Photo Journal: Recharging in Koh Samui, Thailand
Happy New Year!
Well, it was a happy one until Saturday. Just a few weeks into 2014 and I’ve come down with the first illness of the year. And let me tell you, it is not pretty… especially with a non-working toilet over the 3-day stomach flu. GAH!
Anyway back to more sunny (and appropriate) days, Koh Samui — which was just nine days ago but already seems like eons — was the perfect week-long getaway from reality. Best of all? No toilet issues after over-gorging on amazzzzzzzingly delicious Thai food.
Top five highlights? Read below:
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Standing 12 meters tall and resident of its own small island offshore to Koh Samui, the Big Buddha statue can be seen by visitors upon landing at the airport. And with its sparkling gold immanence, how could anyone miss this beautiful structure of zen? Ommmmmm.
Angthong National Marine Park
Made up of 42 islands featuring lime stone massifs, tropical rainforests and deserted beaches, Angthong National Marine Park contains many small coves and beautiful beaches. Just a short boat ride away, the islands are best for snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and swimming. *blub blub, gulp, helppp…
Island Hopping
With Koh Phangan (famed for its full moon parties), Koh Tao (known for its untapped beaches and seclusion) and other islands just a hop away, you can satiate your party and R&R itches. ahhh…
Muay Thai Classes
My number one go-to for releasing pent-up frustrations?? Muay Thai (and a dozen macarons from Ladurée after two tubs of banana pudding from Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery in NYC’s LES). I had signed up for a professional training camp with a Lamai Muay Thai Camp but I couldn’t wake up at 5:30am. Instead, I took a class at the Conrad, which wasn’t as professional or vigorous; but just as fun! And definitely helped me burn off some of my sugar belly.
Thai Food!
Saving the best for last, unabashedly, Thai food is the best part of any trip to Thailand for me. Creamy curries, spicy stir fries, blends of hot, sour, sweet and salty flavors; all tastes I crave even as I type. Darn this stomach flu!!!
*A special thank you to TL-180 for the gorgeous red Passport bag (their signature piece) that accompanied me on this trip! This versatile piece made sure to carry everything I needed from sand and boat to airport!
Hotel:
Conrad Koh Samui
49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Road
Tambol Amphur Koh Samui
Sur, 84140, Thailand
+66 77 915 888
Freshgrub
It’s not common that the photos tell a story and yours does. I have been to Koh Samui and it is still one of my favorite destinations and I have written about it as well.
http://freshgrub.net
erica lawrence: naturopath - body ecologist.
Ahhh yes. Another beautifully captured trip. Glad to hear your guts sorted themselves out… consider traveling with a probiotic strain called SB (saccharomyces boulardii) next time you’re overseas (which is awesomely all the time); it should prevent any gastro. I can’t help myself! That red passport bag is bloody gorgeous.
viv
Love the photos! Esp the ones around the national park! Even I went kayaking ard for a bit coz it was just so beautiful :)
Michael Knouse
Gorgeous photos and a huge inspiration for me to travel to Thailand sooner rather than later. This sounds like such an incredible experience and I just love how you embrace it all. Simply wonderful!
Sandy
Beautiful!
I visited Thailand a few years back but didn’t make it out to Koh Samui..looks like I need to get back!
Kate
Ohhhh gorgeous photos!! I’ll be in SE Asia in a few weeks… thank you for getting me excited and inspired! Hope you are feeling better now, too! :)
Kristy Moore
Lovely photos, looks like you found a piece of luxury on your Thai adventure. I’m surprised snorkelling or diving didn’t feature in a top 5 for Koh Samui – did you venture to the underwater world?
The Seoul Girl
i’m craving some sand and sun. too bad i can’t leave seoul until march!
Celeste Luk
You’re hot stuff!!!
elleyess
Aw shucks…!
Terence Yin
Very nice photos as usual! Definitely can see you had an amazing trip!