Relaxing in Koh Samui

For the last two and a half weeks, we’ve been non stop, a jam packed but awesome itinerary exploring a small part of both Vietnam and Thailand.

Day 18

We left Chiang Mai’s pollution and hopped on a plane south to make be of Thailand’s quieter islands, Ko Samui.

This final part of our adventure was our chill time. Beach and sea views and a chance to unwind before our journey home and straight back into the thick of work.

The approach into Ko Samui airport was spectacular as we descended between islands. The island of Ko Samui is only 25 km long and 21km wide. We’d chosen a basic but beach front hotel in the south of the island – Three Tree Hotel.

Our arrival was smooth, we took an airport taxi and by 2:30 we were having a beer overlooking the sea.

Our accomodation is the villa with sea view- and it has the most incredible private roof terrace. Yes, it’s basic but it’s cheaper £40 pn, clean, has great air con, and a small but very nice bar and restaurant a mere 20 paces from our door.

Day 18

was spent literally swimming and reading – we must have spent 10 hours sat on our roof terrace.

Dinner was delicious as were the cocktails.

Day 19

We decided to go on a boat trip to the National Park, Ang Thong Marine National Park.

The journey out to the islands took an hour on a speedboat and it was very choppy! We lasted the hour at the front of the boat, bouncing 2-3 foot at a time when the boat lifted up and cracked back down again.

After a snorkelling stop, we moved towards the back of the boat hoping for a smoother journey. The man who moved into our previous position lasted 5 mins before shouting out in agony. He ended up being carted off the boat by stretcher and whisked back to the island for immediate medical intervention. It’s thought he could have slipped a disc in his back- or worse. Thank goodness we moved when we did but our thoughts have been with this chap ever since.

The snorkeling stop was fun- we saw a large selection of colourful fish and coral. Obviously not on the same level as snorkelling in the Red Sea. But we enjoyed it nonetheless.

The second stop was to an island with a beautiful viewpoint up 500m in the top of the mountain. So much for our relaxing few days, of course we made our up the path, slowly and begrudgingly at times lol. The heat was intense and I found it hard going. The views however were outstanding and we got a great view of all the limestone islands that make up this national park.

The sea was still rough and gaining access to the boat on a floating pontoon was terrifying – each time a wave rolled in it resembled a theme park ride!

Next stop was to the emerald lake which was pretty and then enjoy a swim in the sea, before lunch and making our way back to the island of Ko Samui aided by travel sickness pills I hasten to add!

It was a lovely day and nice to see some more beach and islands of this area

Day 20

was spent completely chilling, reading and enjoying the views.

In the evening, the hotel laid in a fire show on the beach which was excellent.

We had one last morning sunbathing and reading before making the long journey home via Singapore

We’d had a great time away, and seen some amazing site, eaten some amazing food. This last few days have enabled us to rest up and we are returning to England recharged

We’ve probably not seen the best or much of Ko Samui, but we thoroughly enjoyed our time at Three Trees. It was exactly what we needed at this stage and offered us some peace and tranquility, with great food and drink.