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Day 110
At 11am we were promptly picked up by a minibus to start our journey across Thailand to Koh Samui. The driver didn't drop us off at Krabi Town bus station as expected but at a private bus station, where we were informed that we would be leaving at 12.30pm, so we had to sit and wait for over an hour.
A minibus took us on the 147km journey to Surat Thani on the East coast of Thailand. The journey was a bit cramped and slow due to the rain storms and floods we travelled through. 2 hours later we arrived at the coast and where the Songserm ferry left from. Here we were told that we would be leaving at 3.30pm so we happily sat and waited for another hour or so. At 4pm we were still patiently waiting with only one other couple , it was obvious that we would not be leaving soon.
At 4.30pm a tuk tuk arrived and we were ushered onto it, after a 10 minute journey we arrived at a Shell petrol station where we were told to wait a further 10 minutes. A coach arrived that would finally
take us to the ferry. At 6pm and after 5 modes of transport we eventually left the mainland on a car ferry. The sun was just setting and 2 hours later we arrived on the island of Koh Samui, 5 hours later than we expected.
We were now feeling a bit tired and hungry so jumped in the first taxi we saw. Our accommodation was near Big Budda Beach and it took a further 45 minute taxi ride. Today's journey was only about 70 miles and it has taken us nearly 12 hours, you have to be very patient when travelling in Thailand Upon arrival at the hotel we were provided with a much needed welcome drink and shown to our room. We booked to stay at the Maya Buri Boutique Resort, after being disappointed that the recommended Jungle Club was fully booked.
We had booked a deluxe room as it was a bargain price and within our budget. Our room looked great and just what we needed after today's journey. It was a large modern room with teak furniture, a four poster bed and a huge bathroom. Room service ensured that we could eat before going to
bed, we definitely don't feel like backpackers in this resort!
17/5
Day 111
This morning we woke up to rain, the sky was very grey and it did not look like the sun would be out any time soon. We had a relaxing morning and Oli still went in the pool despite the weather. In the afternoon we put our waterproof jackets on and ventured out to walk along the single track road towards the local village. It took us about 20 minutes to walk to Fishermans village, it was a bit hairy at times as it was a busy road.
After having a look round and a quick walk to the beach we stopped for lunch. Oli enjoyed home made steak pie and chips while I enjoyed cottage pie, it reminded us of home! The walk back seemed quicker than the way back and the rain had eased. In the evening we enjoyed a meal in the restaurant at the hotel.
18/5
Day 112
We woke up to better weather today so made the most of it by sitting round the pool for a few hours. By lunchtime the storm clouds were back so
we decided to go and visit Chaweng, the biggest resort on the island. We ended up walking quite a way before a taxi went passed that we could flag down. Chaweng is a popular resort and was busy with tourists today as the sun had come back out.
The town is very cramped with the usual shops, restaurants and bars. We struggled to find our way to the beach as it seems you have to walk through a hotel to get there. Once on the beach we found it full of people sunbathing on sun loungers and locals selling food they cooked on the beach. Every other building we went passed offered massages and there was hotel after hotel along the front.
We continued to walk the length of the beach until we arrived at the north of the town where all the concrete buildings came to an end. It was very hot and humid walking back towards the town so we could get a taxi to our hotel.
19/5
Day 113
This morning we visited the Big Buddha which was only a 10 minute taxi ride from our hotel. It is a massive gold structure
that sits at the headland of the east of the island near Bophut. Many temples sit at the base of the Buddha and steps lead up to the base of the impressive structure. We spent a bit of time here before heading back to enjoy the pool all afternoon.
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Georgia
non-member comment
Ha I like your face on the "Nice ferry!" photo!!! xxx