4th July Getaway: Singapore to Koh Samui

• Introduction
• Getting to EWR
• Newark to Singapore
• Singapore to Koh Samui
• KC Beach Club Koh Samui
• Conrad Koh Samui
• Koh Samui to Penang
• Penang to Macau (via Hong Kong)
• Conrad Macau
• Macau to Taipei
• Taipei to Austin

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After the ultra long haul 18 hour flight, the shower at the terminal 3 Silverkris lounge sure felt good. Even though we just had "breakfast" on the plane a couple of hours ago, I couldn't resist helping myself to the local cuisine from the extensive buffet in the lounge.

We had to make our way to terminal two for our flight to Bangkok with the flight already boarding by the time we got to our gate. Our flight to Bangkok was operated by an Airbus A330 equipped with the one of the best regional business class seats IMHO. The steward came around with a selection of juices and water prior to departure and he was happy to open a bottle of champagne when requested.

A330 business class cabin

After departure breakfast was served and I had Book-the-Cook the Nasi Lemak which I found out last Christmas was one of the best Nasi Lemak I've ever had. It was equally as good this time round and the champagne definitely paired well with the spicy sambal.  Lydia instead Book-the-Cook the chicken porridge meal and it did take a while to get her food served. The flight attendant did apologize citing that they were having issues finding a bowl to serve the porridge in.

Since it was only a 2 hour flight, it was frustrating not being able to finish Zero Dark Thirty with the IFE shutoff in preparation for landing right as the special forces were about the storm Osama's compound. Blah! Really wish SQ would follow other airlines like Emirates and allow IFE from gate-to-gate.



We cleared immigration quickly via the dedicated ASEAN passport holder lanes that had no wait. It did take a while for our luggage to appear before another line to check-in on our Bangkok Airways flight to Koh Samui. I was being conservative and booked three hour layover in Bangkok instead of an earlier connection to Koh Samui. The extra time wasn't a big deal since we spent most of it with a much needed reflexology and shoulder massage at the landside Chang Massage. Advice here is to get the massage landside since it is cheaper than the same store airside.

A unique feature of Bangkok Airways is that it provides lounge access for all passengers. The lounge itself was nothing special but it had several snacks and drinks on offer.

Bangkok Airways Lounge

A319 to Koh Samui

Our one hour or so flight to Koh Samui was operated by a Airbus A319. Prior to departure, the flight attendants came around offering wet wipes and sweets. Despite the short duration of the flight, a substantial snack and coffee/tea run was offered which was pretty impressive. There were also showing some short clips on the overhead monitors.

 

Overall, a pretty unique first time flying on Bangkok Airways and I wouldn't hesitate flying them in the future.