So, another month comes to a close, and I don't think I've missed anything in the UK. Here at The Stories Resort, it's been comfortable enough and so convenient for exploring this lovely part of Thailand. In the room, I've sacrificed the workspace for my laptop I normally insist on, knowing that it's just one night here. What might make up for this is the breakfast.
We head for the dining area, where I'm expecting buffet-style food. These can vary a lot, but the one here is top drawer with a big selection of both American and Thai. You just couldn't complete all the courses available. As well as warm food, there is cereal, fruit, toast with various spreads, juice, and coffee or tea. It's mighty impressive. I definitely have to bookmark this place despite some minor issues. It's time to finish packing.
For the reason we expected to attend a football game tonight, we must head into Rayong to stay in pre-booked accommodation. It is what it is, but that isn't going to ruin the day as we head back to the Nuanthip Pier.
Katoon drops me off to buy ferry tickets and then returns in an angry mood. The staff at the pier and shop sellers have been particularly rude over a parking issue. This pier is where coaches from Bangkok deposit passengers heading for Koh Samet. They take priority. Thai people are second class here. This is the worst face of Thai people, but fortunately an isolated one. Undeterred, my partner is directed to another pier used more by locals. The Sri Ban Phe pier works much better, and we order day tickets for Koh Samet. Boats here run every hour to the island, the journey taking 45 minutes.
Koh Samet is one of the first places I visited in Thailand some 40 years ago. I'm heading there today knowing I will be shocked. The plan is simply to have lunch and take a look around. It's quite a hot day again, but probably beaches are the best place to be. We're soon on the boat heading to Koh Samet with a full load of tourists, and I just know it's going to be packed on the island.
We arrive at Koh Samet pier, where there is quite a queue waiting to pay the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park entrance fee, which is 200 baht for adult foreigners. Then, as if showing displeasure, there is a freak rainstorm, pausing onward travel for many. The arrangement here involves taking a songthaew pick-up truck to various destinations, the most popular being the short trip to Sai Kaew Beach. This area is the busiest part of the island, where many of the shops, restaurants, and bars are located. This island certainly stands alone compared to the rest of Rayong province - a mini Phuket, if you like. We soon arrive at the beach area and the crowds that occupy it. It's time for lunch and a practically unheard-of experience for us, as we escape from the heat under beach umbrellas. It's pleasant enough observing the beach lovers with their kids playing in the sand. It's what we did as kids, but not these days. We take our time over lunch and then take a look around the shops. With beach life not for us these days, we stroll back to the pier. There's no point in wasting energy or money for us today. The trip here has been great, but at 3:00 PM we're ready to head back. We still have a bit more travelling to do to reach our accommodation tonight. Back at Koh Samet pier, we set course for Rayong.
Our accommodation tonight is not unfamiliar. It's excellent for visiting the stadium, but with no option for that, the value of staying again is quite limited. At Charaisma Residence, the rooms are pleasant enough, with better facilities in the room for longer stays. I would say that the bathroom is a bit small, though, and without a shower screen. We booked without breakfast but decide to add it, bringing the cost up to the same as last night. Sadly though, the breakfast is pre-order and clearly not in the same league as it was this morning. I'm not exactly filled with enthusiasm at this point, but after a short sleep, I turn to the question of dinner, and I'm not enthusiastic about anything substantial. With few options near us, Katoon picks out a steak restaurant. I'm just not up for it; I'd be happy with snack food, but Katoon has her way and ends up ordering just for herself. There is enough for me to nibble at, but I see the place is a bit of a rip-off, and I'm not even going to bother mentioning the name. If there had been a game here tonight, there would have been plenty of street food. It's not the best end to the day and an anticlimax. Will tomorrow be better as we return to Bangkok?

Source: Visit