Leaderboard

If you want to get away from the city for a little relaxation, try the little island of Koh Samed. It's about three hours south of Bangkok by bus and has lodging options for all budgets. There is 20 minute speed boat shuttle to the island or for a little less, you can take a slower economic option (the ferry). We stayed at a beach-side bungalow (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ao-Cho-Grand-View-Resort-Koh-Samed/120535931360461). Very nice accommodations (w/ wifi), phenomenal staff, fantastic view of the beach right outside our bungalow and breakfast each morning. Bring a book to read while relaxing on the beach or rent a motor cycle (300 to 500 baht per day) and tour the nice, mostly paved streets of the island. If you desire even more action, try parasailing, jet skiing or a neighboring island boat tour with snorkeling. This is one of those island destinations I heard about before moving to Thailand. While I plan to explore many other destinations in Thailand, I will definitely return to the wonderful, peaceful and pristine get-away!