Surat Thani, Thailand

September 25th

Wake up at 8am and get ready to leave the island. We didn't book a ticket yet so had to figure out how we are getting back up to central Thailand. Wanted to make a stop in Hau Hin and take the overnight to Bangkok. Went to one travel agency and they said the price was 1100 and only to Bangkok. Left there and went to get some breakfast since the first ferry wouldn't leave til 11am anyways. Sit down and find out all the times of the ferries leaving for the day. There was one at 10am, but it is 10 now. I ordered an ice coffee and cereal with yogurt. The place was completely English and even had imported beer, Heineken and German beer. Thought it was funny.

Finish up and go straight to another travel agency. The lady tells us some options, but has to check availability. She makes a dozen calls and says everything is sold out. Crazy how easy it is for us having all systems connected. There is one option and that is to leave at 12:30p by ferry and then to take the train at 8:30p from Surat Thani to Bangkok that will arrive at 6am. Completely losing a full day, but want to get up North to Kanchanaburi and then to Chiang Mai. Glad to have come down to the islands, but was not wanting to spend the majority of my time here. When I flew over I had no idea when, where, and how long I was going to be anywhere.

We have our departure time and the area is so small that I go sit at the English restaurant again to get some planning done for the remainder on my trip. Really do not want to lose time in case I like a city so much and want to spend extra days there. I have right now Kanchanaburi, Ayuttanya, Chiang Mai, and the some cities in Laos.

I went a couple of shops and found some earring that were pretty cute. Then head to the port a noon. It was a mess, packed full of people. There were actually 3 ferries leaving at 12:30p. On the boat I just edited my photos and listened to some music.

When we ported I had to pee so bad, I go by the tourist building and it is closed. Ask someone where do I go pee? They pointed to the other pier. There isn't enough time to walk there and back

Since the bus for the train station is right here. Great will hold it. Board the bus and I find a single seat first row, grab it. The temp is too hot and the buses too small to sit next to people comfortably. The window and door is open and I realize I have the best seat on the bus!

A few hours later we have a stop and I immediately go to use the toilet. Did not know what to think of the toilets, this place gave you a sheet of paper but usually you need to bring your own teepee. Then you throw it in the bin. To "flush" the toilet you pour water into a bucket and then dump it into the toilet.

I go to see if there is any food that looks good, but just the norm; pad thai, fried rice, and corn on the cob. The corn looks good but I go for an ice cream. Back on the bus for another 45mins.

We arrive into Surat Thani at 5p and the train leaves at 8:25p. Instantly we go walk to town. About 5-10mins and there are all vendors setup on the street. So much food to chose from, we saw some tourist and went to checkout what they were getting. Seemed to pass by here before. Soup with fish balls. I walk a little ways down to see what else there was. Nate joked about getting some critters. I found this stand that made this crepe/pancake thing. It looked delicious so I order the strawberry one, thank you she says. When she goes to put on the jam I tell her wait stop and ask to have the banana with egg. She was so happy and thanked me repeatedly, only think it is because this one was more baht. I take a seat and Nate goes to get the critters, he wasn't joking. I eat my food and it is fabulous, loaded with sugar and cream. He comes back with grasshoppers, I ask if he ate them before, nope a new experience. He said he didn't like the flavoring. I then had one, a small one, and it was not good at all.

I went to see what other foods were available. There was chicken, squid, fish, fruits and rice dishes. I asked a girl how much for the squid she said 50b , ha that is pricey. On the way back to the train saw another vendor with some squid asked how much and they said 20 baht for one and 10 for the other. Alright now were talking, got some squid. They put some chili sauce on it and it was spicy. Walked back to the station and the train is delayed. No time posted though. I find a plug and charge up the electronics.

Our train is on the tracks so we go sit on it at 8p. Two girls from Singapore sit across from us. We talk with them for a bit. I am getting so tired and lounge out on the two seats.

Koh Phangan, Thailand

September 23rd

They pick us up and we walk to the bus stop. The ride down was long but an overnight. They played some movies, Point Break and Sherlock Holmes. We had a stop at midnight and got some food, curry with fried rice. Then I went to sleep. Woke up at 4am and we arrived at our destination at 6am. The ferry was leaving at 8:30a to the island and would take another 2 hours. Lots of traveling just to spend time on the islands for a few days.

When we arrived at the ferry it was scorching hot out. I went down below to change my clothes from a t-shirt and long shorts to a dress I bought in Bangkok. Wish I did it sooner, 10 degrees cooler. I wanted to take some pictures so I pulled out my camera and the battery latch broke, didn't do anything it just snapped off. Great. I will check the warranty when I get home.

We finally arrived at Koh Phangan and we didn't have the name of our hotel that was booked, Nate forgot to write it down. Had to go to the internet cafe to check out what it was in the email. Get online and there is no email. Ok so now we are racking our brains trying to figure out what it is. Nate just kept apologizing for not writing it down. We email the booking agent to see if they can resend our confirmation.

While waiting went to eat and sat at a restaurant that had free wifi. Kept checking and nothing. Then I called the company from skype and there was a horrible connection. Got through right away so Nate went to call from the payphone.

The name of our hotel is Mandalai, we get a taxi for 150B per person, little pricey. The ride was only 15 mins and check in. The hotel is beautiful. Hot shower, robe and slippers, and right on the beach...price was $34! First thing I want to do is go swimming, find out that the water is a little too warm. I spend about 45 minutes in it. Then lay and relax on the lawn chair, fall asleep in the shade. After the nap I wake up shower and get ready for the evening.

We head down to the Full Moon party around 8p. The taxi was taking 4 other people from the hotel. They had met traveling and joined up together. Two from Manchester and two from The Netherlands. They were so nice that we asked if they wanted to get some dinner together. We found a little place and I had some spicy curry (delicious). We sat for another beer and talked about this and that, the vibe was very comfortable with them all.

 

Once we paid, walked to Tommy's Resort as Milesy and Scotty (Topdeck Tour people) were meeting me there. They were right in front and found them pretty easily. Felt a little bad since they said they were waiting there for a few hours. Oops. Didn’t realize, just thought they were hanging out in the area with some people.

The fire shows started around midnight and they light up some signs that said Welcome to Thailand. It was set up where all the bars played different types of music along the beach. It started to rain and was really funny watching everyone fun for shelter. It is just a little rain. Nate and I got separated and made our own way back up to the hotel.

My trip up there took 2.5 hours. Drove the entire island and had to wait about 30-40mins to pick up more people. Insane. I was so tired, the taxi was packed and the driver told me that I could sit up front. I guess I was the only one not screaming at him. Everyone was pissed, but when there are that many people drunk trying to get back to their hotel there is not much you can do.

Right when I got back I saw an email from Dad and had to deal with some car stuff at home, luckily he was online. We got it all taken care of pretty quickly as it was 7a. And I tried to connect with Alan, but just missed him online. Then I crashed!

September 24th

I woke up around noon and didn’t feel too bad, just still a little sleepy. Went to lunch and ordered crab and calamari, even though it was amazing the crab was a lot of work. When we were finished went to figure out what to do for the day. It was already 3p. Took a long time to eat the crab. There was a diving business down the street owed by a guy who used to live in Manchester. He let us know there was a good place to go snorkeling on Mae Had beach, only 15 mins away. His taxi guy could take us. I went to get my suit, camera, and money. We met back up and the guy takes us there.

The resort that the beach was on had snorkeling gear and a few massage huts on the beach. It had been 4 days in Thailand and no massage yet, ummm. Immediately we went out snorkeling as they time you for price. So quickly you saw the most amazing fish in the coral. There were so many various kinds all eating the coral, it was very peaceful and calm under water. I loved it. I lasted for about 35mins, the mask was putting too much pressure on my forehead so I was going to go in for a bit and then head back out.

When I was swimming in I thought there were some rocks so I put my hand down to balance myself. It was coral. I cut my hand in 4 different places. Then I was getting worried that I would cut myself again so when I was close enough in and tried to walk a little piece got the brink of my toe and cut it too. What the heck, it was so easy going out that I didn't have to think about being cut.

Once I got in I went straight for a massage. Chose the aloe verva massage so it would help with my cuts. The massage was great. I want one everyday!

After I met up with Nate, asked him what he did for the past hour. Talked to everyone in sight, swear that boy does not stop talking. Walked around the beach for a little bit, my cuts were stinging again. The sun was just setting and it was an incredible view, the clouds were on the horizon. The later it got the more orange it became, I couldn't believe my eyes.

Started getting hungry, so we sat to eat at the resort. Craved Green Curry since I didn't get it last night. The food came out and I commented on how watery it appeared. The curry was the worst I ever had, did not satisfy my craving.

Left there pretty quickly and since the hotel was only 3km away figure we could walk. On the walk heard so many animals that I scared myself once and thought something was coming out of the trees. I actually screamed and jumped. Made it back to the hotel within 50mins and the felt the hike was much needed. I was exhausted though and got back took a shower and went right to sleep.

Bangkok, Thailand

September 22nd

Wake up and shower immediately, was sweating if not infront of the fan. Thailand is hot and humid, but hasn't been raining so I am happy! I can deal with constant sweating. Still thinking if I really want to go down to Ko Phangan for the Full Moon party. This kind of changes the direction that I thought I would be going in. I tried shifting some things around in my pack so I could drop and bag and not bring so much down to the islands. Really know that I am only going to need a couple of dresses, swimsuit, and shorts and tanks. Of course I want to bring my electronics with me.

I am ready to get the day moving at 9:30a so go wake up Nate, didn't remember his room number and knocked on what I thought was his door. It opens and it is him. Sweet that was easy. We meet downstairs and the booking agent is sitting there so we ask her what time the bus leaves tonight to get there and how much. It will be an 8 hour bus trip and then 2 hours on the ferry, they sell joint tickets for 500B ($15). The bus takes off at 6p. We have a whole day to go see some of Bangkok.

First we go to get some breakfast I am starving. I believe Thomas (Alan's brother) mentioned a place called Roy, but found Ricky's so think that might be it. It is 5 mins away. We walk there sit and I get an iced coffee! The menu has many items I want to eat, but I decide on the banana french toast. Nate got Roast beef sandwich, which I was thinking was an odd choice for breakfast. The food came and mine was tasty, but Nate’s looked strange. After breakfast we go back to the guesthouse to check out. We can leave our bags there, but were taking a bag to a left luggage place for the next few days.

Once we go to the left luggage, we are ready to set out to see some Wat's on the river. We walk down the alley street and I thought I could get wifi, we hadn't booked our accommodations yet at the Island. Some guy starts talking to Nate and asks if he can help us. He is wearing a jacket that says Tourist Police. I find this to be hilarious. The man was so nice and gave us a map. We walk down and Nate is already complaining of how hot it is. I tell him that needs to stop, I can’t go a whole day with someone complaining. We cross under the bridge and try to follow the river down. It seems as there is a dead end at the University. Some guy asks us if we are lost and what we are trying to walk to. Ends up telling us all these things to see, and that today is a holiday. Entrances are free and Tuk Tuk's are cheaper today. That the Tuk Tuk will take us to 4 destinations for 60B, 30B per person. I read in the LP they usually quote 100 - 200B so I don’t care if it is a scam or not, we’ll take it. First experience on the Tuk Tuk. Also the person that helps usually wants some sort of fee, but we didn’t give anything. We get our Tuk Tuk for the day and spend less than $1. How is this possible. Freaking awesome is what it is.

We go first to see the 40m tall Buddha. The tuk tuk drivers says it is free today, seems free everyday. Then we go to another temple where the Golden Buddha is and a man comes in the temple and talks to us. We sit with him for 10 mins and he just wants to talk. He tells us that there is a tailor that is open only this week that makes custom made suits and jackets. You can not go into the store any other day and today is the last day.

I am beginning to see the same circuit of people with us and going to all the same destinations. I know that they earn commission and it is all a scam, so we will try to hurry up and go to the next stop just to make way to the Grand Palace. He takes us to the tailor shop and the sales guy makes a tempting offer, but neither Nate nor I buy anything.

Then the tuk tuk driver takes us to a cheaper tailor store and we walk in and out. Ok this is getting old and the exhaust is starting to bug me. We have go to a travel agency and then make it to the Grand Place. I am starting to get so hungry and light headed from all the fumes, not really wanting to get back on the Tuk Tuk. Khao San Rd is actually not that far away so we will hurry up here and then go back.

 

The Grand Palace was beautiful and lots to see. We just went to a lot of temples today and took some pics, ready to get some food and on to the bus. We go back towards our pick up point to look for accommodations and food. There is a place called Mango so we go there and I get a rice dish served in a pineapple. It was light and tastey, the only problem was it took a long time to come out and I was really really hungry by this point.

We head back to the guesthouse down the street and jump on the internet to find a place to sleep. The internet connection is so slow and the key board didn’t work. Write some quick emails to say everything is ok and I am well. Then it is time to go.