Thailands Koh Samui Villas

Thailands Koh Samui Villas

When you are vacationing on Koh Samui, you'll be enjoying the beaches, the waterfalls and the active nightlife, you'll still need a place to stay, and some of the best places to stay on Thailand's third largest island are the rented villas! The villas of Koh Samui are inexpensive and they can provide you with a degree of privacy that's hard to get in some of the larger resorts. When you stay on one of Koh Samui's beautiful villas, you get a real idea of what it's like to live on this island paradise.

When you are planning out your vacation accommodations, you might automatically dismiss the villas as being to expensive. Depending on your situation though, they could be exactly the right choice for you! For instance, if you are planning to stay for longer than two weeks, or even a week and half, the rates of the villa suddenly become a lot more manageable. In the long term, they are cheaper than staying at the resorts, and much more comfortable as well. While you might feel uneasy after an extended stay in a hotel, a villa will provide you with a kitchen, where you can do some cooking if you're tired of eating out and space to just kick back and relax.

One thing that a villa will definitely do is give you a terrific sense of privacy. Many Koh Samui villas have views that show you the ocean with nothing between you and the beach. While this might take you slightly off the beaten path, you'll find that you can enjoy the wonderful tranquility that Thailand's islands are so well known for. Frequently, because the villas are part of a loose system, you'll still be able to get get to town for the nightlife and parties via a bus or a car, and when you go home, you won't have to deal with that vibrant nightlife right outside your window!

Just because you choose to skip the overcrowded resorts doesn't mean that you have to spend your vacation tidying! Many villas have the option of maid service for a small extra fee and you can find your home away from home spotless every time you walk into it. Because most villas are part of a larger system, you'll find that you have access to things like guides and delivery service, so rest assured that even in a villa you will be well taken care of.

Another benefit of the Koh Samui villas is that you can find them practically everywhere and that they have many of the benefits of the resorts but without the crowding. You'll find palatial villas that have pools and hot tubs, but you'll also find plenty of more cozy options that encourage you to settle in and just be yourself. When you are looking for a Koh Samui villa, think about what you want to do while you're in Thailand and make sure the villa you choose in a central location for it. You can have a terrific Koh Samui vacation using a villa as your center of operations, so start planning today!

Thailands Koh Samui Holidays

Thailands Koh Samui Holidays

If you're looking for a vacation spot with a little bit of everything, Koh Samui should be your port of call! This Thai island lies off the east of the Kra Isthmus and as Thailand's third largest island, it has enough to do to entertain even the most discerning tourist. With plenty of beach-front resorts that will have you living just meters away from the water, let this island show you some of the best of what Thailand has to offer.

If you re a nature lover, be sure to take advantage of the many day trips into mountainous jungle interior of the island. Keep an eye out for the waterfalls, especially for Na Muang and Na Muang II. The former is 18 meters high while the later stretches up a dizzying 80 meters. While the former can be accessed by vehicle, the later can only be reached via a 30 minute walk. If possible, see both of these natural wonders during your stay. If you are interested in some of the wildlife of Thailand, Koh Samui has a crocodile farm, a monkey theater, a butterfly garden and an renowned aquarium, and that's just for starters!

When you're tired of the wildlife, check out the nightlife! Koh Samui boasts many bars, discos and cabaret shows, especially in Lamai and Chaweng. Check out the Raggae Pub and the Bauhaus for dancing that can last until dawn. For live music, head down to the Beach Pub at Secret Garden. This stretch of beach has become an international gathering place for professional and semiprofessional musicians, and live sessions take place every Saturday afternoon, attracting large crowds of people, all ready for a party!

One of the best reasons to make Koh Samui your vacation destination is the water; the waters of this beautiful island are crystal clear, making for some of the snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. If you've never gone scuba diving before, there's not time to start like the present; you'll find plenty of schools scattered along the coastline that are willing to teach you.

If you ave an interest in physical sports, come to Koh Samui to take a look at the the Thai martial art, Muay Thai boxing. This martial art has become the known all over the world for it's intensely fast action and close combat fighting style; in Koh Samui, you can see matches that will show you what this form of boxing is truly capable of. Chaweng Stadium holds matches every Monday and Friday, while you can see fights every Saturday at the Lamai stadium.

To see what life may have been like more than a century a go, be sure to visit Koh Samui's oldest standing house in Ban Thale. This structure was made out of teakwood without the use of any nails. Constructed of teak planks and adorned to with traditional Thai woodcarvings, this house can show you some of the decorative motifs and styles that can still be seen in Thai design today.

Koh Samui has a lot to offer, so make sure that you plan a vacation there soon. Between the tranquil beaches and the lively bar scene, there really is something for everyone!

Koh Samui - A New Luxury Destination in Thailand

Koh Samui - A New Luxury Destination in Thailand

Koh Samui, also known as Samui, is Thailand's one of the most idyllic islands, located in the Gulf of Thailand. Situated about 85 km east of Surat Thani and about 700 km south of Bangkok, Koh Samui is the largest island on the Gulf of Siam and third largest island in Thailand, other two being Phuket and Ko Chang. Sometimes Koh Samui is also referred to as Coconut Island because of its countless number of coconut palms, harvesting more than two million coconuts per month.

Koh Samui's prime attraction is undoubtedly its serene environment blessed with mountainous jungle terrains, luxuriant tropical ferns, swaying coconut palms, long stretch of pristine white sandy beaches, granite boulders, clear blue water, superb waterfalls, and sparkling ponds. Hence, it is no wonder why foreigners, particularly from Europe, flock here year-round.

One of the most popular among the Koh Samui's attractions is Wua Ta Lap, which has to its credit a stunning cave. Perhaps the most prominent attraction of Koh Samui is Pra Yai or the Big Buddha - a 12 mt high golden statue which is proudly placed at the northern point of the island. This astounding image is visible even from several kilometers away. Located at the southern part of the island, Na Thian Butterfly Garden is another popular attraction, providing opportunities to observe numerous species of butterflies. A well-maintained garden, bee house, and a Thai style house are also attached to the garden.

There are also some interesting destinations in the area, such as, Hin Ta Hin Yai, which are two renowned granite stones that stand out among numerous other rock formations along the coastline. These two rocks, literally meaning Grandfather and Grandmother are believed to be the origin of the Mui people. Landmarks also include the Samui Aquarium with a variety of tropical fish and marine fauna. Other worth visiting destinations in the area are Thale Nai, encircled by mountains; the statue Garden featuring an array of Buddhist and Hindu Statues; and Tham Bua Bok.

In addition, Samui is much famed for its incredible beaches such as Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and Maenam Beach, each of them providing options to enjoy a range of activities such as fishing, boat chartering, and sailing. Further, Samui boasts of some stunning water falls like Namuang. Koh Samui is home to some of the best diving sites in Thailand, with a range of spectacular islets such as Koh Mad Lang, Koh Som, and Koh Taopun.

However, Koh Samui's enormous range of activities is more than diving and fishing. For instance, Koh Samui provides excellent options for bowling, with more than ten pin bowling. For shooting enthusiast, superb facilities are available to enhance your shooting skills at the Shooting Gallery, consisting of a variety of guns with live ammunition.

Some superb options are also available for adventurers in the form of Bungy Jumping in Chaweng. Equally fabulous is Samui's nightlife, with a range of happening beach bars, cabaret bars, rocking, and pubs. If you are looking for something different during your Koh Samui vacation, then spectacle a Muay Thai (Thai boxing) match or take a Thai cooking lesson under the guidance of some renowned Thai cooks. Likewise, take an elephant trekking for a unique experience.

A lot number of other choices are also available, such as Treasure Island Adventure Golf Course and a tennis court facility as well as a go kart facility. For weary travelers, a plethora of spa facilities are available to get pampered and relaxed. Majority of the high-end resorts and hotels render a range of massages and herbal treatments.

From elegant bungalows and sea view villas to beachfront resorts and world-class hotels, accommodation options are aplenty in Samui. Many of them provide top-class facilities including air-conditioned rooms coupled with en-suite bathrooms, lounge, kitchen, and dining room.

Facilities cover barbeque area, baby sitting service, and car rental. Further, majority of the villas and apartments offer maid service, apart from facilities such as superb swimming pools and complimentary airport transfers. Besides, there are also some fantastic options available for budget conscious travelers. Above all, most of them provide some kind of discounts for booking rooms in advance.

With these attractions and umpteen options to choose from, Koh Samui is unquestionably a luxury destination in Thailand!.

Koh Samui Is A Charming Tropical Island

Koh Samui Is A Charming Tropical Island

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand in the South China Sea, about 90 km east of Surat Thani and roughly 750 km south of the capital city, Bangkok. Occupying an area of about 250 square kilometers, Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand, after the Ko Chang and Phuket islands.

Koh Samui is actually an Amphoe or district of Surat Thani province, and has been categorized into seven sub districts or tambon, such as, Angthong, Bophut, Lipa Noi, Maenam, Maret, Namuang, and Taling Nam. Situated in the Gulf of Siam and surrounded by more than 50 islands, Koh Samui is also sometimes referred to as the Coconut Island because its harvest of more than two million coconuts every month.

The destination is truly a tropical retreat, with beautiful white sandy beaches, azure-blue sea, lush green forested hills, unique limestone and granite formations, and picturesque coves and bays, and above all, little traffic and presence of warm as well as amicable people. Hence, it is not a wonder why people from across the world, especially westerners, flock to this tranquil destination year-round.

Much of the glory of the island lies in its magnificent shoreline, bestowed with long curve of palm fringed white sandy beaches with turquoise waters. Most prominent among the beaches in the area is Chaweng Beach, which is one of the busiest in the area. A variety of beachside cafes, disco bars, and cocktail bars, can be seen here. Another popular beach in the area is Lamai Beach, which is packed with an array of restaurants as well as entertainment centers. It is less crowded when compared to Chaweng, and hence a stroll along this beach is truly soothing and comfortable.

For those seeking tranquility and peace, then Maenam Beach would be the best, which is an ideal venue for backpackers as well as well-heeled. This beach area is home to some of the best deluxe resorts and hotels in the region. A great place to chill out, Bophut is also a great beach in the area, which is a home to a serene fishermen's village filled with relaxed eateries, trendy boutiques, and ancient wooden homes

Other popular beaches in the area are Big Buddha Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, and Lipa Noi Beach. Each of the beaches in the area provides opportunities to enjoy an array of activities such as diving, snorkeling, swimming, and sea canoeing.

Aside beaches as well as its activities, things to see and do in Koh Samui are truly limitless. In other words, Koh Samui has something for everyone. For nature lovers, nothing would be better than a visit to Na Tian Butterfly Garden, where you can see a large array of different species of vividly colored lepidopterans. Also, found here are a bee house and an insect museum with some rare species of insects.

Likewise, for animal lovers, some best options are available in the form of Crocodile Farm, where you can see crocodile species like Caimans and saltwater crocodiles; Samui Aquarium and Zoo, featuring scores of fish varieties as well as specialties like Asian tigers, sea hawks, and parrots; and Snake Farm, which is home to some rare as well as most poisonous snakes in Asia.

If you are interested in sightseeing, then Koh Samui provides a multitude of refreshing attractions. Just few among them are Big Buddha, the most renowned landmark in the island and whose centerpiece is a 12 meters high golden image of Lord Buddha in sitting posture that can be seen from several miles away.

Hin Ta Hin Yai, stunning rocks which are also known as Grandfather and Grandmother rocks and are believed to be the origin of the Mui race; Magic Statue Garden, an incredible garden located deep in the forest and which can be reached by journeying through steep cliffs and forested rivers and hills; and Overlap Stone, which is quite challenging to reach this impressive boulders.

Not to miss attractions in Koh Samui also include temples in the area such as Hainan Temple, Hin Lad Waterfall Temple, Laem Sor Pagoda, and Pagoda Khao Chedi. In addition, things to see in Koh Samui also cover Buffalo fighting, Monkey Show, and traditional Thai Boxing.

Well-linked by water, land, and air, Koh Samui renders its visitors superb accommodation options, ranging from stunning beachside villas and bungalows to upscale resorts and hotels.

Koh Samui Overview

Koh Samui Overview

The largest province of the South located 685 kilometers from Bangkok is Surat Thani the province with a name that literally means "City of the Good People". A former capital of the Srivijaya Empire, the province covers an area of approximately 12,891 square kilometers. Surat Thani Province borders the Gulf of Thailand to the north and east, Chumphon Province to the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi Provinces to the south, Phang-Nga and Ranong Provinces to the west and Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to the east.

High plateaus and forested mountains are located to the west of the province, while there are low basins in the center and along the eastern coast. This topography has created 14 river basins including Tapee, Pum Duang, Tha Thong, Tha Krajai, Chaiya, Tha Chang which are the most important basins. All rivers in Surat Thani flow east of the province to the Gulf of Thailand.

The numerous islands along the coast makes Surat Thani (often known as Surat in short) a perfect hideaway for vacationers from around the world. Luxury villas in Samui are internationally renowed and featured in television programs and magazine regularly. The ideal destination for many is the Penang-sized Ko Samui, Thailand's third largest island, and its neighbour Ko Pha-ngan a celebrated island that hosts the biggest beach full moon party. North of Ko Pha-ngan is Ko Tao, renowned for its excellent coral reefs.

To top it all is the dazzling 250-square-kilometer Ang Thong Marine National Park, where a stunning archipelago awaits to greet visitors with their charming palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear water and colorful coral reefs. These destinations are a short journey from many of the beachside luxury properties and therefore make popular excursions. The best time to enjoy one of these islands to the fullest is from April to November. The diversity of this coastline makes it a great choice for guests seeking something different to Phuket. Villa rentals cater for discerning travelers who desire luxury and convenience yet a sense of tranquility not often experienced on Phuket.

Surat Thani is a city with a long history. Archeologists believe that it was once a community of prehistoric tribes of indigenous people including the Saemang and original Malays who built their communities on the Tapee River Basin and Ao Ban Don. Later on, the Indians migrated into the area and gradually spread out their culture, as evidenced in the discovery of ruins of ancient communities in Tha Chana and Chaiya Sub-districts.

In the 13th century, the city became a part of and, as some historians might claim, a center of the glorious Srivijaya Empire the kingdom that dominated the whole Malay Peninsula and much of Java. It was during this period that Mahayana Buddhist reached its height of influence. The empires grandeur can still be admired in many areas of Chaiya District.

When the empire hit the bottom, it was divided into 3 main cities namely Chaiya, Tha Thong and Khiri Rat. They were all under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat until King Rama IV decided to move Tha Thong City to Ban Don and required that it report directly to Bangkoks administration. The name Ban Don was, at the time, changed to Kanchanadit. It was with the establishment of the Monthon, a former administrative unit, that all three cities were merged into one under the name Chaiya. In 1915, King Rama VI changed the name Chaiya to Surat Thani.

The seal of Surat Thani says a lot about its history. Featuring the pagoda of Phra Boromathat Chaiya, the seal is proof of the influence of Mahayana Buddhist on Surat Thani. Phra Boromathat Chaiya is the most revered and important historical place in the province. It is believed that the pagoda contains Buddha relics.

Today, Surat Thani is an important commercial and shipping hub for rubber and coconut trading. Surat Thani also serves as a hub for many vacationers traveling to their Samui villa by boat, or a stop off point to destinations further afield.

Koh Samui, a Tropical Paradise

Koh Samui, a Tropical Paradise

Picture an island nestling in the calm, azure blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand fringed by coral reefs with beaches of powder soft white sand framed by a backdrop of coconut trees, their fronds dancing in the gentle breeze. The palms stretch upward to the central uplands, thick with lush tropical vegetation. The coast and lower slopes are awash with coconut palms making Koh Samui the ‘Coconut Capital of Thailand’. It is said the island sends 2,000.000 coconuts per month to Bangkok. This green vista is interspersed occasionally by black granite boulders. Some of these rock formations appear to defy gravity by hanging dramatically against the hillside. This tropical paradise is called Koh Samui. A 250 square kilometre rounded island which is about the same size as Penang.
Koh Samui translates from Koh, the Thai word for island, and Samui, which is probably derived from the Chinese “saboey” meaning safe harbour. The magic island first came to the attention of world travellers when it started to crop up in conversation in many of the cheap hotels that then clustered around Bangkok’s Hualamphong Railway station some 45 years ago. It was difficult to get to, requiring special negotiation with fishermen in Suratthani lying 80 kilometres across the sea on the mainland. When you reached the island, there was no road and so those intrepid voyagers hopped from beach to beach by boat. In the past forty plus years things have changed hugely.

The island is now served by an international airport that looks more like a botanical garden than the accepted tradition of functional ‘air station’. Flights leave hourly for the new Suvarnbhumi Airport in Bangkok and link the island to additional destinations such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Pattaya and Phuket. A 52-kilometre road rings Samui and links all the major towns. Nathon the capital plays host to government buildings and banks and serves as one of the ferry ports serving the Thai mainland. The road skirts the 635-metre mountain that sits centrally astride the landmass and takes in the main resorts of Lamai and Chaweng. Lamai is the smaller of the two and offers a quieter and perhaps cleaner beach. The latter caters for, perhaps, a younger and more energetic visitor. Further on lies Bangrak is better known as “Big Buddha Beach” as it takes its name from the huge Buddha statue at the eastern end of the bay. Borphut boasts a trendy fisherman’s village, much favoured by French tourists and Maenam to the north offers spectacular views across to Koh Phangan and the Ang Thong Natural Marine Park. This area is much less crowded than the bustling Chaweng and the marginally quieter Lamai. It still retains its original Thai flavour. However, to get to grips with authentic ‘Samui’ you need to rent a car or motorbike and take one of the many roads that lead up away from the coast and into the mountain. As you climb higher you come to rubber plantations and hidden away villages clustering around paddy fields, still hanging onto a traditional way of life that is far removed from the tourist dominated hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars that cluster around the coast.

Samui has over the years developed a reputation as centre of complementary medicine offering spas designed to detox inhabitants of an overstressed globe. The Health Oasis Resort located adjacent to the unspoiled Bang Po Beach to the west of Maenam offers stunning views across to Koh Phangan. Sit in the authentic vegetarian restaurant after six p.m. and turn your head to the west you will witness spectacular sunsets over the islands that comprise the Ang Thong National Park. Health Oasis is unique in that the Thai Department of Health lists it as a traditional medicine hospital. It specialises in supervised detox and fasting treatments.

Be sure of this, whatever your tastes Koh Samui will be able to provide a venue for a holiday that will linger long in your memory. So if you are planning a trip of a lifetime whether it be for tourism or health this magical island is a venue well worth considering.

Guide to wining and dining on Koh Samui Thailand

Guide to wining and dining on Koh Samui Thailand

by Andy Burrows

Some of the world's finest cuisines can be found in Southern Thailand, this has been made apparent by the amount of Thai restaurants that have sprung up throughout the globe over the last number of years. Koh Samui is no different; the people here are highly imaginative when it comes to selection and presentation of food. Whether it is a local street vendor or a top end restaurant you can be sure that you'll find something to suit any palate and budget. The food is always prepared with fresh ingredients. To continually improve the quality and standard of food and service, the Samui Culinary Circle (SCC) was set up, thus ensuring that over the last couple of years Samui has become a centre for culinary excellence, in addition to its beautiful beaches and friendly people. There are three main areas on Samui for restaurants and bars; with a further four more secluded areas to explore. The first and most popular area is Chaweng beach. Here you can find a huge range of options to choose from, including French, Japanese, Royal Thai and Italian cuisine, just to name a few. All of these can be enjoyed on the beach under the stars, beneath a thatched roof or in cool air-conditioned comfort. In the south of the island you'll find Samui's second largest beach - Lamai beach. In general dining here is cheaper than Chaweng beach and is where you will find a plethora of small, family run Thai eateries. Although, there is still an eclectic mix of restaurants from European to Asian fusion, ensuring all tastes are catered for. Situated near the famous Big Budda, in the north of the island, is Bophut beach. This once predominately fishing area has given way to a range of restaurants and is now the culinary heart of Koh Samui. The quiet and picturesque setting makes it an ideal place for a romantic night out. The fisherman's village, which is considered by most to be one of the oldest areas on the island, is littered with wooden houses reminiscent of a by gone era that have been lovingly restored and now serve as shops and restaurants. Here you'll find French, Indian, Thai, Italian and seafood restaurants all of which are a stone's throw from the waterfront. One of Samui's quietest and most picturesque beaches is Maenam. The restaurants here will cater to every budget and offer food from around the world. The area is packed with street stalls where you can purchase a portion of Pad Thai and eat it on the beach for an inexpensive but memorable dining experience. Big Buddha beach has plenty of excellent Thai restaurants to choose from alongside international cuisine. Exceptional and inventive pub grub is available from funky cafés which are scattered throughout the area. For the more adventurous and those who enjoy heading off the well trodden tourist trail should make for the south-east and west coasts. As most of the island's fresh fish is caught just of these coastlines, seafood lovers will be in culinary paradise. Some of the restaurants here are so small they don't even have names but you are nearly always guaranteed a delicious meal and a warm Thai welcome. However, it's not only the welcome that is warm; the dishes are spicy enough to blow your socks off! Whatever your culinary taste you are sure to find it on Koh Samui and not only will you leave feeling satisfied and relaxed, you won't be lighter than when you arrived! Your eating experience here will probably be both culinary and culturally satisfying.