From Bangkok to Koh Tao

Arrival to Bangkok was smooth baggage was there waiting for us, grabbed a taxi pretty quickly and we were feeling so good about our night in Bangkok, hotel was a bit tricky to find but once we got there we were relieved to find a comfortable room and great shower facilities!! Too late to venture out we opted for an early night to catch up on our sleep! Up early now to see this wonderful city.....only we woke up at 3.45 the following day following disrupted but heavy sleep! With one hour till it was dark we ran to reception asking what was close, she directed us to the MbK centre. So it's a big indoor market, all stalls selling high quality knock offs! Interesting enough so we had a little wander some food and very proudly walked back to or hostel! Found the city very safe, people so friendly and helpful and would have liked to have seen more of it but wahay we are on our way to Koh Tao via an overnight train and a ferry! Don't manage to bag a bed but a fairly comfortable seat which reclined and they offer you blankets and a refreshment! 

Arrived to chumphon where we would get our ferry over to koh Tao at 6am and hopped on our transfer bus to the pier (yes it's a lot of moving around,but these beaches will be worth it!!) 

So if you do go this route don't get ticket from guy touting at the train station go to the ticket office, he was well dodge! 

Bus takes about an hour from pier. Arriving there I was really surprised at the amount of people there waiting to get on the ferry!! A small ferry a small island were are we all going to go!! Walking out to the boat seeing the surrounding islands it was a real moment of wow, this is what it's all about! 

We had heard the ferries were quite rocky so luckily had taken some motion  sickness tablets! 

The boat was packed with people and bags! Our eyes were twice the size seeing the amount being loaded onto to this reasonably small ferry! You could feel it being weighed down.  As the boat took off I couldn't believe how fast it was going, ploughing through the waves at incredible speed and quite literally lifting off the sea, stomachs at this point jumping up into my throat, everyone was quite giddy initially! Quickly it changed with the quincing sound of retching and the attendants running around with sick bags for everyone! We felt so relieved to have been prepared and Daniel actually managed to drift asleep! I was too nosey! 

Another story I heard of a similar boat trip was a lady feeling sick and faint and the attendants slapping her in the face to keep her alert, they then start massaging peoples temples and one guy threw a bottle of water over himself! Hilarious yet very deprave scenes! 

I couldn't help saying quite repetitively "no one tells you about this, why did no one tell us!!' 

Well anyway after a 2 hour boat trip we arrived to koh Tao! Woooo.....Oh no wait.... Is that rain? Is that a storm? Yup! 

Without any rain gear at the ready I threw Daniels jacket over me and we ran through the groups of people shouting at us for taxis, tired and soaking wet and feeling less than impressed we went for some brekkie and then checked into our hostel! We slept for quite a bit then and because it was raining we didn't mind! 

Since then the rain hasn't stopped for very long unfortunately, yesterday we managed a stroll down to a beautiful beach called 'Sinuaen beach' through forest and palm trees it was stunning! We jumped in the sea, had a swing on he swing above the shore, and the rain slowly crept in, but it didn't 'dampen' our spirits, we took or time, strolled back and found a great place for a spot of lunch, this was the first time I felt hungry since we arrived so I was feeling very excited to eat! 'Coconut monkey' is a must if you come here! Owned by a guy from Seattle, really cool vibe, coconut lattes and wraps to die for! 

Headed back to hostel to dry off! 

Also found a great place or authentic Thai food, no fuss, this place doesn't try to impress and has nothing to hide (the toilet is in the kitchen'!!! Eerythung is made fresh and with the most amazing flavour. It's called Zapp60 we ate there twice as it was light on tummy and so tasty!! 

Sairee beach is nice too lovely bars along the beaches! 

So today the rain has been so heavy and consistent that the roads have turned to a river and can't really go too far! We went out for some food/air and watched as cars,motorbikes and people struggled up the main road! Quite funny and sure look all part of the experience! Very far however from those crystal clear beaches and sunshine we had imagined haha 

Electricity went for a bit too and we have no water now! 

So we have no choice but to bid farewell to this beautiful island and head back to safe shores on the mainland! Next stop Krabi (via chumphon and Surat Thani!!) bring it on! 

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm moaning because although the weather hasnt been ideal it's all experience and an adventure and we're loving every minute! 

Top tips; buy sea legs, buy sleeping tablets or piriton something that will help you sleep, bring raingear and have it handy, get into a normal sleeping routine an set alarm for morning! Smile at Thai people. Don't book too much in advance because things can change.