Ko Samui Thailand

For the Easter holiday we decided to enjoy a slow and relaxing beach vacation in Thailand. Our trip started with an overnight stay in Bangkok. Little did we know that we would be celebrating the new year for a third time in 2006. April 13-15 is the Thai new year, or Songkran. One way in which the locals celebrate the holiday is by dowsing each other and everyone else (especially tourists) with water and talcum powder paste. As soon as we left the airport we saw evidence of the celebrations; many of the buses and taxis were covered with white splotches and handprints.

We arrived at our hotel around dinner time, so we walked a short way to a shopping mall to grab some food. We were surprised to see how many American chains were present, including Dairy Queen, Tony Romas, and Swensens. We settled on a Portuguese restaurant that we had not heard of before.. it was pretty good, and cheap.

On our way back to the hotel we talked about how westernized Bangkok is, with lots of skyscrapers, freeways and shopping centers... then we encountered an Elephant taxi walking down the sidewalk. Bangkok is an interesting place.


Elephant on Bangkok Street

Everywhere we went in Thailand we saw lots of tropical flowers. Boquets were everywhere.


Orchid bouquet in our hotel room.

The next morning our plans to see some of Bangkoks famous temples were interrupted when Wes woke up feeling ill. We're not sure if it was something he ate. We got a late start and headed to the Chatuchak Weekend market. One of the largest markets in the world, it has a wide range of goods from Thailand and abroad. Annette headed into the maze-like array of booths while Wes sat outside, still not feeling well enough to deal with the crowds.


Bangkok Market

After a couple hours at the market it was time for our flight to Ko Samui, so we took a cab back to the airport.


Ko Samui


Our Plane


View from Above


Samui Airport

Ko Samui International airport was quite a bit different from any airport I have ever seen. All of the airport buildings were open air.. guess they save on air conditioning that way.


Baggage Claim, Ko Samui

Ko Samui is an island covered in coconut farms and hotels. The roads are generally good and buzz with locals and tourists driving scooters. The island seems to be going intense but haphazard development, with many bulldozed lots and unfinished buildings.

After a short taxi ride and we arrived at Napasai, our home for the rest of the holiday. Napsai is on a somewhat secluded stretch of beach on the north side of Ko Samui. Upon arrival we were seated on the terrace and given a cold towel and tropical fruit juice while the hotel staff checked us in.


Welcome Juice

When we got to our room, the staff brought our bags and some fresh fruit.


On the Porch

After exploring the resort a little, we went back to the room, ate dinner, and went to sleep early.


Sunset

On the next day Wes was feeling a lot better and got up early to plan some adventures. The first order of business was breakfast. After that, relaxing on the beach. Then, maybe some snorkeling.


Wes on the Porch


Fisherman


Napasai

We headed down to the beach and staked out a couple of lounge chairs, then grabbed some snorkeling equipment. Right off the beach there was a small reef with many types of coral and tropical fish.


Chillin


Coral

In the afternoon we headed to Chaweng, the biggest and most touristy town on Ko Samui. The main strip is full of restaurants, bars and shops. On the beach we found lots of pasty white immodest European tourists. Yikes. In the shade there were local women offering Thai massages, foot massages, manicures and pedicures. We decided to try an hourlong Thai massage.. an absolute bargain at 200 baht ($4). The Thai massage featured a lot of different stretches and focus on pressure points.. it was very refreshing.


Chaweng Beach


Chaweng Beach

After the massage we decided to do some shopping at the market in Chaweng.


Shopping in Chaweng

Back at our resort, we decided to take a swim in the pool before dinner. Wes also took a few photos of the plants decorating the property.


Orchids


Orchids


Banana tree


Annette in the Pool


Fishermen at Dusk


Palms

For dinner we tried the hotel restaurant. The drinks and curries were served in intricately carved fruit bowls.


Pineapple Drink

Curry for Dinner


Flower Child

Back at our room there was a giant lizard (ok.. maybe a foot long) trying to catch bugs on the porch.


Attack Lizard

Plans for day 2 on Ko Samui were pretty much the same as the first. More relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, swimming in the pool, and eating tasty food. This is what we came for.


At the Beach again


Napasai


Coral


Tropical Fish


View from Lunch Table


Should have used more sunscreen


Flowers


At the pool


Another beautiful sunset


Art photo.. "Underwater Budda"

Our last day on Ko Samui..


Coffee time


Kitten

The breakfast buffet offered a mix of pastries and traditional western and Asian breakfast foods. Wes found that by stuffing a chocolate croissant with coconut jam it became a delicious "Mounds" croissant.


Breakfast


Back at the airport


Departure gate


Ko Samui International Airport


Time to Fly.. bye Ko Samui!