BANGKOK & BACK TO THE ISLANDS
Back to Thailand, my second home and the 3 swedes are in Bangkok before flying back to Stockholm. I’m pretty gutted that’s the end of their trip since they have been an absolute laugh! We’re staying for just one night, heading out for a drink with them, and then flying to Koh Samui. After that, I’ll get back to Koh Tao for Christmas and New Year, where everything happens!
The Swedes tried to get me to another ping pong show, but I’ve heard the Bangkok one is a huge con and about 30 minutes away in a Tuk Tuk. They bartered down when they got in but weren’t allowed to leave until they paid full price. Apparently, the show was pretty disappointing.
EVEN THE SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS WERE BEING THROWN ABOUT
KOH TAO
Oh, it’s great to be back! I checked into CK Hostel since the last one was a nightmare. It’s only about 2 months old and trying to build a reputation as a party hostel, so a good start. I think they put all the headers in the same room. I met an English fella (Phil) and a guy from Wales (Aled) who I traveled with for the next 2 weeks. I’ll be honest, most of the stories I shouldn’t be telling you.
NICKNAMES
It was a 16-person dorm, and we all got on really well. It’s not a true friendship until we dish out nicknames for everyone. There was Shagger, a girl who claimed to be a good girl but never stayed in her own bed. Then there was Top Shagger, who was in my top bunk and shook the bed while I was sleeping. I asked her what was up, and she said she just wanted to check its sturdiness. I can only imagine why.
After choosing a party hostel, she asked us if she was going to get some sleep. We all looked at each other and showed her the door. That night, we took her out, and she spoke to a guy for 5 minutes before going home with him. She was clearly keen on some sleep! You can see where the nicknames are headed!
A WEEK OF SANGSOM AND CHANG
Jason who I met the last time is still here and Sticky Vicky who I met in Siem Reap is coming down for Xmas as well so should be a decent fortnight.
The next week over Xmas was crazy. Same routine every night. A bottle of rum and sprite before heading out. Tits (sorry another nickname) met 2 Welsh guys (Jac and another Aled Roberts!) on the boat over to Koh Tao who joined the 3 of us and were just as bad an influence as Aled and Phil. They’re only on holiday for a few weeks so are going pretty hard at it.
CHRISTMAS DAY
The sun was splitting the stones and there was no other way to start Christmas on Koh Tao than to visit the Nangyuan Island again, this time without having to Kayak there! This would be good way to start the day slow in prep for a huge day and night ahead!
The hostel hosted xmas dinner which was all the usual, roast potatoes, mash potatoes, chicken legs, noodles, rice and chicken curry. It was all quite civilized until someone threw the first half ate chicken drumstick, then it was chaos. There was potato, noodles and even the salt and pepper were getting lauched around the room.
Christmas lunch at CK Hostel, Christmas on Koh Tao
SUNSET BAR
As for the night out, we took to sunset bar and what a shame it took us this long to find it as it proved to be one of the best nights out on Koh Tao. Every bar takes it in turns to host a big night, there just isn’t enough people to fill every bar every night and it’s good to change the scenery.
Christmas on Koh Tao
Myself, Phil and Aled caught wind of the party at sunset bar and told the rest of the dorm. Its not sold as a pool party but there so happens to be a pool in the middle with a 3m diving board, a recipe of disaster and not the best time to practice your backward somersault technique. During the day it’s a great place to chill but as soon as its dark its away with the deck chairs and out with the buckets.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Christmas was always going to be spent on my favourite island (so far) in Thailand. I was lucky being put into a room with the likes of Phil and Aled, top fellas!
NEXT UP
I was due to be in the worst state so far, so bad that I didn’t where I was or if I was drugged. Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
This post is part of the South East Asia and Thailand Series, click to explore

Question Time
- Where do you like to spend Christmas
- Have you spent Christmas abroad before, where was your favourite?
Let me know in the comments below . . .