Ko Pha-Ngan - Bangkok (again!)

Sorry for all our avid readers sooooooo keeping up to date with our adventure so far, (yes that's you dad) we've had a short delay due to the extortionate internet prices on the Thai islands!

Having spent 3 nights in Railay in which we loved, we got a longtail boat, mini bus, public bus, ferry and Sawngthaew! (bigger tuk-tuk for anyone who has travelled Asia) to our next port of call, Ko Pha-Ngan! Known throughout Asia and the world as a party Island, and we were heading here for Thai New Year. We arrived in late evening of the 11th of April (Happy Birthday Ed) and checked into Venus Resort, some really really nice bungalows just off Haad Rin Nok Beach- this is the party beach. We then had a very chillaxed night out for food! Who knew what we were in store for..... well we could kind of hear the music a few miles away!

Our second day was a very laid back day on the beach (we were getting very used to this way of life by now!) We had a stroll around town to get our bearings and then headed out in the evening... we'd decided to have a 'proper' night out, the first in a very long time! The atmosphere in the clubs that extended onto the beaches was amazing, the beaches were lined with booze stands selling buckets of all different kinds of cocktails for no more than a couple of quid!! The entertainment was a lot of Thai men playing with fire, very talented men throwing fire sticks, ball and chains, jugglers etc. They then get the crowds involved with huge a flame skipping rope which 2 Thai blokes hold up either side and swing until some fool thinks they can get in and start jumping - some made it, many didn't!!! Unfortunately there is no photographic evidence of this night and the next due to the fact that Thai New Year tradition is to completely soak everyone...water guns, hoses, buckets whatever you can get your hands on! We got utterly drenched in a brilliant water fight with the guys who worked at Drop In Bar - well recommended! That is how the night continued to be...I think....

Our third day was actual Thai New Year and we woke up to an incredibly weak shower - not that this wasn't something we hadn't experienced on our travels - and we soon discovered why...we took a stroll into town for breakfast and got ambushed! Soaked with yet more water guns and buckets and now with the added treat of powder paint!!! Thai New Year was officially upon us! If we honest, we got off quite lightly! Everyone was in such good spirits that day it was a really good vibe to be around (to quote David Brent). We then headed back down to the beach. That night we ventured out again expecting more of the same only to find a slightly more subdued night - imagine going on the piss on New Years day itself! However, instead of boozing that night we took an hours course in Thai relaxation. I wanted to sort out my shoulder hence having a back and shoulder massage (turned out to be full body - bargain!) Susy had a head, arms and leg massage ("Divine"). All of that for only 500Baht - that's 9quid!

Feeling mighty relaxed on our last full day we managed to drag ourselves down to the beach again and did nothing all day! But in the night we decided to go and have our final meal on our South Thailand holiday and as all good dates go I took Susy to watch Jackass 2!! It was playing in the rooftop bar serving 2for1 cocktails - score! This was then followed up with a final visit to Drop In Bar to watch the very drunk try to jump through a ring of fire. To which I might add I jumped through twice successfully on Thai New Year - evidence not available :(

Sad to say, we left Ko Pha Ngan yesterday to travel back to Bangkok - another fun journey, it's all about saving the pounds though! It took us the best part of 18 hours door to door. We're now back in Bangkok staying at The Four Sons Inn hoping with a non-ill Susy to experience some of the big city attractions.... PING PONG SHOW!!!! (Susy would like to point out that this one of the activities Gethin has added to our To-Do list) Susy wants to go see old temples and elephants... nice one gran.

Pictures to follow...

Love everyone lots
Geth (narrator)
Susy (typist - she needed a real job)

xxx