Koh Tan

We spent Tuesday night on the island of Koh Tan. There are small bungalows on the beach which we had noticed while on a lunch stop there during our snorkel trip last week. The island is very sparsely populated - a few dozen and most seem to be related. But there is a huge network of paved roads we were surprised to see. Makes us suspect that development is in the cards. A shame. 

We arrived by longboat before 11am. Swimming, walking, a tour of the island by golf cart, lots of beer drinking, sitting on the beach, sat on the beach after sunset and looked at the stars. No electricity on the island except for some houses with solar panels. The restaurant and the bungalows have a generator, so we had power in our bungalow beginning at sunset for about 4 hours. 

On a walk we found a Wat (Buddhist temple) in an isolated area of the island. It's the only one on the island. I read that one monk lived there but the staff at the restaurant said no one stayed there any more. It looked well-maintained so I wonder who.....

It was fun being driven around the island on a golf cart! We stopped for yet another beer at one small bar/restaurant/resort. Cousins of the our driver of course!

Wat

Our bungalow

Snorkeling trip to Koh Mudsum and Koh Tan

This morning/afternoon we went on a 4 hour trip in a longboat.  We booked privately so it was just Danny and me and the skipper and a female helper (girlfriend I think).  

First stop was the best place to snorkel - an area off of Koh Tan.  So there are usually several boats there.  There are loads of fish of various colours and designs - stripes, spots, etc.  

Then on to Koh Mudsum which is a small island with beautiful beaches and clear water.  Last year we took a trip here with inlaws from Australia, but this year there were some changes.  There is a beachside bar and also a restaurant.  

We went swimming, took some photos, and sat down and had a cold beer.  

Finally, we went to Koh Tan for lunch on the beach.  Next to the restaurant were some small bungalows - basically bedroom, bathroom, and front porch.  I asked about spending a night in one of them and we plan on staying one night early next week.  We'll just have to get a boat to drop us off and come back to the next day to pick us up.  

Kayaking

Finally got to take our kayak back out as the sea has settled down. The weather hasn't been stormy for quite a while but the sea stayed rough.  

We went in a different direction this time - toward Muslim Village which is not far from our house by road.  Most of the fishermen on the island live here.  

Pics were taken with my phone in bumpy conditions....

Thai food

We eat out for all our dinners and most of our lunches.  It would probably cost the same to do our own cooking.

Thais use a lot of vegetables in their cooking.  It is very different from what you would get in a Thai restaurant in the UK or US - better and more flavourful.  Coconut cream or milk is used in many dishes and soy, fish or oyster sauce is used.  There are many vegetables that are not available in the US or UK. Lots of herbs are used as well.

Our favourite restaurants:

Koh Kaew

A restaurant we refer to as 'the ladies' is a small restaurant on the corner of a main road and the road to a popular tourist site.  It is not a posh restaurant by any means, but the food is fabulous and inexpensive and it is often very busy.  The name of the restaurant is Koh Kaew and here is their Tripadvisor review: (don't know why I only gave 4 stars as it should have been 5).  We go to this restaurant at least 3 or 4 times a week for lunch or dinner. 

Koh Kaew restaurant review

Curries served with a side of rice

Sweet Sisters

Last winter we only stopped at this cafe for cappuccinos.  We didn't know what we were missing!  The restaurant is referred to as Thai Fusion and the menu is traditional Thai and also has interesting and very flavourful offerings.  Their use of various herbs, seeds, spices makes their dishes unique.  

Hard to choose my favourite dishes here but some are:

• Seed, mango, avocado salad with a variety of seeds, tomatoes, etc. and everything is chopped in small pieces.  Very fresh!
• Duck - pineapple - carrots - tomatoes - lime leaves curry with mixed brown rice
• Chicken wrap - chaplu leaves, lemongrass, shredded crunchy veggies, coriander

Chicken wrap

Sweet Sisters Tripadvisor reviews

Lai Thai

We have lunch at this seaside restaurant at least twice a week.  Best pad thai I've had here.  Really great Thai food, very friendly family run cafe, and also great French fries if one wants a change.

Lay (Lai) Thai Tripadvisor reviews

Kroh Chao Baan

This seaside restaurant is a short walk from our house and we eat here often.  They have good food but not the best of those I've listed.  I do really love their Sweet Green Curry though.

Kroh Chao Baan Tripadvisor reviews


A favourite we haven't visited yet on this trip is the one we'll go to for my birthday: best sunsets from your table on the beach!

Virgin Coast restaurant Tripadvisor reviews