Thailand by Plane, Bus, Ferry, Train and Tuk Tuk

LOG BOOK

01-08 Milan-Bangkok (Thai flight) 10-08 Bangkok-Surat Thani (bus) 11-08 Surat Thani-Koh Samui (ferry) 19-08 Koh Samui-Surat Thani (ferry) 20-08 Surat Thani-Bangkok (train) 21-08 Bangkok-Milan (Thai flight)

TRANSPORT

My impression is that you can move around freely and without too many problems using all means of transport (some less safe than others). The booking offices are easy to find and well organised. Never had a problem. In detail: The airline: Thai - definitely one of the best I have ever flown with. The bus: drivers a bit too bright but you know, when you're not the one at the wheel... The train: number one The ferry: the only weak point. Honestly I was scared shitless (overloaded + storm and a real risk of shipwreck)

ACCOMMODATION

Bangkok: Hotel King (but I don't know if it still exists) Koh Samui: Matlang Resort. Spectacular

CLIMATE: Even though everyone advised against it, the month of August in Thailand seemed more than acceptable to me. Sure, Bangkok isn't Sondalo, and the atmosphere is a bit (very) humid, in Koh Samui a squall warned us daily that it was time to leave the beach (every evening, promptly at 7.30pm), but before you could even take a shower it was all over.

WHY GO

- For the life and the chaos of Bangkok - For the imperial city - For the beaches of Koh Samui - For Wat Pho (and its national school of traditional massage) - For the tuk tuks - For the Thai people and their culture

QUICK VERDICT

Bangkok: 4 out of 5 One of the most fascinating cities in the world. Koh Samui: 4 out of 5 The most beautiful beaches and sea I have ever seen to date (even though I haven't visited the real sea paradises and they tell me the tourism industry has spoilt it a bit)