Koh Kood
With relatively few visitors, pristine beaches, and lush forests, Koh Kood is really a special place. After a couple days in Bangkok, Koh Kood seemed extra peaceful, clean, and beautiful. The water was clear and turquoise and we found plenty of fish and colorful clams. There was good food, inexpensive massages, Leo beer, and puppies. The journey from Bangkok was long: a 5-hour van ride was followed by a 2-hour ferry, then a 15-minute ride in the back of a pick up truck down a windy, hilly road. But the seven hours of travel was worth it to experience a place of such beauty and tranquility.
Koh Kood Divers
John and Caitlin spent a day diving with Koh Kood Divers. We dove around Koh Yak Yai ("big huge island") and Koh Yak Lek, a smaller piece of land. Because we were there during a holiday, there was a lot of activity around the dive site, so visibility was not as good as usual. The highlight was huge school of fusiliers that calmly surrounded us until a jack trevalle slashed through it, erupting the school into chaos. There were urchins and sea cucumbers everywhere. We also got to see yellow-striped barracuda, multi-colored Christmas tree worms, bat fish, giant clams, lion fish, and a small moray eel.
The Fisherman Hut
After discovering that the food at the resort was mediocre, we decided to venture out in search of better cuisine. A short golf cart ride from where we were staying, we found The Fisherman Hut. Here, the daily catches were laid out at the entrance, and after you were settled, you could go pick which fish you wanted for your meal. The highlight was J's barracuda, which had a terrifying presentation but tasted very good.
Good View Café
The next day, we ate lunch at the Good View Café, a small restaurant on a steep hill overlooking the ocean. The food was good and very spicy, requiring Caitlin to order a pink milk to cool down. As tasty as the food was, it was almost forgotten, as the view was so spectacular. After eating, we climbed down the long staircase to walk along the beach.
Khlong Chao Waterfall
One afternoon, we hiked to Klong Chao Waterfall, which is the largest and allegedly the most beautiful waterfall on the island. Once we arrived at the site, we swam across a pond to sit under the waterfall. In the heat, it was very refreshing. Only Tyler was brave enough to try the rope swing.
New Year's Eve
Everyone's highlight was the New Year's Eve Gala. The Hawaiian-themed show featured live music, ladyboy (or kathoey) cabaret, Muy Thai, and hula dancing. We were treated to a surprise acrobatics show when some children who were also staying at the resort got on the stage, eager to show off their gymnastic skills. There were also prizes! Our table won a bottle of wine and a restaurant coupon, but not for the main competition, which involved tying a balloon around your ankle and trying to pop everyone else's. Thailand doesn't have the same safety standards as the US: Fire dancers performed next to the pile of fireworks gathered for the midnight show, where old and young (even 4-year-olds!) were encouraged to light Roman candles. We celebrated the new year watching Japanese lanterns launched from the hotel next door.