Thailand Koh Samui

Thailand

There isn’t another country that will try as hard to satisfy you as much as Thailand. 

It is this hospitable nature of theirs that makes people from the world over visit them.

We had from families with little babies to large stag and hen parties at Koh Samui, with a higher index of the families here while there was a higher index of the younger party crowd at neighbouring Koh Phangnan. 

Airport

It’s super small and superfast, but what makes this Airport unique from every other one I visited around the world is the section of complimentary food and snacks that they offer. 

Every other. Airport will try to wean as much money out of you by overcharging even the smallest bottle of water, but out here you get a cappuccino and some great snacks, all for free.

Accommodation 

We stayed at the Chaweng Beach resort and there is probably no better place to stay than this because it is right next to Ark Bar, one of the most happening beach clubs and it is also right opposite the most famous party street called Soi Green mango. 

So its location is simply the best, while the resort is beautifully designed and offers great rooms and great food. 

Activities 

• Muay Thai. 

The Samui International Arena host fights three nights a week where International fighters represent their country, so there were matches where a Kiwi, a German and even a girl from France fought the local Thai fighters. 

It can get very intense, especially if you have ring side tickets, and it takes a bit of stomach to watch them and not recommended for everyone, but if you have the appetite, it’s an absolute thrill to watch. 

• ATV

Another fantastic activity here since you get to travel the interior roads and visit the highlights of the city like the big temples and the views from the Mountain. 

However, safety is a concern. We had a minor incident in our group and that was enough to leave our poor friend with three broken ribs and a fractured arm.

• Halfmoon and Fullmoon parties 

This was the single biggest reason for me wanting to visit this place as I’ve heard so much about these parties and wanted to check them out for the last 20 years. 

and I must say it was worth. For us group of 40 year olds, it ended up getting a bit extreme, and we needed to call an emergency ferry on the way back. 

But just like the party, this is also organized seamlessly. 

• Ang Thong National Park 

This is another recommended activity here for those who wish to do snorkeling or kayaking and getting more of the nature. 

We skipped it though, because waking up at 9 AM to do the activity was a bit too much given all the partying every night.  

Restaurants

• Phensiri Thai Restaurant 
• Tabula Rasa

Hong Kong #50 Country

Hong Kong turned out to be our 50th country! It's a debatable point, as many websites call it SAR of China, but technically, Hong Kong has until 2047 to still be called an independent country. 

Airport: Landing in Hong Kong feels very much like Seoul. There is some recency there, but the wide concrete roads outside surrounded by mountains feel very much like the South Korean city. But that's only until you enter a cab, because Hong Kong with its colonial looking red cars are nothing compared to the futuristic gadget-filled ones of Seoul. 

Travel: Uber is widely available and affordable. You could go from the airport which is pretty much at the western end of Hong Kong to Tsim Sha Tsui, the downtown of Hong Kong on it's eastern end, in just 40 mins. There are plenty of train, train, bus and even ferry options across the city, but it is planned really well to even just to cabs which are fast and don't cost a bomb. 

Accommodation: We stayed at the Luxe Manor, located bang center of Tsim Sha Tsui on Kimberly road. Cab had a tough time reaching there, but it's perfect for taking Neo in a stroller and checking out all the main highlights of the city. 

Internet access: There is free wifi in many parts of the city. We easily survived without access to mobile data on the phone. 

Cash: All forms of cards are accepted at even the tiniest shops. Again, we survived without any HK dollars.  

Activities:

• Kowloon Park: A big park in Tsim Sha Tsui with a maze garden, a Chinese garden, fountains and enough things for Neo to easily spend half a day. The highlight though was a dinosaur park, probably temporarily installed in which there was a guy doing a live demonstration of a fossil excavation. That was quite a unique experience for both Neo and me. 
• Zoological and Botanical Gardens Green House: A hidden gem in Hong Kong island, and therefore across the water from Tsim Sha Tsui, but again a place Neo could spend an entire day. Has a small zoo with loads of monkeys and birds and his favourite tortoises. Also has a park with a swing where Neo ended up staying for most of the time here. 
• Peak Tram: One of the top things to do in Hong Kong and is therefore quite crowded. It's like the funicular train you get in Switzerland, and the view from top is outstanding. The Bubba Gump Shrimp's only restaurant of HK is on the top of the mountain here.
• Skytower: The viewing deck at the top of the mountain the Peak Tram takes you. Gives you a fantastic view of the city, just in case you don't get enough of it from Bubba Gump Shrimp. 
• Space Museum: Was a bit too high level for Neo. Also has a nice 3D dome theatre which was really nice but he almost slept there. So we got out of the place soon. 
• Legoland: Right next to space museum, and perfect for Neo. He could spend the entire day doing the Lego blocks in the activity section. And they had so many nice things like a track to test out the Lego cars you make, and even a mini HK city with miniature version of the popular buildings of the city where Neo had a blast. 
• Science Museum: This one is the best spot in HK for toddlers. Lots of things for them to do, like a Dinosaur section, a mirror maze, and tons of cool scientific things to learn. 
• Disneyland: Finally, the main attraction of HK and the place we spent 2 full days, including a night stay at the Hollywood hotel. Everything here is just perfect. There is Toy Story section which was outdated, but everything else, like the Frozen section, the Adventureland where we saw Moana and Lion King shows, the Orbiton where all the Avenger characters with there, and of course, the main street with all the eateries, shopping and the amazing night show of the castle. Everything was super amazing, as it always is in Disneyland. And it's the little things, like the super well organized loo where Neo needed to his potty, that makes this place truly stand out. 

Restaurants:

• Goobne Chicken
• Modern China Restaurant (Olympian City)
• Bubba Gump Shrimp
• HK Old Restaurant