After the hussle and bussle of Bangkok it was time for a dose of relaxation so we headed down to the easterly islands of Koh Samui and Koh Panghan which is where the world famous full moon party is held.

First we hit Koh Samui for a few days. Mick had already arrived about half an hour before the rest of us after his 16 hour coach and boat journey, thanks to Bomber we only had to endure a 45 minute plane trip! He had found a small group of beach huts called 'the new hut' so we checked in and had a look around. These beach huts sound like a good idea but are extremely basic, being very rickety and wooden. Mick and Leeroy were sharing a double and me and G'bo had a twin. The beds were simply matrices on a wooden bench with a mossie net over them and we were often joined by massive cockroaches in the night - nice! The bathroom consisted of a toilet you have to flush by tipping water down it and a shower that was a cold water tap sticking out of the wall. On the plus side we were literally on the beach, I mean as you step out, you're on sand, and it was gorgeous!

Our little restaurant was dead good serving traditional Thai food and European. Our few days there consisted of playing on the beach and in the evening heading to a few bars and sampling the over touristy nightlife. We stayed in Lamai just next to the main beach of Chaweng and we did pop over once and I tried a traditional Thai red curry and asked them to make is as hot as they have it, it was very nice but very similar to what we have at home. Also in Lamai we watched some Thai kickboxing which was cool.

After chilling in Samui we got the 45 minute boat journey to Phanghan which was absolutely delicious just what you imagine tropical islands to be like, white sands and turquise waters, lovely. We tried to find a place to stay for full moon in Haad Rin but you can't book in advance - basically money grabbing. We eventually found somewhere to stay but we have to stay from 2nd - 7th December. oh well. We headed north to a place called Haad Yao, which is where I am now and it is beautiful, absolutely stunning. Its so relaxed but you can still have an awesome night out and our room has air con! Last night we ventured to a jungle rave called the half moon party which was pretty mad - pshycadaelic techno! The taxi consisted of an open back jeep with about ten people in the back and one on the roof going at about 60mph, scary stuff but fun. We're planning on going diving tomorrow which I can't wait for then we'll head down to Haad Rin for full moon, awesome.