Itchy-bits of Koh Samui

 

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Origin: Hong Kong
Destination: Koh Samui
Dates: April 19-22, 2015
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Price: ~ $850 CAD / person (includes flights and 4.5 star hotel)

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Hotel: Infinity Residences & Resort
Location:  Moo 6, Bangpor Sol 4, Mae Nam, Ko Samui
Cleanliness: 3.5/5
Pros: Amazing views, in-suite pool, massive suites (perfect for families), friendly staff, privacy
Cons: Inconvenient location, a bit on the dirty side
Itch-to-Stay: 4/5

Unless your hotel provides free shuttle from the airport, otherwise you will need to take either a taxi (600-1000 baht) or a mini shuttle bus (100-300 baht) to your hotel. Prices are fixed and if you opt for the mini shuttle bus you will need to wait until 5 people are on board before the bus runs. There’s a currency exchange store at the airport. But unless you are really desperate for baht, otherwise I would suggest exchanging your money upon arrival in the city. There are loads of bank and currency exchange stores with a much better rate.

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Getting around Koh Samui is an issue as public transportation is pretty much non-existent.  Transportation methods include: taxis, shuttles (if your hotel offers them), and renting a car, motorcycle or scooter. Taxis cost around 500-1000 baht to get around from one spot to another so I would highly recommend riding a scooter instead. Rental stores can be found almost every block, and the process is simple. Remember to also bargain for a good price – around 150-250 baht/day for a scooter and 900-1000 baht/day for a car. There’s only one main road so it’s almost impossible to get lost. The road can get quite busy in the afternoon, but just drive slow and stay close to the road and you will be fine!

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The hotel we stayed at, Infinity Residences & Resort, had an amazing view! We were given an enormous two floor suite, with a private swimming pool, and fully equipped kitchen. The only downside would be the fact that it’s located on the top of a VERY steep hill. A hike is required to get from your room to the main reception and a shuttle is necessary to reach the main road. Their shuttles are complementary and they were very willing to pick us up/ drop us off whenever we asked, despite having a set schedule.  Staff were also very friendly and welcoming. However, the suite was not as clean as we had hoped as we noticed bugs in the pool and around our room.  Would still highly recommend it to those traveling with a large family who are looking for a more secluded hotel!
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In terms of beaches, our favourite was one was Crystal Bay Beach! The beach is located behind the Crystal Bay Beach Resort and Yacht Cub, the journey from our hotel to the beach was more or less 1 hour on a scooter but it was definitely worth the ride.  Having said that, the beach itself is obviously not too big, it’s a very secluded beach with just the right amount of people. Water was clear with barely any seaweed; they also have amazingly soft sand both in and out of the water, which I was very surprised to find.  Along the beachfront, you will be able to find a few bars/restaurants and massage stations all operating at a very reasonable price!

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