It stopped me in my tracks today to realize I have just one week left in Koh Tao before I take off on a little mini-trip around Thailand. As much as I’m looking forward to hitting up Koh Samui, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pai again, I’m quite hesitant to be strapping my backpack back on. And for once, I listened to that little voice inside my head telling me to slow down — instead of spending the rest of my time in Thailand up north as I originally intended, I’ll be returning back to Koh Tao once again. It’s just where I need to be right now.
The past week was filled with tons of stressful deadlines balanced out by beautiful sunsets, a morning of diving with the rockstar dive crew over at Roctopus, and giggle-fueled dinner with friends.
Photo A
blessed shrine on the font of a dive boat
Photo B
gorgeous textures of the sea
Photo C
a shy new friend
Photo D
a sunset that stopped me in my tracks
Which photo is your favorite?
Love all of your underwater photos! It sounds like a good call on returning to Koh Tao – sometimes a girl just has to breathe! I hope things have settled down there now that the murders have been solved (“solved?”).
The last week it feels like tourism is picking back up and it is making the island feel much more normal. I’m sure the upcoming Full Moon Party has something to do with it… there’s always a boost around this time!
B ‘cuz it made me laugh. I can’t even figure out what’s going on with Nemo…is that some sort of purple bag he’s playing in?
I hear you on returning to Koh Tao. When I find a place I love, I’m definitely less motivated to seek out others. It’s almost like I’d be cheating!!
It’s an anemone that has turned on itself to feed! (I actually didn’t know that until this dive… there’s so much still to learn!)
B & C! The fish peeking out of the periwinkle “bag”…what is it?
And C is just stunning with those 3 eyeballs trained right on you.
An anemone that has turned on itself to feed! The ocean never ceases to amaze.
Photo D! When you posted that sunset picture on Instagram it stopped me in my tracks/scrolling too! Amazefest
Haha, yes, I’m always wanting to post things on Instagram too… which makes for some pretty comical camera juggling whenever I see something cool 🙂
Photo B! I can’t get over the periwinkle color in the ocean. What is that?!
It’s an anemone turned on itself to feed! Can’t get enough of the color and texture.
For the first time I have to say all-of-the-above. But the purple bag in B, wow!
Glad to hear I finally stumped ya 🙂
Sad that your time in Koh Tao is coming to an end. But I’m excited to hear about your next adventures in northern Thailand, especially Pai which is one of my favorite places. Anyway, photo B is absolutely spectacular! I love the purple and the little fish poking out!!
I adore Pai too! I’ve definitely been dreaming of going back since the last time I was there. Special place!
I love the underwater photos but I have to go with Photo D!
Sunsets like that are hard to beat 🙂
Hi Alex,
I think for me this time it has to be A. I remember the first time I sat aboard one of these boats as the Captain blessed the trip. It was amazing. Glad to hear you’re going back to Koh Tao!
Just for a little bit, not long enough 🙂
Wow, I really can’t decide this time! Love the colors in A, B has me looking up scuba diving lessons and underwater camera housings, what the heck is that in C? so cool. But photo D is a prize-winner. So beautiful – I can see why you are going back!
C is a spotted stingray! They are little guys, about the size of a dinner plate 🙂 I love them!
WOW!
I’m also in Koh Samui right now 😀
Enjoy! I bet you guys get the same gorgeous sunsets 🙂
A is absolutely beautiful!
Thanks girl. Those colors caught my eye… I never tire of the photographing the boats here.
Photo D is amazing…..the Land of Smile never fails to impress me…reminds me of the sunset in Krabi…. suay jung loei
I am definitely always smiling too when I am here! Land of Smiles indeed.
Great job for listening to your voice and slowing down, I’m all for that. Take advantage of your career and lifestyle flexibility if you feel stressed and don’t feel guilty for it. You’re on such a trajectory right now I imagine it’s hard to take a break! As for the photos, B for the win – I’ve never seen an underwater wrap like that before!
Yeah, it’s hard to slow down a ball that’s really rolling. But I am trying to do just that. Thanks for the wisdom, and reminder.
These are all gorgeous. I think I’ll go with A, as I love the graphic quality, the composition, and the colors.
That’s my fave too, Polly 🙂 Thanks for voting!
Photo B! It makes me realize that I need a new camera for underwater photos. I love how bright and vivid your pictures are. Glad you are enjoying your time in Koh Tao! I need to add this place to my bucket list! 🙂
Check out my obsessions page for my favorite underwater setup! It’s addictive 🙂
A. It’s so tranquil and mesmerizing.
Glad there’s some love for my favorite shot of the week, too!
B and C! I love your underwater photos – how on earth do you make the colours so vibrant?!
Using natural light to my best advantage, and a little bit of post-processing as well! The best case scenario would be to have an off-camera flash, but I’m working with what I’ve got!
B and D. The little bag of sea life is just too cute, and that sunset… glorious!!
Thanks Kristen! I just love something about the phrase “little bag of sealife,” ha.
LOVE photo set B! Looks like you found Nemo 😉 I really hope you start selling some of your photos. They truly are beautiful!
That’s an idea! I definitely would like to, someday.
D! That sunset stopped me in my scrolling-down-the-page tracks.
Best compliment an internet-attention-span generation blogger could get 🙂
Ooh Alex. The sunset wins hands down. I’m choosing D this week.
It was a beauty, and the perfect start to a friend’s birthday celebrations 🙂
Your spotted new friend on photo C this time 🙂
He’s a little shy, but we’re getting closer 🙂
Photo D is amazing! I can’t believe sunsets can actually look like that.
Here in Southeast Asia they can and do often 🙂 Actually, Gili Trawangan had the most frequent and beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. They were unbeatable!
Photo B for me!
Can’t wait to start grabbing a few underwater snaps myself! 🙂
Watch out… it’s addictive!
I could think of less healthy addictions 😉
They’re all great photos Alex, But I’m going to go with D, can’t beat a nice moody sunset.
This one was pretty special. It’s been cloudy every day since, too… so I’m glad I savored it.
Def B & C! Just because I can’t wait to go diving in the gulf of Thailand next week! I’ll be in Koh Samui to visit my dad en do some diving!
Amazing! Make sure you get out to Sail Rock… best dive site in the Gulf!
I love the colours of the boat in A. But of course they are all beautiful!
Thanks Amanda! Yes, I also love the color of that black water…
My favorite is Picture D! I already admired the sunset when you posted a photo of it on Instagram, but seeing it on a big screen makes it especially impressive! The colors are simply amazing! Hope you enjoy this week on Koh Tao! 🙂
Thanks Melanie! Trying to cherish every last second 🙂
I’m headed to Thailand in less than a week, and this’ll be my first time in Koh Tao (I’d gone to Phi Phi instead last year). Your photos are making the week-long wait even harder!
I’m a huge fan of black and white, and love your b/w school of fish. Though every other photo looks brilliant. 🙂
I’m planning to do a dive in Koh Tao and was wondering about the difficulty level of the dives there. I’m new to scuba diving and plan to grow old with it 😀
Koh Tao is the perfect place for beginners. Warm calm waters, nice shallow dive sites, and good visibility most of the time 🙂 You’re going to love it!
I’d go with A & D, but as always, I love all your photos!
Thanks Mike! That is a much appreciated compliment 🙂
I usually go for the diving photos (hmmm, wonder why) but I’m loving Photo A this week.
Glad you listened to yourself and are heading back to Koh Tao! How much longer do you have in Thailand?
I fly back to the states right before Thanksgiving. Sad to leave, but happy to spend that time with the fam. It’s my favorite holiday!
Photo D. Even though I love your underwater photos, photo D looks like the perfect moment of a day.
It was… and it’s been cloudy every day since I got that shot! So I’m glad I savored the last good sunset for a while 🙂
Photo B is quite interesting!
The underwater world is endlessly fascinating! And anemones are no exception 🙂
Your underwater photos makes me want to start diving, something I have never wanted to do before – They are very lovely!
That’s what I love to hear Caroline! My goal is to get everyone underwater and loving diving 🙂
I am a sucker for sunsets and clouds!
I actually said the sentence, “I am really into clouds right now” when I took that photo. Ha!
Love all your photos so this week I’m voting on them all 🙂 Staying in Thailand, and returning to Koh Tao, sounds good for the soul and I’m sure you’ll have plenty of chances in the future to explore Thailand some more. We just gotta follow our instincts.
Especially when the instinct is “slow down!” Travelers have to protect themselves from burnout — there world isn’t going anywhere 🙂
So hard to choose! I think I’ll go with B though as I love your underwater pictures. I’m not a diver (maybe one day) so I love getting a glimpse of the underwater world through your lense!
Aw, thanks Amy! And I love sharing it with you guys. I can’t imagine diving without a camera anymore!
D – the sunset brings back the memories of my trip to Phuket and drinking cocktails by the pool and watching the sun go down on a perfect tropical holiday
I’ve still yet to make it to Phuket, Pete! One of these days 🙂 Thanks for voting.