Big Budda and a birthday for the September Septuagenarian in Koh Samui

[Flyfrequently]

Butterfly pea flowers, they make a tea from it.

Never thought of it that way - it was late at night @blackcat20 !

 

[Daver6]

Woke to another magnificent sunrise and the day of the big Seven Oh!
We arranged for a driver to take us around the island with our final stop at a different hotel for this week, Garrya Tongsai Bay.
It was hot and humid 32° but with a "feels like temperature of 38°".
Thankfully, Dew's limo was cool - on many levels (didn't try the disco lights but tempted!)
View attachment 407306

First stop was Wat Plei Laem a modern buddist temple.
Ah, we found the Chinese big budda
View attachment 407307 and a side view pic of
View attachment 407308 Cundi the deity with eighteen arms.
It is fairly touristy for a Temple.

Next stop, The ( very) Big Budda!
View attachment 407309
Yep, we got there!

A drive through Nathon town with some beautiful beaches along the way to Grandfather and Grandmother rocks
View attachment 407311 At 70, this Grandfather rocks!

Silver Beach, Crystal Bay for a swim
View attachment 407314

View attachment 407312and back to our hotel in Tongsai Bay for the next 6 nights.
View attachment 407318

Transport like that must be a thing in Thaliand. This was our driver in Bangkok a few months ago

 

[mjward55]

The countdown is on for our next "rinse and repeat" holiday.
After a big family get together for my niece's 50th on the Goldie in February, I put it to Mr Flyfrequently "how would he like to celebrate his three score years and ten in September?"
Simple answer - no party thankyou!
The only way to accomplish this without offending family and friends was to go away.

Next question - where to?

We had already booked my insignificant birthday for Bali and have done Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, Hawaii and Queensland many times.
I toyed with Vanuatu but reading here on AFF, Port Vila was looking to be a dicey destination - this turned out to be correct.

Ok, Thailand came to mind.
I haven't been there in nearly 50 years (a travel mistake that resulted in fractured ribs and some scars I still bear today after coming off a motorbike on Christmas Eve in '76 )

The planning begins and a DSC offer drops.
Quick research on flights, weather and accommodation has us settle on Koh Samui.
With three sleeps to go, I better get packing!

Thanks for your great trip report. We are planning a visit to Sumai next March. Sounds like you are an Accor member as we are choosing between the Mercure and Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui. Is there one you would recommend over the other or should I try both like you. Thanks heaps

 

[Flyfrequently]

Thanks for your great trip report. We are planning a visit to Sumai next March. Sounds like you are an Accor member as we are choosing between the Mercure and Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui. Is there one you would recommend over the other or should I try both like you. Thanks heaps

Thanks @mjward55
I did post in the How Does Accor Treat you as an Elite thread.
The weather for March looks similar to our September visit.
Yes, I am Accor Plus, definitely worth it and take advantage on 30% off offer at present if you can.
In short, would do both, but does depend on what you enjoy and your budget.
Will PM later, feel free to ask questions.