We got to Ko Samui from Koh Phangan, taking the 30 minute ferry from Thong Sala Pier to Seatran Bangrak Pier, booking through 12GoAsia (although cheaper to buy from office, we later learnt our lesson with this one).

On arrival to Ko Samui, we were offered private taxis for 600 baht to Chaweng Yai Beach area, but step onto the road and flag down a songtheaw. We only paid 100 baht, for an extra 10 mins of journey time.

Where we stayed – Cheeky Monkey Hostel

Very cheap in comparison to other hostels close by we looked at, and it boasts it’s own pool overlooking the surrounding mountains, which was a nice touch.

The rooms were small and basic, but it offered everything you would need. Also, one night there was a free buffet bbq, if you purchase a drink of course! But the food was good, and we took full advantage of this. 

The hostel is perfectly located to bars, restaurant, beach and 7 elevens!

Visiting Chaweng Yai Beach

This beach is very large and has many resorts/restaurants backing onto it which offer sunbeds. However we picked a beach spot (cheap skates I know) and chilled for a few hours in the 30 degree heat.

We attempted snorkelling, but no avail. Snorkelling doesn’t like us. 

Instead I decided to walk the whole length of the beach, this way I would tan both sides. I’m prone to sticking to one side when sunbathing!

Walking along the beach there were cleaner areas and more crystal clear waters, and then more littered areas outside of the beach clubs, which there are quite a few of! Seems like it could be a lively place at night, but didn’t get to experience this.

Visiting Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)

I visited this place just before we were about to board our ferry. Seeing how far this complex was from the ferry point (0.7 miles) I was intrigued by the challenge. Kelly wasn’t as intrigued!

We had a 35 minute wait for our ferry so I left Kelly with all bags and started fast walking.

The complex was empty from tourists and free to get in, a bonus! The buddha statue was large and iconic. I took lots of photos, until I was scarred off by a cat, who slowly started getting closer to me. I need to stop kneeling down to take photos!

There were some interesting statues down by the river who looked as if they were making their way towards the buddha. These were very different.

With time not on my hands, I rushed back to the port, stopping at the 7 eleven for toasties and I still had 5 minutes to spare, alongside a very sweaty back!

Go to the Rasta Bar

We popped in here for a bit of live reggae music, which I was desperate for. The bar is very quirky and the owner very friendly. The singing duo were great and lively and sung reggae in Thai, which was an experience for us both!

We had little time in Ko Samui, and although it didn’t cost much getting there (on the route to Krabi anyway) it didn’t really stand out as one of mine or Kelly’s favourite places.

The beach was lovely, but other than that there didn’t seem a great deal more to do, unless you wish to travel to other parts of the island.