Going to Koh Samui on Friday

---

I went to a travel agency yesterday and made my travel plans to Koh Samui. I am taking a bus and ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui for under $25. The air fare would be over $100. I figured I would give the bus and ferry combo to see how it goes. On Koh Samui I am renting a private bungalow for about $65 a night on average, since the price goes up about $10 on December 20th which is the beginning of the high season. There also is a surcharge for the holiday week. The total cost for the bungalow, breakfast included, and transportation to and from is under $70 a day. Not too bad for a week on the second most desirable island in the world per MSNBC Travel page and Island Magazine. I enjoyed myself last year and hope to repeat the experience again.



I also asked the same the same travel agent to book me to Chang Mai and Chang Rai. I will go there for about 10 days direct from Koh Samui. I have heard that it is very beautiful there. Chang Mai is Thailand's second largest city but supposedly much "easier" than Bangkok. It's in the mountains so the temps are a little cooler. (It gets into the upper 80's during the day here in Bangkok.) I'm looking forward to this especially.



After I made the travel plans, I went to lunch at this little stand that I have frequented several times. The food is good and reasonable (about $2 for soup, chicken, and a banana shake). I will have to take a pic of it and post it here. It's very basic but good. I choose restaurants based on how busy they are assuming that means that the food is good. Hasn't failed me yet.



After lunch I went on a walking tour from my Lonely Planet guide of Bangkok. The guide gave a map and directions and told the history of the various landmarks in the area. I found it very enjoyable. It got me to see some things I normally would not have seen. If I have time today I will go on another walking tour of Chinatown from the same guide book.



I received a comment from a Thai that read my blog taking me to task for being glad to be an American after seeing my friend's Thai home. I apologize for any ill feelings my posting caused. What I should have said is that I am fortunate to having been born in the USA. I should also add that although the Thai home was basic I could tell that the family was very happy which you can't always say about American households. I also generalized after seeing only one residence. I have many nice apartment buildings and a fair number of BMW's and Mercedes Benz's as well.



I am posting a pic of the swimming pool and hot tub so you can see why I like it so much.



That's it for now.

---

Photos

Pic of the hot tub at the Asia Hotel Bangkok
I have met some nice people here!

Pic of the pool at the Asia Hotel Bangkok
Nice to go for a dip after sitting in the hot tub!