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Snorkeling at Haad Khom & Bottle Beach: Koh Phangan (Thailand)
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…
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Boat tours near Koh Samui: Ko Rap, Koh Madsum, and Ang Thong Marine Park (Thailand)
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 š Trip 1: Ko Rap, Koh Madsum The boat leaves in…
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[Reflection] #11: Taking the Time to Read and Read Well
I’ve noticed that the longer my articles get, the more people ask trivial questionsāthe answers to which are already in the article. The longer the text, the more people can’t be bothered to read because their attention span is quite limited, and at some point they give up or skim through. This happens more and more often, and getting these kinds of questions annoys me, because I think: (1) I took the time to write this long article, available for free. All you have to do is read (or Ctrl+F to find the answer), it’s not that hard. (2) It’s disrespectful to treat me like a free consultant who spends…
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How to translate a book in a foreign language purchased on Kindle?
There are so many books not translated into French that if you don’t speak the language, you won’t have access to them. Recently, I wanted to read some Japanese books, and despite my research, not only were they not translated into English, but the ebook version wasn’t available on Amazon France, Amazon US, or Google Play. Here is the result: Kindle version vs. translated version. I don’t speak Japanese, so I can’t judge the quality of the translation, but the essential message is there. There are a few weird phrases, but we understand well. However, there are some parts that cannot be translated because they are in image format and…
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Back to Chaloklum, Koh Phangan (Thailand)
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 ā¬330/month (plus ā¬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…
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Back to Koh Phangan and exploring Thong Nai Pan, Bottle Beach View Point (Thailand)
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…
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[Reflection] #10: How can you improve your quality of life with a few simple tips?
This article is mainly aimed at women, because I am a woman and I only share tips that I’ve tested and approved myself. š Recently, a divorced friend asked me how she could get her life back on track. She’s gotten over her previous relationship and wants to start a new life, but where to begin? If you’re more or less in the same boat, follow these tips: You are priority #1 I think the most important thing is to tell yourself that you are the only one responsible for your well-being. No one will do it for you. Not even your loved ones! So dedicate enough time and money…
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Coming to Thailand? What are the Options & Restrictions in August 2021?
Just a quick post to warn you. A lot of people seem to think it’s all fun and freedom in Asia and are even considering a multi-month trip around Asia right now. Yet Asia has never had as many Covid cases. So I’d advise you to come only if you’re ready to stay in one place for a long time. On the other hand, if you want to move around, change regions every week, or change countries… expect to have to pay for a PCR test every 10 days, even if you’re vaccinated. Entering Thailand Right now, you can enter Thailand: By landing in Bangkok: then undergo strict quarantine in…
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Visit and review of 4- and 5-star hotels in Bophut, Koh Samui (Thailand): Karma Resort, Anantara Bophut, Celes Beachfront
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…
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We got vaccinated in Koh Samui by the French Embassy in Thailand
Many of you have been asking us if we’re vaccinated against Covid. When we went through France in May 2021, the vaccine was still only reserved for the elderly and at-risk people. Being young and healthy, we unfortunately weren’t among those eligible. As I explained on Instagram (see my stories), in Asia, vaccines aren’t as widely distributed and as readily available as in Europe. It’s a scarce commodity and only the lucky few have access to the vaccine right now. And even when the vaccine arrives, there aren’t enough nurses and doctors to vaccinate everyoneāsince there aren’t enough places to store the vaccine properly. For now, in Vietnam and Thailand…
