The days spent in Ko Samui were bitter-sweet. It was a great island with loads of land to explore, but this island was the heart of Western tourism in Thailand. Beaches with cabanas, elephant rides, western bars with western strippers, Nuru massages (say it with an accent), etc. You name it. It had it. Unfortunately for us, this meant everything had a price (Snorkeling, $50; Trekking, $60; Coffee, $4), and it was all beyond what we could afford.

With this in mind, we made Ko Samui our shortest trip. Our one day there we hoped to see Big Budda, Grandfather and Grandmother rocks, the mummified monk, and Fishermans Village (all free), but it was raining and every taxi was out to make a profit that day, so we caught a movie (Hunger Games) at a surprisingly super nice theater and planned for the next adventure.

My favorite part of the trip, and I’m not being sarcastic, was a Loatian pork dish from a side street restaurant. It reminded me of carnitas with onion and cilantro.

After this, we catch a bus at 530am to Khao Lak with dreams of hiking, swimming, and cheaper food in our future.

Until next time,

Grant and Danielle