Just back at work after my month in Samui. Samui seemed like it had a very short high season. apart from 23dec - 5th jan things seemed very quiet. I did visit soi green mango and soi reggae as well as bars in lamai and they all were very quiet. although they probably kicked off very late well after i had gone home. Girls were all isaan of course and seemd older and in some cases harder than thier pattaya sisters. Only saw 2 that i thought were attractive and most were quite old. Amazing seeing young guys (21-25) wandering around tescos with BG girlfriends that looked mid 30s. i guess no substitute for experience. Samui would definately disapoint someone who was looking for the pattaya or bkk style P4P. But i guess that the big attraction to Samui. other thing i noticed was teh definate lack of places to go for a day time drink.
What did amuse me was how they can have a "beach road" in Chaweng where you cant even see the beach due to all the bech front property being built out and unaccessable. Public access to beach was very limited. I found this very disapointing. My only other complaint was the fact that to get around you really have to have a motorbike which at xmas time was hairy at times with some of the crazy farangs on bikes. I think xmas/NY death toll was 5 in 7 days all from bikes.
I really did like the other side of the island though, from Bor Phut to Hua Thanon was rather peaceful and relaxing and i guess thats what i was really looking for. BP dropped from 140/95 to 117/73 which is the lowest it has ever been. I did find in genral that people were a lot politer and tips were not expected, although when you did give a modest tip it was definately appreciated.
Certainly a different trip for me but it was very enjoyable and relaxing. I will definately go again.