Ko Samui, Thailand

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 2^nd segment of the World Cruise. 

Laem Chabang, Thailand

On Thursday, March 10, 2011, the Pacific Princess arrived in Laem Chabang, Thailand which is the port of entry for Bangkok.  By 8:00am the ship was along pier side and ready for passengers to go ashore.  The weather was hazy with some intermittent showers during the day and the temperature reached 86 degrees. 

Most passengers who took tours elected to venture some 2 ½ hours into Bangkok for the day.  But 40 passengers, including the two of us decided to go to the Pattaya Elephant Village Thailand for the Elephant Kraal.  Elephants played a critical role in Thai history and they play a significant role in modern Thailand.  This unique tour offered the opportunity to see a wild elephant roundup and witness activities and how their mahouts train these mighty beasts for work. 

Once at the elephant village we were given a short presentation about the activities we would see and then set out to meet a mother elephant and a 4 month old baby elephant.  We had the opportunity to feed the mother bunches of bananas, but not feed the baby.  The very rambunctious baby elephant wanted the bananas and would even throw dirt on you with his truck if you didn’t give him any bananas.  But the trainers told us to ignore his naughty ways since he was too you to eat bananas.  From there we went to a small covered stadium and watched the elephants perform different tasks.  After about 30 minutes, they asked if anyone to ride to bathe the elephants.  Cindy volunteered to do the job and was escorted up a stairway to a tree house where she boarded one of the elephants.  The elephant didn’t have the typical wooden chair for riding; rather Cindy was riding bareback accompanied by one of the mahouts.  Off they went to a nearby lake for their bath.  But to Cindy’s surprise the elephant decided that she would dive below the water to cool off.  Down the both of them went into the lake.  The mahout tried to hold on to Cindy, but she continued to slide further the water until was completely wet up to her shoulders.  All of our fellow passenger cheered and cheered as she went further down into the water, shouting “Do It Again, Do It Again”. 

There were plenty of beautiful orchids in the Elephant Village.  This is very typical of Thailand.

 

The ship departed on schedule at 7:00pm for our next port of call, Kosamui, Thailand.