Our last major stop in Southern Thailand was Koh Phangan. Our decision to go there was a result of a poolside chat at the Samui Reef View Resort. We stayed at the Milky Bay Resort that is highly rated by trip advisor. This was a perfect place where we met new friends from Calgary and Regina. It was a destination resort so you did not need to leave to go anywhere else. The food was the best we ate in SE Asia. The mere mention of Koh Phangan brings up its reputation as party central (full, half and quarter moon parties!) but we avoided these large gatherings and spent a wonderful week there: cycling, motorbiking, snorkeling and swimming. We had hoped to get to Koh Tao, however due to getting too much sun on a snorkeling trip we unfortunately elected to spend a day in the shade.
The trip home began as we departed from Koh Phangan on the ferry to Koh Samui and a flight to Phuket. We spent two days at Patong which lived up to the definition of a zoo. The beach is end to end beack chairs and the water is dirty. We had stayed at Karon Beach a neighboring beach and it is much more civilized. The Patong Beach area is a sleazy tourist area with sex shows, massage parlors - you name it is in Patong.
The trip ended as it began at the Legacy Suites Hotel. It was such a lovely, central and convenient place close to restaurants, shopping and attractions. Our final three days were filled with a visit to the Grand Palace, last minute shopping and relaxing by the pool.
We were accommodated in about 36 different hotels and guesthouses. We used a variety of transportation - 11 flights, 1 overnight train trip, 17 bus trips, 5 ferry rides, 3 motorbike rides and numerous taxi and Tuk Tuk rides. Phew! What a great journey!
The next phase of the journey is a short stay at home in South Surrey with our son and daughter-in-law who have been looking after our house. We are very grateful to them for doing this. We resume travel at the end of March to Halifax and Holland.
