From Chang Mai to Koh Phangan

Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan (Tong Sala and chaloklum)

Joanna G
Joanna G
Aug 22, 2017 · 4 min read

North

After our 3 days trek, we decided to keep trekking: One day in Doi Inthanon which was amaaazing, one on our own to Doi Suthep just for the day, and a two days long trek close to where we were before (near Chang Dao). The last trek was great even though our guide wasn’t. He was walking up so so quick and we were spitting sweat. We had a good group of young people so we had a great time anyways. The last day, our guide who didn’t tell us his name took us through a suuuper muddy path. By the end we were all brown and cover with mud. We laughed and it went fine but nothing compared to our first 3 days trek. After lods of massages at the ex-inmate massage center, we said goodbye to Chang Mai and flew South.

South

If you fly from Chang Mai, arrive only one hour early at the airport as there is NOTHING to do and the counters open quite late. We then took a bus and a ferry boat to Koh Samui and arrived after a long day of travel. The transportation from the port was horrible. The drivers were mean and unhelpful and there was only ONE tuk tuk and the rest were expensive taxis. We arrived at 8 and the sun was down already and here we were with our backpacks going up and down the port searching for a ride. Then a nice girl told us where to go and eventually just picked us up and took us for free to our hotel. THANK YOU! We really didn’t know what to do anymore and didn’t want to spend nearly 10 euros on a taxi… we’re on a budget. Thai people are the sweetest (most of them) and I love how they’re always eeger to help.

We found our nice hotel and spent a day there by the pool and by the sea. We don’t drive bikes so it’s really hard to go round the island. After a day we took our stuff and hopped on a ferry to Koh Phangan. YESSS. It was sooo much better. We booked a resort called Lime and Soda near the port (walking distance) and stayed there for 3 nights. The first night was half full moon. We baught the (expensive!) tickets and went with 4 german friends we’d met at the hotel. It was really fun but not worth 33 euros… The point is we had fun and had a great time.

At the half moon party

We got home early (2 am) and went for a swim in the pool.

The staff was nice and the location was great. We just stayed by the pool and relaxed until the last day when we went for a long hike. We walked all the way to the entrance of the forest (3 km) and turned right towards it. Then we saw there was a place called Mountain view with a pool up the mountain so we started walking and we made it! It was a long way up but the landscape was worth it.

Anouk on the left, me on the right, climbing to the top.

Another day we took a tuk-tuk to the Paradise waterfall where you can jump in the water with a Tarzan rope. It’s not crazy beautiful but it is. The jumping is fun and it was worth it.

Koh Phangan was really beautiful and we found ourselves a tiny restaurant with the best green curry I’ve ever had. The food was great and cheap (120 bath for green curry and rice… what??!!) which is a big point for us since we looove eating. So greatful I got to be there and I hope to find places like this with great people and great nature and great food again!

We have 5 more days in Thailand before going back home. I love Thailand especially because the people are so nice and everything is good and cheap. I miss working and studying and I can’t wait to get back to it. Stay tuned, I will post something new next week!

)

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade