I'd heard so much about this place and was quite dubious about going to the world's most popular backpackers' destination. I felt sure I wouldn't like somewhere so popular but I was completely mistaken. Koh Phangan is paradise! Absolutely beautiful, just how you'd hope to find a paradise island with blue skies, blue seas, white beaches lined with coconut trees and butterflies flying around you. It is the perfect place to join in with the laid back locals, relax and chill. The only thing you need to worry about is a coconut falling on your head!

We stayed at Baan Panburi village on Thong Nai Pan beach, on the upper right hand side of the island (the quieter side), an extremely bumpy ride clinging to the back of a jeep from the port. We had a beachfront bungalow which was simply magical, we couldn't want anything better. On our doorstep was a perfect beach. We did't venture much further, no need! We were there for the Half Moon Party. Quite a formidable occasion, though the experience was ruined by my drunk antics. Got a bit carried away with the excitement!!

After days of lazy on the beach and bobbing up and down in the sea (I don't exactly swim, too much effort!!) we decided to head to Ko Tao for diving. However, little did I know that the last boat was at 12 so we were left stuck in our little isolated Thong Nai Pan. We didn't complain! We booked a 'discover scuba diving' day at the beach instead. Scary stuff!! I was petrified! It is amazing down there though, a whole different world and I'm extremely jealous of those who can do it without panicking and appreciate it!! I would worry about kicking the fish and coral with my legs of which I had no control over due to the flippers, then worry that i couldn't breathe, then worry that my ears were popping, then worry that I was too deep, consequently becoming a doggy paddling, panicking mess, helpless against the strong current and drifting out into the deep ocean!! But I survived!! I think there were about 50secs when I truly loved it! I'm really pleased I did it but think I may have to add scuba-diving to my list of things that just don't come naturally to me alongside driving! Nurlan of course was a pro!

One of the beachfront bars was advertising a 'Beautiful Sunday' trip, visiting 2 deserted beaches, having a BBQ, then camping on one of them. Sounded great so we signed up. About 20 people squeezed into the boat. We all had a fantastic time, met great people and soaked up the bliss. It was sad to leave and for one moment we thought we might never leave as the Thai chaperons appeared to be far too stoned to go anywhere in the near future, with little intention of doing so. Oh well, it wouldn't have been the end of the world!