Ko Samed: Thailand’s Paradise Island
White-crested waves broke about 50 meters out from the shore. This, I was convinced, was paradise. Ko Samed, Thailand is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand, and is probably the favorite place I’ve ever traveled. From the gorgeous beaches, littered with monumental volcanic rock brought in by tsunamis of years past, to the deep jungle only able to be penetrated by those with patience and a sharp machete, it offers ever facet of tropical adventure one could hope for. Of course, if you aren’t interested in roughing it, there are multiple high-class resorts available for you to lounge out.
When I went, it took an incredibly long boat ride to get to the island. Exhausted, I registered at the first resort that seemed appealing and sprawled out on the beach. Drifting off to sleep as the sun sank, I was incredibly at peace. A few hours later I woke up, startled at first by the cosmic showcase above me. Stars extended from the treeline to the watery horizon, swirls of pale pink and brilliant blue mingling and merging into infinity. Getting up and brushing the sand off, I went a few meters back from the beach to the bar, ordering a black rum and coke. Sipping my perfectly mixed (and by that I mean way too strong) drink, I chatted with some of the other people visiting the island.
The next morning I awoke in my private bungalow, leaving relatively early looking for adventure. Before even making it to breakfast, I had found my plan. Dirt bikes were available for rent, so of course I had to partake. The island is littered with paths and trails cutting through the vegetation, and I spent hours on them, eventually settling near a small waterfall off a brook in mid-afternoon. After a few hours of relaxing there, I headed back to the resort, again crawling onto the beach and watching the sunset.
You can see where this is going – a solid week spent alternating between absolute relaxation and mind-blowing exhilaration. It was definitely the best travel experience I’ve ever had.
(Story by Samson. Photo credit: Du Hangst)
11 Comments
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The picture you painted was so breathtaking and took me right back to my time there. I could not believe how stunning the sunsets truly were. Thank you for this wonderful reminder.
Sounds like you had a great time there. I definitely want to visit ASAP. Did you do any hiking while you were there?
Boating around in the overseas of Thailand sounds amazing! It is a great vacation place to go. I have been looking into it’s culture for years and wish to go soon.
I absolutely loved my trip there and I can’t wait to go back. I went with a few friends and we had the best time ever.
This looks like a beautiful place and I can’t wait to visit someday. I must add this destination to my bucket list of places to visit in the future.
Thailand was one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been. I encourage everyone to check out the wonders of Southeast Asia; some of the nicest people (and nicest scenery) in the world without a doubt.
There are just so many beautiful places to see, and I hope I have time to them all. After seeing your review, I am sure that I’m going to have to add Thailand to the top of my list. Relaxation and fun that is exactly what indication should be.
Wow, sounds great. I’ve never been to Thailand, but I hear that one of the best things about it is the shopping experience. I’m told you can buy beautiful jewelry there. I’m also told that the food is delicious.
I am so envious after readin about this. Now that I have a picture of the waves and the sand in my head I am becoming really depressed looking out my window at the pouring rain! What a nice visual to have on such a bleak day!
I never thought of Thailand as being a place that I would like to visit until I read this. Now I will have to reconsider since reading this and seeing how really beautiful it is and how much there is to do that I would enjoy.
What a wonderfully evocative post! It sounds absolutely breathtaking there. I’d never considered Thailand for a vacation, but you’ve made me change my mind! Off to the travel agent!