Took a few days to visit the beautiful island of Koh Samui in Thailand. This is the dock in front of my hotel, Le Meridien.
Although it was tempting to just stay in this lovely hotel with my own private pool just outside my room, I did venture out one day with a driver to see the island. Below, just outside the hotel.
Buffalo Fighting Festival Ko Samui
The Buffalo Fighting Festival, Ko Samui is a very popular event held on special occasions such as New Year's Day in January, and Songkran in mid-April. This festival features head-wrestling bouts in which two male water buffaloes are pitted against one another. Unlike Spanish Bullfighting, wherein bulls get killed while fighting sword-wielding men, Buffalo Fighting Festival, Ko Samui is a fairly harmless contest. The fighting season varies according to some ancient customs and ceremonies.
On the day of the fight, the bulls are adorned with colorful ribbons and gold-painted leaves on their horns. Holy water is sprinkled on them as a sign of blessings prior to the fight. The bout takes place in two rounds, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The buffaloes lock horns with each other - much to the cheer of the huge and lively crowd - until the weaker one submits. The first Buffalo to turn and run away is considered the loser. The champion buffalo becomes worth several million baht.
(http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/thailand/koh-samui-island/festivals-and-events-in-ko-samui/buffalo-fighting-festival-ko-samui.html)
While India is largely Hindu, 95% of Thailand's population is Buddhist. There are many beautiful temples around the island.
The east side of Koh Samui is where most of the hotels, shops and restaurants are located. The west side
is less developed and lovely. This is called Five Island Beach, though you can only see four from the shore. Had lunch at a little place on this beach.
Is there anything better than a cold beer on a hot day at a deserted beach on a tropical island paradise?
