On March 11, 2011 we arrived in Ko Samui, Thailand at 10:00am. It’s an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus in Thailand. This island exports coconut and rubber and thrives on a successful tourist industry. Ko Samui is surrounded by about 60 other islands most of which comprise the Ang Thong National Marine Park, but also includes other tourist destinations. It has its own international airport. Most tourists arrive by ferry from Bangkok and Haadyai. The major resort beaches are Lamai and Chaweng which are lined by bungalows and hotels.
The Pacific Princess anchored about 2 miles off the island. We tendered in to the city by local boats which held about 50 people each. The ride into Ko Samui took about 20 minutes. Here’s a photo of the porthole we exited as we boarded the boats for shore.
When we arrived along the pier there were many small fishing boats unloading their catches. The people live on these boats doing their cooking, bathing, and everything else. Many of the boats had some of the fish drying in the sun.
The only real town on Ko Samui is Na Thon. We walked this town looking through the shows and stores. Cindy picked up some Thai silk pillow cases. We even got to see a local fast food drive thru. Not too much touring today.
Back onboard we waited for some of the organized tours to return and for the returning boats to be off loaded. The swells were so large that it took longer than expected to get everyone back onboard. The ship departed Ko Samui about 1 ½ hours late.
One sea day then we arrive in Singapore on March 13, 2011. This ends the 2nd segment of the World Cruise.
