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DAY 2: KHAO SOK - KO SAMUI (205 kms.)
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drive follows H401 to Surat Thani, and then H4142 to Don Sak
and the ferry terminal to Koh Samui. Keep in mind that you will
want to arrive in the queue at least half an hour before the
last ferry at 6 p.m. |
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Ko Samui
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Ko Samui is developed like Phuket, but its smaller airport and island
location has resulted in more gentle development than Phuket. The
main road on the island is a two lane concrete highway, but otherwise
side roads consist of single lane concrete roads with dirt hard shoulders
for passing. The speed limit for the island is 50 kph.
The main town is Na Thon on the west coast, but the main beaches are
on the east side of the island. Lamai and Chaweng are sandy paradises
that cannot be appreciated from the inland road, so kick off the driving
shoes and take a walk along the beach. Nightlife at Chaweng becomes
a raucous paradise for ravers, while Lamai is also lively. Other beaches
on the island offer lovely spaces to get into some island time.
It is worthwhile to drive up through the coconut plantations (Four-wheel
drive only) and appreciate the view east over the Gulf from one of
three rustic restaurants on the ridge track that crosses the centre
of the island. Curiosities include the well-preserved remains of Luang
Pho Daeng Phaya Silo, who passed away in 1973, at Wat Khunaram and
300 year old stone Buddha at Wat Samrej. Other attractions are well
publicized in the free handouts. A good map of the island is the "New
Travel Map" distributed by the Pholphala Co. (50 baht), while Dan
Reid's "Koh Samui and Environs" (Asia Books) is an elegant guidebook.
DAY 3: SIDE TRIPS
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ST1 Chaiya
Chaiya is a small wooden town that has much charm. The main points
of interest are Wat Suan Mokha Palaram, a very famous centre for the
study of Buddhism, and the 1200 year-old Phra Borom That Chaiya Pagoda,
which is a relic of the Srivijaya kingdom. There is a small museum
in the temple. Phum Riang, a centre for weaving, is 6 kms. to the
east on the coast. Return by H4112 for a quieter rural route to Surat
Thani. This trip will probably necessitate an overnight stay in Surat
Thani or near Khanom. |
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Cars
