The Magical Island of Koh Tao.

Literally one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to, Koh Tao is nothing short of magical. Nothing is too much trouble, there are no rules (as the fire limbo proves), the people always smile and the food is wonderful.. What’s not to like?

We made the trip via Koh Samui and a quick overnight stay there and jumped on a boat to my new favourite island Koh Tao. The Simple Life Hotel was our venue of choice and a beautiful destination it was too. Really close to the main action of Sairee beach and the main bars, restaurants and most importantly the fire shows.

We feasted on Massaman, Jungle and Penang curries mostly and I can recommend some great restaurants: Blue Chair, Jam’s Boomerang, The Gallery and the Bow Thong restaurant on Sairee beach. We snorkelled, visiting Shark Bay, Mango Island and Koh Nang Yuan (which may actually be paradise). A little gutted I didn’t actually see a Black tip reef shark when others did, although I have to admit when I heard screams of shark (that’s you Alex) I think my heart stopped for 5 seconds before I cleaned my mask and desperately searched for the underwater beast.

Massages, pedicures and various beauty treatments are ridiculously cheap and with plenty of pools and beach space relaxation is easy.

The nightlife was eventful… All I can really say is buckets, balloons, the inviting sea, fire shows and a mass of relaxed and happy people = fun times. The locals that perform the fire shows outside Lotus bar and Punchbowl are nothing short of amazing. Against the night sky the dancing flames could keep me captivated for hours. If it’s not enough to just sit back on the beach and watch there’s plenty of ways you can get involved. If limbo isn’t your thing then why not try fire skipping or jumping through a burning hoop. See, no rules here!

I haven’t mentioned the wealth of diving opportunities that Koh Tao is famed for yet. It’s said to be the best place in the world to do the Padi diving course but because I had so much fun I didn’t have time. So I’m back here now after a brief stint in Koh Phangan (more on that later) and start my Padi tonight – eek!