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July 14, 2004
7-16 June - Thong Noi Pan
After a week of “Kicking the arse out of it” – Nick – we decided that it was time to check out the rest of the island, hopefully to find a quiet place to relax for a few days. I had been told about some beach on the Northern side of Ko Pha Ngan, which was supposedly perfect for such a thing.
Little did we know that this more remote section of the island has its own party culture and nightlife. Instead of the quantity of people of Hat Rin, the Thong Noi Panners pride themselves on quality. So much for a relaxing week… Nick and I had some of our biggest nights here. Again, the nights were out at one of the (three) local bars, the days were spent sleeping and sunbaking.
It rained occasionally while I was here, which created an interesting atmosphere at night, but spoilt the sunbaking during the day.
I began a regular routine here…. After getting up for breakfast at 3pm (eating at Pen’s Restaurant next door – the Central Cottage – where we were staying – Restaurant had okish food, but crap service), I’d lie on the beach for a few hours, reading one of my oversized fiction novels. Nick might join me if he woke up before 5 o’clock, otherwise I’d wake him for dinner. We’d then choose a place to eat – our favourite became Candle Hut as it had good food, great service, effort and presentation. We would then see which bar was happening that night (or if there was a party on somewhere else), have a few drinks, and usually end up at Game Bar later on. Game Bar was usually opened the latest, and they made the best late-night food ever (barring dodgy kebabs, which were not available) – Bombay Baguettes…. Mmmm, these foot long baguettes were filled with freshly cooked chicken curry and a few pieces of salad – delich!!
I met many people during this week, most noticeable were the gorgeous Scottish Med Students, Laura and Verity, as well as the ‘locals’ Joe (Pom), Keo (Thai), Rose (Israeli) and Chu (Israeli).
Verity disguised as a school teacher and Laura in Nick’s traditional Scottish garb.
(from left) Nick, Keo, Joe, Rose, Dan
Speaking of Scots, here’s Dan doing his best impression :)
The other common activity that took place here was the letting off of cheap Chinese fireworks. They cost all of about 5 baht each from the local supermarket… Joe was a fireworks freak! You’d stick a skewer-like end into the sand, or in an empty bottle, light the fuse, then go for cover, as it made an arc though the sky, climaxing with a deafening BANG (usually) before it hit the water.
On Friday the 11th, there was a fantastic party at Hideaway Bar (behind Noi Beach, the next one along)…. By the time we got there, the place was absolutely hopping mad with people! I chatted to a few friendly females, including an Emily, who, from a distance looked like my neighbour Bec! (Emily’s a pom who emigrated to manage a new resort there) We (Nick, Rose and I) had a great night, which we finished by going back to Game Bar and getting Bombay Baguettes.
Another night I went late-night swimming in the tepid beach with a friend, and had an incredible time with the bio-luminescence of the phosphorescing plankton. It’s SOOO much fun, you move you hand around in the water and you get glowing particles around it – Harry Potter style! (Even better is doing this during a night scuba dive… more info later)
My $130 Timberland sandals were stolen from Game Bar one night, which I was not happy about – but I figure if that’s the worst of it, I’ve come off fairly lightly.
The last couple of days were pleasantly restful, very much needed too.
Posted by Dan at July 14, 2004 02:00 AM