Well I did think the blog was over for another year but have been encouraged to continue the story. Back in Europe we managed to drop our van into storage and flew out of Amsterdam to Hong Kong where we sat for a few hours before continuing to Kuala Lumpur and stayed the night in a cheap hotel. Our flight to Phuket was on Sunday morning and without too much effort we arrived in Patong around 3pm. Travelling for long periods does focus your attention on costs so we always have a budget, so on first impressions at the reception our expectations took a bit of a dive, but once we saw the room all was fine, it looks over the pool, is quite large and suits us. Some of these hotels have been closed for 2 plus years so some aspects are in need of maintenance and updating, its to be expected that it can be a bit run down in spots. For us its a good spot, we have a good walk for the mornings, up Patong hill, its pretty steep but just what we need to work off some extra baggage. Damn those shortbreads in Scotland where good, but time to pay the price. Also Patong beach is only a short walk from the hotel and we do prefer the beach. The beach is a long crescent of smooth cream sand and a walk from one end to the other is around 2km. There is always plenty happening, jet-ski’s flying across the bay and a never ending procession of people taking the aerial route via speedboat and parachute.
Although some things have changed, the best change is more eateries along the front beach rd. Rather than the old style Thai restaurants, there are now some small cafe style eateries which we enjoy eating at. The old favourite Sabai Sabai from 15 plus years ago is still operating and we pull up a table to be greeted by the same people who were running it back then. The food is still just as good and cheap too.
One night, Monday I think we venture down to Bangala rd, this has certainly changed, plenty of bars still here but the feeling is creepy and sordid, not a spot I would recommend during the evening. Our meeting place from 30 years ago, the Ned Kelly Bar no longer exists, seems to have merged into a bigger bar. So no reminiscing to be done.
The weather is on and off to start with some rain during the day, but Tuesday brings a fine hot day. We are meeting our old mates Martin and Jude for lunch. They travel down to Patong from Nai Yang where they are staying with relatives and we meet at bar in Bangala rd. Last time we where together was in Bali February 2020 just before Covid hit so its great to catch up and chat face to face rather than on the phone.
The weather remains pretty good, some rain in the afternoon and at night but overall we are pretty lucky and enjoy long days on the beach, some pretty good Thai food and lots of long walks. Plus the odd Thai massage as well which is very good.
Well we have really enjoyed our stay in Patong, its been great to just stop and not need to think of where to stay, what to cook and wheres the nearest petrol station. Just what we needed and probably could have happily gone back to motor-homing now but thats not possible so we are off to the Island of Koh Samui. The last time we where here it was our honeymoon. Our flight is only 45 minutes on a small twin prop plane packed with Europeans mainly, and the landing causes a bit of a stir with a loud bang and heavy braking with all hands on the seat in front. Is about 15 minutes from the airport to our stay for 5 nights, a small hotel on the beach that is pretty simple but has a nice outdoor eating area overlooking the sea.
The weather turns on us and rains most of the day so its feet up and reading, luckily we have this nice area sheltered to sit in. By late afternoon it eases off and we can manage a walk along the beach before dinner.
The beach here is small and narrow with a decent slope at waters edge so walking along it is difficult at high tide, rather than a slow decline to deeper water it is only meters in before it reaches head height so not many people swimming here. But the sun comes out, or rather the rain stops and we enjoy a few hours lazing on the beach. We are a short walk from the busy main rd and that seems to be our only walking spot so after a few days we do know every shut shop, half demolished building and abandoned hotel, but there is a sense that things are improving for the locals and we see building works start and gardens cut back. There are plenty of high end hotels along this stretch of beach, although unless you walk along the beach you wouldn’t really know from the road front.
Its not unusual for us to only book one or two nights and see how we go, here we booked 5 nights and after a pleasant stay decide to move to fishermans village at Bo Phut beach and book into a small hotel with a bungalow. Run by a frenchman its nice and quiet if a bit older than some. The village reminds us a bit of Hoi Ann in Vietnam, just not as quaint. The restaurants are dearer here as well so we struggle to find somewhere to fit our budget. Monday, Wednesday and Friday there is a big market in the evening with food carts offering everything you can want, plus cheap as well so that suits us pretty well. The beach here at the moment isn’t too good. I headed down for a swim but the water looked decidely dodgy and I wasn’t too sure what all that muck was floating in the water so decided best to give it a miss. We stay 3 nights and thats about enough here we think.
When we last came to Koh Samui we stayed in Cheweng which was quiet, right on the beach and you could cross the road and eat under the trees. Like everywhere it has changed and we have purposely stayed away as posts and reviews do tend to talk of the party atmosphere, but we now decide to stay the last few night here and book a small hotel at the end of the long beach. Turns out to be our best choice yet, lovely room with breakfast, situated right on the beach with beautiful views. The water is clear and great to swim in, just need to pick the tide as at low tide my hands hit the sand while swimming. Vic masters the paddle board and we enjoy the great weather for a few days before rain hits on Friday for a few hours. Its a bit of a walk into central Cheweng, about 2.5km but we manage a walk in every morning before breakfast. The long white sandy beach is perfect in the afternoon at low tide and we manage a mid afternoon walk along to the end. Some afternoons it seems quite deserted compared to a walk along Patong beach, but there are plenty of bars and hotels spread along the walk. Its pretty laid back here, the pace is slow and relaxing and a few days passes quickly and before you know it we are back at the airport and heading back to Phuket island.
Another quick flight and we head to Nai Yang for our last few days in Thailand. Nai Yang is just 10 minutes from the airport and we arrive about 8pm, so its a quick check in head for a bite to eat. Next morning we discover the wonderful national forest and do a 6km walk looping back through the forest of trees and palms. Along the way we pass a small market and fish market direct off the boats. Its our favourite walk of the trip even drenched in sweat by the time we get back. The beach also is a hit with clear water perfect for swimming and a long curved bay to walk in the afternoon. Everything is pretty close, all the restaurants and food trucks are just outside the hotel and there is plenty to choose from. We do like it here even with the predominately Russian crowd, but we tend to get ignored so its fine. Our last few days fly by and before you know it we are heading home. Thailand has been great, we enjoyed our time everywhere and cant wait to go back!
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