After six nights on Koh Tao it was eventually time to leave after a great time spent on the beaches; what way to follow it but with more time resting and relaxing on Koh Pha Ngan, another island crammed full of fantastic sand, sea and sun.

Getting up early to catch the 10am boat from the pier to Pha Ngan was a fair struggle, although it was soon forgotten upon discovering that the beach was right on the doorstep of our new room (sharing a bathroom was the equaliser though - Rosa had a brief frown on her face!).

Upon seeing the extortionate prices charged by the local taxis, we again hired a scooter and proceeded on a whistlestop tour of the island before dinner. Hat Rin, the main beach where the legendary Full Moon Parties are held was an experience in itself; even though there wasn't a party in sight, there were tens of stalls set up trying to flog us 'buckets', incorporating hip flasks of any spirit going and optional mixers. Tempting as this non - party sounded, however, we opted for a relatively quieter meal at the night market, near the island pier, where we enjoyed home made fruit shakes and authentic chicken satay amongst others.

The next morning saw us trying to find the Pang Waterfall in the island's forested heart, which was slightly less spectacular than the picture shown in the guide book due to there having been minimal rain for the past few months. Moving swiftly on, we then spent the rest of the day enjoying the beach; not a bad way to pass the time, I'm sure you'll agree.

Kev