KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

March 13, 2023


Koh Samui, is Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket.   (We will visit Phuket in about a week and hopefully by then we learn how to pronounce it properly and without snickering.)    The circumference coastline of Koh Samui has beautiful beaches and bays while the interior of the island is mountainous with lush plant growth.   Because the land is so fertile they are able to produce and export many agricultural products including coconuts (number 1), papaya, pineapple and other fruits.   Fruits and vegetables coupled with ample fish and farm animals (chicken and cows) make the island self sufficient for food.   Our guide said that the residents are laid back and happy.


We took a tour of part of the island in a 4X4 Jeep that had been converted to hold 6 to 8 passengers comfortably on benches in an open air add-on.   Driving along the coast we visited a Buddhist Temple and then a rocky beach.   The Buddhist Temple was originally constructed as a Hindu Temple and latter converted to Buddhist as the religious preference on the island changed.   After the coastal stops our driver raced up a narrow and steep road of a mountain in the interior.   Near the top we visited a park where an individual had built a garden of religious  sculptures in the rain forest along a beautiful, cascading stream.   Looked like a Hobbit village.


We then descended the mountain and stopped at a coconut plantation and learned how they harvest and process coconuts.   They try to use everything in the coconut, including the outer shell, coconut meat and milk.  


After returning to the port we walked into the town and had an excellent Thai lunch.


Now we are on our way to Singapore.  


   

                                                 Multiple photos of Buddhist Temple and Grounds







 Sorry about this one.  Had camera on video instead of photo.   This was at the granite outcropping on the beach.   Area reminded us of Enchanted Rock.   There is some legend about the upright rock in the upper center, named the grandfather rock.   
               Just a few of the scores of religious sculptures on the grounds of the park high up in a rain forest


                                                       In the sculptures park


                                              Home of the guy who created the sculpture park


                                    Guy extracting milk from shavings of coconut meat


Marijuana at the Coconut plantation...a side product?  As in U.S. marijuana in small amounts is legal in certain provinces but not by the central government of Thailand.

   

                                      Downtown at the port is Koh Samui...where we found the Thai restaurant


                                         Thai beer in the restaurant before we devoured some great Thai food for lunch.   


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