Same Same in Thailand

Well, here I sit, in Ko Samui finally getting to this post. The trek throughout Thailand has been long and colorful (as the photos will show).

Leaving Phi Phi, Beth and I decided to check out the nearby rock climbing paradise called Railay. We showed up in the rain without any place to sleep and started to worry. To our benefit, we met 13 people all traveling together from different parts of the world. They had all met at different times and had so much fun together that they just stuck together, like a wolf pack, which is eactly what they called themselves. Well, the wolf pack was 13, then it became 15 with the addition of Beth and I. We spent a few days all hanging out in Railay, then Beth and I detached and made our way towards Krabi.

After a pit stop in Krabi we flew in to Ko Samui to meet up with my buddies that were coming in from Atlanta. We decided to start with a bang in Ko Phaghan, home of the original Full Moon Party. After we met up with them in the Ko Samui airport, it was a short ferry ride into Koh Phaghan. Upon arrival we heard thumping music, an energetic heard of backpackers, and a large moon on the cusp of maturity. Even though it was Halloween night, our expectations of a great costume party were relatively low. We all caught up, swapped stories, and headed to the local pool party at our "bungalow" accomadation.

The following day was one definitely one of my favorites thus far. Awaken, by the yelled words "rise and Shiiiiiine" by my friend Alex who has arguably the loudest voice on the planet, we got up, had breakfast and consulted the lonely planet guide for suggestions. Motorbiking was the plan. Each of us rented a bike for 150 B per day (5 bucks). We then got "acquainted" with our motorvehicles which evidently was not easy. After a rough start, we made our way to Koh Ma, a paradise located at the very north western tip of Koh Panghan. This beach was not only great for snorkeling, but also thai food, and thai massages. We lounged there all afternoon, and then rode back just after sunset (scooters by night, not that safe, but extremely cool!).

The following day was much the same as the previous. We checked out a new beach, played volleyball all day, then made our way back to Koh Ma for a sunset massage. A thai massage apparently played a key role in relaxing our bodies before the Full Moon Party, well according to the thai folks atleast.

Full Moon Party: In the late 80s and early 90s backpackers who once thought Ko Samui was the end all be all beach destination, started migrating to the nearby littlle brother, Koh Panghan. Established as a backpacker retreat, the island started becoming famous for its monthly all night parties held on the night of the full moon. Now, Full Moon, Half moon, and new or "black" moon parties are the main reason people flock to the island. Some 10,000 people were there this month, but crowds have grown as large as 30,000 during certain full moons.

We came, we saw, we were conquered. The FMP conquered us. Although we came very close, we never saw the sunrise. It turns out, this party is probably better to do when you are still in college, go figure. I think our crew was a little more suited for the relaxing atmosphere of Koh Ma on this island.

The last couple days were spent trying to get out of Koh Panghan because the violent winds and rain prevented any boat from leaving. Today we finally made it back to Ko Samui and tomorrow we catch a flight from the mainland back to Bangkok.

In our final days on Koh Phi Phi, Beth and I went snorkeling at a nearby reef. This is 100 percent the best snorkeling I have done. The visibility was about 100 feet and the fish were everywhere. In this picture Beth was feeding the fish a Banana, which they Love.

Taking a dive down to the reef.

In Railay, sporting my new dorsal fin haircut, complements of one Beth Coltan.

With the Wolf Pack in the wee hours of the morning.

During our short saty in Krabi we decided to check out a tiger temple located at the very top of some limestone cliffs. As you can see, there were 1274 steps to the very top. Let me tell ya, these were not your stardard 1X1 steps, these quad killers were like climbing a ladder at certain points. I dare anyone to try this. Oh and by the way, we met a 73 year old english Expat who did this climb every day. He look about 42.

Beth at the top of the tiger temple. Lets just say she was extremely happy to be sitting down after that ascent.

Many delicious bug treats were on display at the Krabi night market.

In Koh Panghan at our hotel's pool party on Halloween night. It was great to finally catch up with the fellas. In case you dont know these folks, these are my good guy friends from Atlanta. From left to right; Adam, Alex, Perry, yours truly.

Beth and I arrived in Koh Ma after an hour scooter ride along the coast.

An amazing sunset off the west coast of Koh Panghan.

Tara, Beth and Adam enjoy a foot massage, while Perry, Alex and I have a thai massage.

All the bikers in line. This was the second day with our bikes so we had a better handle on things, litterally.

Beth and Tara getting ready for the Full Moon Party. Glow paint was a necessity.

A nice pic of the whole group with our semi tribal glow paint on. You would think that it would be hard to lose each other whe dressed like this... guess again. 10,000 other people with just as much, if not more paint, made it difficult to stick together. All and all, a spectaular evening.

Beth holding a Jumbo Prawn. This bad boy was 14 inches head to tail.