Ko Tao

Arrived by ferry on Saturday morning. Checked in to our hotel and went for a walk about. Found a lovely brunch spot called Koffee which turned out to be a regular during our stay in Koh Tao! Good food and coffee with a beautiful view of the sea. Then we went for a walk to Shark Bay and Chalok Baan Kao Beach. Found a small cove on the way to Shark Bay, Steve went in and had a quick snorkel. On the way back to hotel we hired a scooter for the rest of our time here. Although the island is only small it does help having a scooter. That evening we walked down the road and ate in a local restaurant called DeeDees - very nice friendly family.

Sunday we went for an explore. First stop was to Ao Tanote Beach which was lovely. Steve went for a snorkel again but it was a bit rocky to swim in. Then we made our way to Freedom Beach. Had to pay 50 baht each to go to the beach but it was lovely clear calm sea so worth it. Spent the rest of the afternoon here.

Monday we went to the Sun Suwan 360 viewpoint. Amazing views over Shark Beach and Chalok Baan Kao Beach and quite an easy climb. Then went and sat on Shark Beach for rest of the day. Found a different way in where we didnt have to pay. Lovely beach with nice clear sea.

Tuesday we went for brunch at a place called Coconut Monkey near the pier. Tried Kombucha each. Went for a walk along Sairee Beach.

Wednesday we went on a fantastic boat trip for the whole day snorkelling at five different points around the island. First stop was at Nang Yuan island where we climbed the viewpoint (and I accidentally flashed by bikini covered boobs!) then swam in the sea. Second snorkelling stop was at Mango Bay or Light House then we had some lunch on the boat. Third snorkelling stop was at Hin Wong Bay in a lovely little cove. Fourth stop was snorkelling at Aow Leuk which was so clear and beautiful, the best place so far. The final fifth stop was at Shark Bay.

Took some laundry in on Thursday, had brunch then made our way by scooter to Aow Leuk. Absolutely beautiful place and Steve fell in love with it. Sea so calm and clear.

Friday had breakfast at Koffee again then paid and did the hike up the

John Suwan Viewpoint. Quite big rocks to climb up and hanging on ropes to pull yourself up! Then we went to Sai Nuan Beach and Aow June Juea beach. Both not good for swimming but had a shake at a vibey beach place on June Juea.

Saturday we had booked a night away at Aow Leuk Grand Hill Bungalows. Little wooden beach hut over looking the sea, fantastic views, no ac just a mozzie net - beautiful. Lovely to sleep here with the doors open all night listening to the sound of the sea.

Sunday we stayed on Aow Leuk beach all morning and left about 2ish. Both of us in and out of the sea and Steve done quite a bit of snorkelling. This paid off big time when he saw a giant turtle and proceeded to swim alongside it for a while. I could see him following it from the beach. Brilliant, he was so buzzing when he came back.
Came back to Woodlands and chilled. Bit overcast in evening. Went

to Mama Tam for dinner - very good.

Monday went to Koffee for breakfast then had a long exploring walk along Chalok Baan Kao Beach. Had dinner at Gemini Dumplings and Noodles, delicious.

Tuesday I had a pedicure - £13 for gel - bargain. Steve had a little drive around on the scooter on his own whilst I was getting my pedicure. Then we went to Shark Bay for a few hours until it started to rain.

Wednesday drove down to Mae Haad Pier and had a walk along the beach and breakfast. Saw the turtle statue on the beach and Steve tried to help some of the locals who were trying to get a longtailed boat closer to the water. Then we went back to Aow Leuk for the last time. Stayed there all day. Ate in Mama Tam in evening.

Thursday was our last day so we had a farewell breakfast at Koffee then drove into town looking for sunglasses for Steve - his had broken. Done some packing. Went up to Chalok Baan Kao and sat in a bar/restaurant where we had a few beers and chatted to the

owner and her friend who gave us some tips on Chiang Mai. Got a sandwich from the sandwich lady on the way home. Quite sad to be leaving here.