Written by John Loffler
Koh Samui Holiday
There are a couple of ways to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok, but for a first-time traveller, just book your tickets in advance at a reputable travel agent in Australia. (I say that now, 7 years after I did this trip. After 7 years of travelling I do all my own trip planning.)
The Journey Begins
The flight takes about 1hr 15 mins flying Thai or Bangkok Airlines. This was a holiday I was really looking forward to, just relax and chill out. The stresses of the last few months in Western Australia and some personal issues back in Perth had left their mark. This was going to be a week of doing very little.
Bandara

The hotel I had booked was 5 star, had its own beach, a couple of swimming pools, bars, restaurant and close enough to the central area of Koh Samui to walk. I was picked up from the airport. Don’t you love that bit about arriving at an airport and there’s some dude holding up a sign with your name on it? Yeah, me too. The drive to the hotel was leisurely, air-conditioned, and for a new visitor to Samui, full of interest. We passed through the popular area which is called Chaweng Beach. My hotel was in the BhoPut Beach area.


I was treated like royalty on arrival and if I were to describe this place, the Bandara Resort, I would use the term ‘breathtaking’! Look at the pictures and I am sure you will agree. After checking in, I wasted no time getting into my bathers, grabbing a towel and heading for the beach. To get there, you have to walk past the two swimming pools. OMG! (After looking at the more recent photos I see they have added an infinity pool!)
The Hotel Beach

Then it’s a casual stroll through the hotel’s glorious gardens at the end of which is a bar and…the beach. Loungers supplied, clean sand, clear water, paradise was here! The room was fantastic, spacious, beautiful décor and very Thai. With Australian money the rate I paid in 2010, $100 a night which included breakfast, was very cheap when you look at the standard of the accommodation.
Correct Terminology
Slip! Slop! Slap! I was in the water in a flash. I don’t know at what temp the Gulf of Thailand water usually runs to, but somewhere in the mid-20’s might be an educated guess. While the beach was private, that didn’t stop the hawkers from parading through there selling everything from flip flops (thongs) and sunglasses to a massage. This was my introduction to an aspect of SE Asia that, at times, became annoying. By the way, during my years of travel I have had to use the term ‘flip flops’ due to some funny misunderstandings I had with my US and Canadian friends when I referred to that particular footwear as ‘thongs’.
Thai to German – Silly
My first evening in Samui saw me dine at a local German eatery where I had wiener schnitzel, a favourite of mine. That was my last western style meal as I later discovered Thai food. By the way, the food at the hotel, including the free breakfast, was just magnificent.
My Island Scooter Rides