After a week on Koh Samui's busy and beautiful Chaweng Beach, I checked out of The Sands Resort bungalow, got picked up in an air-conditioned van, and transferred to the pier.
We had a 20-30 minute wait, then walked the warped wooden planks to the awaiting ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan.
The surroundings were gorgeous - sparkling waters and lush green hills.
We set off. A boat full of the young and attractive - barely a family, kid, or older person from Koh Samui.
Petite women had rolling suitcases heavier than themselves.
The wind felt great as we cruised the 50 minutes to Koh Phangan.
Unlike my ferry to Koh Samui, we arrived directly at the main pier on Sunset Beach, which is a few minutes' walk from Sunrise Beach, where the monthly Full Moon Parties are held.
I asked a couple of guys walking on the street for a hotel suggestion.
They were sleeping at Mellow Mountain Bungalows at the far north end of the beach.
Along the way there, I sweltered on the beach, stopping at various resorts - all too costly, though a $30/night place tempted me.
I ended up taking the mountain bungalow because it had a porch view of the beach.
It is probably not the best view as there are some trees in the way, but it offered some privacy in exchange.
