I practically couldn’t wait to get on this flight .Just to relax , (correction) , to explore this little island everybody talks about .
We hopped on a Friday 9:00 am flight ,an hour and a half flight direct KL -Koh Samui via Bangkok Airways .They won best boutique airline so yes , they were pretty good .We got the flights for Ringgit Malaysia 600 return.
We arrived at a very wet Samui Airport .A very island feel kinda airport .Really feels tropical just getting off the plane . Since we weren’t traveling with kids , we took a shuttle that offers hotel drop offs by location .We paid 130 baht per person to Anantara Bophut that took us about 20 minutes to get there . BUTTTT, let me warn you .The wait for the shuttle , may take awhile , they promised us 10 minutes but kept saying that, every 10 minutes for a near 40 Minute wait .(A private taxi costs 500 baht into Bophut in case u have no patience or you have kids ).
What greeted us , was a long wooden driveway into the resort .Beautiful might be an understatement .And look how fast the weather cleared up into sunny skies .
Check in was a breeze .Some forms to fill and we were escorted into our pool villa .
Rooms are huge , with an open air and closed shower area , a washing machine (like I was gonna do laundry during a holiday !!!! Seriously!!!!) , fridge , enough water to hydrate after all the alcohol that was awaiting and sufficient toiletries that made me smell like lemongrass .
We hurried out into the pool bar since there was a buy 1 free 1 promo between 11 am – 12 pm , another at 4-5 pm and then late evening .Pretty good deal!
Pool was nice , and so was the beach .
We didn’t try the food at the hotel as I can’t imagine eating anywhere else but at the hawkers .
We booked a scooter for 250 baht for 24 hours ( but later found out the going rate is 200 baht) .It was the best decision we made . The bike rental is just outside the hotel , no deposit or leaving off passport required . There are a row of shops situated across the hotel. ( Also ,a staff to practically stop traffic every time you want to cross the street .Talk about service !)Three massage parlours , convenience stores , few restaurants and a well rated tailor , Ash.
Bophut fisherman village is a skip and a hop away from the hotel , via the beach route .Was pretty convenient since it was the Friday night street market .Lots of souvenirs,food ,t-shirts , and good gifts to take home.
We had dinner at the seaside restaurant , picked our lobster and had an average priced meal.What more with sand at your feet , and the sound of waves crashing in.Priceless .No chance we could have had the same experience in KL.
There was a fire show at about 9 pm at Co Co Tam.You need to watch it .Amazing .An extremely crowded bar but somebody s always leaving , so you eventually would get a seat or a bean bag on the beach.
(Morning view of the bar -I kinda loved the swings and didn’t manage a shot at night)
Compared to Phuket , Samui is way quieter and less sleazy .Shops were closing up by about 11 ish .We took that as a cue to wrap up our first nite at Koh samui .
Anantara Bophut , we shall be back .
Panda pho wanders 