Last day in Koh Samui

Today's our last day in Koh Samui. We've spent most of our time lying on the beach and getting a bit sunburnt. It's been very relaxing sitting under the shade of overhanging trees, though Larna pointed out yesterday, we should have looked out for coconuts.

The beach we are staying at - Chaweng Beach - is very touristy though and we'd probably have picked another one if we had known. The main strip is lined with souvenir shops, expensive restaurants (compared to what you pay in a market stall) and a million tailors, all of whom stand outside trying to lure you into their shops in the belief that every tourist wants a tailored suit on holiday. Also there are no buses here and all the taxis refuse to turn on the meter, which means try to bargain down to a fair price.

We also managed to get ourselves caught up in some timeshare presentation, on the pretext of winning some great prize...but that's a story for another day (don't worry we didn't sign up). We did at least get to see one of the best resorts on the island and have a free smoothie and snacks (these things you appreciate when you are backpacking on a budget).

Last night we had dinner at the local market, which I wish we had found earlier. It's one road back from the main road. It's like the markets in Bangkok, very authentic food and a third of the price of the main drag with the food cooked right in front of you in big woks. Larna and I had a veritable feast starting with deep friend chicken (a bit naughty), followed by green chicken curry, mixed stir fry veggies and rice. Delicious All this came to about $8 (about 240 baht). In comparison one main course on the main drag can cost the same, if not more - a steak costs about 400 baht in a "tourist' restaurant. Afterwards we walked away from the market, down the road and found Chewang Beach's sleazy road - lined on both sides by bars where young Thai girls in skimpy outfits stood around waiting for the tourists to arrive. Lots of pink neon lighting and pool tables. One bar was called the "69 bar" - sure you get the picture.

Some pics above of Bo Phut beach where we went on Wednesday to get away from Chewang and other pics on Kho Samui. Tomorrow we leave early for Krabi and it could be a long day of travelling again - bus, ferry, bus - about seven hours I've been told.

Oh yes, I have predictably started reading "The Beach" again! Enjoying it immensely second time round.