With the roads gradually drying out after so much rain, I took a long bike ride up into the Koh Samui mountains. The highest point is called Khao Pom, which peaks at 2,083 feet above the ocean blue. Fortunately, it was a clear day and the view was fantastic!
Also up high in the Koh Samui mountains are luxury villas and residences, which suggests that many foreigners have clearly moved here permanently. You can make an educated observation that the round eyes who take little permed doggies for walks, are probably part of the expat crowd. I have also seen prams being wheeled across mad streets with actual little humans in them. The parents clearly know the lay of this land.
There are tons of signs for new Residences coming soon and big yellow cranes and bulldozers moving earth around to build them. Riding through prime spots in the Koh Samui mountains, you pass sign after sign: Land for Rent, House for Rent, Apartment for Sale etc. There is no sign of development on Koh Samui slowing down.
I had a few more places (mostly beaches) that I wanted to check out before leaving. I’m always on a mission to find the best beach, but found many of the entrances to these blocked by metal barriers with security guards near signs that read “Resort Guests Only!” There is clearly an air of exclusivity on Koh Samui… Selfish bastards.
Koh Samui is popular for it’s nightlife, so I decided to experience it one last time, with an early start before things got too cray cray. I had the nicest long chat with a bar girl of the same age. She told me that most of the ‘working girls’ on Koh Samui are from the province of Isaan way up in the north of Thailand.
She also said she was waiting for her client who wanted to go dancing and said he would meet up with her at 2am. “Did you meet him tonight?” I asked. No. they met two years ago! Seems like a case of someone with wealth finding his favourite Thai woman and pre-booking her in advance. Such is Thailand.
With the sun out, I wanted to enjoy as much beach-time as possible and even treated myself to a massage right next to my favourite patch of sand. Not the best I’ve had, but the setting and soothing waves made it worthwhile. The best Thai massage I’ve ever had to date, was back on Koh Phayam. Once you go Bam Bam it’s hard to go back!
I’m still amazed after my eight days on Koh Samui, that I never saw one bike accident – not even a single close call. I did however see three ambulances on different days in a rush to get somewhere. At the end of such a stay, I tend to celebrate having survived unscathed. Post massage, this came in the form of a new dish called Khao Yum. This big colourful bowl of healthy goodness consists of:
Khao Yum: Butterfly Pea rice, Marigold, Lotus, Torch Ginger, Pha Hom leaves, Kaffir Lime leaves, Wild Betel leaves, Lemongrass, Tailing Pling, a squeeze of lime, roasted coconut, Long Beans, Winged Beans, dried fish bits, chilli flakes and something called “Nam Bu du” (possibly the fish sauce). Nom nom nom.
My island hopping in the South of Thailand was done for now. Would I go to Koh Samui again? No. What about Koh Lanta? Maybe. Koh Phangan? Yes. Koh Phayam? Absolutely!
Next: Chiang Mai: Royal Pavilion & Park, The Samoeng Loop & Palm Villa
Previously: Koh Samui Nightlife & a Puddle Plunge
Discover more from Roaming Unbound
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
