Ko Chang, Ko Mak, Ko Samet

We visited three islands with our fave Cape Cod girl (she had to see the beaches before heading back to Boston snow). They were Ko Chang, Ko Mak, and Ko Samet. These three were so different from each other: one backpacker party island, one preserved & quiet island and one Thai vacation island. Ko Chang was a familiar scene to Matt and I, but the other two were really new & different.

Ko Chang: Not very quality pictures, but we had fun the 2 nights we were here. 

Just a guy and his pet lamb, Anna. In a bar. On an island. When we asked him where he got it, he looked surprised and then said 'bangkok' as in, where else would I have gotten it, silly farangs?

There are some pics missing here that are on Em's camera. If I can get them from her I'll post an update! We saw a pretty good sunset and swam in a crystal clear mountain waterfall too.

Ko Mak

We headed next by 2 hr ferry to Ko Mak. This was Matt & I's favorite island by far. It's well preserved, regulated to prevent it from being overdeveloped, and there is a different energy to the place. It's not a place to go only to party, and the locals here like that. That's not to say there isn't trash on the beach. Of course there is. But less. And instead of bars, restaurants and hostels packed in layer upon layer, it has only a set number of resorts (around 13), maintains its few small fishing villages, rubber tree & palm plantations, and some eco friendly dive schools. I think it's one of the first places in Thailand (besides Chiang Mai) where we've heard the word 'sustainability.' There are numerous off island trips available also.. If I went back I would go to the pearl farm. Emalie did a snorkel tour that she liked and Matt & I enjoyed a half day exploring the island by motorbike. 

Our first bungalow, Banana Sunset was about $25/night. No beach to walk to but friendly staff, a cool restuarant and bar and we rented motorbike from them to get around. 

When we stopped to make a snorkeling res for Em, this cutie kept putting on our shoes. Emalie has a better pic but this will do for now!

On our motorbike tour, we stopped for a drink and a little chess...  .... Ha! Found a sweet three person swing and a brightly colored road too. 

The next day on our scooter tour...First we moved into our new digs, 10 meters from the beach and only $15 for a bungalow. Did some laundry Thai style.

Saw a rubber tree farm. I'm sure you can imagine how bad it smelled..

Nearby was a fishing village.

Apparently this is how pineapples grow, but it's difficult to believe. They look ridiculous.

Our last stop was a far flung resort with a private, 1000ft pier. 

 

We hung out at our new bungalow until Em returned. Explored our beach, had dinner and enjoyed a nice sunset.

Next we were off to Ko Samet.

Ko Samet

This island is different in that it's a Thai vacation spot. As the closest island to Bangkok, it sees many Thais especially on holiday weekends. We're were there over the King's birthday, a huge deal there, national holiday as well as the official Father's Day. 

We did awhile lot of glorious nothing on Ko Samet - soaked in the sun (& the sunsets), swam, partied, met some great people (and some crazy ones), & saw way too many speedos before heading back to Bangkok!

If you were wondering what Matt would look like as a monk...

Emalie isn't upset she is smiling with her eyes..

An island trip complete with body paint!

Back to Bangkok for our second stay in a Hilton! Complete with freebies in the executive lounge. The brie was so good. 

A wonderful visit with Miss Emalie J Gainey. Matt & I are currently in Myanmar where he Internet situation is...interesting. We love it here already and will try to post when we can!