Kho Phangan

Well, it was an adventurous trip to the next island beside Kho Tao, called Kho Phangan.

A much larger island with population of 10,300.

We are headed to the north east area to the beaches of Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai.
Our destination:  Phuwadee Resort and Spa.

The weather was windy, the waves white capping, the boat rolling and splashing water through the front opening making passengers wet and some turn green.

Okay, I know Brad would say it was all fine, but for me, I just stared straight out the window and wouldn't take my eyes off the horizon willing myself to not get sea sick and trying to not wonder when the last time they checked the boat's hull and engine.

Anna slept! 

Then I couldn't help but think of my dad while watching the chaos of people getting their oversized luggage from the big pile at the back of the boat. Just chuckled  as I imagined how he would have had thoughts on how to make this experience more efficient, orderly and tidier.  If you knew my dad, you would know exactly what I mean.

Our resort couldn't be further from the harbour and new roads are just being built. I can't even imagine how they were before as we climbed up and up and then like a roller coaster ride, plummeted down and around a corner over partially paved roads with signs that say "do not enter, under construction."

We are up in price... $40/night but have air conditioning, a blow dryer and flush toilets instead of needing to add water with a scoop from a bucket till things have moved down the pipe..... But they still prefer you to not put the TP in the toilet....

Yay, the beds are more comfortable too!

It is harder to live on $100/day for three on the islands where it is filled with tourists.

Our breakfast for 3 in Phuket now gets us three morning drinks no food.
The massages, beer and pad thai are double.
And if I want wine, expect to pay the same as at the Eldorado at home.

But yes, we are "suffering through it" while we bask in the sun.

Our resort is like a place your parents might have taken you every summer. It's not fancy, the decor a bit tacky and things a little run down.  But then you look at the turquoise water, see the coconut trees sway in the breeze and feel the soft white sand under your feet and you feel like you are in paradise.

Anna waiting for the ferry.

Our little bungalow at Phuwadee Resort

Our first night walking home in the moonlight!