one Irish, just needed some scots, no luck though. We had a great 3 days with these guys spent at the pool, eating in the same restaurant (was good though) drinks on the beach whilst watching the sunset and motorbiking around the island. The beach at Lanta was 2k long, beautiful white sands and very quiet. The stretch was home to lots of beach bungalows some very battered and derelict, it felt quite eerie at times but we loved the peace. Having recharged our batteries, appreciated the clean, fancy room, watched films in bed and washed our clothes, we were on the road again.
We headed north and spent 2 nights in Krabi on route to Ko Samui (one of the islands east of mainland Thailand). It's now the 23rd May and we are running out of time with only a 30 day visa and so much to see. A 6 hour bus and ferry journey and we arrive spending 2 nights in the north, Bophet. You don't get a lot for your money on the islands when it comes to accommodation so we decided to go a little upmarket again. A pool and a new Welsh family (see pics). Made us feel a little at home. As we wandered through Fishermans village, a strip of restaurants which were a little out of backpacker budget we bumped into one of James' good friends sister Mel and her husband Dan. Although we knew they were in town I coincidently spotted them across the way. The night was spent with a few to many drinks, that we greatly appreciated, whilst chatting and reminiscing. The next night was also spent with them having a few cocktails and food in a lovely restaurant on the beach! Fishermans village is definitely somewhere we will return to on a holiday budget.
We then headed south to Chaweng beach, staying in 'cheeky monkey' hostel. Our days were spent on the beach doing pretty much..nothing! Despite the beach being impressive the highlight had to be the corn on the cob and spring rolls off a lovely lady perched on the sand with a little bbq. Yum! We had a decision to make, our next stop being party island Ko Phan Ngan or the chilled Ko Tao. Means we were to early for the full moon party we decided to skip Phan Ngan and head to the quieter of the two (yes we are officially old!) After a boat trip we stumbled upon an Italian restaurant when trying to find somewhere to stay and had the most amazing rolls with real Gouda cheese (surprising what you appreciate). We stayed in a basic log cabin for three nights, quite an experience but more enjoyable as the days went on and realisation that not every spider in Thailand lives there too. We watched our first sunset on long beach whist having a dip in the warm and totally flat sea.
The following day we decided to go on 'one of our walks' to the bottom of the island. Within minutes we were off the beaten track walking through cliff side resorts and stumbling onto secluded beaches. The beachside resorts were only accessible by quad due to the lack of roads. After a long tough trek we celebrated with 'one' can of magners overlooking the sea, perfect! Koh Tao is famous for diving but due to the lack of time we decided on a snorkelling trip around the island instead. We stopped at 5 coves being surrounded by hundreds of fish every time. Some coves were alive with coral others were dead. The trip ended on Nangyuan described as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. We snorkelled in the unbelievably clear water in awe of the scenery! Definitely postcard material. Our Thailand adventure was nearly over. Our expectations were met. Amazing food, stunning beaches, crazy nightlife and lots of memories. We will return one day to live the 5 star lifestyle without the backpacker budget :) Vietnam we are ready for you!!!