Koh Samui

After a day in Bangkok in between trips, we headed south on a combined bus and ferry ticket to Koh Samui (571 baht, second class) from the southern bus terminal in Bangkok. I had heard many bad things about private bus companies on Khao sanh Road, so decided to opt for a government bus. I managed to wend my way down to lie on the floor and got the most sleep on a night bus yet, despite the fact that it was not a sleeper. The floor was warm from the engine, and much more roomy than my seat.


Views from the barge on the journey to Koh Samui told me that this would be a fun stay, although upon arrival I found this to be the most expensive place I have been. The 100 baht taxi to Chaweng beach, the most touristy area of the island, took about 20 minutes, and we were left to find a hotel. There are no places under 400 baht in Koh Samui, although we managed to find the best of the 400 baht rooms at a place called Potts Guesthouse, which has a balcony, fridge, and sink in our large room. We rented a scooter (150 baht), and drove down to Na Muang 2 waterfall, along the coast road. The ride is absolutely lovely, and despite visiting three other waterfalls since then, none have trumped Na Muang 2 for beauty or seclusion. We have spent the greater part of two days there, sitting with our feet in a small off-shoot rivulet of the main waterfalls and reading, napping, planning, and exploring.


The other day thus far was spent on the beach, which has beautiful crystalline blue water. The island contains 2 large Tesco's, so because most of the restaurant food here is prohibitively expensive, we have taken to self-made meals. It is nice to be able to make my own meal again, even if it's just pouring yoghurt on top of my breakfast muesli, assembling a sandwich for lunch, or a salad for dinner. Today is Good Friday (Happy Easter!), so we have decided to stay here for Easter, and then make our way down to Malaysia for our 1st of May flight to Sri Lanka. I have been lenting for the last two weeks or so, so I am very much looking forward to Easter Sunday and the chocolate, cakes, and desserts that it will bring.