Koh Tao, Koh Panghan and Koh Phi Phi

From Koh Samui we hopped on another ferry destined for Koh Tao, the smallest of the eastern islands and island most famous for it's snorkelling and diving. Upon arriving in Koh Tao we found accommodation near the main town at a diving resort called Ban's. Jordan had decided beforehand to take his open water and advanced diving courses there so it became our home for a few days. While Jordan hit the books and water Elizabeth and I spent a day on a snorkelling tour around the island, stopping in various places to view tropical fish and coral. We also rented a quad for a few hours on a rainy day and made our way around the island. Needless to say we had quite the adventure. We spent our nights on the beach, soaking up the sea air. Also had a fun night at a bar that looked like Fred Flinstones house, pretty neat.

While Jordan finished his advanced course(sharks, night dives, more sharks, EEEP!), Elizabeth and I hopped on another ferry destined for the last of the three main islands in the area; Koh Panghan. Koh Panghan is the middle island of the big three. The resort we stayed at on the island was a nice change, much quieter than our previous week and a half. Spent the days laying in the hammock, reading and walking along the beach. Also had another random run-in with an old Spruce Grove friend; Justin Sing and his girlfriend. It never ceases to amaze me how small the world can sometimes be.

As a shake-up to our quiet few days Eliza and I went to the half-moon party, which unlike the massive beach full-moon party, is smaller and takes place in the jungle. We met up with Chris and Ty again and had another memorable night. After three days in Koh Panghan we hopped on a ferry, then bus and headed south to the city of Krabi on the southern ocean. It was there where we reunited with Jordan and were on our way to discover some of the most

beautiful scenery of our lives...

After a day in Krabi, we jumped onto another ferry (we rode on a lot of boats) destined for the tiny island of Koh Phi Phi Don. This area was struck by the heart of the December 2004 tsunami, but you would never know it. It's absolutely pristine. The island of Phi Phi is much smaller than the eastern islands we'd previously visited. In fact cars and other motorized vehicles aren't even allowed on the island. We spend 5 days on this piece of paradise; shopping, sightseeing and partying. The highlight was definetly a day spent touring Koh Phi Phi Lay, Don's small neighbour island made famous in the movie "The Beach." We spent the day diving off our tour boat, sea kayaking, snorkelling, playing frisbee and visiting the most spectacular beach any of us had ever seen on Bamboo Island. Absolutely amazing!!! Other highlights include taking in some Thai boxing (these guys beat up on each other like nothing I've ever seen!), discovering that Jordan has an Irish pub (and looks good in a speedo) and eating some amazing roast beef(Oh Matt...). From Phi Phi it was back to the mainland and on to the famous climbing and hiking area of Railay beach...