Month: March 2017

How To Ferry Boat From Surat Thani to Koh Tao Thailand

This blog will explain how we took the Lompraya Speed Ferry Boat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao, Thailand.

Note: The following also applies if you are going by ferry to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.

Surat Thani – moving onward to paradise or hell?  We arrived in Surat Thani following our wonderful stay in Chiang Mai, via Bangkok.

At 11:10 am we arrived at the small airport in Surat Thani, which seems like it is in the middle of nowhere. After topping up our?SIM cards, upstairs at departures, we went to book our bus & boat tickets to Koh Tao.  According to one of the booths, the next bus to the Ferry leaves at 1:30 PM and the ticket office does not open until 1 pm, so we head outside for a cheaper drink (very expensive inside) and wait.

Lompraya Ferry Schedule and Prices from Surat Thani Airport To Islands
Schedule and Prices

We purchased our tickets for 950 baht (USD$27.50) each, without complication, and were on the bus and leaving by 1:35 PM.

Note: There are a lot of booths selling tickets, make sure you are given the above price which includes your bus to the port as well as the Ferry.

The coach stinks like hell ? and the windows do not open; I guess they have never cleaned out the porta potty behind the door which no one dares to open.

Our stinky transport arrived at the pier at 3 pm, for a total transfer time of 1.5 hours, from airport to ferry. Thank goodness we finally arrived, because I was ready to vomit. The toilets at the first part of the pier are dirty and smelly. I am starting to feel like I have gone from heaven to hell.
For those that have arrived at the pier on their own, now is the time to buy your ticket, everyone with a ticket can walk the pier to the next waiting area.

Walking The Long Surat Thani Pier - Thailand
The Long Surat Thani Pier

The good news is there are beautiful views from here. The bad news is, if it is Saturday and you didn’t go to the toilet before walking the pier, the toilets here are closed.?  Tip: Make sure you use the washroom facilities BEFORE walking the pier.  Lots of backpackers sitting on backpacks (no chairs here!) and smoking, and a few families young families are wandering around, waiting for the Lompraya High Speed Ferry Boat.

At 3:45 PM people started moving very quickly towards the catamaran and we followed suit. The lineup was long and many crass people tried jumping the cue, some successfully- how rude – you know who you are! What a great representation of your country you are!?Can you tell it upset me?  Anyone else hate this behaviour, or are you one of them???

Eventually everyone was loaded on, we untied and slowly pulled out; time 4:10 pm and I believe the boat was full.  Backpacks were stored inside at the front, suitcases outside with a tarp tied over top.  It was very cold inside, the air-conditioning was running full blast.  The views out the window, were gorgeous. It cost an astronomical 350 baht (USD$10.00) for a sandwich and a coke from the onboard Lompraya concession booth, which we split.

Backpacks Loaded at the Front of Lompraya Boat, Inside - Thailand
Backpacks Loaded at the Front of Lompraya Boat, Inside

We had been told the regular ferry boat goes to Koh Samui and Koh Pangan while the speed boat leaves from a different pier and goes straight to Koh Tao. NOT?. Our first stop was Koh Samui at 5:15 pm, where we let off most of our occupants, but reloaded almost as many. Lots of stinky, sweaty bodies. (Probably by now ourselves included). At this point in time all I could think is that I will have to do this hell tour back again to leave.  Not a romantic getaway for sure.

Seats on the Lompraya Ferry to Koh Tao - Thailand
Seats on the Lompraya Ferry

At 5:40 pm we made our next stop at Koh Pangan where more people were dropped off and picked up.  Finally by 6 pm we are once again fully loaded and on our way. Young men were popping open beers, cheering each other, and trying to heat up a party, or maybe still in Full Moon Party mode?!  Thank goodness they lost interest quickly when they couldn’t animate anyone and disappeared into their phones.

Techno music crackles through the crappy sound system and by now I wonder how the hell I got myself into this mess and you are probably wondering how to get yourself INTO this dream… perspective?.  As if to lighten my deteriorating mood, a beautiful sun sets on the horizon.  The speed boat continues to drudge along; it was dark when we went to get a taxi this morning and here it is almost dark again and still we are traveling.

Pier in Mae Haad, Koh Tao
Pier in Mae Haad

At 6:38 PM people start scrambling around and rummaging through the pile up front, trying to find their backpacks ?. I guess they know we are getting close; I could not see anything from my position, so I remained seated.

Our final destination, Mae Haad, Koh Tao, arrival 7:06 pm. We have been instructed to remain in our seats for about 10 minutes while they unload the luggage.  Exactly 10 minutes later and let’s go!  Chaos has once again reared it’s ugly head!

Next: Did we arrive in Heaven or Hell? Find out

Your comments, questions and suggestions are welcomed below!

Photo Gallery of Chiang Mai, Thailand

Sometimes you just can not explain in words the beauty or feeling of a place, person or thing. Below is my Photo Gallery of moments during our time spent in Chiang Mai (read about it here), Thailand.

And Thai Boxing:

For Photos of the Cooking Class I took, click here: Chiang Mai Cooking Class Photo Gallery

Chiang Mai Cooking Class Photo Gallery

Everybody should do a cooking class (Read about my experience here) when in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  There is a wealth of knowledge to be learned, interesting people to meet and great food to eat!  Here is my photo gallery from the Zabb-E-Lee Cooking School course I took. Enjoy!

Vientiane, Laos | Gateway to Natural Beauty | Asia Tour 2017

This riverside city is the gateway to incredibly beautiful Laos. Top things to do in Vientiane include visiting the Buddhist Temples, the Palace, the Patuxai Gate and watch a red Sunset on the Mekong River.

Monks Cleaning - Vientiane, Laos
Monks Cleaning a Temple Curb

Following our wonderful stay on the Vietnamese Island of Phu Quoc, we made our way, via Bangkok, to Vientiane, Laos. Our Visa on Arrival was a painless process. Upon arrival, everyone is handed immigration papers to fill out. Be sure to have the proper amount US$ dollars on hand to pay the visa fees and a passport photo. The procedure was very friendly and fast. Costs: Canada $42, Germany $30.  We did not have enough US$ dollars along, but they accepted our Thai baht without complaint.

Still in the terminal, we found an ATM machine for cash and purchased data SIM cards for our phones: 60,000 kip with top up card.

Currency: kip

Next, we went to the taxi stand to get a ticket for transportation. As we reached the front of the line, we were informed by an unfriendly character that there are “No more taxi”! Easy, we did the short ?walk out the terminal to the main street where we flagged down a tuk tuk for 40000 kip to our hotel. This was awesome luck, as the taxi stand had charged everyone US$7 to town center!

Our Tuk Tuk - Vientiane, Laos
Our Friendly Tuk Tuk Driver

Our Hotel, RD Guest House was a dump; steep stairs led up to our room with stained walls, filthy mirror, dirty black broken air conditioner and a toilet that flushes with a bucket of water (you fill a mouldy container). At least the sheets were clean, as was the mattress underneath them clean. We had a fan in our room, but no soap or shampoo. Bonus, it was very quiet.  Due to a mosquito infestation, we bought spray, fumigated and went for a drink while it worked its magic. This is possibly the dirtiest hotel I have ever stayed in! ? Cost US$17 per night.

RD Hotel Room - Vientiane, Laos
RD Hotel Room

The locals seem to be unfriendly; we tried to book a tour at one place, but the lady started talking with a local man in the middle of our booking and she walked away, so we left. This became something we observed often, if they do not understand, they just walk away.?

For lunch we went to a restaurant called Aria Italian.  They advertise with 2 for 1 stone oven pizza or 2 for 1 pasta. We ordered a large Super Vegetariana pizza and a large Prosciutto Funghi pizza.  Also on offer was 3 beer for the price of one, so we shared some beers as well. Cost: 123,000 kip! HOT SPOT!!!! Worth every penny; delicious pizza and cold beer!

Two for One Pizza at Aria Restaurant - Vientiane, Laos
Two for One Pizza at Aria Restaurant – Vientiane, Laos

Chao Anouvong Park is a park along the Mekong River with coliseum style seating facing the river where one can observe the incredible sunsets. Music blares throughout the area with different levels of aerobic classes (mostly locals participating, but feel free to jump in!), ice cream vendors and people strolling complete the relaxed atmosphere.

Chao Anouvong Park, Riverside Sunset - Vientiane, Laos
Chao Anouvong Park, Mekong River Sunset

As the sun is setting, vendors are busy setting up their stalls in the park for the Night market on the River. Our experience wasn’t great; we tried several times to buy shoes for my husband – EVERY vendor was rude. In retrospect, we would try harder next time. ?

Night Market - Vientiane, Laos
Stalls at the Night Market

While strolling around town, we came across a very inviting looking Khop Chai Deu Restaurant. Happy is good, so we went in and asked what was on offer for their advertised happy hour.  Confusion broke out., but eventually, with lots of patience and smiling we managed to order a beer and the one and only cocktail of the day for happy hour.
Eventually, after enjoying several cocktails, the bill came and they told us no happy hour for the type of drink we consumed. ? This did not end well; we were not happy with this very awkward, embarrassing situation.  We paid the happy hour total of 80,000 kip and walked out.

Monks in the Street - Vientiane, Laos
Monks in the Street

On our way to find a breakfast spot the next day, we came by the gold and red Chanthaboury Temple. It looked spectacular against the blue sky, surrounded by palm trees. ?Ladies, remember to always have a wrap along to cover shoulders and / or knees so you can enter the temples!

Chanthaboury Temple - Vientiane, Laos
Chanthaboury Temple

At the Pricco Cafe Bakery Sandwichery, we grabbed a table outside and ordered a Tartine Ham & Cheese baguette for 30,000 kips, an Iced Latte 21,000, Cordon Bleu with fries 45,000 and a Passion fruit juice 25,000. This place was a piece of civilization amongst mosquito infested dirt ? and the food was delicious, albeit expensive!

Pricco Cafe Baguette Sandwich - Vientiane, Laos
Pricco Cafe Baguette Sandwich

Some sights we saw on our morning walk included the Presidential Palace,

Palace - Vientiane, Laos
The Palace

the Wat Si Saket Museum and temple with a 10,000 kip entry fee (I went in alone),

Sisaket Museum - Vientiane, Laos
Sisaket Museum

and the Ho Phra Keo Temple with a 10,000 kip entry fee.

Ho Phra Keo Temple - Vientiane, Laos
Ho Phra Keo Temple

Feeling adventurous, we decided to take the Bus to Buddha Park (complete how to guide). After a lot of wrong informations and almost giving up, we finally figured it out and arrived safe and sound for a great price.  Entrance to the Buddha Park was free.

Bus to Buddha Park - Vientiane, Laos
Our Bus to Buddha Park

We spent around 1.5 hours in the park, also known as Xieng Khuan. It is an eclectic mix of Buddhism and Hinduism. Don’t forget your camera. ?Tip: take a lunch and have a picnic! There are a few stores where you can purchase souvenirs and a restaurant as well.
To get back, catch the bus on the opposite side of the road. The last bus is at 4:45pm. (as of this date)

Buddha Park - Vientiane, Laos
Buddha Park

For those interested or crossing from Thailand to Laos, the bus passes through the border area of the Peace Bridge. Tip: if you are crossing from or to Thailand, you can purchase phone cards here,  do a Visa on arrival, and replenish at one of many food booths AND you can take this bus #14 to Vientiane city (best price – it is parked across from the Haven Duty Free)! Bus leaves border when it is full.
This time, a money collector came through and collected the bus fare money. (6,000 kip).  ?Note: Make sure they do not rip you off; either have the exact amount or make sure you get your proper change back!

Friendship Bridge Border to Thailand - Vientiane, Laos
Friendship Bridge Border to Thailand

Our Tuk tuk from the bus station to Pha That Luang Temple, the great golden Stupa, cost 20,000 kip, too much, but we knew our time was running out. The Wat Thatluang Temple, in the same area is equally impressive. 

Pha That Luang Temple - Vientiane, Laos
Pha That Luang Temple

Our Tuk tuk to the hotel also cost 20,000 kip, this time a fair price. On the way we stopped by the impressive Patuxai Gate.

Patuxai Gate - Vientiane, Laos
Patuxai Gate

After dinner, we sipped on Passionfruit Shakes with vodka at RD Guesthouse and chatted with other travellers, getting tips and laughs? for free. Cocktails 15,000 each ?.

The next day Bus ticket to Vang Vieng was 45,000 kip per person.  See you there!

NEXT Stop:  Vang Vieng, Laos

Costs for 2 persons, 2 nights:
Lodging: €32.14 for 2 nights or €16 per night
Food: €74.06
Transportation: €12.12
Entry fees: €3.49
Total cost per day for 2 persons: €60.90

Extra Costs:
Visas: German €28.36 / Canadian €39.72 ?
Sim Card: €7 each (data)
Bus ticket to Vang Vieng: €5.24 each

Examples of prices:
Iced coffees 22,000 each
Super Vegetariana 83,000 kip for 2 (Aria)
Prosciutto Funghi 76,000 kip for 2 (Aria)
Iced coffee 15,000 each At Tee Cafe, a balcony restaurant

School Children - Vientiane, Laos
School Children

Check out our other Asia Travels!

Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam | Endless Sunshine | Asia Tour 2017

Coconut Prison heartache, dream Beaches, friendly People, Fabulous prices, delicious Seafood, Markets and more. This is our Phu Quoc, Vietnam experience!

Palms and Sunshine at Sao Beach - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Palms and Sunshine at Sao Beach

From Ho Chi Minh, we had planned to go to Hue, Vietnam, but it was pouring rain as far as the weather app could see (2 weeks)?, so we looked for sun and found we had to book a trip to the sun island of Phu Quoc!

Skyscanner quickly located 2 Tickets from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc on Jestar Airlines via Vueling for  1,555.000 dong or USD$66 ($33 ea.). As seems to be the theme, we had a 1/2 hour delay.

Upon arrival, we walked out the door and headed to the parking lot across the road.  As there is no Uber on the island yet, we spoke with a taxi driver and paid the 150,000 dong from the airport to our hotel, Gia Thanh Phu Quoc Guest House.  Read my independent review here.

Our Room - Gia Thanh Guest House - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Our Room – Gia Thanh Guest House

The restaurant adjacently joining the guest house is called Acerola Bar and Restaurant and this is where we had breakfast – every morning. We bought a jackfruit at the market and they prepared us a wonderful smoothie- we left a generous tip for their kindness.  Can’t say enough good about this family!

Pho Bo Soup at Gia Thanh - Phu Quoc
Breakfast Pho Bo Soup at Acerola Restaurant

Dinner found us at a little restaurant just off the main street and a short walk to the beach called Thu Phuong. Read about what we ate, how much it cost and how it tasted here: Thu Phuong Restaurant Review.  A romantic walk along the beach helped with digestion!

Barbecued Shrimp at Thu Phuong Restaurant - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Barbecued Shrimp at Thu Phuong Restaurant

The next day, after a breakfast of beef noodle soup and an iced coffee to the sound of Vietnamese music, we walked down to the corner street and rented a moped for 122.000 per day, and filled in 60.000 dong of petro.

Our first stop was the Mui (Peninsula) Dinh Cau Buddhist Temple, located on a small cliff on the beach adjacent to a fishing village. We climbed the few stairs to the top, took some pictures and were on our way!

Gorgeous Water at Dinh Cau - Phu Quoc
Gorgeous Water at Dinh Cau

45 minutes later found us at Bãi tắm Sao / Sao Beach, also known as Paradiso beach. This is an unfortunate stretch of a beautiful, long, white sand beach which is strewn with garbage and many people. Too bad they do not clean this up!

Lunch found us on the beach at a restaurant called Nha Hang My Lan – Not memorable, not great food, but a fabulous view.
Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) 60.000 dong / €2.25 / USD$2.65, Mi Xao Rau (Noodles w/ vegetables) 80.000 dong / €3 / USD$3.50, Coke 20.000 dong / €0.75 / USD$0.90, Beer 25.000 dong / €0.94 / USD$1.10   Total: 185.000 dong / €7 / USD$8

Yellow Noodles Dish - Vietnam
Mi Xao Rau Noodle Dish

A glorious, relaxed drive back through mountains followed the beach lunch. In the evening we went to the Phu Quoc Night Market for Dinner. After walking the market twice to see the offerings and prices, we settled on Quan An Mien Trung Restaurant.  The very friendly owner is from Da Nang, speaks English a little and understands a lot!

Seafood at the Nightmarket - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Seafood at the Nightmarket
Night Market - Dong Duoang, Phu Quoc
Street action at the Night Market

Day 3 found us checking out Long Beach, about a 5 minute drive from our hotel. Trip Advisor had great reviews for RoRy’s Bar, so eventually we headed there to chill. It is a beautiful and popular location, but…

Long Beach - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Long Beach

For Lunch we went to the Fabulous Bun Cha Ha Noi. This would become our favourite go to when it was open!

Bun Cha Ha Noi - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Bun Cha Ha Noi

My husband hit the Barbershop Duy for a 50.000 dong much needed shave.

After dinner, we went back to Rory’s Beach Bar for drinks on the beach. Fabulous atmosphere, bonfire, lots of people and a good DJ.

On Day 4, when looking for a local dinner spot, we discovered the restaurant Quán Ốc Bình Dân and this is where we ate every night after! Simply put, the food flavours are a music explosion on the tongue!!!!

Starters at Quán Ốc Bình Dân Restaurant - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Starters at Quán Ốc Bình Dân Restaurant

By Day 5 we had so fallen in love with Vietnam, we were frantically looking for an option to extend a visa, only to discover it can not be renewed easily ( German husband had only 15 days). If we would have pushed it, you need 3 days and $75. So we were sad to decide we would leave Vietnam after our Phu Quoc stay – very disappointed as Hue, Da Nang, Halong Bay were high on the top of our Vietnam list of where to go.

Drive to Kem Beach & Emerald Bay was on our 6th day in the morning. We had a backpack packed with drinks to take to the beach. We found our way in through the jungle on a dirt path and a big, almost private beach opened up. Only some fishermen shared the stretch of sand, trees and gorgeous water. We headed to a private spot and enjoyed the seclusion and scenery stretching through the bay.

Fishermen Sort their Catch at Kem Beach - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Fishermen Sort their Catch at Kem Beach

After the beach, we stopped at a roadside restaurant called Bia Ruou Phu Quoc / Bia Tuoi Phu Quoc Craft Beer. It is located close to Coconut Prison and Emerald Bay so it was a perfect stop while waiting for the prison to open.

Bia Tuoi Phu Quoc Restaurant - Rice and Shrimp - Vietnam
Bia Tuoi Phu Quoc Restaurant – Rice and Shrimp

After our delicious lunch, we went to the Coconut Prison; the entrance fee of 20,000 dong was worth every penny. The perspective does not change the the horror of what took place in this prison. There are plaques throughout describing what is happening.

Outer Perimeter at Coconut Prison - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Outer Perimeter at Coconut Prison

The next day found us at the huge Day Market in the streets by the fishing harbour. It was an interesting walk and we bought a Jackfruit (mit Thai) for 40.000 & a pear like bag of fruit called Rose Apple 25.000.

Meat Vendor Sits on her Stand Eating an Egg - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Meat Vendor Sits on her Stand Eating an Egg

Our 8th day found us at Suoi Tranh Waterfalls. The Entrance fee was 10.000 dong per person plus a parking fee of 2000 for our moto. It is really nice gardens, a restaurant, colorful sculptures of animals and people throughout. We did the 1/2 hour hike over stones and rocks up to the waterfall. Not a lot of water this time of year, but it is a nice hike and pretty.

Almost Dry Suoi Tranh Waterfalls - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Almost Dry Suoi Tranh Waterfalls

Back in town we found a restaurant called Quan Ra Koi. It was packed with locals so we decided it must be good; we walked in and found ourselves a seat. Based on all the shocked and smiling stares, I do not think they are used to foreigners! Read about our experience here.

Ladies Selling Fish at the Market - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Ladies Selling Fish at the Market

Day 10 we went to get our Passport photos for our visa on arrival in Laos. Pho Bien, down by the Dinh Cau temple did our pictures for us. 200.000 for 10 photos – overpriced, but necessary. Our guest house said he ripped us off. The rest of the day was spent visiting our favourite spots and saying our goodbyes.

Fruit Lady - Long Beach - Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Fruit Lady – Long Beach

On the Last day, we had lunch at Acerola Bar Restaurant – read about prices and my review – before regrettably heading out. 

MORE picture here

Our Taxi to the Airport was 110.000 dong. We were very sad to leave Vietnam and have vowed we will return!

Next stop: Vientiane, Laos via Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok

Flight Jetstar Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh: 1,876.000 for 2 €77.49 or €38.75
1 hour delay
Flight Air Asia Ho Chi Minh to Bangkok: 3,024.000 for 2 €124.90
Flight Bangkok to Vientiane, Laos: $50 pp

Note: 2 weeks is NOT long enough in Vietnam- all nationalities with "free" visa, apply for minimum 1 month visa
Note:
 It seems most locals speak NO English, not even in tourist places - everything works with pointing, calculators and smiles

Costs:
Flight from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc: €32.23 per person
Taxis: €10.75
Lodging: €21.50 per night (€215 for our 10 nights)
Moped: €5 per day or €45 for the stay
Petro / Gasoline: €6.25
Entry Fees: €2.56
Food, Drink & Snacks: €211.19

Our Total Cost for 2 persons, 10 days in Phu Quoc, excluding flight: €490.75

Phu Quoc island on an extreme budget? Yes!  For example:
– Stay at Langchia Hostel for $7 per night (includes breakfast & swimming pool)
– Buy fruits and veggies at the market
– Buy Noodles in the store & make your own noodles with a kettle and big bowl (borrowed or bought) – throw on market herbs and spice for great flavor
– Buy all beverages at the market (side street)
– Take towel and own food / beverages to beach
Maybe $10 per day???

Tip: book flights at least 4 days out for best prices!

Next Stop: Vientiane, Laos

Another great place:
Langchia Hostel & Bar: 
– Chicken & Chips 80.000 dong / €3 / USD$3.50
– Fried Seafood, Salad & Steamed Rice 85.000 dong / €3.20 / USD$3.75
– Coke 20.000 dong / €0.75 / USD$0.90
– Saigon Beer 20.000 dong / €0.75 / USD$0.90
– Happy Hour: 250.000 dong / €9.35 / USD$11.00 for 3 Singapore Slings & 2 Saigon

Links of possible interest:
→ Phu Quoc Island Photos
…..⇒ Extreme Budget Tips – $10/day Phu Quoc
.….⇒ Stay: Gia Thanh Guest House
…..⇒ Eat: AceroLa Bar and Restaurant
…..⇒ Eat: Bia Ruou Restaurant & Micro brewery
…..⇒ Eat: Bun Cha Ha Noi / Bún Chả Hà Nội
…..⇒ Eat / Bar: Langchia Hostel & Bar
…..⇒ Eat: Quan An Mien Trung (at the night Market)
…..⇒ Eat: Quan Oc Binh Dan Restaurant
…..⇒ Eat: Quan Ra Koi / Quán Ra Khơi
…..⇒ Eat / Bar: Rory’s Beach Bar
…..⇒ Eat: Thu Phuong Restaurant

Check out our other Asia Travels!

Location:  Asia  >  Southeast Asia  >  Vietnam  > tỉnh Kiên Giang >  Phu Quoc