Before researching whether or not there was direct service from the south of Thailand to Cambodia, I had already decided that some beach time was in order.
Apparently, however, the rainy season is ending at this time of the year on the Andaman Sea side but just beginning on the Gulf side. I wish that someone would have clued me in during the planning stages of my trip…I may have decided to go to Krabi or back to Koh Phi Phi or Phuket.
Sadly, there was hardly any beach time in Koh Samui, due to the rain. And sadly, there is no direct route from the south of Thailand to Cambodia…you must first return to one of Bangkok’s airports to continue onward.
Our tickets were booked on Air Asia from Surat Thani, but first, we had to get from Koh Samui to Surat Thani in time for our 11:45 am flight. Knowing that weather (rough seas), mechanical or even lack of interest in departing on time could affect our ferry departure, I had been a bit anxious about making our flight.
Hoping we could buy ferry tickets in town, as you can do in Koh Phi Phi, I soon found out that this was not possible. Asking around from tour desk to tour desk, I was given various bits information, sometimes each contradicting the other.
I was given wrong departure times, told to go to the ferry terminal (all the way across the island) the day before, told that I could make my flight if I took the fast ferry departing at 8:00. Finally, after discovering that Seatran’s first ferry departed at 5:00 am, not 6:00 am, we decided to try for this one, although it meant departing from our hotel around 3:15 am. Thanks to the agent at Green’s Guest House, whom we’d become very acquainted, we arranged for transportation to the Seatran ferry pier the day before.
Travel to the Seatran pier was not lengthy at this time of morning since traffic was at a minimum. After arriving, we were able to purchase tickets for the ferry and bus service to Surat Thani city and board the ferry shortly thereafter.
The journey was about 1 1/2 hours and we arrived in Surat Thani as the sun was starting to rise. A short walk down the pier to the terminal brought us to the staging area for the buses which would take us to Surat Thani town. I discovered after talking to an Englishman who resides on Koh Phangan, that once we reached Surat Thani city, we would then be able to secure a taxi or tuk tuk which would then take us to the airport.
Finding a taxi or tuk tuk had been a source of my concern, however, there were many waiting. Negotiating a price was the hardest part, as they assumed they could charge more than the going rate. Before long, however, we were on our way in a tuk tuk and arriving at the Surat Thani airport.
Checking in at the Air Asia counter, we hoped that they would extend a little mercy towards our bags after we told them we were crew…and they did! Thank goodness! I was allowed to bring onboard both my rollaboard and my Longchamp bag, only checking my small duffle bag (laden with souvenirs). We were then told to go to Gate 1.
Clearing customs and immigration, we proceeded into the gate area. After a while, realization hit that we were the only ones in the gate area. Panic started to set in…were we in the right area? Finally, an agent identified herself and escorted us outside to the correct gate. It seems that we were the only ones that were connecting to an international destination…everyone else was completing their travel in Bangkok, so, it was necessary for us to clear customs and immigration in Surat Thani.
Once we landed at Don Mueang Airport, we were met in the jet way by an Air Asia representative who escorted us to our check-in counter and then to our gate.
Shortly thereafter, we were on our way…
After arriving in Cambodia, we discovered that applying for the Evisa online was the way to go. Almost all of the passengers from our flight had to go to the counters and fill out the forms for the Visa Upon Arrival. We were allowed to go straight to the customs officials with no wait. I would definitely say it was worth the $37 and filling out the forms online as opposed to $30 for the Visa Upon Arrival.
Once our bags arrived, we exchanged some dollars to riel, although later finding out that while riel is used, dollars are preferred. Even ATM machines dispense US dollars!
A 15 minute cab ride ensued and we were soon ensconced our Cambodian home, The Cheathata Suites Hotel.
The room we were given was massive, containing a double bed, a king bed and a twin (added). There was a sitting area, a refrigerator and coffee area and an enormous bathroom. Our balcony overlooked the Night Market and adjacent bars and restaurants. We truly felt like we were in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, as we watched the flow of revelers enjoying the entertainment and shopping.
Breakfast was included every morning and the staff was welcoming and friendly.
A rooftop pool and bar welcomed us with cool water and drinks as well as a delicious menu.
Sure, there were some extremely luxurious hotels that we could have stayed in, but the location of this hotel was amazing and the price…well…you just couldn’t beat it! $49 a night (after tax)…and that price was split three ways!!!
Seatran Ferry
Air Asia
Evisa
Cheathata Angkor Suites
