We began by renting the scooter for another day. Someone from our hostel stay in Krabi arrived in Phangan and we arranged to spend the day on the East side driving from beach to beach.

Up a track on a mountain was our meeting point. A place called secret mountain. It was like a whole resort bolted onto the side of a mountain; bar, lounge area, swimming pool, restaurant. When we arrived it was empty and appeared shut so we waited until a lady came to open up and ordered a most needed morning coffee. Isaac, the guy we had met in Krabi, arrived a little later and a little bruised. He admitted to being one of those slightly too cocky tourists and had taken a tumble off his bike. Nothing too bad just a scraped elbow and knee. Admittedly I had seen worse on kids in the playground.

We attempted a waterfall but as it is dry season for Phangan there was no water. Around a 30 minute drive away we set off for Thong Nai beach. Robin being passenger princess got to witness the scenery as we drove up and down steep mountain roads. She would call out ‘ELEPHANT…DOG…CAT’ as she spotted the wildlife Phangan had to offer.

The beach was quiet with the expected blue water. After a short swim we grabbed food and planned to visit Bottle Beach viewpoint.

The hike started easy enough and we came to a rock formation we believed to be the view point. After spending 30 minutes walking around this rock and trying to scale it we found the jungle path continued on. The true viewpoint was further ahead. We scrambled to the top and were amazed by the view. The rock was wide enough to shimmy along single file with some parts wider than others. The very end bulged out and a couple people were sat as to avoid a sudden gust of wind unsteadying them. Some crazy German pranced around like an unstable mountain goat to the end and back almost slipping and falling off the rock. Deciding we had tempted fate enough with the biking through mountain roads we took some photos near the base where there wasn’t a drop and hiked back down to our bikes.

A quick stop off at the night market for dinner. Said goodbye to Isaac. We returned the bike. Had a shower. Went to the hostel bar for the evening.

There was a pre party for the Jungle party happening consisting of loud music, beer pong, bbq, pool table games, and free shots. We quickly became caught up in the partying and moved with the group to the sister hotel of ours. Being brand new the other hostel was amazing. White bungalow dorms outlined a private beach area with a swimming pool and water slide. We met a guy from Glasgow and a girl from Paris, both lovely and going to the full moon party tomorrow with us. I brought out some of my French singing with the classic Allouete- a song about plucking a bird to prepare it for eating.

A 7/11 stop on the way back and off to bed.

-M