Day 21, Sunday, 24th March - Maret, Koh Samui

Khanom Last Day....... We've stayed two nights at Siriburi Resort and it's provided a good base for our travels. Would I use this resort again though? Probably not if I could find something better for the price. The owner has been friendly enough and this morning we find some pastries in reception. Well, our stay has been recorded, and we leave at a reasonable time. Before we leave Khanom though there is time for one more attraction. The coastline to the north of Khanom District is rugged with a number of natural attractions. This last one will add to the ones I've already visited so far.
Ao Talet Wooden Bridge....... The photographs of Ao Talet Wooden Bridge that I've seen makes me want to come here. When I arrive I need to take a short walk to the bridge and the scene is breathtaking. The bridge is actually a pier for those needing a boat to visit the small islands offshore. The bay that the bridge is located in is horseshoe shaped while at its open end is the island of Ko Tha Rai which appears to enclose the bay entirely. The water in the bay is emerald green from limestone traces washed down into it. This is just an amazing place, and we practically have it to ourselves today. I should add that we have arrived at high tide which means I need to get my feet wet to climb up onto the pier. A walk along the bridge is awesome and there's time enough to visit the small shrine in a cave nearby. This is one of those places you don't want to leave but leave we must and cross the provincial border into Surat Thani Province.
Nangkham Beach....... We are now just a couple of hours away from taking the Raja Car Ferry to Koh Samui. We decide to do some shopping as things are likely to be dearer on the island but first we get distracted. Not that far from Ao Talet but in this new province is Nangkham Beach and what a delight it is, small, picturesque, almost deserted, this is my type of place. As we haven't decided on lunch yet the beach restaurant here is just what we need. We try to keep things simple but still we get a lovely meal on the beach front. I can tell you that much of this tour to the south has been stressful but not here. It's the perfect place to unwind. A stroll along to the east of the beach reveals a khlong, an ideal refuge for small fishing boats and another great photo opportunity. We stay as long as we dare but it's time to fill a shopping basket.
Raja Ferry Crossing....... We arrive at the Raja Ferry Pier in Donsak in good time and check in for the boat to Samui. There is about a 20-minute wait, but we're soon aboard and up to the passenger deck. The service to Koh Samui leaves just a few minutes late and is uneventful. There are two ferry services that leave from here. I chose Raja for no particular reason but it appears that the Seatran service is better. That makes sense since I fear this vessel was around during to sinking of the Titanic! The main thing though is that we arrive safely. From the Lipa Noi Pier it's just 20 minutes to our accommodation.
Fewtor Place....... Fewtor Place came up as offering good value for money considering that accommodation is more expensive on the island but have we compromised too much?
Arriving at the resort the location is not ideal but what about the rooms? Well, the room type can be called a suite since the bedroom is separate from the rest of the building which has a sitting/dining area and separate bathroom. Sound's good but no! The Resort is as old as the hills behind it. My main concern is there is no obvious place to sit at a table with my computer. Nothing works in the bedroom where the air conditioning is. There is a sofa that I can use but I've seen better on a skip. There is obviously some work to do to find other accommodation here.
We head out to explore in the direction of Lamai. So far the traffic has been fine coming from the ferry port but as we arrive in Lamai that changes.
Lamai Beach....... We find our way down a busy street and I get my first view of Lamai Beach. The first thing I note is that it's not that busy but there is no road along this beach so parking is an issue. The beach is nice enough although without the WOW factor but it's not the beach I'm looking for.
Lamai Market....... Right near the beach is Lamai Market but where to park? There is a free parking zone but how on earth we manage to squeeze in between so many motorbikes I don't know. Once parked up though we can enjoy the market where there is an open air food court and that gets massive approval from my partner.
We have been on the lookout for alternative accommodation and have one possibility in Maret but haven't committed so far. Back at the resort we manage the best we can but I can't stay another night but don't want great upheaval either. My overall impression of Koh Samui so far is that it's not as bad as I feared, but we haven't hit the main tourist area of Chaweng yet.
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