First-Time Thailand in 9 Days – Day 5
Quite a night and a late wake-up. The day began with a delicious brunch – a veggie wrap and a veggie dipper that had carrot and cucumber sticks served with hummus and pesto dips – at the beachside restaurant of Goodtime Beach Hostel. We had to catch the Lomprayah ferry from Koh Tao pier at 3 PM that reaches Maenam pier, also known as Pralan pier, of Koh Samui at around 4.40 PM.
highlights of the day
- Koh Tao pier to Koh Samui pier by high-speed catamaran
- Free shuttle bus to Samui Mermaid Resort
- Swimming at the pool
- Relax and dinner by the beach
Gulf of Thailand
The water of Gulf of Thailand, also known as Gulf of Siam, is calm and green. Shallow and warm waters along with colorful marine life has made Gulf of Thailand a must-visit for scuba-divers.
Also, the accessibility of the trio islands – Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui – by ferries both from Chumphon (to the north) and Surat Thani (to the south) piers have made it possible for travelers to explore these islands.
Though I have decided to explore Koh Phangan later some other time when I come, Koh Tao and Koh Samui have not let me down at all – I would come back to Gulf of Thailand again, very soon.
Maenam Pier
When we reached Maenam pier, we were asked the name of our resort and its address if needed, as mostly they know where the resorts are located unless very new or unpopular.
I had booked Samui Mermaid Resort well in advance through a booking website. Someone from Lomprayah Ferry showed us the shuttle bus that would drop us to the resort.
For ferries to and from Koh Samui, if you inform Lomprayah at least a day earlier about your resort, they arrange a free drop to or pick up from, respectively, your resort at Koh Samui.
Koh Samui is famous for its walking street market at Bophut Fisherman’s Village and nightlife at Chaweng Beach. We wanted to stay a little far from the crowd just a 15-min drive away, so we had booked Samui Mermaid Resort at Bangrak Beach, also known as Big Buddha Bay, on the north-east coast of the island.
Samui Mermaid Resort
Samui Mermaid Resort is a pretty and beautiful resort divided into two parts by the road in between – one side is the garden and the other is the beachside, each of them having a swimming pool.
The resort provides free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour restaurant with outdoor seating. The rooms host either a fan or air conditioning, and attached bathrooms have hot-water showers. All rooms have a TV, free bottled water, and a private little balcony.
Relaxing Evening in Koh Samui
The first thing reaching the resort was to jump in the swimming pool.
The resort is not far from the airport, so we sighted few flights passing right above us.
The garden area was lit up in the evening.
We planned to have an early dinner at the beach-side Dolphin restaurant that is owned by our resort, and it boasts beautiful sunset views.
For sighseeing at Koh Samui, we have booked a aircon minivan bus for tomorrow who would take us around the city. Bye-bye for tonight!
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN THB)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 5 in Thailand – Koh Samui.
- Koh Tao to Koh Samui: 800
- Getting around: 100 THB
- Hotel in Koh Samui for twin sharing (1 night): 750
- Food:Â 450
- Miscellaneous: 150
Total expense (roughly):Â 2250 THB
For an overall idea of itinerary and expense of the trip, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page. You can also have a look at First-Time Thailand in 9 Days – Itinerary and Expenses.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
It looks like a lovely vacation destination. Relaxing and pampering…what’s not to love? Glad you had a fun time! Pools are the best. 🙂
Yes, but I love the beaches more!
This looks so luxurious! I would definitely hit up that restaurant, looks delish!
Yes the food is just too good!
I’d love to discover more of Thailand! This looks like a great place to stay 🙂 yum and Thai food is just awesome!!
Yes, I completely agree!
Looks like a dream destination! 🙂 and the food looks amazing, I can imagine myself there one day 😀
Hahahaha yes please!
Koh Samui was one of the first islands I visited in Thailand, and it is lovely. I’d like to go back one of these days. Your photos are lovely.
Thanks much!
I’ve been to Thailand and did like the road trip part up north much better than the beach part since it was far more authentic. But since I love beaches and snorkeling and all that jazz, I’m still looking for a beach destination in Thailand that is not totally overrun. Maybe Koh Samui will have a quiet corner for me?!
Hey wow, you mean you been to Chiang Mai or Mae Hong Son Loop?
Never heard of it, but looks like a fine place away from tourist crowds. Somehow, when I imagine Thailand, I imagine beaches full of Russians. (I am from Russia mysefl)
hahahahaha no no Thailand is cosmo, you will see a mix of people from different parts of the world!
You are having a lovely time Shreya, and the pictures show that!. The place looks so serene. I guess I need to visit Thailand soon!
Yes Amrita, very soon!
I am trying to make a cool itinerary for our Thiland vacation. This post gave me new idea, as I have never heard about this place but it seems to be unmissable. Thanks$
Sure, you must visit Samui.
Looking at doing a big Thailand trip in the future and by the looks of it, Koh Samui needs to be on there. Giving me a few ideas. 🙂
Oh yes, do reach out to me for detailed plan.
Wow that is quite the trip of only 2250 THB! I converted that to dollars, since I am an American, and that would only be $72! Way more fun than you would get over here in the states for seventy bucks. Looks like I need to take my next vacation in Thailand.
Yes, it’s so economical, isn’t it?