Living the 'high life' on a 'low budget'

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This was my second ever visit to Ko Samui, after visiting the island as a backpacker in May of 1997, when the intensity of the sun almost caused me to sizzle alive, and the throngs of euphoric tourists, all happy to share the island's magical charm, kept me in high spirits throughout my stay. This time around though, it was an almost entirely different affair, and I stayed at something more closely resembling a proper hotel, with a gorgeous stretch of private beach just around the rear of the property. It is worth pointing out that, back then, the main street was not properly surfaced, and was lined with stalls selling bootleg cassettes, amongst other items, and a few restaurants and bars of note, hinting at a tourist infrastructure which was at a developmental stage. The street seemed to take all of about 15 minutes to cover, from end to end, but second time around, it had been properly surfaced, seemed to be 3 times its original length, and had gone upmarket, in terms of what it had to offer in the way of lodgings, eateries and nightspots. I, for one, am not averse to this kind of development, because it is the influx of tourists which makes it this way, and besides, there are far quieter resorts on the island than Chaweng Beach, where I stayed at on both occasions, so I suppose you pays your money, you takes your choice. Highlights were numerous, including a guided tour of the island by private driver - cheap and a very varied itinerary too, and also the beach life and the time spent lazing around the hotel pool, or enjoying a Thai massage at the hotel's spa. All in all, Ko samui will always occupy a special place in my soul, and I am always keen to hear travellers' reports about the island, since I recommend these kinds of places to people in search of inspiration for travel destinations, and would hate to think that I am leading them to places they are not really suited to!

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Photos

Beach
Seemingly 'private' stretch of beach just behind Ko Samui's First House hotel - that's sure to up their occupancy rates!

Waterfall
At times like these, you know you've well and truly arrived!

Temple
Exotic is the first word which springs to mind - temple near Big Buddha

Elephant
Elephant trekkers enjoying an elevated view

Promenade
Square at main street, Chaweng beach, Ko Samui