Name of traveller
Jessica Schoeman
Destination Koh Samui, Thailand
Dates 1 to 30 September 2011

Your reason for visiting this destination I was on my way back to South Africa after living in Korea for three years. I wanted to visit friends living in Thailand, so I volunteered at a school for a month.

My Little Black Book

The best hotel Save House is a good budget hotel. Cocooning Hotel is great value for luxury class and is on Bophud beach.

The best place for dinner At Zazen, a stunning boutique hotel on Bophud beach. Higher price range, though.

The best place for lunch At a market or the beach. On beaches, locals walk around with two baskets tied on each side of a pole that’s carried over their shoulder selling fruit, grilled mielies and meat on a stick. Chicken on a stick was 20B each. I paid 100 Baht for a whole peeled, sliced mango, two bananas, some sliced coconut meat, and a mielie, grilled with coconut butter and salt. I had great Food at an Indian restaurant, Kohi noor, in Fisherman’s village (220 Baht for a real fruit juice, vegetarian meal and rice.)

The best place for a drink At a night market like Fisherman’s on Bophud beach, a Mojito was 50 Baht. Chaweng is the ‘young’ area with a lot of bars and clubs, like Ark bar. Or try the Full Moon Party. Everything is cheap, but the alcohol is not of good quality, so prepare for a hangover if you’re going to indulge!

The first thing travellers should do upon reaching this destination Go for a Thai massage. It’s available everywhere from the beach to luxury spas. On the beach, prices ranged from 200 Baht up.

The best place to shop Fisherman’s village night market for Thai clothing. You can barter prices with the sellers.

The best way to get around Regular metered taxis and motorbike taxis are available. Song-tau (converted double cab bakkie) drivers will try to overcharge you. Be firm. You can also rent scooters, everywhere.

If you want to feel like a local you should… Travel by song tau, eat at night markets, eat Thai food and eat a lot of fruit.

Watch out for… Soi dogs (street dogs) – usually they are friendly, but sometimes scary. Always wear a helmet on a motorbike.

Don’t leave without… going scuba diving - it’s beautiful. You could see a whale shark but even if you don’t there’s plenty of fish. There are many fellow travellers to meet, and do catch a sunset.

Insider tips Thai pharmacies sell all sorts of cool stuff, so explore a bit! Getting a sim card is easy, so don’t worry about using roaming on your regular contract.

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