Where the heck is Ko Tau?

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Pushka

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This trip to start tomorrow was the brain fade, er, brain storm of number 2 son who loves Thailand.

Every couple of years he spends up to 3 months at a time backpacking round Thailand. He avoids the tourist bins of Pattaya and the like but finds hidden gems. Usually without power and other little luxuries but with wonderful beaches etc. His favourite place is Chiang Mai, especially in April for Songkram.

Much to his disgust we've only been transiting through BKK airport. But we love Thai food. :D

So when he was off this time he was keen for us to join him. Ho ho ho. Not for us the luxury beach resorts. That are easy to get to.

He chose Ko Tau.

The day after I booked and paid for two bungalows on the island, he came down the stairs and suggested I don't listen to the news. Hmmm. On this tiny island, two backpackers had just been beaten to death. Sigh.

Anyways we booked economy flights that were still expensive because it was Christmas. Commented to MrP we now had two overnight flights in Y in just a 10 day vacation which, as is Murphy's law ended up being sandwiched between a work hectic late December and early resumption in January. This is supposed to be a rest break but two Y flights and two internal flights plus two ferries didn't seem to fit the bill so much. So they were cancelled.

So booked an even more expensive flight in J, with Q and Emirates. Of course more dramas. Another benefit of this J booking were the status credits. But I'd not booked the QF flight code. So had to scramble and rebook which was actually quite easy.

But wait. There's more. I'd given myself a Mr title instead of Mrs. Pffft. That won't matter. Well, of course it did so the third booking had to be split, permission sought from Emirates for the same fare for me as they rose almost immediately. And wait for a week to see if it all sorted out. And Q - we will call you when that's done. Of course I never heard from them but could see on Emirates and Q website that all was good. But we are now on separate PNRs.

They have been linked but MrP has a knack of getting upgrades with Emirates. If he gets one this time to F and I don't, just watch this space!
 
We booked the chauffeur collection that we receive with this fare. Of course, only MrP's account allows us to book it. When I log into my account there is no such option. I wonder if somehow low status pax don't get the benefit even if booked in J?

And right on cue, the chauffeur service called 24 hours prior to confirm. Nice.
 
So where is Ko Tau?

It is a tiny island off the coast of Samui. Which requires a flight from Bangkok then a ferry ride to get to.

Did I tell you it's monsoon season and one of us here gets a touch of seasickness?

It is right next to Phangan Island. The other day news.com.au wrote up a story of the antics of backpackers and full moon parties on Phangan. It is full moon time while we are there.

I think no 2 son has forgotten our age.
 
After EmilyP's story about the involuntary downgrade to y, I've been counting down to the minute the time that checkin opens.

Log into MrP's account and select him as the (only) passenger. Nope. "Unfortunately we cannot process online checkin". Gulp.

So I log into my account and access my booking. Remember we have different PNRs. The site looks different and sure enough I can do OLCI. But only to Sydney. :eek: I decide not to print the bp and just check the booking again. Thankfully still going to BKK but have no idea what's up.

A couple of weeks ago I'd checked both bookings that all was in order. But it does seem strange that two bookings are "behaving differently" online for the same trip.

Time will tell.

Hope to make my next post from the chauffeur car. :p

Choccies ready to hand out.
 
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Reckoned you would be heading off Pushka - as we've left Thailand technically not 4 TRs but I'll still be posting on Thailand as we had no internet on the train so I'm a bit behind. Watch out for the full moon party. You don't want to turn into a werewolf!
Lolling in the IC Singapore lounge with a drink and nibbles, very pleasant
 
Reckoned you would be heading off Pushka - as we've left Thailand technically not 4 TRs but I'll still be posting on Thailand as we had no internet on the train so I'm a bit behind. Watch out for the full moon party. You don't want to turn into a werewolf!
Lolling in the IC Singapore lounge with a drink and nibbles, very pleasant

Love the IC lounge in Singapore! Wonderful pork dumplings.

Oops - I wasn't going to post anymore. :p.
 
Here is Koh Tau - a mere dot in the ocean.

ImageUploadedByAustFreqFly1419579414.804584.jpg

All these reminders of the deadliest tsunami in history are doing my head in.
 
I wouldn't exactly call Ko Tao hidden - it is the learner scuba dive mecca in Thailand with 30+ spots just off shore..

That said its a nice place with a main easily accessible stretch full of beach bars and restaurants (some now multi story), some massage outlets and plenty of street food.

Sort of beach scene that the Thais do very well, albeit definitely not authentic.

Ko Tao often empties out a bit during full moon party, and then people walk around like zombies for a few days after.

Enjoy Koh Samui airport - one of my favourite airports, small, boutique and mostly open air.
 
Yes - we are staying at a dive resort apparently. Beautiful snorkelling which I love but the swells are currently a metre plus and low visibility.

At least it will be one less full moon party that master P will be attending. ;)

Looking forward to the street food though.
 
I love the street food in Thailand.

Enjoy
 
Departure Day. A trip to the hills first to take the cat to boarding. He thinks he's off to Thailand on an earlier flight. He's only been once and hated it. Oh well. :(
 
Poor puss. He doesn't see it as a holiday, then? My brother's cat used to love the cattery so much he didn't want to go home.

All packed?????
 
Nice Christmas Display at Adelaide airport. More than the Adelaide Council did in the CBD.

ImageUploadedByAustFreqFly1419640665.432122.jpg

ImageUploadedByAustFreqFly1419640679.965041.jpg

The lounge is wonderfully deserted. As is the terminal itself.
 
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