KOH SAMUI............

Apart from Phuket (which I didn't like very much), this is the next Thai island that I was at. I much prefer it here, there are parts like Patong Beach but it is much quieter. Seems like motorcycles are the way to go here, many tourist go barebodied or in a bikini top.....man do they burn! But it is easier to negotiate the small roads leading to the beaches on the bikes.

I stayed at the Smile House on Bhoput beach....very convenient especially if you have a family, not much for singles or partygoers though.....decent enough place, staff are friendly with continental breakfast.

Any of you who will end up missing Satrbucks, Burger King etc should not worry, plenty of those chains around...but local food is very nice...no Italian would feel lost either as Italian restaurants are a plenty! There's even a Brazilian place called Zico's...yes like the footballer...no idea whether it's his or not though. Chaweng has many clubs, restaurants & shops, it caters to many different taste. I saw many young tourists, some just out of their teens in groups stumbling from club to club.....LOL!........

The expatriate community is quite large, many purchase villas here, like the ones featured in my photos. There are many such developments, gorgeous places for rent as well as sale. I will definitely be back again but will stay longer as my trip was way too short......