Ko Samui

I wasn’t sure I was going to make the trip. My back pain has been getting worse, and even with treatment from both an orthopedic doctor and a chiropractor, I wasn’t able to get much relief. In the end I decided to go. The only options from Phuket to Samui were bus, van, or private car. I booked the group van they called a VIP six pack. The price was low, and while I didn’t know what to expect, it worked out fine.

I ended up sitting next to a guy about my age who was visiting from the UAE, though originally from Pakistan. He was traveling Southeast Asia for a month. We somehow fell into a deep conversation, the kind that passes time but also leaves you thinking. He shared stories about life further east, his family, and his impressions of the places he had already seen. I’m not someone who seeks out conversation often. I’m content keeping to myself, reading, or just watching the world around me. But once in a while you meet someone whose energy cuts through that. There’s no effort in it, just a genuine connection. Those moments kind of remind me why travel is never only about the destination. It’s also about the people.

By the time I reached Samui, the ferry had made it late. I ate at the hotel, went straight to bed, and woke up the next morning barely able to move. My original plan was Bali for August, but another traveler told me about a writing and meditation retreat on Ko Samui. I also wanted the chance to stay at the Four Seasons, where most of White Lotus was filmed (I love that series). Over the past weeks I’ve been finishing my book, The Digital Nomad Blueprint, and also recently completed a travel feature. I thought the five-day retreat would be inspiring.

Instead, I had to accept I wasn’t going. I extended my stay at the Four Seasons and spent the time resting. Room service and The Gilded Age on HBOMAX filled most of the days. Towards the end of the trip I felt well enough to explore. Samui has plenty of life and the Gulf water is nice, but I prefer Phuket. Nothing compares to the clear turquoise of the Andaman Sea. Phuket still has corners that feel slow and untouched, which to me is more of an island atmosphere. Samui was beautiful, but busy and a bit more congested than I was expecting.

Next up is Hua Hin. I’m moving into a new place and looking forward to exploring the nearby national parks and the chance to take the train into Bangkok. I’ll miss Phuket, especially the northwest part of the island. It’s been home for eight months, and I already miss friends I made there. But I know I’ll be back.