Wow. That is how I would explain this journey. We used easibook again because it had worked previously and with so many scams going around, we thought it was best to stick with what we knew. So we were originally supposed to catch the minibus from the bus station at 5 in the morning. However, we were informed by one of the workers from the hostel that we could get picked up from our hostel and that he would call and sort this for us. We were pretty chuffed with this as it saved us RM50. He told us to be ready for 5.
So along comes 5 o'clock...the minibus does not arrive...5:15 we are still waiting. The guy from the hostel calls them, they assure him that the bus is on its way. 5:30 comes and still there's no sign of the bus. We call again to be informed that the bus has left without us but that another would be coming. At this point, we were not best pleased because we didn't know how long the bus would take us and whether it was guaranteed that we would make all our crossovers despite the fact that it was with the same company. It's getting later and later...it gets to 6 and we call again, they tell us it's definitely coming and we would make it to Koh Samui. I am tired and the day has not even begun. At about half 6, the minibus turns up-HOORAY! I would like to say this was the end of our troubles!
When we got in to the bus, it seemed roomy and if anything cold. I sat and thought to myself this is perfect. I even managed to sleep for a bit. The driver, was a bit annoying and there was a definite language barrier but you know you can't have everything. Plus, if he had wanted dazzling conversation he was coming to the wrong place.
We get to Malaysia border control and jump out to get stamped before filling in our Thai paperwork. We didn't have thai visas because you can get a visa exemption which costs nothing for 30 days travel. The Thai border control is not the greatest. No one really knows where to go and it looks like a car park. If I hadn't known it was the official immigration I would have thought it was fake. There is a lot of bribery and corruption at these borders so don't be surprised if they try and milk you for every last cent.
After the border, we all got back on the bus and started travelling again. It was just past 9oclock! Just as I had got comfortable again and was about to take a nap, like the old woman I am. We were stopping at our cross over point to get on the second bus. We waited here for an hour before being picked up. We did manage to change the remainder of our Malaysian money here though-result!
The second bus was horrible compared to the first. It was cramped. There was no space to move due to the bus being at capacity. The air con was awful. We downgraded. It was like having the perfect steak with all trimmings and then being presented with a turkey twizzler. Napping was out the question and so was comfort or the option of being cool.
After what felt like days, we arrived at the ferry terminal where we once again got off the bus and given tickets. Here, we were then not allowed entry to the waiting area but all the locals were until we demanded to sit there. That was were the air con was and I was not willing to wait in the heat. As you may be able to tell our early start and the day's events were starting to get to me...
Finally, we were on the ferry and the end was so close! The ferry itself took an hour and a half and was quite pleasant. There are plenty of places to sit, there's a shop and there's also a massage place. When we arrived in the otherside we got our belongings and went off to find a taxi/tuk tuk or anything that would take us to our hostel. Time Check: 17:00
I would recommend using the minibuses on the otherside for 100baht will take you to your hostel in Chatweng. Taxis will be significantly more expensive and they will rip you off. We met girls in our hostel who paid 300 each to get there. The only bad thing about the minibuses is that it does take longer because there are more stops but for 100baht who cares ay!?
When we finally arrived at the hostel there had been a mix up and they were fully booked. They had sorted other accommodation for the night in their sister hostel and we could return tomorrow. They had sorted out transportation aswell. We weren't best pleased but thought we had nowhere else and has paid a deposit. We then queried what sort of room it would be because we were in a 4 bed ensuite, we were informed it was a 6 bed with no ensuite. We asked at this point if we could be discounted for the night as we were getting a worse deal. This is when the owner of Baan Smiles Hostel became prickly and rude. She made out like we were putting her out despite thee fact that it was her fault, we were going to have to take time out of the following day to unpack, never mind the fact that we had been travelling since the early hours. She then said we could just stay in the sister hostel and not move back if that was easier. We agreed it would be but that we still wanted a discount. She was then beside herself. At this point, her sister aka our lift turned up and they began speaking in thai. I didn't have to understand thai to know hat it was all about us. Anyway, we got the discount and were bustled in to the car.
In the car, the sister was very polite and made jokes. It was nice to see that she was the nicer of the sisters and I felt relieved that we would be staying with her. However, when we arrived at our destination we were told we would be staying at Samui Hostel now because we hadn't wanted to move. Luckily, the rooms were really nice and the manager of the hostel was really nice or I think I would have just lost it.
Moral of this story, do not stay in Baan Smile Hostel if it is the last thing that you do.
Anyway on to the nicer things...
Food Court
So after this mammoth journey, all we wanted to do was eat and sleep. We took a wander and found a street market down the road. Perfect. There are a selection of food stalls here. We found one which I sold smoothies and thai food, making our lives easier. I had the chicken pad Thai and the pineapple smoothie and they were on point. I know what you are thinking, did it break the bank Imogen? It cost 100baht altogether which is the equivalent of £2. Don't mind if I do. The food here was really good aswell, I would definitely recommend checking it out.
In fact, I won't lie we ended up eating at this store every night. They even gave it us for free on the last night. That's customer service I enjoy!
In the same market, they also have cocktail stands for 70. We had strawberry daiquiris which were very nice but strong too!
Chatweng Beach
We just wanted some R&R and thought the best way to enjoy this was getting ourselves on the beach. Again, the sun loungers here are free, take that Europe and South America! The beach itself, is busy but not over crowded which is perfect and there are beach bars across the beach to serve your every whim.
Markets
There are little shops dotted around the place with cute clothing shops in. We managed to get some anklets from the same market we got our food from. I also finally managed to get some sandals after losing one on my travels. Don't ask how I lost one, all I know is that one day there was two and then there was only one left. Who cares now though, because I have two new shiny shoes ready for action!
Ark Bar
This is quite well known amongst backpackers and in hostels to be a good spot to hit at night. It was about 10 minute walk from our hostel but luckily everything is pretty much on one road in Chatweng.
Ark Bar itself, is set away from the road. There is a sign and if you follow it down, passing apartments on each side then you will arrive at the bar. It's on the beach which is really nice. The cocktails are strong and not a bad price (180). There isn't really a great dance area but it is social and a good way to spend the evening.
Love Imogen xoxo
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