After releasing the first post in a terrible way.
http://pantip.com/topic/33822909
I'm back with another mediocre post, haha. First of all, I didn't actually intend to visit Koh Samet. I was planning to go to Koh Kham, as usual. But bad luck struck again during my trip, the island was closed. So, I ended up going to Koh Samet... Since I was already there, it didn't matter which island I went to. This time, I traveled alone and set a budget of 1,000 baht (I had to endure hunger). Feel free to comment if there are any mistakes or omissions.
Note: Permission was obtained from the individuals in the photos.
June 19, 1958
@Bangkok
The original plan was to wake up early and arrive in Sattahip by 9 am. However, I ended up not waking up and realized it was almost noon. So, I had to postpone my trip. I went in the evening and stayed at my brother's house in Bo Win. For those who plan to go, I recommend taking a van from Victory Monument or Mo Chit. Buy a ticket from Bangkok to Sattahip and make sure to arrive on time for the last ferry at 11:30 am. However, there are usually additional ferries available.
June 20, 1958
Early morning at Bo Win, Chonburi. After finishing my errands, I waited for my friend to pick me up and drive me to Sattahip, which is about 60 kilometers away from Bo Win. The drive took 20 minutes, and he dropped me off at Kilometer 10. Not knowing how to get to my destination, I decided not to ask my friend for directions to avoid appearing clueless. Instead, I asked a motorcycle taxi driver about transportation options to Chongsamesan. As expected, he informed me that there were no public buses available and that the only option was to hire a motorcycle taxi. Still determined to find a cheaper alternative, I walked to a nearby motorbike shop and inquired about transportation. They suggested waiting for an orange shared taxi and taking it to Kilometer 6. From there, I could catch a blue shared taxi that would take me directly to Chongsamesan. I thought to myself that I had almost ended up hiring a motorcycle taxi after all.
Upon reaching kilometer six, as per the reviews I had read, a blue songthaew arrived every 30 minutes. I decided not to wait and took a motorcycle taxi instead, which cost 60 baht. The distance was quite long, taking about 15 minutes. (In conclusion, it was not far from kilometer 10. When I returned home, I asked my brother why he didn't drop me off at the pier. He simply replied, "Black Pack," with a smirk.)
Upon arrival, we purchased round-trip ferry tickets for 300 baht each. (Please note that there are no food vendors on the island, only bottled water. It is recommended to bring your own food and drinks, but please dispose of your trash responsibly. I personally packed a full tote bag of snacks.)
While waiting for the boat to depart, I took some photos.
11:30 AM, I boarded the boat and crossed the island. It took less than 10 minutes to arrive. Haha, I thought to myself, 300 baht is a bit expensive, isn't it? Well, I consoled myself, maybe there's something good hidden here.
Upon arriving at the island, we were greeted by soldiers who served as our guides. It felt like being transported back to elementary school, where teachers would lead us on field trips.
After the explanation, everyone dispersed to their respective activities. Those who wanted to go somewhere could sign up as they wished.
As I was traveling solo, this trip was no different from a trip for a mute person. I didn't get to talk to many people. So I started by taking a leisurely stroll along Hat Thian Beach.
Activities on the island include:
- Scuba diving
- Cycling through the protected forest.
- Take a walk in the forest.
Due to the recent storms and strong winds, I was only able to visit two beaches: Haad Thian and Haad Luuk Lom. However, swimming was only possible at Haad Luuk Lom as the strong winds made it unsafe to snorkel or dive.
After strolling along Hat Thian, I sat down to rest and asked myself where to go next. I had come alone, so I was unsure of my next move.
And this is the only picture of me.
I decided to go to Haad Luuk Lom beach, where there was a shuttle service available.
This beach boasts a wonderful atmosphere, making it ideal for family vacations. The rental fee for a sunbed is 20 baht.
I spent nearly two hours at the beach, walking, climbing to enjoy the view, and taking a nap. I must admit that the atmosphere was fantastic, but unfortunately, I couldn't go snorkeling due to strong waves and winds.
This beach provided me with a wealth of photographic opportunities, as I spent the majority of my time here.
After exploring to our heart's content, we returned to Haad Thian Beach. We pondered for a while about what to do next. We thought to ourselves, "We've come all the way to the sea, so why not go for a swim?" So, we decided to go diving! The equipment rental cost 50 baht, and there were soldiers guarding us (it felt like we were going into battle). On the island, there were also steel lockers for storing belongings, which cost 10 baht to use.
After paying for the equipment rental, I boarded the boat. There were both large and small boats available, but I took the small boat because I missed the large one. It was a rubber boat, which provided a different and enjoyable experience. (The people on the boat were very friendly. There were eight of us in total, and it was easy to talk to each other without feeling awkward. We started by talking about the sea, and then the conversation flowed naturally.) When we reached the designated diving spot, I couldn't wait and jumped in first. Not because I was eager, but because I wanted the guide to take my picture (I was the only one who dared to bring my phone and left it with the soldier while diving).
This photo was taken from a mobile phone. If you look behind, you will see a large ship. It feels different from our small boat because we choose not to dive near the large ship.
After finishing our dive, we boarded the boat. I must say, this island has a lot of sea urchins! I was afraid of getting pricked while diving, as they were everywhere. The fish were beautiful, but not as abundant. On the boat ride back to shore, I made two new friends named P'Poo and P'Ann. They were so kind and friendly. I'm grateful to them for talking to me, turning my silent trip into a talkative one.
Upon reaching the shore, the equipment will be returned. Please wait for the boat to return to the shore.
Upon reaching the shore, I encountered the challenge of finding onward transportation. Waiting for a shared taxi would likely take a long time. With a chuckle, I decided to hitch a ride with P'Poo and P'Ann, who kindly offered to drop me off at Kilometer 10. After reaching my destination, I boarded a van, marking the end of my hike. Returning to reality, I resumed my daily responsibilities, attending classes and working.
Resume your normal lifestyle. Of course, when you return, the environment will remain the same, with nothing new or unusual to see.
However, what has changed is my mindset. I feel that my world has expanded. Every time I travel, it's as if I receive a surge of energy.
It's like coming back with a new perspective, our attitude has changed from before. For me, stepping out to new places is like giving myself a gift. Some people might think it's pointless and wasteful, but I think that once you're born, you should make the most of your 20,000 days on earth. Do what makes you happy, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else.
This concludes the review for this trip.
Thank you very much if you have read every line of mine.
Thank you for your feedback for those who are learning to do reviews.
Thank you for looking at my photos.
Thank you, P'Piw and P'Gift, for providing me with accommodation.
Thank you, P'Poo and P'Ann, for adding color to JAlone Trips.
See you on the next trip.
Is there anything else I can help you with?
*For those who take a van to and from, I recommend taking an orange two-seater to Sattahip and then taking it back to Bangkok.
Expenses Summary
The orange shared taxi fare is 10 baht.
Motorcycle fare: 60 baht
Round-trip boat fare is 300 baht.
Snacks and drinks at 7-Eleven cost 150 baht.
Scuba diving equipment rental 50 baht.
Deposit fee of 10 baht.
20 baht for a translation plan
The fare for the van back to Bor Win is 60 baht.
Round-trip transportation to Bangkok costs 300 baht.
Total: 960 Baht.
เที่ยวจนวันลาหมด
Friday, October 4, 2024 3:05 PM