This week I decided to take a trip to southern Thailand, and visit some of the islands. I'd been advised that the eastern seaboard, looking out to the Gulf of Thailand, would perhaps be less affected by seasonal rains at this time of year in comparison with the western seaboard. So I caught an overnight train from the main Hua Lamphong railway station in Bangkok, which left at about 7.30pm. Luckily i'd managed to secure the very last ticket the day before travelling! The train was comfortable and relatively spacious, although I didn't sleep too well, mainly due to staying up too late in conversation with a Leeds engineer travelling with his family. Unfortunately making up the upper bunk bed meant waking a fast-asleep railway attendant, who was not entirely delighted with the situation.
The train arrived at Chumphon station at around 5am, at which time a number of us alighted and made our way in the darkness to the little cafe over the road from the station. Perhaps an hour or so later, the coach arrived to take us to the pier, and shortly after we boarded a boat. I'd decided to spend some time on Koh Tao, a small island made famous by the sheer number of diving schools. Despite tiredness, there was a real sense of anticipation as the early morning breeze and bluish-green waters all around were invigorating.
I spent a few days resting up in a small beach hut a short walk from the pier head, exploring the island and looking at different diving schools. I also spent a bit of time with a fellow backpacker from Kent who had been living in Australia for the past few years. It was an idyllic place with an abundance of coral just a short stretch from the beach, so there were wonderful opportunities for snorkelling.
The train arrived at Chumphon station at around 5am, at which time a number of us alighted and made our way in the darkness to the little cafe over the road from the station. Perhaps an hour or so later, the coach arrived to take us to the pier, and shortly after we boarded a boat. I'd decided to spend some time on Koh Tao, a small island made famous by the sheer number of diving schools. Despite tiredness, there was a real sense of anticipation as the early morning breeze and bluish-green waters all around were invigorating.
I spent a few days resting up in a small beach hut a short walk from the pier head, exploring the island and looking at different diving schools. I also spent a bit of time with a fellow backpacker from Kent who had been living in Australia for the past few years. It was an idyllic place with an abundance of coral just a short stretch from the beach, so there were wonderful opportunities for snorkelling.
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