On the road again

Another early start. We struggle to find a taxi to take us the the bus company office, but when we do he gets us there quickly and for cheap. The queue for checkin is long - with lots of people en route for the full moon party in 3 day's time.

We're told to wait for the 2nd bus, which gives us a chance to put Michele's cunning plan into operation. While Kerry and I load the bags into the back, Michele dashes on board, upthe stairs, and grabs the four front seats.

The bus is colourfully decorated, with a small shrine at the front (extra). It's a two and a half hour journey, comfortable enough except for the beeping alarm which goes off every few minutes.

We head past Surat Thani to a jetty that's new to Michele. Good news - our boat is going direct to Koh Phangan without stopping at Koh Samui. 

Ninety minutes later, having sat at the front of the upper deck, we arrive. Expecting a longish walk to the taxi stand, we benefit from more good luck - a shared taxi right at the jetty heading directly to the north of the island. So, we get to Dreamland (at Thong Nai Pan Yai) quickly and cheaply.

The beach is amazing, as promised and the huts are basic but adequate - with a choice of AC and rotating fan. The only slight disappointment is that there's no hooks for hammocks.

We grab lunch at Dreamland's restaurant (disappointing) before making use of the pool and the sea. The full moon has brought high tides and the sea is practically up to the top of the beach. 

For dinner, it's into the village and a night with Michele's old friends Ram and Pha who run a cafe in the middle.