Same same but different

Ko Samet and Ko Chang are both gorgeous islands off the east coast of Thailand. Me, Brooke and Snowy (met up with them in Bangkok) decided to head out to both islands on our way to Cambodia, for a bit of sun and relaxation.

Both islands boast stunning white beaches. Weather is a bit iffy but it's the wet season so it's to be expected. Seafood is exceptional. I've had some amazing seafood dishes and have developed a mild obsession for grilled squid, black pepper and a squirt of lime - gorgeous!

One thing Brooke and I have both noticed is that on Ko Samet (unless you like locals) doesn't offer much on the eye candy front. Not the end of the world admittedly but slightly it's disconcerting when Snowy is literally fighting them off with a stick! On a number of occasions Brooke and I have stumbled back leaving Snowy at the local haunt (Ploys) shaking some (serious moves) on the dance floor surrounded by some admirers!

Ko Chang on the other hand is much the same except it's more sleazy. In fact you could say both islands have a little of each other.

The fact we've headed to both islands during the wet season naturally limits what's on offer. There are more dodgy men around due to the fact they get such cheap flight/package deals. There are tons of Thai 'ladies' around as business is slow. That said my eyes and ears are working overtime - brilliant!

However the beauty of travelling is if you're not so keen on a place you move on. So move on we did. Ko Samet was great. I had some amazing reflexology and massages, the seafood was amazing and the buckets lethal and we met some really lovely locals who totally embraced us into there group of friends. Something you'd never usually experience so readily in London. Jaiar and Jack (both Thai) introduced us to Ploys - the local haunt - where the compare introduces the firemen (no, not firemen as we know them - which is what I originally thought - they actually dance with fire!) based on their age and whether they're up for being a toyboy or not. Hilarious. 'This chocolate Thai boy is 18 and definitely up for some toyboy lovin'. Said in a Thai/cockney accent.

Ko Chang again is gorgeous. Jaiar went back to Bangkok and Jack stayed on and was heading to Ko Chang to see his family so we decided to tag along. White Sands beach is stunning. Again, loving the seafood and have developed an obsession for spicy tuna salad and Tom Yam soup. I also managed to extend my accommodation repertoire to a 150 baht (2 quid) a night hut with massive gaping gaps between the wooden walls and the ceiling. This is monumental in its self. A few months ago I would've screamed at the thought. Now I'm virtually flicking bugs off my bed. (slight exaggeration - I just stand there and scream as opposed to screaming and running out of the hut but I still look at is as progress!).

Only draw back about Ko Chang is the sleaze. It's out of control. Old western men leching over young and I mean young Thai girls or lady boys. My eyes have been popping out of my head as I've witnessed the odd 50 plus male groping a lady boy with a semi. Again, don't get me wrong I'm not moaning; I've also been privy to endless conversations (ok, I will admit to eaves dropping massively) where guys are negotiating their price for the evening. Plus I've had the chance to fine tune my 'categories' - basically I've identified four categories of men who spend time with Thai women (more later on this). Now I'm travelling with Snowy I'm able to refine my categories even more as I now have a blokes perspective. Perfect.

Anyway, four days on Ko Chang and we've had enough sun and seafood. So I'm heading to Cambodia tomorrow (Tuesday 4th Sept). First stop is Sihanoukville, then Phonom Penh, then Angkor Wat, followed by a bit of beach action somewhere (not sure where yet) before flying to Kathmandu 29th Sept.