Koh Samui Day 3-Driving around whole of Koh Samui

Morning View of the Resort Beach

Breakfast @ Resort

Day 3 after breakfast at the hotel, initially my plan was to go on another island hopping-Ko Tao & Koh Nangyuan, ever since yesterday boat trip, everyone wanted to rest from boat ride, instead we rented a car to travel around the whole of Koh Samui. There are so many beaches that i wanted to see how they look like.

Obtaining a map from the hotel, we started our journey from Lamai Hua Thanon- Bang Kao to Thong Krut to Taling Ngam to Nathon to Maenam to Bo Phut and Chaweng back to Lamai.

Taling Ngam- we could see the five island from the beach. Then we went to have a look at the Ban Sabai Sunset Beach Resort and Spa- very luxurious, honeymoon resort, secluded and far from town.

Taling Ngam

Taling Ngam- Can you spot  the 5 islands?

There are 5 islands but my picture only show 3...sad

BoPhut- Fisherman Village- Is a long stretch of shops, with restaurant facing the beach, ice-cream parlor-movenpick...Spend time shopping. We went up to Signature Samui Beach Resort- The view from the hotel was splendid, more expensive, higher class hotel, catering for honeymoon vacationers and weddings.

My favourite picture

Fisherman Village

The Restaurant near the beach- with good view of beach

Signature Samui View

Chaweng- Back to Chaweng, crowded with people, full of hotels. Went to Tesco-to check out their products. In tesco, look out for the travel size shampoo for Pantene, head and shoulders & facial wash... all around RM 2-3, quite cheap as it is manufactured in thailand. Drove to view point-nice view, you will be able to find it on the map.

Chaweng Viewpoint in the Evening

Back to the hotel.

Dinner: Sala Thai Restaurant.- Restaurant was full of people. Waiting time was quite long. The Mango Juice was not as good as the restaurant on the first day, it was more watery. Ordered Pad Thai, Tom Yam (Yum Yum!) Chicken, Steam Fish and Curry. Feels like we had a such big appetite. The food wasn't that great too maybe because they were rushing, lack of taste.

Koh Samui- Day 1

Arriving at the Koh Samui Airport- they arrange the tram to take us to the immigration. Considering Koh Samui is an island, the Airport had an island feel to it. After taking our baggage, you will see some booths for rental of cars. We thought that that was the place to wait for our pre-arranged transport to the hotel. Then we found after a few minutes that we had to walk further up, following the signs to the "Real" arrival hall. Therefore, just follow the sign.

We met our driver and travel about 20-30 minutes to our hotel in Lamai- Promtsuk Buri (for more information about the hotel, pls look at the hotel page)

After checking in to our hotel, we decided to take a rest, enjoy the hotel beach and to plan for the next day activity- Island hopping-Ang Thong National Marine Park. In the evening, we travel to Chaweng by taxi. (see transportation tip)

Chaweng beach road-near Chaweng Lake- is a long stretch of shops selling all sorts of things, food, thai products, leather shoes, haagendas, swensens, tailors, bars... It is crowded, as many of the tourist stay here or around this town.

Dinner: Thai food at a restaurant in chaweng-Beach Road. We asked around and they recommended this shop. (sorry I forgot to take down the name, it was I think opp ) The food was really delicious. The Mango Juice is a must try, it is really fresh juice from fresh mangoes. Then we ordered a plate of stir fry vegetables, fry fish, tom yam and pineapple fried rice. All was really splendid except for the fry fish.

Koh Samui- Day 2- Island Hopping

It was a rainy day, we decided to book the tour from the Hotel using Samui Island Tour to Angthong Marine Park. You can choose between with Kayaking or without. (Do compare the prices before booking.) A van fetch us and sent us the jetty. Then we took the tour boat, they served breakfast, with bread,coffee and tea. (Advise: Do not eat too much or you will regret later!) The tour guide mentioned to us that if any were to back out now, please go ahead ( we did not know why she said that, but we realize later)

Koh Samui Island Tour Boat

The sea was rough, we thought that it will be better after a while, not long after it started to get even worst, the sea was really choppy and many people started to throw out, including my family members. With many of feeling really uncomfortable and feel like vomiting, it seem like forever to get the National Park. By the time, we reached there, it was a sign of relief as the water was much calmer. However, because my family members, were feeling so uncomfortable, they didn't get to enjoy the scenery at all. (A word of advise: Even though our friend mentioned to us that the weather is quite good in December, it is better to check again, especially when travelling on the boat and with elderly ones, they might not be able to handle the journey. Please check the weather condition and the sea condition before deciding and if not sure you have a chance to back out.)

As for me, even though my stomach felt uncomfortable due to the boat ride, I really wanted to see the scenery. I went up and caught sight of the astonishing emerald green lagoon-"Talay Nai". Wow, magnificent!

From the Viewpoint

The Emerald Lagoon

Next, it was lunch on the boat and we were taken to the next island in Wua Ta Lap island. You can choose between staying near the beach and taking a swim or climbing up to the top view point which is about one hour. Since, my family members were not feeling well, we decided to stay near the beach. It was a little let down as this island isn't much of a sight or beauty, it was ruin by dirt, rubbish and glass.

Lunch Provided on Board

After an hour, we headed back to Koh Samui.

Dinner: Tarua Samui Seafood Restaurant. About 10 mins walking distance from our hotel, recommended by the hotel staff. We thought we are here on an island, must try seafood.

We ordered fish, prawns, vegetable and lobster. The outdoor table was so windy and cooling, very romantic. As for food, is not that good. Our lobster, did not have any taste in it. The bill- expensive.

Sneak out to Lamai Night Market- went shopping, like Chaweng it is a whole stretch of shops, just shorter than Chaweng. Banana pancakes was recommended on other website but I did not try as it looks similar to malaysia's banana roti canai. Must have a look. Might be able to find things that you like. I bought bags, hair bands with flowers, and broach.

Koh Samui- From Subang

Ever since I saw the picture in an e-mail showing the beauty of Koh Samui, I have always wanted to set foot on that island. My wish came true, when I travel to last December to Koh Samui.

I had a friend who was living in Koh Samui and she mentioned that Firefly was offering special fares to Koh Samui, therefore we quickly booked our tickets. Firefly is the only company that offers direct flight from Malaysia to Koh Samui. Departing from Subang International Airport.

I have not been to Subang International Airport, ever since KLIA used as an international airport. was expecting the worst, but to my surprise they renovated the interior and it looks really splendid.

However, as only firefly as the main airplane departing from Subang, it is not as crowded as LCCT, I would say it is underutilized. But definitely a shorter distance from the city centre, which saves lots of time.

We had lunch at Noodles Restaurant. They gave so little noodles and it was so watery, it didn't taste good and pretty expensive.

Curry Noodle RM 9.90

Dumpling Soup RM 5.90

Nasi Lemak RM 9.90

Asam Laksa RM 9.90

Firefly airplane was alright. There were plenty of empty seats. The air pressure was a little low. Other than that, was happy to see them giving us snack and a drink as it is a code sharing flight with Malaysia Airlines. With snacks to fill my stomach, I am satisfied.

Coming Next- Trip to Koh Samui

Coming Next: Trip to Koh Samui

Change of blog colours

I have change the colour and theme of my blog. Love the new colors and hoping to bring more travel reviews and destination guides - my style for travelers...

Hopefully you like the new color and theme...