Xmas on Koh Samui

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Ao Nang and Ao Nang to Koh Samui



Friday 23 December



On the move again after our brief stay in Ao Nang. Arrived on Wed evening and picked up from ferry in open cattle truck for transfer to guest house. Ao Nang is another seaside town but is a gateway for access to the Islands of the coast.



Booked in then had a walk out during the evening running the gauntlet of Hey Mr, u want massage or u want suit made, very cheap. They do sell a T shirt that states in plain English no i don’t want a f........... Massage or ..............suit, must get one i think.



I diverse, we had supper at a street side road stand, me trying the Tomyum, spicy soup with shrimp and Sue, Shrimp and noodle’s. It was ok until the last half of my soup which took on the taste of the R. Orwell at low water. Still hungry i have to admit we dropped in to the devils establishment called Mc Donald’s, shame on us I know buts needs must.



The following morning we were up and out early as we had to get to Krabi immigration office to increase our time allowed in Thailand by a further 7 days. The reason for this is as tourists we have a max of 30 days, if you go over this on exit from the country you are fined approx 500 brt a day.



Had no problems finding the office and sorting but came away £80.00 the poorer. Never mind we are legal so no embarrassments at the airport.



Rest of the day, what was left we strolled the prom and acted kind off lazy. Supper had in small restaurant, mixture of Spring roles, Thai Salad and crispy beef, and noodles washed down with the obligatory Tiger.



Friday dawned and we packed and made ready for the trek across country to catch the Koh Samui ferry. Due to be collected at 11.00, eventually picked up at midday which is 11.00 Thai time. Told the buses are busy today with folk travelling the route to attend the Black Moon party on Koh ...........



First stage of journey took us to the bus depot in Krabi, a bamboo hut, reception desk and ice cream stall. Checked in and given our ID stickers to wear and joined the growing crowds of travellers and waited, and waited, and waited. Eventually a coach pulls up and we climb aboard, wait a while again while the driver cools down the engine and aircon with a hose then we’re off bound i think for Surat Thani then the coast.



I’ll let you know later what happens!'



Just stopped to let people of who are off to Surat Thani so not going there. S/Thani is a junction for the train up to Bangkok so we push on a bit further.



Ten minutes later we can see the sea again, such relief. We pull up at the port, literally opposite the ferry. When i say ferry it’s more an elongated version of the Orwell Lady but capable of doing 20/25 knots with 300 trippers aboard.



We made good time despite a steep metre and a half swell and arrived at the Island around 18.00 hrs. Found a public taxi to share and made it to our Fair Beach Hotel 45 mins later.



This is the good bit, guided to reception minus the bags as these where fetched to the room a little later. In reception we are treated to chilled flannels and fresh juice and asked to sit while the booking in process was completed. When done we were driven in our personnel Golf cart to the room, which turned out to be all ok, fresh flowers on the bed, the loo, just about everywhere.



Met up with Emma and Mike who had arrived earlier and exchanged stories of the past few days before walking down to the town for a late supper of Chang and Pizza.



Arranged to meet for buffet breakfast next morning then retired after an exhausting day’s travel.



Awoke at eight and wandered down to the restaurant for the buffet breakfast. A real spread awaited us and we took no time in getting stuck in. Something nice about eating breakfast ten meters from the breaking surf and supping a mug of real Tea.



A plan for the day was made with Mike and i off to hire Mopeds while the ladies lay out beside the pool.



Hired two 125cc machines, Mike had a practice around the hotel driveway before meeting the girls. All ready to leave when the rain started falling, getting heavier and heavier so settled in on the veranda with a set of cards and played Rummy. Eventually it dried up enough to venture out and we made our way to check out the Big Buda and other sites. Must admit we found it all a bit familiar and touristy so didn’t stay long and came back to Hotel for an invigorating swim in the raging surf and a rinse in the pool. The evening was pleasantly spent in a cheap but very tasty restaurant in Chaweng. Imagine a breeze block room with a tin room, plastic garden chairs and tables, a kitchen set up on trestle tables in the middle with one chef cooking on two woks assisted by someone mixing the ingredients, two waiters and a pot washer and catering for approx 250 covers an evening. Simplistic but effective and very tasty.



After a couple of late beers we retired to bed dreaming of Father Christmas, not.



Christmas Day, whoopee! . Got stuck into another huge buffet breakfast and made plans for a trip out. Hey guess what happened next, it started raining on xmas day, and then turned into a tropical downpour. Waited it out with another round of cards then finally set off for a trip to Tesco’s to buy me some shorts and E and M to buy assorted spices for taking home. Sounds a bit sad really but we had fun. The afternoon was spent visiting a famous rock formation which is supposed to look like the male and female genitalier! Didn’t resemble much to us though so made it back to the hotel for another swim in the surf and make ready for me to spring the xmas surprise on the others, a full Thai massage and rather expensive meal at the Spirit House restaurant. Massage was pretty good although painful at times and the meal was good also, with dishes ranging from Duck, Squid, Shrimp, Prawn etc finished off with Mango’s and Sticky rice and Banana’s with Coconut ice cream.



Stopped off at the Loft Bar for cocktails on the way home then spent an hour emailing and Skype family etc, well Mike did no one in our address book where on line?. Must have been down the pub or opening presents.



Boxing Day was again overcast so off out on the bikes to explore the island further. Found a little beach resort for morning coffee where it started to rain again. Cleared up a little for us to make our way back for the afternoon swim and game of cards before hitting our cheap and cheerful restaurant for Green curry and pasta ect.



I logged on for Boxing Day footy commentary at 23.00 hrs, when Mike informed me the ITFC game was screened live on the telly. Managed to watch the last 25 mins with Thai commentary. Disappointed to see the town still suffer from the same frailties as when i last saw them.



The 27^th/12 and we have to move on to new cheaper accommodation which Mike and i found the previous day. Only 700 Brt a night here, £14.00 which is ok.



All settled in then spent the day on the beach as would you believe the sun came out to play at last.



Had fun messing about in the huge surf, enjoying a lunchtime beer and reading. Made use of the nearby hotel facilities i.e., there swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a bit cheeky but nice.



All exhausted late afternoon so slept for an hour or two then out for another meal at the cheap and cheerful. Alas they where full so had to abandon for a Burger and Fries instead, quite a come down.



More cocktails on the way home and an early night.



Today the 28^th, another day on the beach, must make the most of the sun and its E and M last day here before flying to Bangkok tomorrow and home the next day.



Got a bit bored during the day so walked the entire length of the beach with Mike and rewarded ourselves with finding a lively travellers bar and ordered beer and toasties for lunch before trekking through the surf all the way back.



That pretty much brings us up to date, Sue and i will stay here until Monday then we too make our way to Bangkok via ferry and overnight bus. We have one full day there buying T shirts and have washing done before flying down to NZ.



Probably will not blog until NZ as it will be just beach talk.



So long till then, and a happy new year to everyone,



J

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Comments

[Tim]

HNY!
Happy New Year, Jon et family...No beach talk this end, just salt marshes.....