Koh Samed, Thailand

I’m trying to remember exactly who recommended I go to Koh Samed next chance I get. I know I was talking to someone I had just met –- most likely another counselor at a local conference.

Regardless, as soon as Doris said she was coming in from Japan to attend a mission conference in Rayong, I figured this would be a great place to relax since the island is only a 15 minute drive further down the coast. Since it was our school break, I took up residence on the island for most of the week even though Doris had to go to her conference part-way through.

What a great island get-away and it’s only a few hours from Bangkok! Doris flew in early Sunday morning and we took the next bus from the airport south toward the mainland pier. I’m constantly amazed how inexpensive it is to travel in this country –- transportation cost for both to/from my apartment/beach was a total of $40 including taxi, bus, mini-van and speed boat rides... not bad for 8 hours of travel!

When I say "get-away" that is exactly what defines the remote island of Koh Samed. Everything on the island is brought in by boat including food, supplies and visitors. It surprised me some when the boat dropped us off at the resort without officially docking! Turns out, all boats simply back in toward the beach as far as possible, lift the motor and set the anchor so people can wade through the water with bags in hand.

We found our way to the resort through all the activity on the beach. All in all, it was definitely a worthwhile trek because the Samed Villa Resort (our destination) offered a wonderful environment with private bungalows, immaculate grounds, excellent restaurant, friendly staff and awesome views of the ocean even while dining. After we checked into our rooms, we also discovered lots of natural rock formations along the beach -- perfect spots for quiet times.

I need to remember that Thailand offers more than the city of Bangkok when I'm in the thick of things at school. While I enjoy city life, I have no doubt the island of Koh Samed with resorts such as the Samed Villa will be a destination in the future especially since it’s so close to my domicile.

Behind the Scenes

One day Doris and I decided to take a walk beyond the boundaries of our resort. A staff member said we would be able to reach the other side of the island after a 20 minute walk. Well, we obviously took a wrong turn because it was no 20 minute walk.

Don’t know where we went wrong because, according to the map, there are only a couple main roads on the island! I guess we took a left instead of right when we got to the road nearest our resort...?

At any rate, I’m glad we journeyed the length of the island (instead of width) because Doris and I got to see the behind-the-beaches life and other resort offerings. We encountered a number of friendly locals on our way, always offering a smile and greeting of "sawa-tee-ka" whether they were working on road construction, tending their village shop or a resident resting in the heat.

Along the road we encountered what I'll call a spirit house graveyard. Actually, it was a bit of an eerie sight where locals either dumped old spirit houses not in use anymore or purposely set up a place for evil spirits to congregate in the forest...? It’s another indication of the overt spiritual life in Asia as compared to the west. As followers of Christ, it is wonderfully comforting to know God remains in us at all times -- even when encountering other spirits. We are not left defenseless in such instances!

This was also the first time I remember seeing a field of lavender colored cone-shaped flowers. After further research, I believe they are called Annual Delphinium with various-colored florets on spikes that are 2-3 feet apart. If anyone knows otherwise, please advise =)

The way back was much more picturesque as we headed from the interior of the island toward the coast, observing other resorts that set up shop along the numerous beaches. Interesting how each resort has a flavor of its own, complete with resident dogs.

To get from one beach to another required we hike through bush areas and traverse rock outcroppings. It was in one of these bushes we encountered the biggest surprise with a (no kidding) 8-10 inch black spider sitting in its web blocking our path. That’s when I stepped in and bushwhacked the web and spider so we could continue on our way. Who says chivalry is dead?

Turns out the 20 minute walk was more of a 3.5 hour hike but what a great way to see Koh Samed!