Koh Mook

We left Koh Lipe and travelled 4 hours north on a ferry to the relatively quiet island of Koh Mook. Our first choice for accommodation, a place called Sawasdee Resort, was full but we managed to find a cheap bungalow tucked away in the forest just back from the beach. After a quick walk and a swim we found ourselves a great sundowner spot and tucked into 1 of the cheapest meals we've ever had.

The island has some fantastic scenery with massive limestone cliffs, a forest of rubber trees and a few quiet beaches but 1 of its major attractions is the Emerald Cave. We chose to beat the longtail boat tours and set off on 2 kayaks just before 8am, finding the entrance about 20 minutes later. We paddled into the pitch black chamber and about when we were going to turn back we saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Making our way through another of the caves arched doorways we came out onto a white beach enclosed by a huge circular volcano-like formation of limestone and thick vegetation.

The rest of our time on the island was spent relaxing on the beach with the occasional break to feast on the wonderful food on offer.