Ko Samui, Thailand

Samui, (pronounced Sam-Moo-ee) is the biggest of a group of several dozen islands in the southern Gulf of Siam.  Some have called it the biggest coconut plantation in the world, and until the first backpackers began arriving in the 1970s, life on Samui revolved around the coconut and the income it generated.  The bungalow resorts which mushroomed on every attractive beach on the island quickly saw tourism become the island’s major income earner.  It takes only about one hour to drive completely around the island, if you don’t stop along the many beaches or take to some of the side tracks.

We hired a car & driver to show us the island.  They have elephant safari’s here and it is not unusual to see people riding though the jungle on an elephant. We went to see a waterfall where we walked to the bottom (quite a trek) over rocks and tree roots.  Afterwards, Gary went for a massage while I walked around the town. The car & driver cost us $40. For 4 hours.  This time we didn’t stop for lunch but had a sandwich when we got back to the ship. The waiter we have had since Ft. Lauderdale left the ship last night as he is from Thailand and his contract was up.  We had a small cake for him and sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”   

We have 1 day at sea then arrive in Singapore.  Heard about the terrible tsunami in Japan.  We were very concerned as they mentioned Thailand as one of the places possibly affected, but apparently we were clear.