(Drivebycuriosity) - Finally, I came back to Koh Samui, an island in the Gulf of Siam, approximately 600 km (400 miles) south of Bangkok. I had been on this place about thirty years ago.
The island is still covered with abundant vegetation - thanks to an oceanic climate with plenty of rain - but a formidable tourist boom has changed the beaches considerably. Originally a small population lived from coconut harvesting, rubber planting & fishing, today a large tourism industry attracted many people to move from allover Thailand to Koh Samui.
The humble resort on Chaweng Beach, where I had once stayed, got replaced by a fancy hotel. Gone are the simple huts without air conditioning set in an artificial rain forest (which hid the neighbor huts from my view). But many beach resorts are still blessed with lush gardens and plenty of coconut palms and other trees.
It seems the rising ocean in the recent 30 years ate a part of the beaches. On windy days the violent surf covered the sand and made hiking on beach to dangerous. The resort we stayed - and many other places - are about 30 feet (10m) about the see level which protect them from the ocean so far.
The colorful place gave me many occasions for snapshots.
The vegetation influences the local cuisine. Many dishes are prepared with coconuts and often are pineapple added - in combination with other local fruits, vegetables and chilis - which created delicious meals.
To be continued
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