Unlike most people who come to Thailand, I felt very reluctant to move on from Bangkok and head south to the islands, but I’d already extended my time in the big city by two days and so it was time for me to move on to Koh Samui and get a bit of beach action. It’s a tough life, I know. After a taxi to the bus station, an overnight bus, a ferry and a songthaew trip to Lamai beach, I had arrived. I try to travel with an open mind, but it doesn’t always work out (!) and in the first half an hour of being on Koh Samui I had more or less made up my mind that I didn’t like the place. Lamai beach felt like one big resort to me, which is fine, but the view of fat Germans spilling over their speedos to my left and the fat Brits spilling over their speedos to my right was all too much for me. Half of me admired the lack of self consciousness the fatties in their speedos had (I wish I had that level of confidence or at least absence of self awareness), but the other half of me just wanted to be around people who were a little more like myself.
Somehow I made it through 4 days on the island. I found a sort-of deserted spot on the beach, and the rest of the time I ate cheap food in the couple of markets that Lamai plays host to, and drank cheap cocktails out of a van. But when the morning came to leave the island, I felt positively euphoric. I’m now on Koh Phangan and I feel far more comfortable here.
It kinda sucks to end up somewhere on your travels where you really don’t want to be, but with my bag on my back, I can at least be hopeful that the next place will be more to my taste. And I still want to remember the travel experiences that I don’t love so much, so in that spirit, here are a bunch of photos from Lamai, Koh Samui.
Not a terrible place to get some work done, I suppose.
How does a cocktail stand in the street offer free wifi?
The beginnings of a Koh Samui sunset.
Okay, it doesn’t seem too bad now I look back at the pictures. But would I return? Never.
10 comments
Molly - Yonderblog says:
Jan 16, 2013
Sorry to hear that Koh Samui didn’t agree with you. We know that feeling of sheer disappointment! One word: Phuket. Looking forward to hearing all about Koh Phangan!
That Gay Backpacker says:
Jan 16, 2013
I’m kind of intrigued by Phuket because of the gay life that exists there. But not sure if I’m going to visit yet. We’ll see!
Alana - Paper Planes says:
Jan 16, 2013
I’m always excited to go down to the islands…but then I get there. While there are many gorgeous, gorgeous spots they never really do it for me and I get irritated with the resort-y restaurant food, package deals all around and sand… I like Northern Thailand much better!
That Gay Backpacker says:
Jan 16, 2013
Thankfully, I’ve found somewhere on Koh Phangan that I really like. It’s not too busy so it’s like I’ve found my own wee paradise. But like you, I have a sneaky suspicion that it is the north I will really fall in love with.
Sharon James says:
Jan 17, 2013
Oh Dear. We have a tripped to Koh Samui booked in the next months…but thankfully it’s just a day and then we are off to Koh Phangan for most of our stay.
That Gay Backpacker says:
Jan 17, 2013
There are probably some nice part, but I think you are wise to spend most of your time on Koh Phangan. I’m loving Haad Yao beach here.
Detours Travel says:
Jan 21, 2013
EEEEEEK! You didn’t like it?! Our latest group trip named Samui as their favorite spot of the trip! But we definitely don’t stay in Lamai or Chaweng. Sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy it… Good luck on Phangan
That Gay Backpacker says:
Jan 22, 2013
Yeh, it’s a big island, so I’m sure that you just found a better spot than me. Pleased that your gang enjoyed it!
Neil says:
Feb 10, 2013
I echo your feelings of Samui ! Went there for a wedding and couldn’t get away from there quick enough, am heading back to Thailand for a month in 6 weeks time for some solo travel and will try my luck with Phuket this time at least phi phi and Krabi are nearby, though will sped most of my time in Bangkok and Chiangmai with a side trip to Angkor Wat.
That Gay Backpacker says:
Feb 10, 2013
I hope it works out better for you this time, Neil. On a return trip to Thailand, I’d be spending most of my time in Bangkok and Chiang Mai as well!