Koh Samui

[marcortez 0]

I do not know how to post in the hotel reviews so I am posting here in lieu of there.

 

I stayed at the Chaweng PR guest house on the road nearest the beach.

For a 10 day stay with prepayment, they charged only 500 baht a day.

 

This place seems pretty new and rooms reflect that with clean paint and tile floors throughout. Bed nice, TV and mini bar with free drinking water.

 

Room made up daily with fresh sheets and towels.

 

It over looks the street with the outside rooms directly to a busy 7-11, a couple of massage/therapy places and a beauty salon. Some beer bars just south on the same side of the street.

 

This place is towards the south end of the beach road, on the east side of the street. Sorry I do not know the address. Look for a yellow "Amari" sign.....a clothing store.

 

Staff friendly but very very little English. They also operate a small internet cafe that interjoins the guest house.

They allowed me to park the rented motorbike up off the street and in front of the internet cafe.

 

This travel agency can hook you up with PR guest house. http://www.tourdada.com/

 

They are located just two blocks away to the north on the east side of the street.

 

Motorbike rental (automatic trans Yamaha) was only 200 baht a day.

 

Joiners no problem and only once did they want to see an ID.....after they see my smiling face daily, they did not even bother to ask.

 

Even thought my room was directly above the street on the 2nd floor, there was very little street noise.

Only the sound trucks blasting "Thai boxing tonight tonight, get your seats early, get your seats early. Championship boxing, you will not be disappointed"

 

 

7-11 was convienient for morning coffee and or snacks and people watching on the bench seat outside while my "guest" slept.

 

Some ponytailed, falang pricks on motorbikes twice stop and ask me if I want to get tickets to some time share scam.

I tell the prick "yeah right" and this one guy says to me "oh, you must be an American"....and off he goes.

 

Also stayed a few nights at Chaweng Beach Central Bay resort.

On the beach but a very run down place. Grounds are a mess and the rooms old and worn. Had to drag my wheeled luggage through the sand covered walkways.

 

Over priced at 1200 baht a night I believe.

Staff friendly enough and American plan breakfast was edible....although they charge for coffee refills at 20 baht a cup. Nescafe instant junk.

 

Beach massage joint right in front on the beach.....one girl left bruises on me for being way to strong with her hands.

Nice beach, nice sand.....crawling with people in the afternoon.

 

I wanted to move to another place but they would not refund me for any nights that I paid for in advance.

Now I am leary of paying for nights in advance.....if you don't like the place and they won't refund you....your SOL.

The desk girl told me.."once the boss has the money, you will not get it back"

 

Several sois up to the middle/north end have beer bars with cute girls.

But certainly a LONG way from the likes of Pattaya.

Went to a ladyboy show one night......great!!! A must see just for fun and laughs.

 

Koh Samui is easy to get to from U-Tap airport to the south of Pattaya.....use Bangkok airlines. Just over an hour flight.

Samui airport is great!!....palm thatched roofed arrival/departure areas. Very casual !!!

 

What a beautiful tropical island this place is!!!!! Waterfalls, rivers, streams, rocky and sandy beaches.

Took a "Big Game" fishing trip one day on a ancient Thai boat.....chugging and smoking diesel engine that needed manual priming each time it started....what a hoot!!!

 

Highly recommended if you need a break from the hectic pace of Pattaya.

Edited November 30, 2005 by marcortez