Koh Samui and Koh Phangan

Originally we were going to head right to Koh Phangan (pronounced Panyang), we had been there many years ago for full moon party (admittedly I remember nothing of this island) and had heard that despite the party it was a lovely island with tons to do. Coincidentally, we were set to arrive the day before full moon, so everything was booked and crazy expensive,  we decided to stay in Koh Samui for a few days. A very busy place, not one bit not touched by tourism. much like a small city, it was way different then we remembered. The beaches are still spectacular though and there is lots to do, from Muay Thai boxing, bars, fisherman's village, waterfalls, temples, hikes, endless massage places, Samui has it all- everything except tranquility. If that's what your looking for, maybe try somewhere else. The roads were a little too crazy for me to be comfortable with a bike. We decided to rent a car for the day and explored ourselves. You can drive around the whole island in a day and hit most of the sites.

Big Buddah Statue

 Mueang waterfall

one of the many spectacular beaches in Samui (Silver Beach)

this was the beach near our hotel Chewang Beach- very busy but soft white sand and clear water. We paid $20 at a fancy hotel for use of there pool and beach chairs. Felt like a queen for the day. 

The kids were happy to move on, they did not love Samui, even though it arguably had some of the nicest beaches all around (after Phi Phi) the vibe is just very busy, (think Starbucks, malls and bars). After 3 days we said good bye and boarded the ferry to Koh Phangan.

We decided to stay in Haad Rin Sunset (otherwise known as Full moon Party Beach) we figured it would be fine as all the party goers now left and the bay itself is incredible. Thank goodness we had only booked 2 nights. Haad Rin itself was pretty cool, had a beachy vibe, with small narrow streets, lined with restaurants and shops From afar the beach was as spectacular as we remembered...but what you can't see is all the broken glass that COVERED the beach. I am talking everywhere! You could not step one foot on the sand or in the water without fear of getting severely cut up. 

I have to admit I was very disappointed we could not attend the party- in my head I think I'm still 20

the unusable beach- full of glass

that's me picking up glass - the men you see in the water are workers, working around the clock fighting a never ending battle. I cannot believe they still use bottles.

Haad Rin sunset side

We hired a driver for the day to take us to some of the hot spots Koh Phangan is known for. We thought once we had a look at some different areas we would book something else. 

our ride for the day- girls loved hanging out in the back of a pick up- it felt very "country"

What an awesome day. Phangan is an amazing little island, so many places to explore, we were only here for 5 days and immediately wished it was longer. From the Phaeng Waterfall (no actual water as it was dry season- but still an awesome hike), Salad beach, Secret Beach, Haad Yao beach (that's where we ended up staying). Ko Ma, (so beautiful and we only saw from the look out), Chaloklum, with the best beach Malibu beach, The sacred tree...the list is endless. We never even made it to the North East side where arguably the best beaches are.

Secret Beach-Obviously not so secret but quite beautiful

Ko Ma if you look close you can see the spit to walk across at low tide

probably one of my favourite pics of the whole trip- at Malibu Beach

Malibu Beach

the oldest tree in Phangan

Haad Yao

We ended up finding a great spot in Haad Yao a pretty little bay with hotels all along the water- we rented a cute little bungalow for $45, the best part was it had pool and the resort was literally right on the beach.What an awesome surprise to discover a DJ spinning the first night in our bay, it was amazing, fire throwers and dancers, little bean bag chairs and lanterns all around. Such a festive laid back vibe. It was amazing.

watching the sunset from here was pretty special

Haad Yao by day

Probably the highlight of Thailand was visiting An thong National Marine Park- an absolute "must do" day trip, you can do from Koh Samui or Koh Phangnan (we found out it was cheaper to do from Samui so if your going to both book from there). It was incredible.

We stayed for an hour, there is a hike to the look out or a cave tour- we chose look out

A very tough hike to the top...absolutely worth it!

One of the stops within the park- Emerald Lake

A very comfortable ferry ride to the Marine Park

We spent the rest of our time hanging out, snorkeling, (Johnny went diving) and just enjoying this perfect island. We are so happy we came as it was probably our favourite. Definitely one to come and visit, sadly we missed visiting the neighbouring Koh Tao (we had heard that was lovely as well)- 

We'll just have to come back

Our last night in Thailand this was our hotel

Saying Good bye- off to Bangkok then to Vietnam!