This
drive follows H401 to Surat Thani, and then H4142
to Don Sak and the ferry terminal to Koh Samui. Keep
in mind that you will want to arrive in the queue
at least half an hour before the last ferry at 6 p.m.
Ko
Samui
Ko
Samui is developed like Phuket, but its smaller airport
and island location has resulted in more gentle development
than Phuket. The main road on the island is a two
lane concrete highway, but otherwise side roads consist
of single lane concrete roads with dirt hard shoulders
for passing. The speed limit for the island is 50
kph.
The
main town is Na Thon on the west coast, but the main
beaches are on the east side of the island. Lamai
and Chaweng are sandy paradises that cannot be appreciated
from the inland road, so kick off the driving shoes
and take a walk along the beach. Nightlife at Chaweng
becomes a raucous paradise for ravers, while Lamai
is also lively. Other beaches on the island offer
lovely spaces to get into some island time.
It is worthwhile to drive up through the coconut plantations
(Four-wheel drive only) and appreciate the view east
over the Gulf from one of three rustic restaurants
on the ridge track that crosses the centre of the
island.
Curiosities
include the well-preserved remains of Luang Pho Daeng
Phaya Silo, who passed away in 1973, at Wat Khunaram
and 300 year old stone Buddha at Wat Samrej. Other
attractions are well publicized in the free handouts.
A good map of the island is the "New Travel Map"
distributed by the Pholphala Co. (50 baht), while
Dan Reid's "Koh Samui and Environs" (Asia
Books) is an elegant guidebook.
DAY
2: SIDE TRIPS
ST1
Chaiya
Chaiya is a small wooden town that has much charm. The main
points of interest are Wat Suan Mokha Palaram, a very
famous centre for the study of Buddhism, and the 1200
year-old Phra Borom That Chaiya Pagoda, which is a
relic of the Srivijaya kingdom.
There
is a small museum in the temple. Phum Riang, a centre
for weaving, is 6 kms. to the east on the coast. Return
by H4112 for a quieter rural route to Surat Thani.
Overview
Corporate
Housing
