This island was just too commercial. On the Chaweng beach area there were at least 2 McDonald's, a Starbucks, and Burger King. This is on top of the normal assortment of bars and restaurants that cater to tourists alike. It was also interesting to see so many families with younger children there. The area wasn't too seedy, but it didn't give off a wholesome vibe at the same time. While some might like how everything is assessable, that wasn't what I was looking for in a beach community in Thailand. The island is fairly large and it could be more rustic outside of this popular area, we were just on a time crunch and we figured the popular place has to be popular for a reason.
I shouldn't knock convenience and availability of products in reviewing a location, it was how all this spilled out onto the beach. Resorts practically touch the water, they are so close and vendors have no problem hunting in the sand. There was even a suit-tailor-shack on the sand like it is normal to go swimming and get fitted clothes. The buildings along the ocean even overtook the palm trees that should have added a hint of nature to the area.
On the plus side, the water was generally clean of human garbage (palm fronds can be forgiven in the ocean) and standing shallow for about 100 yards from the surf. The clear, blue green water also added a nice ambiance when going for a dip. It was in the water that the anger of commercialism melted away and the natural beauty of the island stood out. The jungled topped mountains that surround the cove shrink the buildings into the sand, which allows for a nice sunset overhead. After several days of laying on the beach and floating in the water, the island grew on me and I'd saw we would return again.
No comments:
Post a Comment