Thailand- Que no pare la fiesta, don't stop the partaaayyyyy!!

Koh Tao flora, fauna and diving

Fire Show on the beach in Phi Phi

Backpackers attempting the flaming skipping ropes in Phi Phi

Full Moon Party in Ko Phangan 15th of February

Deja vu. There we were back in Bangkok airport for the third time. It's a bit like the Dublin of south east Asia in a way. You need to go there to get to anywhere else. We had to organise a way to Phuket and a fourteen hour overnight bus seemed like our best option. It cost no more than 20 euro. When organising buses in south east Asia it's very important to know what you're signing up for. Thailand is roasting most of the time. We ensured that there was air con and a toilet on all buses. You pay a little bit more but my God it's worth it. These lads aren't like the bus drivers at home. Those great men driving us from Claremorris to Westport for a night out that will happily stop the bus (usually around Castlebar) when nature calls. So for the sake of a few euro I would strongly advise getting the better buses.
We stayed in Kite Hostel along Patong beach in Phuket. I can't emphasise how important it is to use the right factor whilst in south east Asia. I know we all like to have a good colour and I'm no different. You are what you are and I think anyone over the age of 20 should know their skin type by now. If you are a milk bottle that wants a tan on the beach, get a spray tan before you end up getting scalded due to wearing too low a factor. We spent the day on the beach and rightly so some of the girls were making the most of it running in and out of the water. However they mustn't have been reapplying enough sun cream. When we got back to the hostel the damage from the day was plain to see. Bottom line. It's just not worth it. You don't want to ruin your holiday so be factor wise. None of us are invincible. We stayed in Patong beach for one night before catching the ferry to Koh Phi Phi.

Drinks in an Australian bar in Patong Beach

I loved Phi Phi. Such a unique little place. It is a tiny island located three hours (on the ferry) west of Phuket. It has an amazing atmosphere. There's no cars so you walk everywhere. It has beautiful food. Everyone's there to party. Every night on the beach there are fire shows. People jump through flaming hoops and attempt jumping skipping ropes which are on fire. Don't do this!! So many people get burned and have to seek medical attention. This can delay you going to other islands and you definitely don't want to miss the lead up to the full moon party!! In Phi Phi we stayed in Ibiza House. It was a real luxury to have your own tv, bathroom and big double bed. It was right beside the beach too so it was ideal for pre drinking. We stayed four nights in Phi Phi and that was probably enough. We got a few nights out in Slinky's too so we were delighted.

Enjoying our buckets in Slinky's in Phi Phi

We agreed to go to Koh Samui next. It's a bit of a long hawl to get there. You need to get the ferry back to Phuket and get the bus to Krabi. You then have to get another bus from Krabi to a port which takes the best part of the day. I wasn't a fan of this island. Here, we stayed in an Irish pub. I can't remember the name but what I will never forget is the noise of the place. It literally felt like you were sleeping on the dance floor. The music blared every night until 7am. We stayed three nights here. For me it was more than enough. Having said that lots of people do like Koh Samui. It depends on where you go so don't let me put you off.
We caught the ferry to Koh Phangan for the lead up to the Full Moon Party. This event takes place every month. We arrived on Wednesday 12th of February and stayed in Coral Bungalows. This is the home of the Full Moon Party. It started back in 1985.  Through word of mouth it has become world famous and now is a must do on anyone's South East Asia itinerary. The lead up to the Full Moon Party is just as good as the event itself in my opinion. There are pool party's every night in Coral Bungalows and music along the beach. On the Friday night there was a jungle party. This was in the middle of nowhere so it is advisable to bring mosquito spray as those little fellas like to bite. Buckets will become your new drinking glasses on these islands. I used to set myself a three bucket limit. It was more than enough for me but know your own limit.
The beach is in walking distance of Coral Bungalows and you buy your full moon wrist band when you get there. It is essential to arrange a meeting spot on the beach with your friends that everyone can go to if someone gets lost. There are literally thousands of people on the beach and it is very easy to get separated. The party goes on all night with dj's, fire shows and everyone glowing from their illuminous paint. It's a wonderful experience and I'd strongly recommend anyone doing it at least once in their life time. If you've any energy left why not go out again the next night?! We did. It was great!!

Crowds at the Full Moon Party

Fish Bowl Beach Bar Koh Tao

The final island we visited was Koh Tao. This island is a place to wind down and relax after the mayhem of Koh Phangan. It is renowned for its diving facilities and is one of the best places in the world to learn how to dive. Many people do a four day diving course here. As we were stuck for time myself and Tisha opted for the course which consisted of two dives. It cost about 30 euro and it was well worth it. One should know that you do not need to be able to swim in order to dive. I am a prime example of this. I will never forget standing at the back of the boat full of nerves with the oxygen tank on my back and thinking to myself "If I can't jump off the back of this boat, how the hell am I going to jump out of a plane?". Anyways, I survived the day and am absolutely delighted I did it. I have now seen some of the most beautiful flora and fauna the world has to offer and I would advise anyone who has an interest in diving to do this day course. There was five of us on our course. Myself, Tisha, an English girl and a Swedish couple. To celebrate our little achievement we all went out that night for dinner and drinks in Fish Bowl Beach Bar. A lovely, relaxing setting with an acoustic soloist playing in the background. The perfect way to recover from the chaos of the previous weeks.
Another day another ferry. Krabi airport our destination. It was time to bid farewell to Thailand. A place that has so much to offer and I will most certainly see again. Time to check out Singapore.


xoxo