We're island hopping from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao!
Anne's friends were hanging on this beautiful piece of island, so we decided to join them to the tiny island of Koh Tao.
Ko Tao is an island in Thailand. Restaurants, nightspots and dive shops cluster in Mae Haad Beach and near Sai Ri Beach. Villas dot palm-fringed beaches such as Chalok Baan Kao Bay, on the south coast. In the northwest, Koh Nang Yuan is a group of islets with hilltop views. Ko Tao is known for its tropical coral reefs, with species including whale sharks and rays. Hawksbill and green turtles gather here to breed. - Wikipedia
It took us awhile to get there though. Koh Lanta is at the other side of the mainland so we had to take a ferry, bus, minivan and another ferry. We left the hostel at Koh Lanta at 8AM and arrived at 9PM at out Taco Shack hostel on Ko Tao, which makes a nice 13 hour trip..
..but it was worth it.
A couple of days in, we rented a scooter to explore the island to check out what is at the other side of the island - it was bigger than expected. Also, it was more mountain-ey that expected, but that resulted in only beautiful views and pictures.
The beaches on the island were beautiful. You can't deny the relatively warm water, the tropical fishes swimming in between your legs and a soft breeze brushing against your skin (as your sweating like an asshole because it is really effin' warm there). Jokes aside, I absolutely loved the vibe of this island and definitely would be back.
What I really loved about this island is that fact that most of it is walkable. We stayed at Taco Shack, a hostel slightly up the hill, but as soon as you walk down you'd reach a bunch of streets with massage salons, bars and restaurants. The furthest location we'd need to be was Fishbowl, a bar/club at the beach which was maybe a 20 minute walk (which is by the way very much doable, especially if you're good for three buckets).
One of the ways to go to the earlier mentioned islands, is by the oldschool longboat, which brought us to the island of Ko Nuan Yang, on which I will elaborate in the next post -- so stay tuned! :D
Highlights of Koh Tao
- Koh Tao Pubcrawl for the Necessary Drinking and Socializing
- Fish Bowl for the Beerpong and Party
- Ko Nuan Yang for Amazing Viewpoints and Super Clear Water
- Taco Shack Hostel for Sleeping
- Savage Hostel for their Pool
- Paradise Massage at the Beach
- New Heaven Restaurant for Breakfast
- Queen Cabaret for the Most Amazing Ladyboy Show
- Farango Restaurant for Tasty Pizza
- Blue Water Restaurant for Expensive but Delicious Cocktails and Food