A traveller's reflection: Koh Samui Wet Trip: 03 Koh Samui

My Travel Journal

"There isn't much I haven't shared with you along the road and through it all there'd always be tomorrow's episode" - Elton John

I started traveling around the world since early 80s when I had the opportunity to combine business trips with vacations. Then later when my rezeki is in abundance, there were numerous other trips along the way for vacations, most of the time with hubby and the kids when the timing is right. I have also started to compile the journal and photo-pages covering almost more than 45 years of world wide travel. Some destinations I visited just once, others many times. Many of those places are the obvious famous places people would like to visit but some, the casual traveler doesn't even think to try. I have placed links to my travel at the side bar of my personal page, My Life Reflections, and will be updating them from time to time.

My wish is to continue my travel and complete circumnavigate the globe, insyaAllah…

Friday, 29 September 2023

Koh Samui Wet Trip: 03 Koh Samui

"Storms don’t come to teach us painful lessons, rather they were meant to wash us clean...” – Shannon L. Alder

(Dark clouds looming overhead)

Day 03: Tuesday, 26 September 2023
Route: Donsak Pier - Koh Samui
Distance: 2-hour Raja Ferry Ride
Hotel: Samui Verticolor, Chaweng Beach

Our breakfast was ready by 7.00 am as promised. We had breakfast of toast and eggs sunny side up, fruits and juice with hot coffee. The breakfast for two cost B250.

(Heavy breakfast early in the morning)

(Packed and ready to check out)

Our initial plan to board the Seatran ferry was cancelled as the morning ferries for vehicles were fully booked. The earliest was at 1.30 pm. We drove to Raja Ferry Terminal, a short distance away, and booked tickets for the 12:00 pm ferry. It cost us B770 and B720 for return trip for our Hi-Lux and two passengers. Instead of boarding the noon ferry, we were allowed to board the 11.00 am ferry and save us an hour of waiting time.

(The road leading to Raja Ferry Terminal)

(Choose the correct lane to Koh Samui)

(Cars and lorries waiting in line)

The aged 40-year old ferry we rode on was with minimum amenities on board. At least the toilets are aplenty and clean. The Raja ferry was founded in 1981 and services three main routes with a fleet of 13 ferries running between Donsak, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. These ferries are capable of carrying 400 passengers and up to 70 cars.

(Bought a cheaper return tickets at the ticket counter)

(A restaurant with a nice view of the pier)

(Foreign tourists at the waiting room)

The ferry journey took almost two hours. From the jetty we drove on highway 4169 to Chaweng Beach. Stopped for a hearty lunch at Restoran Faria located opposite the Bangkok Hospital. The lady owner still remembered us from our previous visits during our old biking days. The food was as tasty as it used to be. Our last visit to Koh Samui was in 2015. A lot has changed since.

(Our ferry to Koh Samui)

(Vehicles boarding through the lowest deck)

(The upper deck and passengers room)

(Arriving and disembarking the vehicles)

(Driving on Highway 4169 to Chaweng Beach)

(Bikers' favorite halal eatery in Chaweng)

(Our favorite dishes, green curry and spicy stir fried beef)

We checked in Samui Verticolor Hotel for two nights at B890/night. This is our favorite lodging in Chaweng Beach. The hotel is lively and clean with ample parking space for cars and motorbikes. There are many eateries, massage parlors and souvenir shops around the area.