Thanks Michaela! As for Koh Tao’s safety: everyone has to make their own decision and set their own comfort levels, but I think the fact that I return to Koh Tao over and over again speaks for itself. I continue to feel safe here as a woman living alone. Murders and rapes sadly happen anywhere in the world and while the investigation of the infamous one here has been tragically mishandled by police, it was the first recorded murder of foreigners ever on Koh Tao. Considering the number of tourists here each year since the 1980’s those are impressive stats compared to many other popular travel destinations. Best of luck with your decision!

I am doing it — and it’s about time! Before I left LA I secured a double-entry visa, which means twice I can get stamped in for 60 days, and can extend that for another 30 at an immigration office inside the country. So that’s 180 days right there, with two quick pops out of the country to restart the next visa and two trips to an immigration office (none on Koh Tao, so requires a little trip) to extend. I don’t mind as I like to have a little getaway once a month!

It took me an embarassingly long time to figure out how to work it but once I did I was in love!

More coming your way every week!

Enjoy 6 whole months in Koh Tao – wow! How are you able to stay so long, visa wise?! I just checked out your year four roundup post and remember your goal of slowing down and commitment – you’re doing it!! 🙂

They do the same for me every day. Love them!

Oh man, that is my least favorite part of winter. I need big hits of Vitamin D to stay happy!