7 days traveling Bangkok, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, 16-22 April 2016.
Below are tips and review for future reference.
Places
Chaweng Beach (Koh Samui)
The most popular place in Koh Samui, with big shopping malls, a lot of convenient stores, pharmacies, bars, restaurants, massage parlors along its main street.
The beach itself is quite beautiful white sandy beach, with small wave.
Angthong Marine National Park
Joined the tour by 100 Degree East at Koh Samui, including snorkeling, kayaking and visit to the Emerald Lake.
Paid THB 4950, which was quite expensive compared to other tour operators, but we got exclusive treatment, only 11 participants (4 were children) we got 4 staff with us.
We started at 9:00, which was later than other operator.
We rode on the private ferry for about 45 minutes, to reach our snorkeling point in the north part of the islands.
The snorkeling was quite disappointing, not many things could be seen, and the corals were dead and not colorful.
After snorkeling, he visited another island to have lunch in a pretty beach, than took a nap on a hammock on the beach. Some of us did he hiking to the top (30 minutes return).
Then, we moved to another island to start kayaking.
I didn't know why my kayak wasn't moving faster enough to catch up with others, maybe I rowed it wrongly.
Then we did the small climbing to see the Emerald Lake, which was a salt water lake, connected to the sea by underwater channel.
Haad Rin (Koh Phangan)
Famous for Full Moon Party.
Since it is located in a narrow strip in the island south, there are two beach, Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach) and Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach) where the Full Moon Party is located.
Both beaches were not clean and not fit for swimming, but good view for sunset and sunrise.
In the southern part of the Sunset Beach, there is a nice reggae bar, didn't get the name, on a wooden platform. The cocktail was THB 150.
On the same Sunset Beach, there is also like a bar on the tree.
Leela Beach (Koh Phangan)
Just located south of Haad Rin Nai, separated by a cliff.
Quieter beach with Coco Hut hotel dominated the area.
There was a long, about 200 meters, plastic pier, in the end of the pier, it was good spot for snorkeling, lots of fishes.
Further south, there was a wooden path, leading to Lighthouse Bungalows. In the middle of the wooden path, there was a rest area, which was good for a nap.
Than Sadet (Koh Phangan)
Though it was by coincidence I wrongly chose my accommodation in this area, Than Sadet was truly nature gift. The lagoon shape white sandy beach, and the bungalows on the rock.
There are several waterfalls, since I didn't have motorbike, I went to the nearest one, though the water fall itself was small, it was a nice place take a nap on the rock, or swimming in the natural pool.
Transportation
Bangkok
Don Muang Airport
There is possibility to use public transportation, like combination of buses or train, but it seems taking an effort and long time to get to the city, so I chose the easiest way, i.e. airport taxi.
It was completely by meter. To my hotel in Silom area, the taxi fare itself was about THB 300, then it is optional, but to take 2 highways, we need to add THB 70 + 50.
Don Muang Airport is the old Bangkok airport, once abandoned after the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, but then re-opened to serve mostly LCC cheap airlines.
There are lots of money exchange banks, and SIM card sellers too (mainly dtac).
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok main international airport now.
Can be accessed by SRT train, with the link to Metro Petchaburi Station at Makkasan station (10 minutes walk between the stations) and to BTS at Phaya Thai Station.
Metro and BTS
Metro is underground train and BTS is aboveground train.
Didn't use any pass or card, just bought the token and ticket at the office or machines
Bus
The cheapest option, less than THB 20. Google Map worked.
Taxi and Bike Taxi
Taxi is by meter and Bike Taxi is by negotiation.
Bike Taxi is the best way during traffic hour.
Samui and Phangan Islands
Ferries between Islands
Online ticket sale: http://www.ferrysamui.com/
15% discount.
But can be bought at site too without difficulties.
Koh Samui Island Ferry Terminals
There are several ferry terminals from Samui to Phangan Island depend on the ferry company.
I used Lomprayah that departs from Maenam.
But the most convenient terminal due to closer distance to airport and Chaweng main town is Bangkrak (Big Budha) terminal.
Koh Phangan Island Ferry Terminals
Main terminal is in Thong Sala.
However, there is also terminal in Haad Rin, convenient for Full Moon Party.
Ferry from Haad Rin to Samui Island Bangkrak (Big Budha) terminal cost THB 200 and took about 45 minutes.
Koh Samui Inland Transportation
I didn't rent a bike, but it is cheap, about THB 250 per day.
Many warning in the internet about the contract, that make people pay huge amount of money if they scratch the bike.
There is Songthaew minibus around the island.
Taxi is expensive.
Private taxi from airport to Chaweng is THB 300 (I ordered by my hotel).
I hired taxi from Chaweng to Maenam Pier for THB 350 after negotiation, normally it is THB 400-500.
Koh Phangan Inland Transportation
I saw some songthaew but didn't actually use it.
Accommodation
Koh Phangan (Than Sadet): Mae Pen Rai
Located in the remote beach of Than Sadet.
Booked the bungalow on the rock by Airbnb, didn't realize that the place is remote and far from the Full Moon Party in Haad Rin. When I came to know that the place was in remote area, from the instruction how to go from Airbnb, I decided to try to stay only one night, then move to Haad Rin for the Full Moon Party.
As per the instruction, from Thong Sala Pier, I looked for the once a day taxi that departs on 13:00, I had to look for Mr. Wat at Teets Than Sadet, to get onto the shared taxi for THB 200, if I missed this, I had to pay THB 800 for a private taxi.
I had a hard time to find the shared taxi (actually it was a Songthaew), had to ask more than 10 people, finally found it, fortunately the car had not departed.
Even though there was no other passengers except me, the driver didn't let me sit on the seat next to the driver in the front, so I had to sit on the back seat, and the road to the Than Sadet was windy mountain road, so I sit on the floor not to get car sick.
After about 45 minutes uncomfortable drive, finally I arrived in Than Sadet, the secluded beach.
My jaw dropped when I saw the natural lagoon beach in front of me.
Had to walk to the right end to the reception of my bungalow, Mai Pen Rai.
Since the receptionist couldn't find my booking (later on Airbnb host RoomFilla informed me there was some issue that my booking was not transferred properly), the boss, Mrs. Fiona gave me the key of a bungalow on the rock.
She asked me to follow the staff, who helped to bring one of my backpack.
We had to cross the white sandy beach to the other side, then climbed the rock.
Then we had to walk on the rock, passing a low pass that we had to bow lower to pass under the big stone.
When I arrive in my bungalow, my jaw dropped again.
The whole bungalow was for me!
One double bed and one single bed, the balcony with the sea view, that night I slept with the natural wave sound.
There are some waterfalls on the map, since I didn't have a motorbike, I hiked to the nearest one, there was a sign on the main road, went to the stairs down into the jungle from the main road and found the stream with many rocks. The waterfall was small, there was a pool, and some people were taking a nap on the rocks.
With the price of only USD 23 per night, this was a real treat!
Koh Phangan (Haad Rin): Star Hostel
Booked the hostel with highest rating in Booking.com.
Not cheap, 12 bed dorm for THB 1000.
Above expectation, the bed and the room were comfortable.
And as the review said, the owner, Mr. Van from USA, whose married a local Thai lady was very friendly and helpful. He informed me about Sea Breeze Resort and Coco Hut (Leela Beach) and even took me there by his motorbike. He even lent me swimming pants (though too big) and snorkel.
Koh Samui (Chaweng): B2@Samui Resort
Booked the cheapest room in the cheapest resort with access to the beach in Booking.com.
Didn't have much expectation due to cheap, and when arrived in my room, just thought "you got what you paid". The room is very small in the ground floor and outside the door was the main access to the beach.
There were small pool and restaurant just near the beach.
The beach was nice.
Bangkok: Mirth Sathorn
Located between Silom and Sathorn Road, behind BNH hospital in a quiet area, which is good.
Small hotel, small room, single bed.
Booked for THB 1650 per night for 2 nights, without breakfast during Songkran.
Food
MK Restaurants (everywhere)
Big chain restaurant of Thaisuki hotpot.
They are everywhere, had dinner at Silom Complex.
Don't like the hotpot taste and the chilly sauce.
The roasted duck was good though.
I like the ordering system by e-pad.
Issaya Siamese Club (Bangkok)
A high class restaurant. Renovated old house.
Nice decoration.
Nice food, but quite expensive.
Location is hard to find, especially if walking from train station.
Spent THB 3,554.54 for 2 persons, but we ordered too much.
Mango Tree Bistro (Central World, Bangkok)
Spent THB 960 for 2 persons.
Nice food.
The only restaurant that let us in after 22:00 in Central World shopping mall.
Food Court in Chaweng Main Street
Many seafood stalls in this roofed open air food court, located in the southern part of the Chaweng Main Road. Difficult to choose which one is better than another. Took 7 king prawns for THB 300 then clams for THB 120.
One unique hand made ice cream stall, run by a cute French girl. One scoop THB 60, 2 scoops THB 100. She said her boyfriend made the ice cream. She has been living in Samui for 2 years, saying that it was difficult to find a job in France, but in Thailand it was easy to start a business.
Little Home (Haad Rin, Koh Phangan)
Popular with tourist, reasonable price, ordered Pad Thai, but not that yummy.
Samui Pier Resort (Bangkrak, Samui)
A resort nearby Bangkrak (Big Budha) Pier.
Had lunch here, spent THB 264 for Panang curry and a beer.
Bars
Chaweng Beach, Samui
A lot of bars in the Chaweng main street.
One of major bar is Ark Bar on the beach side. There is daily fire show, and dance on the beach.
Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach)
There is a nice but simple bar on a wooden platform at the south side of the beach, like a reggae bar.
SIM Card
http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Thailand
Bought dtac 7 days prepaid package for THB 300 at the seller in Don Muang Airport.
Lots of seller greeted passengers coming out.
Was satisfied with the unlimited SIM.
ATM
Everywhere, mostly has charge fee of THB 200.
Traveler's Cheques
Surprised that it still exists here, can be exchanged at Money Exchange Banks in the airport.
Below are tips and review for future reference.
Places
Chaweng Beach (Koh Samui)
The most popular place in Koh Samui, with big shopping malls, a lot of convenient stores, pharmacies, bars, restaurants, massage parlors along its main street.
The beach itself is quite beautiful white sandy beach, with small wave.
Angthong Marine National Park
Joined the tour by 100 Degree East at Koh Samui, including snorkeling, kayaking and visit to the Emerald Lake.
Paid THB 4950, which was quite expensive compared to other tour operators, but we got exclusive treatment, only 11 participants (4 were children) we got 4 staff with us.
We started at 9:00, which was later than other operator.
We rode on the private ferry for about 45 minutes, to reach our snorkeling point in the north part of the islands.
The snorkeling was quite disappointing, not many things could be seen, and the corals were dead and not colorful.
After snorkeling, he visited another island to have lunch in a pretty beach, than took a nap on a hammock on the beach. Some of us did he hiking to the top (30 minutes return).
Then, we moved to another island to start kayaking.
I didn't know why my kayak wasn't moving faster enough to catch up with others, maybe I rowed it wrongly.
Then we did the small climbing to see the Emerald Lake, which was a salt water lake, connected to the sea by underwater channel.
Haad Rin (Koh Phangan)
Famous for Full Moon Party.
Since it is located in a narrow strip in the island south, there are two beach, Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach) and Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach) where the Full Moon Party is located.
Both beaches were not clean and not fit for swimming, but good view for sunset and sunrise.
In the southern part of the Sunset Beach, there is a nice reggae bar, didn't get the name, on a wooden platform. The cocktail was THB 150.
On the same Sunset Beach, there is also like a bar on the tree.
Leela Beach (Koh Phangan)
Just located south of Haad Rin Nai, separated by a cliff.
Quieter beach with Coco Hut hotel dominated the area.
There was a long, about 200 meters, plastic pier, in the end of the pier, it was good spot for snorkeling, lots of fishes.
Further south, there was a wooden path, leading to Lighthouse Bungalows. In the middle of the wooden path, there was a rest area, which was good for a nap.
Than Sadet (Koh Phangan)
Though it was by coincidence I wrongly chose my accommodation in this area, Than Sadet was truly nature gift. The lagoon shape white sandy beach, and the bungalows on the rock.
There are several waterfalls, since I didn't have motorbike, I went to the nearest one, though the water fall itself was small, it was a nice place take a nap on the rock, or swimming in the natural pool.
Transportation
Bangkok
Don Muang Airport
There is possibility to use public transportation, like combination of buses or train, but it seems taking an effort and long time to get to the city, so I chose the easiest way, i.e. airport taxi.
It was completely by meter. To my hotel in Silom area, the taxi fare itself was about THB 300, then it is optional, but to take 2 highways, we need to add THB 70 + 50.
Don Muang Airport is the old Bangkok airport, once abandoned after the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport, but then re-opened to serve mostly LCC cheap airlines.
There are lots of money exchange banks, and SIM card sellers too (mainly dtac).
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok main international airport now.
Can be accessed by SRT train, with the link to Metro Petchaburi Station at Makkasan station (10 minutes walk between the stations) and to BTS at Phaya Thai Station.
Metro and BTS
Metro is underground train and BTS is aboveground train.
Didn't use any pass or card, just bought the token and ticket at the office or machines
Bus
The cheapest option, less than THB 20. Google Map worked.
Taxi and Bike Taxi
Taxi is by meter and Bike Taxi is by negotiation.
Bike Taxi is the best way during traffic hour.
Samui and Phangan Islands
Ferries between Islands
Online ticket sale: http://www.ferrysamui.com/
15% discount.
But can be bought at site too without difficulties.
Koh Samui Island Ferry Terminals
There are several ferry terminals from Samui to Phangan Island depend on the ferry company.
I used Lomprayah that departs from Maenam.
But the most convenient terminal due to closer distance to airport and Chaweng main town is Bangkrak (Big Budha) terminal.
Koh Phangan Island Ferry Terminals
Main terminal is in Thong Sala.
However, there is also terminal in Haad Rin, convenient for Full Moon Party.
Ferry from Haad Rin to Samui Island Bangkrak (Big Budha) terminal cost THB 200 and took about 45 minutes.
Koh Samui Inland Transportation
I didn't rent a bike, but it is cheap, about THB 250 per day.
Many warning in the internet about the contract, that make people pay huge amount of money if they scratch the bike.
There is Songthaew minibus around the island.
Taxi is expensive.
Private taxi from airport to Chaweng is THB 300 (I ordered by my hotel).
I hired taxi from Chaweng to Maenam Pier for THB 350 after negotiation, normally it is THB 400-500.
Koh Phangan Inland Transportation
I saw some songthaew but didn't actually use it.
Accommodation
Koh Phangan (Than Sadet): Mae Pen Rai
Located in the remote beach of Than Sadet.
Booked the bungalow on the rock by Airbnb, didn't realize that the place is remote and far from the Full Moon Party in Haad Rin. When I came to know that the place was in remote area, from the instruction how to go from Airbnb, I decided to try to stay only one night, then move to Haad Rin for the Full Moon Party.
As per the instruction, from Thong Sala Pier, I looked for the once a day taxi that departs on 13:00, I had to look for Mr. Wat at Teets Than Sadet, to get onto the shared taxi for THB 200, if I missed this, I had to pay THB 800 for a private taxi.
I had a hard time to find the shared taxi (actually it was a Songthaew), had to ask more than 10 people, finally found it, fortunately the car had not departed.
Even though there was no other passengers except me, the driver didn't let me sit on the seat next to the driver in the front, so I had to sit on the back seat, and the road to the Than Sadet was windy mountain road, so I sit on the floor not to get car sick.
After about 45 minutes uncomfortable drive, finally I arrived in Than Sadet, the secluded beach.
My jaw dropped when I saw the natural lagoon beach in front of me.
Had to walk to the right end to the reception of my bungalow, Mai Pen Rai.
Since the receptionist couldn't find my booking (later on Airbnb host RoomFilla informed me there was some issue that my booking was not transferred properly), the boss, Mrs. Fiona gave me the key of a bungalow on the rock.
She asked me to follow the staff, who helped to bring one of my backpack.
We had to cross the white sandy beach to the other side, then climbed the rock.
Then we had to walk on the rock, passing a low pass that we had to bow lower to pass under the big stone.
When I arrive in my bungalow, my jaw dropped again.
The whole bungalow was for me!
One double bed and one single bed, the balcony with the sea view, that night I slept with the natural wave sound.
There are some waterfalls on the map, since I didn't have a motorbike, I hiked to the nearest one, there was a sign on the main road, went to the stairs down into the jungle from the main road and found the stream with many rocks. The waterfall was small, there was a pool, and some people were taking a nap on the rocks.
With the price of only USD 23 per night, this was a real treat!
Koh Phangan (Haad Rin): Star Hostel
Booked the hostel with highest rating in Booking.com.
Not cheap, 12 bed dorm for THB 1000.
Above expectation, the bed and the room were comfortable.
And as the review said, the owner, Mr. Van from USA, whose married a local Thai lady was very friendly and helpful. He informed me about Sea Breeze Resort and Coco Hut (Leela Beach) and even took me there by his motorbike. He even lent me swimming pants (though too big) and snorkel.
Koh Samui (Chaweng): B2@Samui Resort
Booked the cheapest room in the cheapest resort with access to the beach in Booking.com.
Didn't have much expectation due to cheap, and when arrived in my room, just thought "you got what you paid". The room is very small in the ground floor and outside the door was the main access to the beach.
There were small pool and restaurant just near the beach.
The beach was nice.
Bangkok: Mirth Sathorn
Located between Silom and Sathorn Road, behind BNH hospital in a quiet area, which is good.
Small hotel, small room, single bed.
Booked for THB 1650 per night for 2 nights, without breakfast during Songkran.
Food
MK Restaurants (everywhere)
Big chain restaurant of Thaisuki hotpot.
They are everywhere, had dinner at Silom Complex.
Don't like the hotpot taste and the chilly sauce.
The roasted duck was good though.
I like the ordering system by e-pad.
Issaya Siamese Club (Bangkok)
A high class restaurant. Renovated old house.
Nice decoration.
Nice food, but quite expensive.
Location is hard to find, especially if walking from train station.
Spent THB 3,554.54 for 2 persons, but we ordered too much.
Mango Tree Bistro (Central World, Bangkok)
Spent THB 960 for 2 persons.
Nice food.
The only restaurant that let us in after 22:00 in Central World shopping mall.
Food Court in Chaweng Main Street
Many seafood stalls in this roofed open air food court, located in the southern part of the Chaweng Main Road. Difficult to choose which one is better than another. Took 7 king prawns for THB 300 then clams for THB 120.
One unique hand made ice cream stall, run by a cute French girl. One scoop THB 60, 2 scoops THB 100. She said her boyfriend made the ice cream. She has been living in Samui for 2 years, saying that it was difficult to find a job in France, but in Thailand it was easy to start a business.
Little Home (Haad Rin, Koh Phangan)
Popular with tourist, reasonable price, ordered Pad Thai, but not that yummy.
Samui Pier Resort (Bangkrak, Samui)
A resort nearby Bangkrak (Big Budha) Pier.
Had lunch here, spent THB 264 for Panang curry and a beer.
Bars
Chaweng Beach, Samui
A lot of bars in the Chaweng main street.
One of major bar is Ark Bar on the beach side. There is daily fire show, and dance on the beach.
Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach)
There is a nice but simple bar on a wooden platform at the south side of the beach, like a reggae bar.
SIM Card
http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Thailand
Bought dtac 7 days prepaid package for THB 300 at the seller in Don Muang Airport.
Lots of seller greeted passengers coming out.
Was satisfied with the unlimited SIM.
ATM
Everywhere, mostly has charge fee of THB 200.
Traveler's Cheques
Surprised that it still exists here, can be exchanged at Money Exchange Banks in the airport.
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