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Thailand 🇹🇭

June - July 2023
A 31-day adventure by JGM TRAVELS 2023 Read more
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  • JGM TRAVELS 2023Thailand 🇹🇭
    2
    Day 12

    11. 12. Day 6&7. Koh Chang

    June 24, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Day 11 and 12

    Day 11:
    Today we headed out for breakfast at a place called 15 palms - which is supposed to be well known for its good food . Luckily, it didn't disappoint. James had a full English and I enjoyed a mango smoothie bowl . We sipped coffee slowly watching the waves infront of us . We had a quick swim at the hotel swimming pool , it was so cool and refreshing !
    Once we had dried off a little , we headed off to Khlong Phlu waterfall to do some more swimming ! The waterfall was about a 500 m walk into the jungle once you had parked, with ropes embedded into the bank to hold onto . The waterfall at the end of the walk was really tranquil , located in the jungle with a large swimming hole - it was just perfect !
    There were others that were swimming too, so we waited for a good time for a quick swim. The water was so cool and clear , but there were quite big fish in there that kept nibbling our feet !
    After all the feet nibbling , we sat on the bank for a while admiring the waterfall in the sun .
    After the excitement of the Waterfalls we headed off to a snorkling hotspot to be told that it's closed and we would have to go to the beach instead. We headed down and enjoyed a beer by the sea. We drove home and headed out to a local Thai restaurant and decided that a snorkling trip is the best idea. There is places and reefs that you can snorkel around from the shore, but the best places are by boat! We have also booked our flights & Surf school in Bali on 13th July!

    Day 11.

    Today we booked our travel to Bangkok and our bus onto Koh Samui and headed down north to a nice resort called 15 Palms, we had a lovely breakfast and then ended up staying all day chilling on the beach. There were surprisingly big waves to mess about in. We left after sunset and got some pizzas and had them back at our bungalow, as we are up early for a full day snorkling trip. We are stopping at 4 islands and going into the national marine park. We are super excited for tomorrow!    Read more

  • JGM TRAVELS 2023Thailand 🇹🇭
    Day 14

    13. Travel 14. 1. Koh Samui

    June 26, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Today we were woken with some of the loudest thunder we have experienced yet.. Not surprising we had a text to say that our snorkeling trip had been called off, we immediately got in touch with our transport as it was time to move on if weather was rubbish. Transport was a go ahead, so we got a refund from our hotel and moped. We packed very quickly and were picked up around lunchtime and headed back to Bangkok, this took us 8 hours, when we returned we ran to the next bus service, Bangkok to Koh Samui..
    We managed to get 2 tickets on the VIP bus which were quite expensive but we had a better chance of sleeping. We were on top deck so had a good view, they gave us blankets and we all had huge reclining chairs with loads of legroom, certainly beats Nepals version of VIP. We both managed to get about 7 hrs sleep in between pit stops, which was good. When we got to the ferry port, we didn't realise the ferry was going to take another 4.1/2 hours, we got on top deck and had a scenic trip through the islands. I must say that the ferry ride seemed to take forever as we had been sat down for nearly 24hrs straight! We can't wait to go to Koh Toa, snorkeling they have some of the best in the world and you can see why as we sailed pass with all the coral glistening patches.
    We finally arrived at lunchtime the following day and organised a lift in a mini bus to our hotel. We were messed around a little by our hotel but put into the posh one next door for the night, so we didn't moan. We had some dinner and headed down to the beach, right outside our hotel which is nice, first beachfront stay. The beach is beautiful but much busier than Koh Chang, we were expecting this but still paradise. The island is still as beautiful. We had a walk around town which is pretty lively, and I managed to kick my foot into an exposed pipe whilst wearing flip flops and convinced my little toe is broken so decided to crash for the night. As we wanted to be up and about for tomorrow as we only have 3 days here, as moving onto Koh Phangan on the 29th June. Our 30 days in Thailand visa is getting swallowed quickly!
    Ps the hotel has a family of 5 week old kittens running about so Grace is in heaven.    Read more

  • JGM TRAVELS 2023Thailand 🇹🇭
    Day 15

    14. 2. Koh Samui

    June 27, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    We woke up and sorted our bags out , ready for moving into our actual hotel Whilst having a coffee, we sorted out moped hire and we had one delivered to us within 20 mins ! We then headed to the beaches for some snorkeling!
    The first beach we headed to was crystal beach , about 15 mins south of our hotel . There was a little cafe there , so we had a late breakfast first . Having found a good spot on the beach, we swam out to the coral and the rocks and we saw so many fish ! The two big rocks that we swam past were covered in crabs and shoals of fish were swimming past them too.
    We slowly swam the length of the beach and back before drying off in the sun for a short while .
    The next beach we headed to was coral cove , this beach is also recommended for its snorkeling. Everyone was swimming at the right end of the beach , so we swam over there and saw more fish than we did at the first beach. Huge big shoules of fish all colours of the rainbow. We also saw a huge monitor lizard getting out of the sea, he was much bigger than the ones we encountered in Bangkok. We spent ages swimming there until the sun had started to go down, we were both amazed at the amount of different fish we saw just off from the shore, much more to see than in Koh Chang.
    We left the beach and went to a street market to have some food, we enjoyed some different foods until full and a delicious oreo milkshake all the locals were rushing for, and a huge delicious corn on the cob, (the best one we have ever had). We then headed into town to grab a few bits before heading back to the hotel for the evening.    Read more

  • JGM TRAVELS 2023Thailand 🇹🇭
    Day 16

    15. 3. Koh Samui

    June 28, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Today we went on a hunt for Koh Samui Snorkeling spots! We first headed north to Thong son beach, where we stopped for some breakfast first. As we walked in we noticed two giant pigs on the floor! They were enormously fat. We gave the pig a stroke and had some food on the beachfront, we met a nice chap from New Zealand who had been 'kicked'*out of his home by his son who is renting it and he uses the money to permantly travel. Cool life huh!? We had abit of a snorkel and was no good so headed to the east which is abit more sheltered. Unfortunately the next beach called Choengmon Beach was beautiful but the tide was too low to snorkle. We did stop at a really hip bar and stayed there and had a coffee, we didn't realise how posh it was till we walked inside! So we ended staying here for a while.
    Eventually we headed back to the crystal cove beach we went to yesterday. The snorkeling was great and we explored different sections we didn't look at yesterday and weren't disappointed. We spent about 2 hours floating around. My family have brought me a snorkle to use for my birthday - which is great!
    We headed back after sunset and stopped at a reggae bar for a quick drink, the whole bar was awesome with cool features such as a waterfall, it was really nicely set up! We had the whole bar to ourselves and enjoyed a pint and suddenly had a lady and man, who both really couldn't sing, on a soundsytem not dialled, were screaming reggae tunes to us and terribly. We quickly finished our beers and left.
    We headed for another Thai curry, we absolutely love the food here, the street food, restaurants are amazing. Truly a reason in itself to come back and neither me or Grace have had food poisoning (touch wood) yet. We headed back to our hotel and had a beer by the pool. We headed to our room to pack so we can have abit of a lie in tomorrow before heading to Koh Phangan.    Read more

  • JGM TRAVELS 2023Thailand 🇹🇭
    2
    Day 17

    16. 1. Koh Phangan

    June 29, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Today we headed to an island north of Koh Samui called Koh Phangan . We packed our bags and dropped off our little moped before catching a taxi to the ferry port.
    Luckily we were running early this morning as we managed to get dropped off at the wrong ferry port ! Once this was resolved , we had a coffee and waited for the passeneger speed boat to collect us for 1230.
    The boat ride was about half an hour and was really choppy the whole way , so choppy that some people had started to feel sick near us.
    When we arrived in Koh Phagnan, we rented a moped from a company based at the ferry port . James went to get some fuel and drop some bags off at our little bungalow whilst I waited with the other bags . James came back to collect me and go back to the bungalow - which we are both super chuffed with as it has a wonderful view of the swimming pool at the front , and the sea from the side.
    Both of us had some toast and a coffee at the restaurant in the resort before heading off on the moped to a beach called Haad Thong Reng. This beach was 20 minutes north of our hotel and was really isolated and untouched . It was a national marine park so we had to pay to enter.
    At the end of the main beach was a bridge which initially looking at it structurally we were both warey to cross, but after watching someone do it we headed over ourselves one by one. The beach was secret and its not visited often as you have to go through an abandoned resort to get there. However when you reach the beach you are greeted with huge boulders and Coral reefs -snorkeling heaven, its getting better the further north and closer we are getting to Koh Tao. With only 1 other couple on the beach, felt really private, we snorkled for a while. When we returned to the beach we suddenly realised this was also a nudist beach. We were leaving anyway so left them to it! We headed back to our new cabin, and ate at the restaurant home cooked by a Thai older lady and food is delicious , just like we had read online.

    Early night ready for James' birthday tomorrow, we have a special trip to the Ang Thong National Park, a full day boat trip with hiking, snorkeling and many views, we are super excited!    Read more

  • JGM TRAVELS 2023Thailand 🇹🇭
    Day 18

    17. 2. Birthday trip to Ang Thong part 1

    June 30, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Today was my birthday so we had a boat trip booked. We got collected at 8ish and headed to the dock, the boat left about about 9. We managed to get a top deck view and had big pads to lie down on, we cruised across to Ang Thong Marine Park which took about 1hr and half. We first stopped off at a renowed snorkle spot at Ko Mae Ko and had an hour to explore both me and Grace jumped off the boat from about 20ft which was great fun! We spent the next hour exploring caves and the wildlife, it was stunning here best snorkeling yet. I have spent a while downloading videos and screen shotting so I can show you what it was like. I accidentally kicked the coral sorting my googles and cut the top of my foot which we sorted out on the boat.

    We sailed on, around the coastline and were greeted with a stunning beach with steps up to the Emerald Lagoon. This was seen on the film the beach, with Leonardo Dicaprio. The steps were ridiculously steep and we were exhausted! The lagoon is a seawater lagoon but has an algea which makes it an emerald colour, it's has many fish, but not safe for human to swim in.

    We then headed off on the boat again to another island as this island has a viewpoint where you can count nearly 30 of the 42 islands, the view point however is 600mtrs high and it's humid and very hot. However we were determined and got to the top, and the view did not disappoint. It was stunning with all the little coves and mountainous jungle with the backdrop of the turquoise sea! We headed back to the boat and had a cruise back for 2 hours which was awesome too. Once back both of us felt a little dizzy from the sway of the boat, suppose it didn't help sitting right at the top! We had a nice Mexican meal for a change from Thai and I spoke to all my family as it has been a while which was great, travelling is a busy lifestyle! Great and memerable birthday. We went for a drink on the beach and then headed to bed!    Read more

  • JGM TRAVELS 2023Thailand 🇹🇭
    Day 19

    18. 3. Koh Phangan

    July 1, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    The weather really didn't look promising this morning , it was grey and very windy but it wasn't raining so we decided to head out to the beaches anyway, first stop being Koh Ma beach . One end of the beach had beautiful palm trees and white sands , the other end was very rocky . We walked the length of the beach with our legs stinging due to the sand and the wind! There was nowhere protected from the wind, so we didn't stay very long.
    Haad Salad was the name of the next beach we visited , luckily the weather had improved a little and there was lots more space on this beach . We explored the beach but decided not to go snorkeling because of the grey sky and the wind. Instead, we stopped off at the cafe and had frappucinos (not salaad😂) whilst admiring the waves for a while .
    There were some weekly markets selling food and clothes not too far from us , so we slowly headed in that direction , stopping off at haad yao beach first .
    The first market was quite small and only sold food . The food was amazing though! We bought some fish tempura and a wrap for dinner.
    The second market was really busy and lively , absolutely packed with food and clothes stalls . We had a look around here for a couple of hours, and enjoyed a cold drink on the beach front afterwards .
    We drove back to our little bungalow and did some washing , we also booked our accommodation for Koh Tao , where we will be visiting next !    Read more

  • JGM TRAVELS 2023Thailand 🇹🇭
    Day 20

    19. 4. Koh Phangan Full Moon Party

    July 2, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Today we had a super relaxing day at the resort although a card machine swallowed James' card and we now cannot retrieve it in time until we leave the island. We wanted to conserve our energy for the famous 'Full moon party'. We had a few beers and got a taxi day down to the party, upon arrival it was mayhem, 20000 people, rammed onto one of Koh Phangan beaches. Music and lights everywhere, lightening lighting up the sky in the distance. Neon body paint, buckets full of booze and weed stores everywhere! We walked around having a dance here and there and watched fire actors and crazy drunk people attempting to jump over a rope on fire. It was a great experience to do but certainly a mad one, we found a place playing music we enjoyed so stopped here for a while before getting some food and heading home. As we are up as leaving for Koh Tao 'the wild wild west island' tomorrow morning.Read more

  • JGM TRAVELS 2023Thailand 🇹🇭
    Day 21

    20. 1. Koh Tao (wild wild west)

    July 3, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    We have landed this afternoon in Koh Tao, branded the wild wild west island as supposedly the island is controlled by mafia. There have been several strange deaths on the island, many involving brits aswell. So we must keep our wits about us here but so far seems lovely! It's the snorkling mecca of Thailand and in top 10 of the best places in the world to snorkle and dive. So of course, the first thing we do is rent a scooter, grab our snorkles and head to a renowned beach. By the time we had some food and headed in it was about 5 o'clock so sadly abit late in the day however... Under the water we were greeted with magical corals and fish all colours, we saw barracudas and huge shoals of fish. In the hour we were in, we saw more than all the trips combined.. It is amazing! We think we may want to stay here rather than move on a few days, time will tell, we have so much of the island to see, turtles, sharks and we may even do a diving session, they are rather expensive but we are loving exploring the ocean so far so may be a worthy investment. We headed back to our hotel, which we got an upgrade to superior with sea view - which is nice! And about to head for dinner. Koh Tao you are magical! We cannot wait to explore more of your coastline!!Read more

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