Koh Samui Island - travel diary

The last stop of the Gulf of Thailand was the island of Kho Samui. Having left Kho Tao with a scheduled boat, within about two and a half hours we arrived at Samui, passing through a technical stop at Kho Pha-ngan. Having arrived on the new island, we had ourselves transported by a shared taxi to Chao weng beach (maybe that's not how it's spelled) where the whole life of the island develops. Fortunately we didn't have much trouble finding accommodation, even though to tell the truth for us it was a bit small. It was a Hut, that's what the typical bungalows made of straw and woven palm leaves are called. The real problem was that inside there was only room for two beds and there are three of us. But to save a bit of money, as usual we managed to adapt.

As instructed, as soon as we put down our bags we headed towards the beach for a refreshing swim, but the first impression was certainly not positive... Where had the calm and tranquil sea that we had got used to seeing on the previous islands gone? And the white and smooth beach? No trace. The sea was rough, the beach semi mountainous and beaten by an "arrogant" wind. What a disappointment... we were already ready to pack our bags again and leave for a new destination, towards better shores.

It took a couple of days, or maybe even less, to understand how the island worked, but then it was all clear to us. Kho Samui doesn't focus so much on the sea or the beach (which are just the backdrop) but rather on the nightlife and the numerous SPAs (wellness centres that promise to regenerate both the spirit and body of their clients) present on the island. Unfortunately we couldn't take advantage of the services offered by the SPAs, but to make up for it we tried to live the nightlife to the fullest. Let's be clear, don't expect sophisticated clubs or upscale Dj's, but there's certainly no shortage of fun. Every evening at least until five in the morning the music keeps filling the speakers and then between one chat and another it gets to seven or even eight... every evening... what do you think, it's not that easy!

In the week spent at Kho Samui, I couldn't say how many times we saw the sea or even just the beach, but apart from the first day we arrived, I think we went maybe once or twice. We completely turned our schedules upside down, we went to sleep at eight in the morning and woke up at who knows when, we had dinner at unthinkable times and maybe didn't even have lunch. But it was worth it, really! Of course, for no more than a week otherwise you risk getting used to it and it ends up that you don't want to leave anymore!

But it can't rain forever... everything ends and so even at Kho Samui we had to say goodbye. On the morning of 19-01-2005 bright and early (even too early!) we headed towards the port, aware that we weren't just saying goodbye to Kho Samui, but also to the whole of Thailand, a superb country that gave us a lot and that will stay in our memories for a long time!