My journey during Songran holidays was VERY ADVANTEROUS and different. It is beyond my expectation really. By that, I mean it is at the extreme end of the way people live their lives. Koh Phanngan at “Yuan Hut” is simply a whole different culture and civilization you might never expect to find anywhere in Thailand, to my knowledge. There you can be ANYTHING you want, seriously anything, and people wouldn’t care. On the bright side it is interesting to observe how laid-back people from all over the world—except Thailand, yeah ironic!—can be. Populations there are very diverse, but the majorities are English, Scandinavians, and Californians. Even workers there aint Thais! They are Burmese!
For those who are planning on the trip. Please double check your criteria below upon your journey:
[] high tolerance for heat, this is the most important as cheap bungalows generally do not provide AC rooms.
[] is a fan of BEACH activities, including getting tan, beach volleyball (for guys) or hoola-hooping (for gals), getting tan, and getting tan. Snorkeling, jet skiing, and similar activities of that sort are OUT!
[] have a good digestive system (it’s no fun, unable to consume new good food without getting rid of old crap)
[] not rely on conveniences to the extreme
[] be able to live without, cell phones, internet, and hot shower (which is what so not needed). Having said that , It doesn’t mean these sixth necessity ain’t available. But some phone network doesn’t work and internet is too costly (3 baths/minute). Nevertheless, there is a internet café which offer domestic/overseas call for 10 and 9 bahts/min respectively)
[] pretty adventurous. Imagine when you have to climb up and down to go to bars. And can’t really get drunk because it’s too risky along the journey
Getting there:
By air: take Bangkok airways or Thai airways direct flight to Koh Samui. Though another alternative is to fly with other airlines to Surat Thani, but I have no information on that. As far as im concerned it really is not worth it because it can take up to additional 3 hours. Bkk air roundtrip is about 5,500 bahts. After you get off at Koh Samui airort you can 1) take a bus/van to Big Buddha, usually about 10-15 mins to the pier. Then take the ferry to ‘Had Rin’ (about 200 bahts), then get a taxi boat (long-tail boat) direct to ‘Had Yuan’. Note that the taxi boats are non-schedule. They often wait for a group of people, roughly about 150 bahts. HOWEVER, this is not the case when there is a storm!! (which happened to me). Another way is to get a bus straight from the airport (I believe it’s called ‘cantamala’ or something like that) which takes you to “Tong Sala”. The fare is 250 bath including a bus and a ferry. Afterwards, walk a little further for a van from Tong Sala (~ 100 bahts) to Had Rin. Then take a taxi boat like first mentioned.
By bus: I’ve heard that there is a bus from Kaow San Road to Koh Phangan, about a thousand or so. But I never try that. Think it takes about 12 hours to Surat Thani only. I recommend catching a plane since the rest of the journey is awaited for more adventure.
Accommodation: I stayed with Mr.T at Bamboo Hut. It’s a nice place, super cheap, great food, friendly and awesome people, including the staffs. I’m impressed how the staffs can remember your room number so there is no need to jot down who orders what!! Close by is ‘Sanctuary’ and another bungalow I don’t remember the name in ‘Why Nam’ hut. And so many others located on the left hand side of Had Yuan beach. Should book in advance though and be aware of when you go, especially around full moon period. more information can be found here (particularly for yogis alike)
I will update pics soon when I get them developed. Actually I did not take that many, probably just couple rolls. In facts, there are many more interesting stories, especially people which I might update some later. oh i think it’s funny when my friend compared living there as a reality tv show, Big Brother. :P
