eatsleeptravelrepeat

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