So when we left on Friday for Koh Samui, I pictured a nice relaxing weekend on the beach...however, with all the different things we fit into 2days, it did not happen. On Saturday morning
we awoke early in order to take a boat tour of Ang Thong National Marine Park, during which we swam, snorkeled, went kayaking around one of the 80+ islands that compose the park, and climbed over a mountain to see breathtaking views of the park and the emerald lagoon inside the mountain. While staring into the lagoon, I could see huge sea urchins, a sea snake laying on a rock, and various types of fish swiming in the undisturbed water. That day it was rainy and sprinkled on and off, but the beauty of the area was undeniable.
we awoke early in order to take a boat tour of Ang Thong National Marine Park, during which we swam, snorkeled, went kayaking around one of the 80+ islands that compose the park, and climbed over a mountain to see breathtaking views of the park and the emerald lagoon inside the mountain. While staring into the lagoon, I could see huge sea urchins, a sea snake laying on a rock, and various types of fish swiming in the undisturbed water. That day it was rainy and sprinkled on and off, but the beauty of the area was undeniable. Then on Sunday, Chris really wanted to do a tourist safari into the interior of Koh Samui, so once again I was up and ready to go before 8am. They picked us up and took us to their site where we went on a brief elephant ride--yes, it was very bumpy, but now I can say that I did it. From the vantage point the elephant climbed to, we were able to see a good part of the jungle that is the interior of Koh Samui. After the elephant ride, we witnessed an elephant show where a 7yo elephant and a 4yo elephant played the harmonica, crossed their legs, walked on 2legs, made 3 soccer goals--beating the volunteer goalie--and made a basket in basketball net. It was followed by a demonstration of how they use monkeys to harvest 
coconuts and a Mai Thai demonstration. After all of that, we were taken by a jeep to a river where we canoed a short distance into the river, of course I was not paddling and they ran me into a tree at one point--I think the guide could have used some more training. And finally, 3 1/2hrs after starting this very touristy adventure, we finally got to Na Muang Falls and hiked a short distance through the jungle to the beautiful waterfall. It was that 1/2hr that made me willing to participate in this endeavor. Finally, we were taken back to the hotel and I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering on the beach and getting a Thai Massage before returing to Bangkok.
coconuts and a Mai Thai demonstration. After all of that, we were taken by a jeep to a river where we canoed a short distance into the river, of course I was not paddling and they ran me into a tree at one point--I think the guide could have used some more training. And finally, 3 1/2hrs after starting this very touristy adventure, we finally got to Na Muang Falls and hiked a short distance through the jungle to the beautiful waterfall. It was that 1/2hr that made me willing to participate in this endeavor. Finally, we were taken back to the hotel and I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering on the beach and getting a Thai Massage before returing to Bangkok. If I ever return to Koh Samui, I will spend the time lounging on the beautiful beaches with the backdrop of jungle, ignoring the massive amount of development that is occuring b/t the beach and the jungle. All in all, it was a good weekend and I am glad that we went, but I think that I needed another day to fully experience Koh Samui.
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