Onattycan: June 2017

Tuesday, 27 June 2017

Koh Samui, 4 days 3 nights from 27 June – 30 June 2017

We have wanted to go to Koh Samui for a very long time and despite it being nearby to Kuala Lumpur, logistic was always a problem and it was pretty expensive to fly directly. We managed to get our package from a travel agency promoting during the MATTA fair (March 2017) through my friend, Anne Chang. She recommended me this package:-

Return Bangkok Airways plane tickets to Samui for 2 adults and 1 child (RM1,359.30)
4 days 3 nights stay at Chaba Samui Resort with breakfast (2 adults and 1 child)
Return airport transfer provided by the resort
Complimentary 6 hour city tour for 3 person worth 450 baht per adult and 350 baht per child (provided you book a 4 days 3 nights package)
Travel insurance for 2 adults and 1 child (RM123.00)

for the total price of RM3,779.00. Of course we jumped on it. We had previously researched and wanted to book it ourselves but it always turned out to be costing more than RM5,000.00, just for flight tickets and accommodation.

We flew in the morning from KLIA to Samui (1 hour 20 minutes). When we arrived at the small airport, there was an open bus to bring us to the airport building. We were greeted by our driver from and were taken to our resort in just 10 minutes’ drive.

Upon arrival at the resort at around 10.30am local time, we were given our welcome drink and they checked us in into our room.

So here is our itinerary during our stay in Samui (which we managed to cover the entire island):-

Day 1

Upon arrival at the resort, we proceeded to the reception for check-in. We were lucky to be given a room at 10am. We rested for a while and went for a swim. After that, we flagged down for a taxi to bring us to Lamai beach to meet up with my friend from university. The taxi fare from Chaweng to Lamai was 400 baht and the journey was 20 minutes.

Entrance to the resort

Reception area

Waiting area

We spent most of our time at the beach, chatting and doing yoga. Lamai beach was not very nice. The sand at the beach was rough and the water was murky. It was quite crowded as well with many tourists working on their sun tans.

Lamai Beach

Yoga at Lamai Beach

Thereafter, we went to a nearby café for some snacks and drinks. We took the taxi back to our resort and it was another 400 baht.

We also managed to buy alcohol (which was cheap) at the supermarket, nearby our resort.

The resort made the arrangement for our complimentary 6 hour city tour for the following day.

Day 2

Price for 6 hours city tour - 450 baht for adult; 350 baht for children below 12 by Sita Tour 2000.

We were being picked up from the resort at 9.00a.m. and started our 6 hours day trip. We were brought to the following places:-

(a) Wat Plai Laem

The various Buddhas at the Wat

(b) Big Buddha temple

(d) Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram

(e) Panoramic view point 360

(f) Monkey show

A monkey was asked to climb the tree and pluck the coconut- that was the SHOW.

(g) Namuang Waterfall

Elephant ride, if interested. Charges apply and cheaper to get it from your agent than at the entrance

Namuang Waterfall

(h) Lunch at Nathon

Day 3

Price for the 1 day excursion to Angthong National Marine Park – 3,500 baht for 2 adults and free for our kid since we booked through the same company

We booked our 1 day excursion to the Angthong National Marine Park. We were being picked up from our resort at 7.00a.m and our driver drove us to Nathon pier for our boat ride. We were being served with simple breakfast, i.e. croissants and coffee, tea and water.

We did not expect that we were being put together with so many other passengers, approximately 150 in a boat and they boat was travelling extremely slowly. It took about 2 hours from Nathon to Angthong National Marine Park.

Upon arrival at the Marine Park, we were put into smaller boats to be brought to the beach and we were told that it’s free and easy for over an hour. You can either climb up the hill (approximately 45 minutes) to view the islands and ocean, visit the small museum or swim and snorkel. Steve climbed up to the top of the hill to take pictures while I was relaxing and waiting for his return. After the 1 hour, it was time to head back for our lunch in the boat.

Visitor center also a mini museum. Nothing much inside

The route to the view point

Entrance to the view point

Our next stop was Wua Ta Lap island. Here, we were told again that you can climb to the view point (500 metres) or snorkeling. We were pretty disappointed with the snorkeling as we get to snorkel at the beach and there were no fishes. After about an hour, we were told to proceed for kayaking.

We enjoyed our kayaking session as we were brought to nearby caves and it was kayaking from one beach to another beach.

After kayaking, it was time to head back to the Nathon pier. Once we were brought back into the boat again, we were served with snacks and drinks for tea time.

It was again a slow journey back to the pier. We reached our resort at about 6.30pm.

Details about the resort and other charges:

Location

The best thing about this resort is, it’s right in the middle of all the shops, restaurants and massage parlours. Just right outside of the resort, you can get a taxi easily and there is also a pancake street vendor, specializing in Nutella pancakes.

He's around everyday

Delicious

Food

Restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets are everywhere along the road. You can choose local food, Western food, Italian food, seafood or fast food like McDonald's, Burger King. You can view the menu and see whether the prices suit your budget. We paid around 750-850 baht between the 3 of us.

Food court nearby our resort.

Enjoying my tom yum soup, which is not spicy at all

Beach

Chaweng beach is quite nice compared to Lamai. The sand is friendly to your feet; not so many broken corals around. We went for a swim in the morning and it was low tide. We managed to play around the beach. Please do not expect the beach to be quiet as there are many tourists and vendors trying to sell floats, snacks, ice-creams and drinks and you will be constantly disturbed by them. The floats that they are selling at the beach are way more expensive compared to the shops nearby. Do compare prices for the products before buying.

Chaweng Beach

Expensive floats selling at the beach

Room

We stayed in a family room; 2 double beds and another single bed for kid. Inside the room, it has already been refurbished and looked new and spacious. The resort provides welcome fruits, 2 daily mineral water, TV, shower and beach towels, shampoo, shower gel, air-cond, mini fridge and bar and water heater shower facility. If you forgotten your toiletries, there are mini supermarkets like Family Mart nearby the resort. Any snacks and drinks inside the mini fridge will be charged.

Wi-Fi

The resort provided wi-fi and connection is good, everywhere in the vicinity of the resort.

Staff

The staff are quite friendly and approachable. You can always book your excursion at the front desk at the reception.

Daily breakfast

We were there for 3 days and during the 3 days, the breakfast spread was the same. You can have toast, jam, eggs (cooked fresh as to how you like it), cereals, pastries, sausages, baked beans, Thai lakna noodles, fried potatoes.

Swimming Pool

There is an adult and children pool. The children pool is also suitable for baby with accompanying parent.