Island in the Sun

After Christmas in Samui, I aimed to spend until the new year on Koh Phangan. 7 days somehow stretched to 16, and although it seemed very much to me like I'd been doing nothing - I gave it some thought and decided to write about some of the highlights that kept me on the sedate and remote beach of Thong Nai Pan Yai.

After daytimes of sun lounging, frisbee-ing and footballing (not to mention convalessing), my evening times would quite often end eating a large Thai meal - either fresh fish BBQ (Snapper, Shark & Barracuda some of the options) or a typical Thai curry dish. All the food seemed to be good especially the crispy fried Tuna steak eaten Al fresco at the Welcome restaurant. As you lean back with a full belly and a beer in one hand, looking to the moon & stars, the palm leaves slightly obscuring your view just lend even more to making me realise how lucky I am right now.

A special mention to the Bombay Chicken Baguette from the Game Bar - excellent post drink food!

On my penultimate day, the sea was unusually choppy. I had been making regular kayak trips most mornings and thought this to be no exception. The waves though only around 3ft, were unrelentless in coming. Just climbing aboard was a real effort. Then I'd have to paddle hard and fast, dipping the nose into each oncoming wave to break through and not get thrown off. Eventually I'd break free and was able to turn 180 degrees and try something new - kayak surfing! If you catch the wave at the right moment, you get hoisted to the crest of the wave and can ride it all the way back to shore in triple quick time.

After meeting a new group of friends in Max, Pascale, Carla and Ellie, another new friend joined us - Norbert. A cute black dog that would follow us around the beach, to pubs and clubs and then guide us home through the darkened streets.

The one night Norbert wasn't present, we stepped off in the wrong direction. Luckily we got an extended beach walk home past what I'd been waiting a long time to see for myself... Phospherescent Algae. As the waves churned in, hundreds of blue specs would wash up. You could pick them out and with some movement, keep them glowing for quite some time. It seemed that word spread fast as soon, many people were up to see this at 4am!

Most nights of the week would be one of the beachfront bars turn to put on a special night to draw in the crowds. One such night, the Chai Bar had "Fire Night" where fireworks and daring firey feats would be performed live. The fire batton twirling was really cool too. (Norbert left us once the fireworks started!)

Of course a quick mention of Phangans local delicacies - the bucket. A kids bucket (as in "bucket and spade" filled with Red Bull, Lemonade and your choice of spirit! Add to that 5 or 6 straws and you have a drink that keeps a whole groups thrist quenched! Plenty of these were consumed over the nights out at the Buddha Bar, Game Bar, Chai Bar, Dolphin Bar, Central Bar and any other Bar I can't think of right now!

Over my 16 days, I did actually get to do some sight seeing - I saw 2 other towns and 3 waterfalls. One of which gave a great view from up high over the island. The waterfalls seem to attract the Thais (locals) as well as tourists which was quite odd compared to the other SE Asian countries so far.

Luckily my injuries had heeled quite nicely owing hugely to a fresh supply of Aloe Vera growing out the front of our bungalows - natures cure for all!

Nick was due back and so my lazy Christmas drew to a close. I'd grown really fond of the great beach, staff and friends I'd met so it was with some regret when I boarded the taxi headed for the port. I didn't realise how surprisingly good the next stop would be however...