This drive follows H401 to Surat Thani, and then H4142 to Don Sak and the ferry terminal to Koh Samui. Keep in mind that you will want to arrive in the queue at least half an hour before the last ferry at 6 p.m.

Ko Samui

Ko Samui is developed like Phuket, but its smaller airport and island location has resulted in more gentle development than Phuket. The main road on the island is a two lane concrete highway, but otherwise side roads consist of single lane concrete roads with dirt hard shoulders for passing. The speed limit for the island is 50 kph.

The main town is Na Thon on the west coast, but the main beaches are on the east side of the island. Lamai and Chaweng are sandy paradises that cannot be appreciated from the inland road, so kick off the driving shoes and take a walk along the beach. Nightlife at Chaweng becomes a raucous paradise for ravers, while Lamai is also lively. Other beaches on the island offer lovely spaces to get into some island time.

It is worthwhile to drive up through the coconut plantations (Four-wheel drive only) and appreciate the view east over the Gulf from one of three rustic restaurants on the ridge track that crosses the centre of the island.

Curiosities include the well-preserved remains of Luang Pho Daeng Phaya Silo, who passed away in 1973, at Wat Khunaram and 300 year old stone Buddha at Wat Samrej. Other attractions are well publicized in the free handouts. A good map of the island is the "New Travel Map" distributed by the Pholphala Co. (50 baht), while Dan Reid's "Koh Samui and Environs" (Asia Books) is an elegant guidebook.

DAY 2: SIDE TRIPS

ST1 Chaiya

Chaiya is a small wooden town that has much charm. The main points of interest are Wat Suan Mokha Palaram, a very famous centre for the study of Buddhism, and the 1200 year-old Phra Borom That Chaiya Pagoda, which is a relic of the Srivijaya kingdom.

There is a small museum in the temple. Phum Riang, a centre for weaving, is 6 kms. to the east on the coast. Return by H4112 for a quieter rural route to Surat Thani. This trip will probably necessitate an overnight stay in Surat Thani or near Khanom.

Overview

• Day 1 Phuket - Kao Sok National Park 175 kms.
• Day 2 Khoa Sok - Ko Samui Island 205 kms.
• Day 3 Ko Samui - Nakhon Sri Thammarat 130 kms.
• Day 4 Nakhon Sri Thammarat - Krabi 185 kms.
• Day 5 Krabi - Phang Nga - Phuket 185 kms.
• Accommodation