Koh Tao
And here starts the hassle of transport commute (see blog article). After a 15h commute (including bus, free taxi ride and a night cargo boat) I finally make it to the so famous island! Most people go to Koh Tao to dive (and party of course), and take their diving license. Due to an injury to my knee (and to my stubborn desire to dive in the Similands), I only went to Koh Tao to visit and enjoy the island. Unfortunately I got to see the most developed but less pretty side of the island; and the next day is rained all day cutting short my plans of visiting the other side of the island and it's beautiful beaches and view point.
Fortunately, treating myself with a higher standard hotel, I got to see a beautiful sunset and enjoy the long missed seaside view. And far away from all the party places. |
Transportation: night boat from Surat Thani - B600 bed with blanket and pillow - 10pm - 6am
Accommodation: Aminjirah resort - B1200 discounted rate
Accommodation: Aminjirah resort - B1200 discounted rate
Koh Samui
Cutting short to the rainy weather in Tao, I embark on a speed boat to Koh Samui (2:00 journey). After a crazy ride (the fasted speed catamaran ever: pile of suitcase right in front of me threatening to fall on me, and people vomiting of seasickness...) I check in at a basic hostel in the heart of Chaweng, the most touristic part of the island. To my opinion the hostel wasn't worth it's price compared to other places for the same rate, and was too dirty in the toilet and bathroom, although the rooms were OK. However it is perfectly located because close to the beach, the main road with shops, the bars and the restaurants, and ils reception being a tourism agency. That being noticed, I checked in at the New Hut on my last night, a lovely bungalow hotel right on Lamai beach for the same price as the shabby hostel but with the luxury of having the beach and a less touristic area right at my feet. Lamai is a cute place to stay, more local and where you can find local food or food markets more easily.
Samui is a lovely island to visit. There's of course much more to it than the beaches (which I only did) such as waterfalls and hikes. Being less touristic and packed han Phuket but bigger and with more to do than Koh Tao, I believe Samui is a great place to settle in if you're looking to live on a Thai island. But don't get me wrong, it stills remain a touristic island where people come to party (great beach parties by the way!) and the locals charge you ridiculous touristic prices. Like elsewhere, especially in the south, you got to look for the remote and less touristic are if you want to relax and enjoy the moment. These place are more authentic and enjoyable especially in party place like Koh Tao - Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samiu. |
Transportation: 2h speed boat from Koh Tao - B750 (600 for the boat and 150 for the taxi service). Around the island, if you don't rent a motorbike like me, an alternative to the expensive taxis is the red open trucks, perceived to me like buses, that can take you anywhere you want for a bargained price - I usually payed B100 for a ride.
Accommodation: Hello backpackers Hotel at the heart of Chaweng then New Huts on Lamai Beach - B300 per night each
Budget: around B2000 accommodation, food and beverages
Accommodation: Hello backpackers Hotel at the heart of Chaweng then New Huts on Lamai Beach - B300 per night each
Budget: around B2000 accommodation, food and beverages