Oh, Koh Samet

This week's adventure took us down to the small island of Koh Samet, just off the coast of Rayong, Thailand. Previous to this I had a few assumptions about Thailand:

1. That old men come here for young women.
2. It's full of piles of filth but for some reason you accept it gladly.
3. People like to party.

Without any hesitation, I can say that all these things still remain to be true. Koh Samet is no exception to the rule.  The only addition is, even the "Farang" women go after a nice muscular Thai man!

Koh Samet (or Samed) is gorgeous.  It's full of energy, delicious food, and dingy bars/clubs that fit every partiers need.  If things get a little out of hand and you're not able to walk up the mountain of stairs to your room at 3am, crawl on the nearest pool table (I'm sure no one would mind too much). The one road that travels from one end of the island to another is complete shit - but makes an amazing ATV trip.  Just be careful when you hit a ditch at the bottom of a large hill going full speed.  The person on the back of your ATV may have a few choice words for you (and lose their sunglasses).  The sand squeaks because its so fine. The fire shows are awe inspiring (even if the little 8 year old boys handling the fire think they're the bees knees).

If you need a cheap weekend you can find a crummy hotel for about 400 baht a night.  Just find the mermaid on the rock and you're headed in the right direction.  I just hope you don't mind walking up a mountain and using communal bathrooms and showers. It may not be glamorous - but it's a damn good time, and I highly recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind stepping out of their fancy pants.