Our overnight Lomprayah bus trip was comfortable. Fully air-conditioned with a toilet and a halfway stop to stretch your legs and grab some food and have a cigarette, LOL.
We arrived at Chumpon pier extremely excited as this was the last leg of our journey to Koh Samui. With the sand beneath our feet we experienced our first sunrise in Thailand. This was an awesome feeling and for the first time we felt that we were really HERE.
We also experienced our first Thailand downpour which seemed to come out of nowhere and had everyone scurrying to get their bags under cover.
The ferry trip seemed to take forever with three stops at various islands, Koh Samui being the last. Barf bags are provided for those who felt queasy as the ride was a bit bumpy at times. The views of passing islands and docking at the islands were breath taking. We were surprised at the speed the High-speed Catamaran traveled.
We met up with the taxi at the pier on Koh Samui and had a very interesting taxi ride to our accommodation, the Choengmon Beach Hotel and Spa. For the first time we actually experienced what we had heard about Thailand.
Thailand is not the cleanest or the richest and the streets are lined with small businesses (not the best kept or maintained) selling every possible thing and offering any service you can think of. You can feel and see the poverty and very basic living standards while driving through the streets. This was a real eye-opener. Although you get a feeling of living to survive, the Thai people seem happy.
The streets are busy with various modes of transport (scooters, cars, taxis and songthaew‘s) and this can be hair-raising at times. A songthaew is essentially a “bakkie with a dakkie”.
We arrived at the Choengmon Beach Hotel, checked in, and entered what was to be our home for the next 8 weeks. Our room is a clean basic room with a comfortable king-sized bed, wi-fi, air-conditioner, small fridge, balcony, desk, toilet, basin and shower.
Be aware that not all accommodation includes free air-con and you might be charged separately for electricity when you check out. Clarify this as soon as you check in.
Free wi-fi is found everywhere. Wi-fi passwords are usually found on the menus (in bars and restaurants) or on signs on the doors as you enter. It’s great as once you have saved the passwords of the spots you’ve been to, your mobile will automatically hop from hot spot to hot spot as you walk around.
We unpacked, went out onto the balcony and looked out onto this tropical paradise of lush greenery hearing the calls of the birds. We breathed a huge sigh of relief, feeling exhilarated and happy, tired yet so awake and pumped up.
We thank the Power and Spirit of the Universe and the creator of all things for making our dream a reality.
Time to explore and possibly get an early night.