Since May 2021, we hadn’t seen a single familiar face, so when our two nomad friends J. and F. announced they were coming to see us in Koh Samui, at the same time, we were over the moon. Part 1: Travel JournalPart 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Journal They’re seasoned travelers and true “travel hackers,” so this week together turned into an “upgrade to 5-star hotels.” The first one loves switching hotels, so thanks to him, we were able to crash at a few in Koh Samui. The second one gifted us Marriott Bonvoy Gold status (his status allows him to gift it to someone for a year), which…

A few months ago, I told you about the Beach Garden restaurant which I really love. We go there once or twice a week because not only is the food good, but the ingredients are top-notch and simply the best in the world. The big boss, Jérémie, always picks the best possible ingredients: pepper from Cambodia, olive oil from Greece… nothing is left to chance. Over time, we became friends, and when I started complaining about the lack of Vietnamese restaurants on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, I had an idea: what if I gave him the recipe for Vietnamese spring rolls? It came from a very selfish desire: that…

Back from a hotel stay for my birthday, we happen to pass by the entrance to the Phangan Yang Yai Shooting Association (link to their Facebook page). Judging by the photos on their Facebook page, this is where the police forces train in shooting. Since I’m still a big kid and shooting a pistol is fun for me, we follow the path without really knowing if the shooting range is open during this covid period. The dirt road is quite long but manageable by scooter, and it’s by hearing several gunshots that we get our answer: it’s open. The range offers many different weapons and the price depends on the…

Because of a small Covid wave hitting Koh Phangan island, all the “cool” plans to properly celebrate JB’s birthday fall through. But that’s okay, we decide to spend 1 night at the Anantara Rasananda hotel, which we really liked during our little excursion last time. Part 1: Travel JournalPart 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Journal I wanted to go there by boat from Chaloklum, then be brought back to Chaloklum the next day, but that requires two round trips for the fisherman and he gives us a very high rate. What’s the point of taking the boat if the visibility isn’t great and we can’t even go snorkeling? JB…

For several weeks now, we’ve been looking to go on a boat trip for snorkeling. Unfortunately with Covid, boats rarely leave to Koh Tao, where there are several snorkeling/diving spots. While eating lunch near Chaloklum port, at the restaurant Leo Thai Food, we spot a “taxi boat” sign and it turns out the owner’s husband is a fisherman and can take us on a snorkeling tour by boat. Part 1: Travel JournalPart 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Journal Not having seen his boat before the tour, we discover it on the day. It’s a true fishing boat, with two fishing rods on the sides. When he comes to pick…

Before Covid, there was no shortage of boat trips to explore the small islands and the marine park near Koh Samui. But with tourist numbers plummeting, finding a tour has become mission impossible. We had to contact a friend of a friend of a friend… to find a trip around Koh Samui organized by a Frenchman who’s been living here for 20 years. Part 1: Travel JournalPart 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Journal Note: The two tours featured in this post were taken in June. But it’s only now that I’ve found the time to write about it 😀 Trip 1: Ko Rap, Koh Madsum The boat leaves in…

I hope you’re doing well! This is just a short post to keep you posted. We came back to Chaloklum and stumbled upon a resort that’s absolutely charming. No beach access, sure, but surrounded by coconut trees. The pool is gorgeous, we even get shade in the afternoon, and there’s a restaurant on site. The chef cooks divinely. We’re truly in paradise! The rent is only €330/month (plus €40-50/month for electricity). It’s so cheap and the environment so pleasant that we decide to invest a bit for our comfort. Before, this was JB’s workspace: After a trip to the market & Home Mart (the local IKEA): JB now has a…

Part 1: Travel JournalPart 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Journal Restrictive travel restrictions Overnight, Koh Samui becomes a cluster, with over 100 Covid cases (out of 616 contact cases) following an infection at a nightclub. Koh Phangan treats Koh Samui as a dark red zone (even though they’re in the same province), requiring visitors to provide either a Covid test or vaccination certificate (xxx days after Sinovac, xx days after Astra…). Luckily, they’re not too familiar with Janssen (the embassy allowed us to get this vaccine but it’s not used for Thais) and simply ask that all doses be administered. But there’s only one dose, so just 2 days…

We came back to Koh Samui to get vaccinated. And we decided to extend our stay after the vaccination, to rest in good conditions (in case we had a fever or any other unpleasant side effect).). Since we booked a hotel in the area Bophut, which has a huge concentration of 4- and 5-star hotels, we were able to visit a few of them. Part 1: Travel JournalPart 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Journal Karma Resort Koh Samui We start with this hotel recommended by a former colleague of JB’s, who knows Koh Samui very well. This hotel belongs to the owner of the famous Karma Sutra restaurant, who…