I cannot pin point exactly what it is that makes living in Bangkok so amazing. One thing for sure is how easy the integration is from a “western” country (especially compared to the other cities I have lived in). Bangkok offers you almost every thing you you want from home, teamed with everything you expect from an exotic location.
Of these, is the fact that you can visit beautiful beaches on a simple weekend trip. Just three hours away by mini-van and ferry are the white sand beaches of Samet Island (Koh Samet).
Although not quite like Koh Phi Phi and the islands of the Andaman Coast, Koh Samet offers great food, parties and relaxation on the Gulf of Thailand. We booked a full day boat tour from the Bang Phe pier, that visited 4 islands for only 600 Bath including a BBQ meal. Well worth it. The stops included amazing snorkeling opportunities, chances to lazy about on beach front swings, a shark feeding and wild, bumpy rides from island to island. I have never before been so grateful for a life jacket!
Travel Info Note: Mini-van (a/c) from Victory Monument to Bang Phe pier 200 Baht one way (2.5 hours). Return speed boat from Bang Phe pier to Hat Sai Kaew 200 Baht (return). Bungalow at Samet Sand Sea Resort 1600 Baht (low season) and 2000 Baht (high season) for a/c, hot water and double bed 2 minutes walk from beach.
The snorkeling deserves its own section…
There are two things that really frighten me: heights and aquatic life. Yet, I seem to have a perverse love affair with both. In the end, I think I like to be scared a little. This is why I go snorkeling any opportunity that I get, despite the fact that I swear I will never go again afterwards. The equipment had definitely been put to good use in the past: the straps of my life jacket fell off in the water, and my snorkel was attached to my mask with rubber bands.
Very inexperienced in the water, I couldn’t prevent the strong waves from pulling me towards the rocks, or letting water into my mask. After several tries, frantic gasps and desperate struggles, I finally got back into the snorkeling groove… only to see huge sea urchins. Repeat: gasps and struggles. Our guide swam up to my roommate and I, and invited us to swim towards a small cove. There were tons and tons of fish along the way. Once in the cove, we were able to stand on rocks and peer up at…. a cave full of bats. Repeat: gasps and struggles. The guide reached down excitedly and pulled up what looked like a leech the size (length and width) of myfoot. That was enough for me. I decided to put my mask back on and take my chances with the sea urchins.
Following our day excursion, dinner at Joe’s Restaurant provided a delicious beach front feast enjoyed on low tables and bean bag chairs. Sheesha pipes were enjoyed for dessert while we watched the fire throwers and drunken revellers at the bar next door. This offered the rest we needed for our motorbike adventure (rental 300 Baht per day) the following day around the island in search of other beaches.
I don’t know how I ever left that place but here I am back in Bangkok sitting in front of my laptop. I think I need to find good wi-fi from Samet and see if I can just work from there from now on…
Ten years ago I set a goal to visit 30 countries by my 30th birthday. With no plan or country list to fulfill this goal, I decided to let life take me where it wished.
“See Simi Travel Blog | Adventures of a travel snob“, is just that. The account of an ex-20-something year old exploring the world, usually solo, and on a very limited budget.
Every other week I try to tell you a story about the friends, food, fun and fails I’ve had along the way.
