Discovering Thailand
Our plan was to spend three nights in Bangkok then fly down to Koh Samui for a twin centre - 6 nights in each. However, our plans were dashed right at the start due to a mixed connection in Dubai resulting in an overnight in the Emirate. Needless to say, we made good use of this surprise layover.
On arrival the following day in Bangkok the transfer I had organised was nothing short of excellent, we met our guide at the designated spot, he then whisked us to our air-conditioned people carrier (thank goodness) and 35 mins later we were checking in to the Anantara Sathorn. I had chosen a premier room upgrade as the price difference was negligible because of Travel Counsellors direct contract rate and boy was I glad I did, the rooms were amazing with a large living room, a large modern bathroom and a balcony.
We quickly changed and met our friends up on the rooftop bar which has superb panoramic views of the Bangkok night skyline, great bar snacks but the wine is very expensive as it is throughout the country.
We decided having lost a day in the capital to hire a private guide to maximise our time and see as much as possible, which we did. She picked us up in the morning for a short drive into the centre to see certain tourist must sees and then she showed us around some lesser known areas which was a treat. Perhaps racing around the canals on a long motorboat being my favourite.
Again, the transfer service back to the airport was excellent and before long we were touching down on the little jewel that is Koh Samui the quirkiest thing being just a short drive from the plane we alight into a hut with a small carousel and our luggage was already coming through. The Hotel of choice for the first stint was Centara Villas on the South-East coast, they had sent a driver to pick us up once again fantastic transfers. The villas are in a quite part of the island which is great after the hustle and bustle of the past few days. Ideally located right on the beach but the resort has lots of steps to be aware of. Our Sea View room had probably the biggest bed I have ever slept in, more like two King beds pushed together. The beachside restaurant and bar within the hotel is great but there are a few places to go outside the complex within walking distance. My favourite was the cool bar just a short walk along the beach, it plays great chill out music, has some hammocks and serves fantastic food at great prices.
We had asked our next hotel the Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa to send a car to pick us up which they duly obliged for a nominal fee of 700Baht (£18) which is not bad between 4 of us now this hotel is situated on the North-East of the island on Bophut beach. Carefully chosen to be near enough to the bars and restaurants of fisherman’s village but far enough away not to be bothered by the throngs of people that descend on the area every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the street markets which are truly a feast for the senses you see and smell some wonderful interpretations of ‘Street Food’. Aside from these nights the beach road is lined with some very good restaurants to satisfy any palate but if you love Thai food you are in for a treat.
As ever if you require any more info on the country, or any of the resorts visited just drop me a line.