Ko Samet Weekend

After completing my first full week at work a group of us headed out to an island called Ko Samet. This island is about 3-5 hours commute from Bangkok depending on traffic. After work on Friday we arranged for a van to pick us up at 7/11 (If I didn't mention it yet there is a 7/11 on every block in Bangkok). There were about 8 of us who piled into the van and went on the journey. The time passed easily in the van thanks to our stellar conversation. If we didn't know each other very well yet we did after that van ride.

After the van ride we took a speed boat to the island. Our driver was a dude with spiky dreads who is nicknamed Sapparo, which is the Thai word for pineapple, because his hair resembles the top of a pineapple. He did successfully get us from the mainland to the island, however I must say a few things about that boat ride. The water was a bit choppy, and he made no effort to slow down or ease into these waves. A lot of bumps were experienced, we all felt lucky to have survived that ride. At times he would not pay any attention to steering the boat and would instead be hugging me, because I agreed with him that one of my friends on the boat is in fact crazy. This boat ride was also the first time I was able to see the stars since I arrived in Thailand. I really appreciated that. Don't take that beautiful sky for granted, stop and look up every now and then.

Once we arrived we checked into our beach hut accommodation and grabbed supper together. We ate at a waterfront restaurant for every meal. At night the restaurant was decorated with star shaped lanterns it was quite beautiful. After supper we went to a bar called Naga which had some really great tunes pumping, a black light covered dance floor, glow in the dark paint, lounge space with pillows and comfortable seating, a boxing ring, pool table, two bars which served drinks, laughing gas balloons, and Hookah. The best thing about partying here was that when you get really hot and sweaty from dancing you could go for a refreshing swim in the ocean with your friends, then come back and dance some more.

During the day there was plenty of time for relaxing on the beach. Kite surfing, parasailing, and tubing were all possible if you had the desire and funds to purchase it. I went for my first Thai massage and instantly fell in love with this type of massage. I know what you are all thinking reading this, and no it did not involve any massaging of my private parts. The best simple description I've heard for a Thai massage is a deep tissue massage that is also like assisted yoga. One hour of glorious muscle relief for the cost of 200 baht (which is approximately $6.50 CAD). That night we went out to the bars again. The DJ at one of the bars was being pretty annoying with the horn and yelling gibberish into the microphone so we went back to Naga and danced the night away again.

Sunday afternoon we checked out, packed up, and left for Bangkok at around noon. It was a really nice weekend which left us all feeling refreshed and excited about our next trip back to Samet.

Thanks for reading! Here are a few pictures from my weekend in Samet.

The Beach

At the Pier

Rocks and the beach

GOTCHA! (Moving butterfly)

At Naga

Some of my wonderful friends

2 Sleepy Soi Dogs

Map (Ko Samet is A). 

Statues