I tried to resist... I swear... but the call of paradise was stronger than anything.
Two years ago, when I arrived in Koh Tao (Turtle Island) by... accident, it was a wonder from beginning to end.
For those who don't remember, I was supposed to spend three months in Vietnam but, after five weeks, I decided to take a little trip to Thailand.
In fact, it's all thanks to my partner who has a knack for creating and maintaining connections with people he meets on the road.
When we arrived in Vietnam, we met a Quebecer, married to a French woman, traveling around the world with their three children for a year. We hit it off.
A few weeks later, feeling like we had achieved our goal of traveling by motorbike through Vietnam, we decided to go to Koh Samui and Koh Tao, in the Gulf of Thailand. Our Quebec-France duo had shared their love of Koh Tao with us, so why not spend a few days there. In the end, we stayed there for the maximum duration of our visa, six weeks in 2023.
I liked everything about it. I like everything about it.
When I see the island appear, I feel like I'm coming home. Nothing or almost nothing has changed. A few more people, new constructions, but the same small restaurants where, to my great joy, I am recognized.
When I arrive, a virus caught in Laos keeps me in bed for two weeks but, finally I can leave the room and explore my favorite places... in other words, the island in its entirety.
credit: Divezone.net
HoriZon Morn
My first visit is for Bee at HoriZon Morn. He runs the cutest bar on the island. The view is breathtaking and the food prepared by his wife is delicious.
Panoramic view of HoriZon Morn. This is the view that has been my phone's wallpaper for the past two years.
When we arrive, Bee's joy and surprise warm our hearts.
Tree House Bungalows
Two years ago, I told you the story of this Englishman who had fallen in love with the island and its most beautiful resident. Buying a seaside resort at the very beginning of the pandemic had been a gamble.
When I arrive at Tree House, I see that the hotel is doing very, very well and that the gamble has paid off. Everything is going so well that it was impossible for me to book a room there, even if I booked two months in advance.
Neil and Yok welcome us with open arms and hearts. We exchange the latest news in our lives and express the joy of seeing each other again.
Hin Wong Bay
Often, we are disappointed when we return to a place we liked. Well, Hin Wong Bay does not disappoint me. Since my last visit, small restaurants have been added, the beach has been cleaned and seats and mats now embellish the whole thing. The "reggae vibe" makes me want to come back often... very often.
In conclusion, Koh Tao is very nice but it is especially the people who welcome us there who make it so extraordinary. All these people who so generously offer us their smiles and their joy of living.
Like Thura, this young Burmese who fled a country he loves but which is in the grip of civil war. He has a head full of dreams and he did me the honor of sharing them with me. I hope he can realize them very soon.
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