Day 1 in Thailand - And Yes, We Are in Ko Samui

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Arriving in Ko Samui, we were bombarded with overpriced drivers at the pier. Vivienne knew they were overcharging and refused to give in. They were charging from something like 200 Baht to 400 Baht per person, it was crazy. We managed to get to Chaweng beach for 50 Baht each.

< Although it was raining heavily, the songtheaw driver sure was speeding in the rain. I’m surprised to find Vivienne falling asleep beside me amidst the bumpy ride, she must be really tired. I just opened my eyes wide and took in the sights of the island, and whatever that hit me in the face (including the rain of course). The kids and locals gave us curious stares, eventhough they should be quite used to travellers like us. The songtheaw drove fast in the rain. I was happy, refreshed, excited! >

*songtheaw - a sheltered, crimson, mini lorry/utility vehicle, taxi thingy which seats about 8 to 10 people

With the driver screaming, “Chaweng! Chaweng!” we were pretty sure we got the right place. It was way past check-in time and room vacancies were few and expensive (yup, we are just a couple of budget travellers). We had to walk from resort to resort before we found one at 300 Baht and decided to make it our stay for the night.
After a cold shower to freshen ourselves up, we had our dinner at Ark Bar, a pub & restaurant beside our hut. I spoilt myself with a huge, yummy steak. After checking our emails at a nearby internet shop and stocking up on some snacks, we retreated back to our hut to get some good rest.

*Ark Bar - nice place with good music, cosy ambience and friendly crowd. Thumbs up. A must visit.

Vivienne slept like a baby. What a day it was, with almost 24 hours just spent on travelling alone. It was absolutely tiring, but what a rush! Although the coach and mini van/bus rides were exhausting, it was still fun afterall - all part and parcel of travelling. And since I’m still recovering from my flu, I better get an early night then. Goodnight.

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Expenditure:

1. Coach ticket from Singapore to Hatyai, (Singapore Dollar) SGD41
2. In Malaysia
- fried Bee Hoon with egg, fried chicken and beancurd (Malaysia Ringgit) MYR6
- a dozen steamed, mini buns and Teh Susu (tea with milk) MYR4
- getting my passport stamped without queuing at the checkpoint, MYR2 (kinda weird… people will do anything to earn some extra bucks)
3. In Thailand
- iced-cold chrysanthemum tea, (Thai Baht) THB15 (yeah right, overflowing with ice and hardly any tea… :P )
- bus and ferry ride from Hatyai to Ko Samui, THB320
- fruits from a vendor, THB30
- songtheaw ride from Ko Samui’s pier to Chaweng beach, THB50
- rent for a hut with fan and shower, THB300
- Ark Bar, garlic butter steak and hot tea, THB290
- at the convenience store, pen THB10, can of cold drink THB15, crackers THB19, 100ml shampoo THB25
- internet usage at 1 Baht p/min, THB50

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