The next stop on the exploration of Thailand was the island of Koh Samui. Samui is one of the largest islands, and a bit more expensive. However, we really enjoyed our time there - and ending up spending about a week.
As soon as we arrived on Samui it started pouring rain. We were able to succesfully run to our place before the main downfall, and waited it out inside until it had somewhat cleared. We had booked ahead a spot in the Chaweng area, but it ended up being totally out of the way of everything. Google maps can be so deceiving when you don't know the area! It was a cute little place, but I found a cockroach....so we moved the next day. Nick pretended that he had picked it up and put it outside, but I knew better.
When the skies cleared we headed out to find some food (and where everyone else on the island was). After seeing a stormy beach and downing some burgers, we headed back to our hostel. However, the craziest rain storm of my life began about five minutes into our walk! It was as if I was in a high pressure shower! Although equipped with umbrellas, it was useless to even open them. We finally were able to hail down a cab to rescuse us - but it didn't really matter because after mere minutes we were soaked straight through!
Nice towels...not so nice bugs.
The start of the storm
After moving to a more central hotel, we settled into a routine for a few days of relaxing on the beach, eating delicious food, and checking out the market shopping. The beaches of Chaweng were a bit crowded, and it wasn't really my style. Still there were benefits to a crowded beach because you could get ice cream and corn delivered to your seat, and it was easy to steal plates of food from crowded BBQs. If you are looking to meet new people, then Chaweng beach is the place to be. I just wanted a relaxing place to nap and read, so we headed up the beach to Lamai after a few days.
My favourite Thai snack - mango with sticky rice.
Fresh corn on the cob!
Lamai is a less touristy area, with a smaller beach. Rather than busy hotels, it was filled with cozy resorts full of old retirees and a smattering of young honeymooners. I spent the first day planted firmly on my pool chair, getting thoroughly sunburned. The lady who ran the resort was a bit shocked to see backpackers at her door, but she was welcoming and lovely. The next day we climbed up one of the local mountains to check out the view, and then returned poolside for the afternoon. The "hike" was essentially straight up a mountain road, so the rest was well deserved. I think that we spent three days in Lamai, and too be honest it was one of my highlights. I know that sounds super lazy (three days of doing nothing), but it was lovely. Sometimes it is nice to take a break from run down hostels and treat yourself (if travelling is not treat enough). We got a ridiculously good deal on the place, and it was well worth it. We kept the bills down by trekking to 711 for snacks and treats, and spent the evenings watching English TV (a treat to me now!).
The stairs up to the pool
Climbing up a mountain road
Checking out the ocean
Resort view.
Samui was not recommended to me as a place to visit, and we actually accidentally spent more time there than we intended. However, I really enjoyed my time there - and think it is worth going back to. There was plenty to see, and ample opportunity to relax. We had to keep to a timeline though, and so onwards we went to Koh Phi Phi!
How I spent most of my time....fast asleep.
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