Journey

The journey was actually pretty easy. Our hostel sorted a taxi pick up to Buddha Pier where we waited for about 10 minutes before boarding the boat for a 20 minute boat journey.  After we disembarked, we were met by a hoard of taxi drivers asking where we were going. When we informed them that we were going to ringside they pointed us in the right direction to he awaiting minibuses. The taxi cost us 100baht. 

Food Markets

As you have seen from previous posts, we have got quite in to checking out the local food markets for local delicacies and Koh Phangan was no different. The food market is just after Thongsula Pier. The first night, we went to a noodle bar where they cook the noodles etc in front of you. I mention this as this is the only store which does this. The others, have precooked it. I was disappointed by this pad Thai if I am honest, especially because it came with a weird omelette rather than being being egg fried. Although, it costs 50baht so I can't complain too much. 

The next few nights, we went to another store which provides drinking water and their own personalised mugs. They are actually adorable. They also let you try the curries before you buy them which is good because some are really fiery. I tried both the pork and tofu versions and they were really nice. Vegetarians are really well catered for here! 

We also tried spring rolls from another store which were really nice and they also provide sweet chilli sauce-BONUS! The dessert store is also really good, the brownie is nice but the real winner here is definitely the banana bread/cake. A definite must try! 

Overall, the market was nice but I don't think it was anywhere as nice as the Koh Samui one because there was less seating and choice. However, it is a cheap option.

Beach

The beach near ringside hostel is never going to win awards for being beautiful but there's sun loungers you can use for free. Be careful where you sit because some are linked to bars and they will expect you to either by something or not eat any outside food/drink or both. There are a lot of stray dogs knocking about here, so if you don't like dogs I would not necessarily recommend it. 

We also went to a really nice beach bar here which has a happy hour between 2 and 7 where cocktails are 140baht. We had a Passionfruit Punch and Yellow Dragon- both were really nice and had the balance between alcohol and flavour that a lot of places in Thailand cannot achieve. 

Half Moon 

So the main reason that we were on Koh Phangan in the first place was because we were attending the Half Moon Festival. Although the Full Moon Party is what it talked about a lot in relation to the island, the response from travellers that we met along the way said that Half Moon was better. Half Moon, fit in with our plans better so we thought we would give it a go. 

The good thing about Half Moon, is that although busy it is not heaving like Full Moon where you need to book hostels and ferries in advance if you want to stay anywhere half decent. Whereas, for half Moon is a lot more relaxed, we booked our ferry the day before and hostel not long before that. Unlike Full Moon, Half Moon is in the jungle rather than the beach, similar to the Jungle Jam party before Full Moon. 

The festival itself is really cool and so much fun. The jungle setting made it unlike anything I had ever been before! Especially, because we were at the Songkran edition so there were pistols and hoses everywhere!  I really enjoyed myself and could not recommend the Half Moon festival more. As I haven't been to Full Moon, I could not comment on whether it is better but I would not necessarily worry if you can't fit a Full Moon party in to your plans. 

Food Factory 

On the day of Half Moon, we just wanted to eat close by to our hostel to save us time. We saw this place and thought it looked good and we hadn't divulged in Western food whilst on the island so thought, why not!? I ordered a peri chicken burger combo which included fries and a drink. It was really good and you got a decent amount of meat and salad. They also play football games here, so if you are a fan you can guarantee that popular games willbe shown here. It's open 24 hours a day, so you don't have to worry about missing your favourite games. 

Songkran 

So whilst we were in Koh Phangan, we were there for their New Years aka Songkran. Songkran is basically a massive water fight and was perfect to sort my hangover out. We were at a party at our hostel which had a free bbq and music etc. It was such a good day. Although, unfortunately there was a power cut half way through the day across the whole island which was annoying as it lasted for a LONG time. I would definitely recommend being in Thailand for Songkran!

Beach Village Resort

At Ringside Hostel, although there is not a pool you do have access to the swimming pool at Beach Village Resort. It is a really nice resort and it has a bar and restaurant if you want to divulge. It is also right on the beach so it has a nice view aswell. 

What I wished we had done: 

Total Wipeout

We drove all the way out to the Total Wipeout challenge but it was shut due to a staff holiday. Absolutely gutting. It did look fun though, so I would definitely recommend checking it out! 

Love Imogen xoxo

Koh Phangan Hostel Review

Facilities

Wifi here was quite good and they had several wireless points. The only issue was if everyone was on it once then it would be slow. Plus there were a few power cut outs across the island which obviously wasn't the hostel's fault but...

There are lockers which you have to pay 100baht for. You are given a key but you can also put your own lock on this. 

You need a swipe card to get in to the main hostel which was great until the power shortage came! You also have a lockable door for your dorm room however this is dependent on your dorm mates.

You have access to two swimming pools during your stay. We went to the beach village one which is on the beach and perfect for relaxing. Plus, it means that you get all the facilities you ant for half the price. Especially because beach bungalows are significantly more pricey.

There is constantly music playing here which is great but not at 8 in the morning. Despite this, it is good for the common area which is outside. There is also, beer pong tables, a large cinema screen and a large seating area. It is lacking an inside social area but you win some you lose some.

For full moon, they sorted out taxis and provided free face paint-result!

Showers and Toilets 

So there is a certain lacking of toilets and showers in this hostel. There is one ensuite room but apart from that there are only two showers and three toilets. I am not joking. One of these toilets, is in the bar area anyway so you don't even get access to this later on at night. You do find yourself waiting to use the showers etc. when we were here, especially around Songkran and Half Moon it was about 75% full. So I dread to think about what it's like when Full Moon comes along. 

Staff

The staff here are really nice and welcoming. They try and get you involved as much as possible with drinking games etc. They helped to book our onward journey also. I would say, after a drink some of the male members of staff can be a little bit full on bordering on inappropriate and unprofessional. 

Breakfast

Unfortunately, there is no breakfast provided at this hostel.

Value for Money 

This place is really good value for money. Our dorm cost just over £2 per night. This does provide a good room with a good social area. 

Dorms

We went for the cheapest room which only had a fan but this was enough. In fact, most nights it was old in this room so I wouldn't worry about it. 

Location 

It was a really good location- not too far from each pier and the party locations. However, if you wanted Togo to total wipeout or the nicer beaches you need to get a scooter. 

Love Imogen xoxo

Journey

Wow. That is how I would explain this journey. We used easibook again because it had worked previously and with so many scams going around, we thought it was best to stick with what we knew. So we were originally supposed to catch the minibus from the bus station at 5 in the morning. However, we were informed by one of the workers from the hostel that we could get picked up from our hostel and that he would call and sort this for us. We were pretty chuffed with this as it saved us RM50. He told us to be ready for 5. 

So along comes 5 o'clock...the minibus does not arrive...5:15 we are still waiting. The guy from the hostel calls them, they assure him that the bus is on its way. 5:30 comes and still there's no sign of the bus. We call again to be informed that the bus has left without us but that another would be coming. At this point, we were not best pleased because we didn't know how long the bus would take us and whether it was guaranteed that we would make all our crossovers despite the fact that it was with the same company. It's getting later and later...it gets to 6 and we call again, they tell us it's definitely coming and we would make it to Koh Samui. I am tired and the day has not even begun. At about half 6, the minibus turns up-HOORAY! I would like to say this was the end of our troubles! 

When we got in to the bus, it seemed roomy and if anything cold. I sat and thought to myself this is perfect. I even managed to sleep for a bit. The driver, was a bit annoying and there was a definite language barrier but you know you can't have everything. Plus, if he had wanted dazzling conversation he was coming to the wrong place. 

We get to Malaysia border control and jump out to get stamped before filling in our Thai paperwork. We didn't have thai visas because you can get a visa exemption which costs nothing for 30 days travel. The Thai border control is not the greatest. No one really knows where to go and it looks like a car park. If I hadn't known it was the official immigration I would have thought it was fake. There is a lot of bribery and corruption at these borders so don't be surprised if they try and milk you for every last cent.

After the border, we all got back on the bus and started travelling again. It was just past 9oclock! Just as I had got comfortable again and was about to take a nap, like the old woman I am. We were stopping at our cross over point to get on the second bus. We waited here for an hour before being picked up. We did manage to change the remainder of our Malaysian money here though-result!

The second bus was horrible compared to the first. It was cramped. There was no space to move due to the bus being at capacity. The air con was awful. We downgraded. It was like having the perfect steak with all trimmings and then being presented with a turkey twizzler. Napping was out the question and so was comfort or the option of being cool.

After what felt like days, we arrived at the ferry terminal where we once again got off the bus and given tickets. Here, we were then not allowed entry to the waiting area but all the locals were until we demanded to sit there. That was were the air con was and I was not willing to wait in the heat. As you may be able to tell our early start and the day's events were starting to get to me...

Finally, we were on the ferry and the end was so close! The ferry itself took an hour and a half and was quite pleasant. There are plenty of places to sit, there's a shop and there's also a massage place. When we arrived in the otherside we got our belongings and went off to find a taxi/tuk tuk or anything that would take us to our hostel. Time Check: 17:00

I would recommend using the minibuses on the otherside for 100baht will take you to your hostel in Chatweng. Taxis will be significantly more expensive and they will rip you off. We met girls in our hostel who paid 300 each to get there. The only bad thing about the minibuses is that it does take longer because there are more stops but for 100baht who cares ay!?

When we finally arrived at the hostel there had been a mix up and they were fully booked. They had sorted other accommodation for the night in their sister hostel and we could return tomorrow. They had sorted out transportation aswell. We weren't best pleased but thought we had nowhere else and has paid a deposit. We then queried what sort of room it would be because we were in a 4 bed ensuite, we were informed it was a 6 bed with no ensuite. We asked at this point if we could be discounted for the night as we were getting a worse deal. This is when the owner of Baan Smiles Hostel became prickly and rude. She made out like we were putting her out despite thee fact that it was her fault, we were going to have to take time out of the following day to unpack, never mind the fact that we had been travelling since the early hours. She then said we could just stay in the sister hostel and not move back if that was easier. We agreed it would be but that we still wanted a discount. She was then beside herself. At this point, her sister aka our lift turned up and they began speaking in thai. I didn't have to understand thai to know hat it was all about us. Anyway, we got the discount and were bustled in to the car. 

In the car, the sister was very polite and made jokes. It was nice to see that she was the nicer of the sisters and I felt relieved that we would be staying with her. However, when we arrived at our destination we were told we would be staying at Samui Hostel now because we hadn't wanted to move. Luckily, the rooms were really nice and the manager of the hostel was really nice or I think I would have just lost it. 

Moral of this story, do not stay in Baan Smile Hostel if it is the last thing that you do. 

Anyway on to the nicer things...

Food Court 

So after this mammoth journey, all we wanted to do was eat and sleep. We took a wander and found a street market down the road. Perfect. There are a selection of food stalls here. We found one which I sold smoothies and thai food, making our lives easier. I had the chicken pad Thai and the pineapple smoothie and they were on point. I know what you are thinking, did it break the bank Imogen? It cost 100baht altogether which is the equivalent of £2. Don't mind if I do. The food here was really good aswell, I would definitely recommend checking it out. 

In fact, I won't lie we ended up eating at this store every night. They even gave it us for free on the last night. That's customer service I enjoy! 

In the same market, they also have cocktail stands for 70. We had strawberry daiquiris which were very nice but strong too!

Chatweng Beach

We just wanted some R&R and thought the best way to enjoy this was getting ourselves on the beach. Again, the sun loungers here are free, take that Europe and South America! The beach itself, is busy but not over crowded which is perfect and there are beach bars across the beach to serve your every whim.   

Markets

There are little shops dotted around the place with cute clothing shops in. We managed to get some anklets from the same market we got our food from. I also finally managed to get some sandals after losing one on my travels. Don't ask how I lost one, all I know is that one day there was two and then there was only one left.  Who cares now though, because I have two new shiny shoes ready for action! 

Ark Bar

This is quite well known amongst backpackers and in hostels to be a good spot to hit at night. It was about 10 minute walk from our hostel but luckily everything is pretty much on one road in Chatweng. 

Ark Bar itself, is set away from the road. There is a sign and if you follow it down, passing apartments on each side then you will arrive at the bar. It's on the beach which is really nice. The cocktails are strong and not a bad price (180). There isn't really a great dance area but it is social and a good way to spend the evening. 

Love Imogen xoxo

Koh Samui Hostel Review

SAMUI HOSTEL

Well, well, well where to start with this one ay? We were supposed to stay in Baan Smile Hostel however when we arrived they told us they had overbooked and that we would be moving to their sister hostel for the night. We said that was fine as long as we were moving to the same sort of dorm but we weren't so we asked for a discount. This caused all sorts of the issues. The woman then became rude and difficult. However, sorted a room out for the sister hostel for the 3 nights so we didn't have to move for a reduced price. I was happier at this because by this point the woman had been so rude I did not want to stay there anyway. Her sister (who was nice) then drove us to the sister hostel, we presumed this would be Baan Smile Place. This was not the case. We were actually taken to Samui Hostel. Although, we were given a much nicer room and the staff here are so nice! So in my opinion, do not stay at Baan Smile Hostel- the manager is rude. 

Facilities

Wifi here is alright. It's better downstairs then it is up but it will do! Plus it's free so can't really complain too much! 

There are lockers here in the room that you don't need a lock for. To get in to the hostel itself is quite easy because it's quite open but we always had our door locked. The outside door is supposed to be shut after 12 but we never saw it locked in our stay. 

Showers and Toilets

We had an ensuite in our room which was really quite nice. Although, could get sandy very easily especially because it was a wet room! 

Staff 

Staff here were amazing and really helpful. They sorted our transfer to Koh Phangan out for us aswell! They were always smiling aswell which made me even happier that we had ended up here. 

Breakfast 

Unfortunately, there was no breakfast included here. There is a 7eleven up the street, like there seems to be on every Thai Isle! 

Value for Money

We got a discount and to be honest are unsure what we were supposed to pay but it was cheap so no complaints from me! 

Dorms 

The dorms were really nice. They were spacious you had a plug and light in your bed. The air con was really good although apparently not good in the 12beds. 

Location 

This is quite a good location. You are close to the beach and to shops. It is slightly further away from Ark Bar but it's a small island the walk isn't going to kill you. In fact, it will work off some of those beverages you are about to consume! 

OVERALL, I could not recommend staying here more. We had a really nice stay here! 

Love Imogen xoxo

Journey

So after a bit of research and traveller advice along the way- we have been advised to go to Georgetown on the island of Penang. So we got in to looking at how to get there, we were originally thinking that we would get the overnight train and then the first ferry over in the morning. As the overnight train accommodation had been quite comfortable and we knew we could actually sleep on them. However, this was sold out so if this is an option that you wish to do I would advise you book it slightly more in advance than a couple of days especially on the weekend. 

So we were a bit stuck. So the research started again and we found that we could travel with a reputable bus company (Konsortium) on an over night bus without having to get on the ferry because we would get across of the bridge. 

The station to get the buses from in KL is Pudu Sentral which is close to Central Market. It about a 40 minute walk, 20 minute taxi ride. We took the free bus on the purple line and it dropped us off around the corner. Just keep alert because the bus does not always stop at each stop.

You need to arrive 20 minutes before you are due to depart and you are required to swap your boarding pass for an actual ticket. There is no seating down at the platforms so I would advise staying upstairs if you get there early like we did. 

The buses themselves are really nice. They make the greyhound buses look very cramped indeed. As always, just be careful with your belongings here. We had no trouble on our bus but we have been told stories by people that have. 

The journey seemed to go really quickly and soon we had arrived at the bus terminal. The downside of getting the bus is that you are on the other side of the island. However, the 401 costs RM2 to get to the part of Georgetown where we were staying. It took about 20 minutes and a local man let us know when to drop off. If I were you I would take a picture of the bus stops as they are all street names and go off that. 

Batu Ferringhi

Once we arrived, we knew we didn't want to do anything too taxing and thought being reunited with the beach would probably be the best option! The closest beach on the island to Georgetown is Batu. It takes about 40 minutes (depending on the time of day) to get to this beach. If you stay on Lebuh Chilua as we did, catch the 101 which will cost you RM2.70 The bus stops here are a bit strange and hard to see sometimes so once you see sea and sand press the buzzer. There is a walkway between the hotels to get to the beach. 

Once there, unlike every other beach I have ever been to the sun loungers are free. Due to the sky high temperatures in Penang, the beach does not get busy until later on. I have been told that the sunset here is really nice however it was blocked out by the mountains for us which was slightly disappointing. 

To get back to Georgetown is quite easy. You again just get the 101 from the opposite side of the road that it dropped you off at. However, this time it cost slightly less; RM2. 

Funny story actually- we realised that the reason it had cost more on the way there wasn't due to the time of day but actually because we had gotten off before the main beach. So we returned to see what all the fuss was about and don't get me wrong the beach was nice but I actually preferred the first one. I think it's because it's more remote and chilled, plus they had nicer sun loungers! There are several market stalls here which is good if you haven't brought food and drink etc. 

Red Garden

I was actually recommended this place by a friend. Situated on Leith Street it's right in the middle of town therefore easily accessible. When we arrived it was thriving with locals AND tourists which we always think is a good sign. 

*WORD OF WARNING* The first stall as you walk in on your right is the most expensive place in there! Look around before you buy! 

We ended up eating at a thai stall where I had pineapple rice because it sounded interesting and different and for RM5.50 which is just over a pound, why not ay!? I am so glad I did because it was so nice! I would definitely have it again. We were feeling (slightly) very glutinous so treated ourselves to a waffle with peanut butter and ice cream. Retrospectively, we should have shared this but hey ho. 

Penang Hostel Review

FRAME GUESTHOUSE

Facilities 

There is always someone manning the desk so regardless of what time you arrive there will be someone there. The main door is locked after 12 so you just need to use your key to open it.

The wifi here was quite good. It could sometimes drift in and out but there were several modems making it easier. There is also a Mac downstairs that you are welcome to use. Although, when we were staying there the printer was not working. 

There was a kitchen, free drinking water, toaster and coffee and tea always available but not a fully functioning kitchen. 

Showers and Toilets 

The standard of the bathroom was good. We were treated to the luxury of power showers although there was only two. This was the same for the toilets also. However, I would much prefer quality over quantity.

Staff 

Staff here are really helpful. We arrived at 7 in the morning to the hostel and our room was ready for us so we could just go striaght in. Plus they let us have breakfast aswell- bonus. 

Not only this but they helped us to be able to get the bus to the beach (Bus 101 going away from the jeti) and where a supermarket was. 

When we came to book a taxi for our trip to Koh Samui, the guy at reception informed us that he would ring the company for us to see if the minibus would pick us up. They agreed, which we were happy with because it saved us RM50 but also gave us extra time in bed. However, when it got to the morning the bus was late and the guy rang again and again until we were informed that we had been forgotten about. So his 'help' hadn't really helped at all. It was all sorted in the end but it was stressful at the time. 

Breakfast 

Again, quite basic just toast and jam with coffee and tea. Not the best breakfast but not the worst either. 

Value for Money

It was quite cheap and it had a good review on hostel world so all in all not bad at all. 

Dorms

The dorms here were really nice. In fact the furnishings in the entire hostel were nice- they were quite basic but not in a cheap way. Very minimalist. Although, you can hear everything in this place which wasn't ideal when we had a very early night due to our early bus Thailand.

Location

Location wise it wasn't bad. It was close to a lot of the food markets and super market. However, it was quite far away from the bus station and the airport if you were to need it. The public buses here are good and are easy to understand. Just be aware you need the correct change. 

OVERALL, I would recommend staying here but maybe sort your own travel!rhe staff are really helpful and they do try and get to know their guests which is nice.

Love Imogen xoxo

Nha Trang Hostel Review

HQ CAFE

Facilities

The wifi is pretty good here. There are different modems for each level so it's pretty strong for payments and bookings-perfect. 

You don't need a key to get in to the initial building but you do need a key to get on to your floor. They provide lockers with a key for you to out your valuables in. 

There is not a great deal of communal space but there is a common area for your floor. This has a television, sofa and free water.

Showers and Toilets 

There are two showers and toilets on each floor. The showers themselves have a good pressure and heat but sometimes due to the plumbing smell a bit off. 

Staff 

Staff here are friendly and helpful. They managed to book our bus for us and gave us help and directions without us even having to ask. They also give you a map when you book in which is good and useful although a smart bit of advertising for themselves. 

Breakfast 

For breakfast you have the choice of fruit and yogurt, toast and a banana or noodles and a banana with tea or coffee. The fruit was nice but the portion was quite small. Whereas the noodles, which on the picture look really nice actually are instant noodles. Not that there is anything wrong with instant noodles but when you think you are getting something else it's disappointing. 

Value for Money 

The room was around £6 per night. The free breakfast and water was a great point of this hostel although many were unaware of the deal so would buy water themselves. 

Dorms 

The dorms were big. However, the beds were not that comfortable, personally they were too soft. There is also a plug beside most beds and there are two ACs in the room. 

Location 

It's a two minute walk from the beach-what more do you need!?

OVERALL, this hostel was decent and makes a great place to stay in Nha Trang. It's not the most social of hostels but it is still nice. 

Love Imogen xoxo

Journey 

The journey to Nha Trang is quite simple. We were picked up by a taxi and taken to the bus 'station'. We were travelling this time with Viet Nat. From here we were on a sitting bus. I personally prefer sleeper buses because there is much more room. On a sitting, if someone leans their chair back you actually cannot move. You stop in quite a decent place for food and with decent toilets. So if you haven't brought food it's not the end of the world. When we arrived,we actually walked to the hostel. Nha Trang is not the largest of cities- it's more like a large town.

Beach 

We spent every day here. It's quite a nice beach and there's plenty of stalls and activities if you so wish for them. It was really busy on the days that's we went because of Reunification Day. Reunification Day is the celebration of, as the Spice Girls would say, two becoming one aka when Vietnam because one country again rather then the previous split of North and South. There were lots of families and celebrations going on which made the atmosphere so lively. 

Street Markets 

We ate at street markets every night. I am not going to lie, I have been living of noodles and rice since being in Asia and I am starting to get a little bored. So we treated ourselves to a beef steak dish which had a lovely rich sauce that was served with an egg and a baguette. It sounds like an odd combination but it was really nice. Plus it cost just over a pound!

We also divulged in a baguette from one of the stalls for lunch. There are stalls everywhere and you can get a baguette with everything on for 20 dong which is less than a pound. I would not be able to tell you what everything consists of but it tasted damn good! 

Nha Trang does not always have the best reputation amongst travellers but I really enjoyed my time here. Furthermore, it was really nice to have a few chilled days after Canyoning! 

Love Imogen xoxo