Really Sad to Leave Phuket
Trip Start
Dec 26, 2005
1
34
285
Trip End
Jan 25, 2009
Ko Samui,
Thailand
Sunday, January 29, 2006
But, being a RTW traveller means that I have to move on. I had the morning to relax and organise my things before boarding my 4.50pm flight from Phuket to Ko Samui. My final birthday present (the flight) meant that I avoided another 12 hour bus/ferry arrangement. This morning I think I was starting to experience some symptoms of traveller's burnout... but I'm sure it's my desire to stay in Patong that is influencing my thoughts at the moment.
Arriving in Ko Samui was amazing... the airport is an open layout of bungalows and open-air buildings. It is so laid back and informal. The bag carousel is basically on the runway and it was quite unnerving seeing planes land and lift off within such close proximity.
The weather is ok here, and on arrival, I was instantly in paradise... plenty of coconut palm litter the island. I found a motorcycle taxi, and on settling on 300 baht ($10), I was zooming through the back roads of Koh Samui. An unbelievable sight, I knew I was going to fall in love with this island. The area near the airport was quite primitive, with small bamboo huts, ladies and children doing the house chores and lots of men lying about. Being on the back of a motorbike ensured that I had a great view of everything around me.
I arrived at my Bungalow at around 6pm... and talk about a score! I have my own bungalow right on the beach... about 5 metres from the water. There are coconut palms, the sound of waves breaking, and lots of friendly people. I would pay so much for this in Australia, but I have this for $13 a night. This is exactly what I needed given my desire to be back in Phuket. Whilst the bungalow is very simple, the location is absolutely first class. The bungalow, called Wishes Bungalow, is situated on Hat Lamai beach... the second major beach in Koh Samui. I am so glad I didn't stay on Chaweng beach... fully of 5 star resorts and manicured, toffee nosed platinum card users. Hat Lamai is geared to the budget traveller and is so much more relaxed - I ventured to Chaweng but hated it instantly. I absolutely love the area that I'm in and am looking forward to my 4 nights here... barely enough time. I've met a Canadian couple who have already extended their 7 night stay to 20 nights. I wish I could of done the same... but I will return. I can highly recommend this hostel/location for anyone visiting Thailand.
I basically relaxed, socialised with the other budget travellers, drank a few beers before hitting the sack. Today was really mixed, with the real lows and real highs of independent backpacking round the world.
