Thailand Once Again

After driving around Europe with the two girls, Em and Rachael, we said our farewells to our mates in England and headed back to Thailand for our slow leg back towards home.

The bangkok Bandits

And their get away driver.

After a few chilled out days in Bangkok the three of us took the early morning bus back down to one of our favourite islands, Koh Pangnan. This was Rachael's first time to Thailand and the islands and was a much needed return for Em and myself. We headed back to our old stomping ground, Had Yao. Had Yao for those of you who don't know it, is a quiet bay with a long white sandy beach and crystal turquoise water with coconut palms as a back drop. There we met a group of guys who are building a new resort called Shiralea Resort. Garry, from Oz, Seb and Geoff from the UK were great company to share the beach with. We would spend the days either riding around the island on our motor bikes or sitting on Garry's balcony overlooking the water, and most of the nights having a quiet beer at the Eagle pub where Garry worked.

Our mate Seb found a great BBQ place where we ate a few times. It was a self serve, self cook kind of deal and was tasty as. The girls, guys and myself ate there a few times cos not only was it tasy but it was also real cheap. About three dollars a head for all you can eat. Not bad at all.

The guys also were part owners of Cobra Stadium Mui Thai boxing and arranged V.I.P. seats for us for their grand opening fight night. We had a quick bite at the BBQ place before the fight then headed to our V.I.P. Seats. It was great. Cob, one of the owners and Head trainer was a great guy to meet and the atmosphere was electric. We were sat at the very front, right next to the ring. We were so close to all the action that we had to cover our drinks whenever the fighters were in front of us to stop their sweat from dropping into them. It was our first Mui Thai fight and we absolutly loved it. Back at Had Yao, Em and I stayed in our usual bungalow resort, while Rachael, it being her last week away decided to live it up a little. This worked out well for everyone. Her bungalow was pretty sweet, set on a hill over looking the bay and the mountains. She had cable tv, A/C, mini fridge, breakfast for two and a swimming pool. All of which she generously shared with Em and I. We were spoilt rotten by Rach. Em and I alternated as Rach's breakfast guest each day. After breakfast we would get together in her air conditioned room and would watch a movie before deciding what to do for the day. Cheers Rach, thanks for your all your generosity, you were a pleasure to travel with.

Rach's first Sang Som bucket.

View from Rach's balcony.

Rach's pool.

Sweet.....

Had Yao Beach.

Sunset from Garry's balcony.

Had Rin beach.

More of Had Rin Beach.

Easy riders.....

Rach showing off her riding skills.

Me and my mate Garry.

Two beautiful views.

Garry and me after finding a road that was just too steep and sandy.

Eagle Bar at night.

BBQ with Seb, Garry, Rach and Me before the Mui Thai fight.

BBQ.

Off to the fight.

V.I.P's...This was actually how close our seats were to the ring.

Check out the "Flying" Ref.

After Rachael departed the island and headed home to Oz, Em and I decided to stay on the island for another week. Seb, Geoff and Garry organised a 'Thai" BBQ for us on the land where their resort was being built. It was a great night and the food was delicious.

Unfortunately is was soon our turn to say goodbye to the guys and the island we love so much and head back to Bangkok. (More photos to come when we can find a PC with a DVD drive).