An afternoon in Koh Samu, Thailand

This morning we arrived at the beautiful island of Koh Samu, Thailand. Samui is the real name of the island (the word "Koh" means "island" in Thai).

Koh Samu is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket. It’s basically an extremely tropical island with lots of luxury resorts and beautiful beaches.

The dock couldn't accommodate a large cruise ship, so it was necessary to tender in. We didn’t have an excursion and it was very hot, so we considered not getting off the ship at all. But it seems a shame to come this far and not see any of the island, so we decided after lunch to go over and see what there was to see. After we got off the tender and started into the town area we ran into some people we know from the ship. They had just come from having full body massages – for $9 each!

So I talked Ronnie into getting one with me and after getting walking directions we headed for the massage place. When we reached the place, we were required to take our shoes and socks off and leave them outside. We were having trouble communicating what we wanted so they gave us a sheet with probably 20 different service options. We chose the 30 minute head, neck and shoulder massage for 175 baht ($5 US). But first we were told to sit in a chair while they washed our feet. I still haven’t figured out the reason for that since we hadn’t asked for a pedicure or foot massage. But we were compliant and did as we were directed. Next we were ushered behind a curtain and up a very hot, winding staircase into a room that had thankfully a tiny bit of AC. We had walked from the port so by this time I was sweating profusely.

I was directed to lie down on a table flat on my stomach, which I absolutely cannot do because of my achy-breaky back situation. So the lady agreed to let me sit up. For some reason, I thought that perhaps a head, neck and shoulder massage would be relaxing. How wrong I was! There was nothing remotely relaxing about it and it was probably one of the longest 30 minutes of my life! Ha! The lady got up on the table behind me and bared down with her elbow on my shoulders with her full body weight and every bit of strength she could muster. It was rough! Let me just sum it up by saying that during my “head, neck and shoulder massage” she never touched my head but she did work on my feet and legs. I hate to say it but I actually cried out a couple of times when she really hurt me. I told Ronnie afterwards that I thought she had a little sadistic streak in her!

After putting my sweaty clothes back on, we walked up the street a little ways because we wanted to see the beach. However, we didn't make it to the beach because a big storm started blowing in and we had to hurry back to tender before the rain hit. I would have liked to have taken more photos near the food stalls but the vendors were battening down to get things put away before the storm him

Even though we didn't do much here, I don't think I will have any trouble remembering Koh Samu, Thailand! Tonight we sail for Bangkok. I'm posting some random photos from today.

 

ferries coming and going

need a lift?

nice view of Oceania's Insignia from our ferry ride

wiring - amusing or confusing?

a multi-lingual eatery

red and octagonal in any language means STOP

a friendly tailor at work

 

 

 

colorful fabrics - most businesses open to the street

curb service

Buddhas, Buddhas everywhere

street food

jackfruit - whole or peeled

   

the scene of the crime

 

Ronnie with masseuses

 

Ronnie said his lady (left side of photo) didn't hurt him. My lady is on the right in the photo and you can perhaps tell from the slightly devious expression on her face how much she was enjoying the whole thing. Lastly, don't you take off YOUR shoes for a head, neck and shoulder massage?