Christmas In Koh Tao

Posted by Ray

Posted on January 5, 2009

Two mini-buses, two tuk-tuks and one ferry got us to Koh Tao taking 19 hours. On the plus side the ticket only cost a 1000 Baht or 20 Euro and we didn't end up paying more as we were dropped off in numerous random places before making it to the ferry crossing in Surat Thani.

Koh Tao or Turtle island is famous for being the largest diving resort in Thailand. Last year I completed the Open Water Padi course here which was a really cool experience. I had to planned to start the Advance Water Padi, but it never materialized. I preferred to sleep in late, hit the beach, watch a movie and enjoy heading out at night around the numerous beach bars.

Christmas was definitely a different experience this year, a more chilled out low key affair. This was my second consecutive Christmas away from home, last year being in Sydney. You do miss the certain things from home i.e. the Caburys selection boxes, mince pies, the classic holiday movies like Home Alone and just being around friends and family. I didn't affect me too much though, I enjoyed the relaxed vibe on the island and everyone tried to make it as Christmasy as possible.

At this stage I was travelling with a cool Swedish guy I met on the ferry named Toby. Toby went to Koh Tao to complete the Dive Master course, which will take a minimum of two months and hundreds of dives costing around 40,000 Baht or 850 Euro. He's plans to become a Dive Instructor. Fingers crossed he'll do it.

Most of the islands bars and restaurants had made to effort to jazz up their surroundings to give the Christmas feel even though the Thai don't really celebrate Christmas. I had big plans to have Christmas dinner on the day with Toby, Liam and Phillida (who I met on Koh Phi Phi). After waking up late Toby and myself had some traditional Thai food for Christmas, Toby had Panang Curry with mine being PadThai Chicken.

It actually rained on Christmas, which was funny. The only difference being it was still 30 degrees and still shorts and tees weather. Later on in the day we met up with Liam and Phillida and played drinking games before heading out to the Bans diving resort to enjoy the night festivities.

Our Luxury Ferry To Koh Tao

You Couldn't Swing A Cat In There

The Local Food Market At The Ferry

Coming Into Koh Tao

Coming Into Koh Tao

Coming Into Koh Tao

Coming Into Koh Tao

Our Lush Bungalow

The Beach, A Stones Throw From Us

The Beach, A Stones Throw From Us

Leigh Getting Into The Festive Mood

At The Ladyboy Cabaret

Leigh Enjoying Two Buckets

This Is What Leigh Dreamed For Christmas

Down At The Beach

Down At The Beach

Cool Fire Show

Cool Fire Show

Cool Fire Show

No Leigh Thats Not A Christmas Tree

Phillida, Leigh & Liam

Gearing Up On Xmas Night

Down At Bans

Down At Bans

Down At Bans

Ray & Toby

Praying For The Lost From The '04 tSunami

Praying For The Lost From The '04 tSunami

Liam, Phillida & Ray

Happy Holidays Everyone!

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