Koh Samui

Still in pjs

Nice enough setting, but can't help and compare to Langkawi. This is lacking.

The room and private pool are nice and modern. But no view of the ocean. I know. Wah. Wah. But still.

Ordered Pad Thai and Fish and Chips. Both tasty. Never seen Pad Thai presented this way before - with a net of egg encasing the noodles

On Fridays, the Main Street in Fishermans Village (Bo Phut) is closed to traffic and lined with vendors - selling food all types of food: satay, takoyaki, crepes, sushi, "traditional Thai grilled pork", pad Thai, fried seafood, yakitori-style grilled skewers, homemade coconut ice cream, mojitos and sangria, and cold beer. There were also the typical souvenir vendors - tshirts, fake watches, wooden elephants.

It was full of tourists and the first time I've been surrounded by more blondes than Asians in 5 months. A bit more commercial and overwhelming than our recent relaxing, rustic trips. but interesting enough.

We had pretty good Thai food. Good curries and Basil chicken. Nice heat in the dishes. Best part was eating beachside.

The fire dancers were a bonus.

The one thing we've found that's better than Langkawi - the breakfast at the Akaryn is very tasty. Loved the chewy, crisp Belgian style waffle and the Thai omelet.

Food in general is pretty good at the resort, just a bit pricey.

Boat trip - THB7,500 for a private snorkeling and kayaking tour.

We also got an unexpected tour of the island as we drove nearly around the whole island to the "pier". The snorkeling was fine, except 1) they feed the fish bread so they come in droves and aren't afraid of people. Rather than swimming among the coral, they swarm the boats. A bit sad. 2.) All the boats go to the SAME spot. So while we hade a private tour, we were snorkeling with 5 o'the boats. Not that fun.

The "kayak" portion was much better. Our driver took us to an island with no one else around, with a lovely soft sandy floor and shallow warm water. The beach on shore wasn't much to look at, but it was nice to swim and play in the water.

Lunch was included at the restaurant at the starting point and was surprisingly good. Really enjoyed the tender boneless fried chicken, especially dipped into the yellow curry. Yum!

On the last day, I discovered they had a FULL Thai menu at the hotel.

Pineapple fried rice was one of the best I've had. Flavorful and moist.

Pad see ew was weirdly too sweet and molasses-y. Also had a slice of our friends pizza - decent and good Western food fix.

Nice and easy to eat by the pool.

Of course had a lovely cold fresh young coconut. So good.

Recommended by our server at the hotel when he realized how much I love a Thai omelet (Kai jeeow sp?). He told us this is where the locals go to chow down.

Food was solid. The 2 whole fish were excellent. One was butterflied and perfectly battered and deep fried served with a green mango salad. The other was fried whole and smothered with a spicy yellow curry. Yum.

The omelet was better than the hotel's - fluffy and so good. Tom Yam soup was actually a bit flat and much better at the hotel. Other dishes were good but unremarkable.

Overall, a good meal to end our trip.