Greetings from Koh Tao! After a whirlwind three days in Bangkok following our adventures in Khao Yai, we ventured back down to our little island once again. Bangkok was busy as both Ian and I juggled out-of-country guests (his parents, my college BFF and co.), big city errands, an immigration appointment, and some good old fashioned fun. The highlights for me were a night bar hopping in the trendy Thonglor district, a shopping trip to Chatuchak Market, and an elegant dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya. More on that trip to come, of course.
While I’ve spent most of my time since we docked scrambling to catch up on the emails that built up while I was away, we’ve also done some fun entertaining with Ian’s parents. I love when having visitors nudges you to finally check things off your bucket list, like a class at Koh Tao’s own cooking school. I’m pumped to finally have a rainy day activity to write about on Koh Tao!
This week on Koh Tao I’ll be relishing in getting back to my routine. Here on the blog, you can look forward to a few final posts about Las Vegas as well as my next chronological roundup post. Happy Monday!
Photo A
Bangkok golds
Photo B
An exploratory weekend trek along a new route
Photo C
Chop happy at Koh Tao Cooking School
Photo D
Artfully arranged ingredients
Photo E
A clouded-over sunset from Mango Bay
Which photo is your favorite?
Can’t choose one – Got 3. Photo C (Haa…BB in his element, I guess ) Photo D (i am feeling hungry, cashew nut chicken always a winner) and Photo E (amazing view) Is that from a hotel/residence or a bar?
Mango Viewpoint is a spot you can hike or drive to (though the road is terrible and very steep!) There’s a very basic little bar at the top where you can cool off with a coconut or a drink!
Loooove photo E! Such an amazing viewpoint. Would have loved to see it at sunset π
I’ve done it twice now but the only problem is you really have to hustle down quick afterwards to avoid getting stranded in the dark, ha. This time we were with Ian’s parents so we actually took a cab. Let us stay a little later!
I’m a sucker for night shots, so A gets my vote! Can’t wait to hear about this dinner cruise. I have 2 dinners in Bangkok and was just recommended the buffet at the Oriental, but a dinner cruise sounds nice, too.
I’ve never been to the Mandarin Oriental but have always been tempted to go in for a little wander. Personally I’d skip the buffet — Bangkok has some of the best restaurants in the world so there’s really no reason to eat overpriced hotel food! Check the 50 Best Restaurants in Asia list, Bangkok had three make the cut this year. I’m hoping to check out Gaggan and Bo.lan at some point this year.
Photo E is my favourite! I love beautiful vantage points like that, even if it’s a cloudy sunset, it looks like an amazing place to relax and enjoy the evening!
Me too! I love it the most when I hike to get there — a view like that is an amazing reward.
A is my favorite! Great night shot and I love the contrast between the golds both big and small.
Thanks Adrienne! The taxi photo is one of my favorites I’ve taken in recent history.
E for me!
It’s one of my favorite views on the island, for sure!
Photo A for me! Looking forward to the round up post, I do love all your posts but they’re my favourites π
Love hearing that, Emma! π
I love the perspective of the one with the taxi driver! So Photo A
It’s one of my favorite photos I’ve taken in a while. Thanks Sarah!
Photo E. Clouded over or not, that picture is beautiful!
Thanks Marni! It is a view that never gets old…
Love Koh Tao, one of my happy places. Will definitely check out the cooking school next time, for some reason I thought that was exclusive to Chiang Mai π My favorite view was always over Aow Leuk but that Mango Bay view is spectacular!
This class was a lot more casual than the one I took in Chiang Mai years ago, but it’s still a great thing to check out on Koh Tao, especially for those not making it up North!
I’m going green on this one. B!
I always find it hard to take great photos while hiking, so I appreciate that Becky π
C because it’s such a happy pic! π
That guys is always happiest in the kitchen… lucky me!
A! That photo inside the car is so cool!
Thanks Katie! I love that one — made a very long taxi ride worth it.
ALEX!
HeLP!!! I am coming to Thailand with my new hubby on our honeymoon April 12th for 2 weeks. We have never been but dreamt of this forever! We have 2 weeks.. where should we go? Bangkok is a given, Chang Mai is a must… but where else? Looking for gorgeous sights, adventure, NOT touristy stuff… off the beaten path fun… any help would be so appreciated!
Hey Deanna! What an awesome honeymoon. I recommend you head to my destinations page, scroll down to Thailand, and start clicking on some of the cities and islands I’ve written about (there are TONS for Thailand!) to start to narrow down what interests you! I’d be happy to help you with questions from there! Enjoy the planning stage — it’s my favorite.
Hey Alex…I love Photo D….prob cause I am a sucker for colourful food (and cooking!!!)…they all look great and thanks for sharing. Michaela
You are so very welcome Michaela. Thanks for reading!
Photo A – loveeee that nighttime temple shot!
Thanks Ashley! The dinner cruise was a hit for the photo opps alone.
My favorite photo is the b I like the boy jajaja
I’m pretty fond of him too π