Big big statement "I think Koh Tao might be our top Thai Island". Known almost solely for diving but with so much more to offer... its touristy enough to have all the mod cons and award winning restaurants but its almost perfectly balanced with the untouched element and uninterrupted local life. I suppose all the Thai Islands are like this but Koh Tao or Turtle Island was our exact cup of tea. We stayed at Samatha Bed & Breakfast about a 5 minute walk from the beach and "main strip" in Sairee. Recently opened this place was all concrete floors and corrugated iron. Like a factory fitted out as a home with rustic finishings, quirky add ons, and just enough charm...it was so cool and inspired us to draw our dream home in the sand on the beach one day. The staff where all smiles and made the best banana pancakes ever. To our surprise it was all go on this little island and every day after an early breakfast our bags were packed and we were off on our motorbike. We soon learnt why all the motorbikes had huge tyres...the paths to all the best beaches/dive spots where off road riding at its best. With a map in hand we maneuvered our way over mountains, steep and rocky dirt paths, and through the jungle. The first steep and muddy hill we encountered I actually got off the bike and walked just so Mike had the chance to prove it was actually possible to get down. We discovered some amazing beaches like picture perfect Mango Bay, shark Island, Hin Wong Bay which felt almost prehistoric with its huge boulders and strange looking glowing fish. We got lost several times in the middle of no where and had a couple of close calls but Mikes long legs saved the day as he was able to get them to ground before we flew off, but it was still so much fun. For a perfect end to a day of motor cross, beach exploring and snorkeling there was nothing better than a spot of shopping followed by baked barracuda stuffed with feta and cherry tomatoes and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice BLISS!
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