Sunday 30 September 2012

Do's and Don'ts When in Koh Samui



Do respect the monarch during your visit to Thailand. Long live the King (photo courtesy of flickr.com)

Well-known for its majestic Buddhist temples, pristine white-sand beaches, and a wide variety of delicacies, Koh Samui is definitely one of the top places to visit when traveling to Southeast Asia. Most of the Thai population are already used to seeing foreigners everywhere, especially at top tourist destinations. However, it still pays to be familiar, even just a little bit, with the country's culture along with some basic do's and dont's. It'll make you appreciate the place better. After all, you wouldn't want to embarrass yourself, and your country's name in a place as well-respected as Thailand right?

The Five Do's When in Koh Samui

Keep your composure. Be patient and stay calm, despite getting lost in Koh Samui and not knowing where to go. Thai's are very friendly and hospitable so there's no need to panic. After all, it's what they call the land of smile.

Wear proper attire. especially when visiting temples. This means covering the shoulders and knees for both ladies and gentlemen. Remember to bring appropriate clothes when packing. In addition, flip-flops are a no-no when temple-hopping but are generally allowed in other places such as at Koh Samui beaches.

Show respect to the monarchy. You may be used to a different type of ruling or government in your hometown but no matter what, show some reverence. After all, it's their country and you're just a visitor.

Remove your shoes. when entering homes and other establishments. Look for piles of shoes and slippers outside to double check if you will have to take off your shoes if you aren’t sure.

Read about their culture in advance. A little research over the net will do but you can also buy travel guides to make your Thailand trip truly unforgettable.

The Four Dont's When in Koh Samui

Raise your feet. To the Thai's, feet equates to dirt. So remember to always keep your feet on the floor. When sitting, hide them beside or beneath your legs. Note that pushing or kicking things with your feet is a sign of disrespect so don't ever do that.

Touch the head. It's the most important part of the body for the locals so don't ever touch anyone's head, children included.

Point with one finger. When you're trying to gesture to something, always use all four fingers and put the thumb against the palm. It's the correct way of showing people around.

Expose too much skin. And never swim nude, even on Koh Samui beaches. Check your travel guide to learn the ideal dress code.

Wednesday 26 September 2012

Spectacular Cruising in Koh Samui




Cruising in Koh Samui is something you must do while you are on the island (photo courtesy aimforawesome.com)

Yachts visiting Samui will be able to experience the spectacular maritime scenery that the island has to offer. Samui is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket. This tropical gem is located in the south-eastern part of the country. Although the island was unknown for many years, today, it is a popular tourist destination and offers incredible itineraries to super yachts visiting. Koh Samui travel helps many people experience a wonderful vacation in this paradise destination.

From the different super yachts visiting the waters of Samui, one of the biggest luxury sailing yacht is Vertigo that was constructed in the Southern Hemisphere. The Captain of the Vertigo, Captain Charlie said that the owner and guests would have a splendid time in Koh Samui because of its beauty and also because of the incredible services offered by the team.

Captain Charles Dwyer, also known as Champagne Charlie of the Super yachts Samui Asian Pacific and founder of the yacht services in Samui and Asia Pacific Super yachts is a skipper of Yanneke a 120’ sailing yacht. He is a long time, American sailor enthusiast and became captain of some of the word’s most prestigious yachts over the past twenty years, racing and cruising all around the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asia.

The skipper has called the island of Samui home for a lot of years and talks about various journeys he went on. Koh Samui is the center of the Gulf as well as the easiest and best port to enter in the Siam Gulf. He also says that coming back to the island reminds him of the gorgeous natural beauty of Koh Samui and the island’s breath-taking cruising waters. Those who go on a cruising journey will find this island idyllic.

Captains, crews, and owners are drawn to Thailand because of the people, culture, their graciousness, and welcoming smiles. This kind of treatment is not something many will find in just any international destination visited by super yachts.

Charlie is currently the skipper of 36-meter Yanneke super yacht and has been for the last eighteen years. He is also an organizer of the leading yearly Asia Super yacht Rendezvous that is held every year in Phuket, Thailand during the month of December. As super yachting expands in Asia, experienced agents just like Captain Charlie will be able to offer top-notch service. Make sure to make travel plans with Koh Samui travel.www.shasahotels.com

Monday 24 September 2012

Fun Koh Samui Activities


There are so many things you should do during your stay in Koh Samui! (photo courtesy traveldestinationinfo.com)

When visiting Koh Samui, there are many activities that a person should try out before they head back home. What many tourists love is that Koh Samui activities are not only a lot of fun but inexpensive as well. Discover the highly sought after activities in this island right here.

Some people may want to go on a whole day fishing tour in Koh Samui. Various tours are available and during these tours, travellers can catch a snapper, barracuda, or other types of fish. These tours include round-trip transfers from the hotel to the tour site, the tour, and lunch.

Five Islands Tour offered is another activity that tourists may want to consider. This tour involves a visit to small islands off Koh Samui’s coast. Sights consist of caves, secluded beaches, remote dwellings, and other spectacular marvels. Snorkelling, lunch and dinner is also a part of the tour fee.

Inside the forested mountain by Chaweng Beach Road lies the Spa Samui Village. Here visitors can enjoy yoga salsa and herbal steam saunas that are inside caves. Massages are offered and free shuttles are available as well.

A holistic wellness center, is located on Laem Set beach. Koh Samui activities from detox programs to infrared ray saunas to Chi Gong, Pilates, yoga, and even weight loss programs.

There is also a Health Oasis Resort located on the Bang Po ring road. This wellness resort is one of a kind and offers a house herbalist and naturopath. They have other specialized treatments as well like light transformation, polarity zapper, and ozone therapy.

Those looking to relax and unwind should consider taking up yoga classes. Absolute Yoga and Yoga Thailand are offered in Koh Samui. Absolute Yoga is located at the Fisherman’s Village entrance in Bophut and offers Pilates as well as hot yoga. Yoga rates per session and monthly rates are available.

Other Koh Samui activities a person should consider include monkey shows, elephant riding, tiger shows, banana boat riding, jet skiing and Muay Thai training.

Travellers who want to experience healing should check out Dharma Healing International. This facility is on a small beach called Lipa Yai that is located right by Lipa Noi. This healing center is very spiritual and Buddhist, especially amongst all of Koh Samui’s wellness centers. The main focus is fasting, discovering the inner child, and Vipassana meditation. Various courses are available depending on the visitors’ interest.

There are a lot of Koh Samui activities available in this island, which makes it a fun destination for all visitors. Don’t miss out on experiencing enjoyment and relaxation at this breath-taking island. 

Sunday 23 September 2012

Wonderful Laem Set beach is as serene as it gets

Quiet Laem Set beach is a great beach to visit while you are in Koh Samui  (Photo courtesy samuiontour.com)

Not many Koh Samui beaches can offer the same level of serenity that Laem Set can, while providing guests a wide range of activities to see and do. Other than running across the powdery white sand beach, or taking long dips in the crystal-clear ocean, this getaway hot spot gives visitors an excellent opportunity to practice yoga and other healing arts. For instance, vacationers can partake in the numerous wellness activities offered, such as chi gong, tai chi and even Pilates.

People who have never tried such activities while on vacation are in for a treat, since countless vacationers all claim that these practices help them fully rejuvenate their minds and bodies. In addition to these perks, guests can enjoy animal sightseeing during their stay, which is another attraction that makes this island paradise even better.

For those who enjoy snorkelling, there’s a coral reef located 100 meters away from the shoreline. Tourists will be pleased to know that a diversity of aquatic life can be found around this reef, as well as other pleasing underwater sights.

However, it’d be helpful to bring a pair of aqua shoes whenever heading out to all Koh Samui beaches. Fragments of dead corals have the tendency to wash up on shore, wherein some are pretty sharp, and can easily cut the feet.

Other attractions that’d keep guests busy on Laem Set include the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Show. Best suited for children, all it takes is 250 THB to experience a variety of aquatic shows, as well as get close-up peeps at the tigers.

As for the places to stay, this beach offers everything from mediocre to luxury accommodations for rent. One place in particular that stands out amongst the rest is the ShaSa Resort and Residences – this stylish boutique resort has a variety of suites furnished with premium furniture and fixtures.

Also, interior design of the entire establishment is considered to be an architectural masterpiece by the many guests who have stayed here.

Aside from the 24-hour butler service, another standout amenity is its restaurant known as “The Z” – here, vacationists can get taste of a wide range of local food, which is sure to please the pickiest of taste buds.

Laem Set is considered a gem amongst the various Koh Samui beaches engaging in commercial operation today. This beach is one of the most private and quiet beaches on the island. 

Saturday 22 September 2012

Museums in Koh Samui


The private museum of Koh Samui is a great place to go to learn about the history of this island

One of the things to do in Koh Samui is visiting the Private Museum in the island. The name is a very generic one and does not give away anything about what is exhibited in the museum. Visitors, essentially, only get the idea that the museum is private and not publicly owned or state owned. However, labelling the museum a private one is also quite confusing, seeing as this museum is open for public visitors.

The Private Museum is situated by the ring road, which is on the street used to turn to Chaweng. This is located on a side road, its address being 199/11 M.2 T Bophut. The contact numbers are 84320 and 088 249 3901. The museum’s email is privatemuseum@hotmail.com. Those who are considering this museum as part of their itinerary or things to do in Koh Samui should check for directions to the exact location of the museum. This can easily be done searching the address in Google maps.

In the Private Museum’s leaflet, notable claims are made. The museum is home to artefacts from the Iron Age, the Bronze Age, the New Stone Age, and the Middle Stone Age. There is more to it than that – the owner of the museum is a relative of King Rama IV and a past governor of a northern Thai province. The man, who isn’t named in the brochure, studied in Paris and also received a gold medal during the 'Salon des Artistes Francais 1986'. The owner of the museum is M.L. Arachawa Worawan.

The museum is located in a 300 year-old building and is constructed in the island’s traditional wooden style buildings. The exhibits in the museum consist of Ban Chiang Thai pottery and ceramics. The most significant archaeological discovery of Koh Samui, the stone drum discovered by Lamai Beach is sadly not exhibited in the museum. This particular piece is evidence that Koh Samui was occupied ever since Stone Age. Unfortunately, this artefact is not the Private Museum but rather in a different museum located on the mainland of Suratthani.

When searching for things to do in Koh Samui, be sure to include the Private Museum in Koh Samui. It is really a great place to visit. By visiting this museum, travellers will be able to learn something regarding the human settlement in the island of Koh Samui. Although the collection is not huge, which is obvious in the minimal images shown on the museum’s promotional leaflet, they have a collection that is still worth visiting. 

Thursday 20 September 2012

Best Time Of The Year To Visit Koh Samui


Make sure to go to Koh Samui while the weather is nice so that you can go snorkelling! (Photo courtesy agoda.com)

A huge reason why people plan trips from halfway across the world to this island is for its idyllic climate, which can be enjoyed throughout most of the year. In addition to the white sand beaches and crystal-clear ocean, the warm sun, cool breezes of wind from the sea, and moderately humid atmosphere makes the tropical getaway spot even better.

While the Koh Samui weather is unquestionably ideal for all foreigners, there are times during certain months wherein the climate can turn a bit ugly, since the sublime temperature conditions and all-around humidity are affected by the Northwest Monsoon and Southeast Monsoon systems.

The NW monsoon shifts towards the island all the way from India during June, July, and the first week or so of August. However, Koh Samui isn’t severely affected by this system, mainly because the Thai mainland shields the islet against most of the rain showers and strong winds.

From June to August, heavy showers usually take place between the afternoon and late evening, but typically doesn’t last any longer than thirty minutes, meaning it isn’t something that a tourist should really worry about.

On the other hand, the SE monsoon sweeps in from the Philippines and Indonesia during the months of October, November and December – the problem here is there isn’t anything that stands in the way to absorb most of the heavy rain showers and strong gusts of wind.

With that being said, the beautiful Koh Samui weather can quickly take a turn for the worse sometime in between October during this time, tropical storms are expected to bombard the island. Torrential rains and high winds can carry on non-stop for a week, which could easily ruin anyone’s vacation.

However, it’s important for the readers of this article to know that the climate doesn’t constantly remain that way throughout the entire duration of the month. It should be known that in between the powerful rain and relentless winds are dry, sunny days.

Nevertheless, if a storm does continue to pour hard, risks of flash floods hitting the coastal towns is a definitely a possibility. These floods can also cause power outages, which can last several days and beyond.

To avoid having a holiday ruined by bad Koh Samui weather, common-sense will tell any vacationist that planning a vacation during the times of year wherein it’s expected NOT to rain would be a wise course of action. With that said, the months which receive the driest and highest temperatures include February, March, April and May.

The problem is these months are considered the high season, so families that thinking about going to Samui should book a hotel at one of the top hotels like the ShaSa resort in advance.

Monday 17 September 2012

The Princess Cup Marathon, Koh Samui

The Koh Samui marathon is a fantastic race that any running enthusiast  should take part in (photo courtesy thailandsamui.com)

There are many Koh Samui attractions, which make the island a tourist hot spot for thousands of vacationers. Things such as a variety of premium accommodations, white sand beaches, clear ocean water, refreshing sea breeze, wild night establishments, local hospitality and cuisine are more than enough to create memorable experiences in the minds of the island’s visitors.

Of course, there’s a whole lot more to this tropical paradise, which makes paying a visit worth the trip. One event in particular that has caught the attention of many foreigners is known as the Princess Cup Marathon. Now, the idea of actually running gruelling miles in any part of Thailand may sound a bit irrational, considering how high temperatures can reach in the country.  

However, regardless of the risks associated with heatstroke and dehydration, participants have nothing to worry about, since this annual event is held early in the morning during one of the cooler times of the year in Thailand. Last year, the event started way before sunrise at 5:30am. And since the running affair is technically a quarter marathon (roughly more than 10kms), the average runner should be capable of completing the race within an hour, thereby eliminating dangers tied to excessive exposure to the sun’s rays.

Out of the many Koh Samui attractions, this one allows participants to catch a glimpse of beautiful sceneries along the 10km stretch. The last Princess Cup Marathon adopted a route, which started at Chaweng, and headed north. Since runners were made to stride around the peninsula at Koh Samui’s north-east end, several of the best beaches could be seen along the way, including the following: Big Buddha, Plai Laem and Thongsai Bay.

Moreover, the Princess’ Cup Samui Island Marathon is simultaneously held on the other side of the island. Here, contestants are made to run a full marathon (around 42kms), which starts at Nathon.

The main purpose of these events, which is the same as that of the other Koh Samuiattractions, is to promote tourism for the island. Needless to say, folks who relish engaging in running competitions may definitely want to consider planning a trip to this islet during the next marathon event.

Furthermore, each participant is required to pay a certain amount of cash as an entrance fee, which really isn’t much, especially when considering the Dollar to Thai Baht conversion ratio. As an added bonus, the winner of this sporting event will receive a hefty cash prize, and even a fancy trophy to commemorate his or her victory. 

Saturday 15 September 2012

Have a Stress-Free Wedding in Thailand



Don't miss out on your chance to have a one of kind wedding in Koh Samui (photo courtesy loevelyleafstudio.com)

Nowadays, many people are looking to have their wedding in tropical locations like Thailand. This is because more and more couples are finding traditional church weddings in their hometown too ordinary and not romantic enough. A lot of them are willing to go to other destinations around the globe to wed, many of which are now getting married in Koh Samui.

Some people may think that this trend is just a fad but there are many who do this to achieve their dream of exchanging wedding vows on a beach during sunset. A Koh Samui beach wedding in Thailand might even be a cheaper option than fixing a huge wedding ceremony back at home. Besides, planning a big event can take a toll on anyone especially for couples who may end up completely exhausted and unable to truly enjoy their special day. Whatever the case, many couples are interested in getting married in Thailand.

Once deciding where to have the wedding, the next step a couple must do is plan. There is no such thing as planning a wedding too early because there is so many factors that need to be completed on time to ensure that the celebration takes places without any problems. Those planning to have the wedding in a different country should best hire a good wedding planner to handle everything so that any travel costs to go back and forth can be avoided. With Koh Samui wedding being quite popular, there are a lot of hotels and resorts which offer wedding packages that make planning a lot easier.

Prior to proceeding with wedding preparations, make sure that all laws of the land are followed. There are times when the language barrier can be a problem but this can be overcome with patience and a bit of help from the locals. Also, the weather is another big factor to consider, especially for outdoor weddings like those set on the beach.

Those looking to have a wedding in a foreign land must start as early as possible to search for the most suitable locations and accommodations. Booking in advance is crucial for getting the date desired. Plus, booking at the last minute is usually more costly. Plenty of resorts offer early-bird discounts for those who book their Koh Samui wedding in advance and make early payments.

Regardless of all the planning, something can always go wrong at the last minute. The best way to get over this is by being ready for anything that takes place. Those who are interested in having a Koh Samui wedding should try to find great wedding packages at great rates. The ShaSa resort offers some of the best wedding packages in Koh Samui. This 5 star hotel has hosted hundreds of unforgettable weddings over the years. 

Thursday 13 September 2012

Hua Thanon: Far from the Madding Crowd



Make sure to check out the Hua Thanon, one of the hidden hotspots in Koh Samui (photo courtesy of samuiontour.com)

For tourists who want to get away from hotels, spas and big resorts that are too crowded, the ideal destination is Hua Thanon. This is one of the Koh Samui attractions, which has not yet become a hotspot (even though it should be one) by most tourists and is still relatively quiet.

For those who have gone to Laem Set, which is well known for its Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo, Hua Thanon is located just north of this popular destination. This hidden utopia is actually a fishing village with a beach located in the southern part of Koh Samui.

 Not that many travellers have enjoyed the scenic beauty of Hua Thanon as it has remained hidden as one of Koh Samui tourist spots. The place is often described as a Muslim village as most inhabitants are Muslims, many coming from Pattani, a southern Province in Thailand. The village is full of old wooden houses and being a fishing community; almost every family owns a colourful distinctive high-bowed boat. The fish sold in Hua Thanon market is known as the freshest found on the islands.

The inhabitants of Hua Thanon are fond of wearing headscarves whose symmetry is reflected by the green and white minarets, which dominate the village skyline. The minarets are found in the only mosque in the village that are a sight to behold and can even be considered as one of Koh Samui attractions. 

 The market place has a friendly atmosphere where visitors of the village can take pictures and absorb some of the traditional culture of the people. Fresh fruits, vegetables and native wares are the best buys and the sellers are friendly to tourists and are even willing to pose for pictures.

For those who love the sea, Hua Thanon beaches are serene and do not have the usual crowd of popular resorts. Backpackers can take time to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. Make sure to sample cheap and fresh seafood at the local restaurants along the beach. Authentic Thai seafood is another reason why this place is becoming a popular Koh Samui tourist spot. 

Today, it is difficult to find a place that is peaceful but can still offer the best of what tourists expect from a wonderful vacation. Hua Thanon as one of Koh Samui attractions is not only cheap but it’s fun. However, if you would like to stay somewhere that is also located in the Southern part of the island but is more luxurious, then you should consider staying at the ShaSa resort. By staying at this hotel you can make Hua Thanon a fun day trip.

Tuesday 11 September 2012

True Story: Traveling by Train from Suratthani to Koh Samui

Take the train to Koh Samui for an interesting experience (photo courtesy globaltravelmate.com)

Koh Samui travel by train is an exhilarating experience for those who are looking for an adventure. One can start by purchasing a first class train ticket from Bangkok to Suratthani. Tickets are quite expensive but if a traveller is willing to take the lower bunk, it could be cheaper. Aside from a double compartment, amenities for first class travellers include a window, a table, a sink and a plug socket. At sunset, uniformed attendants are all over the train, making the beds.

The walkways of the carriages of first class trains are very narrow. It is very difficult for a voyager laden with luggage to meet someone coming from the opposite direction who is also carrying his things. First class passengers of Koh Samui travel have free access to toilets that are not crowded and contain running water. It is wise to select a compartment whose sink has running water as some of the sinks on the train do not have water.

To reach the restaurant carriage, first class passengers have to cross all the way across the other sleeper carriages of the train. The restaurant has jovial atmosphere as the music video plays at a high volume and customers are drinking large mugs of Changs and Singhas. As it is a smoker carriage, men are smoking to relax. The waiters joined the fun by singing along with the Thai music and train guards are allowed to smoke. Sitting beside open windows is the best option for those who want more air circulation.

For fun-loving travellers, Koh Samui travel by way of train is a great way of getting to the island and is a lot cheaper than taking a plan and more fun than taking a van. Since the train has travellers from all over the country, it is a great place to meet new friends. However, since there are so many strangers on the train it is not safe to leave baggage opened even inside the compartment. The best place to keep things and valuables is inside the compartment’s locked cupboard. It is also advisable to keep extra T- shirts during train travel.

A train traveller does not need an alarm clock as a sleeping train does not keep a punctual schedule, since the carriage guard is around to wake up and inform tourists that the destination is just a few minutes away. Koh Samui is really one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations. Make sure you get there safe and enjoy the journey.


Sunday 9 September 2012

Discover the Wonders of Koh Muduin and Koh Tan


Check out Koh Tan one of the best snorkelling destinations in Samui (photo courtesy goway.com)

People assume that Koh Samui’s closest neighbouring island is Koh Phangan but in reality it is Koh Tan. Koh Tan is also called the Coral Island due to its magnificent off-shore corals.

In the group of islands consisting of Koh Mudsum, Koh Raab, Koh Wang Nok and Koh Wangnai, Koh Tan is the largest of them all. To reach these islands, visitors will have to travel via long tail boats starting from the southern pier of Thong Krut at the beach of Thong Tanote. It takes around 30 minutes to reach Koh Tan.

Koh Tan has a very distinctive shape, which is curved, and an ideal natural bay area. This is the reason why it is considered one of the best Koh Samui beaches. These beaches do not have many tourists because tour groups make few trips to these islands.

Formerly called Coral Island, Koh Tan has made a name for itself as the ideal snorkelling destination as it has an abundant of corals. But almost all the corals have been killed due to bleaching, as a consequent of global warming and the rising of sea temperature. But some areas are still good for snorkelling remain.

The main livelihood of the inhabitants is coconut cultivation, fishing and tourism. Another tourist site is the mangrove swamps that the villagers are able to conserve.

An interesting legend told often by locals is that no dogs are allowed on the island. According to them, once a dog sets his foot in Koh Tan, it will start to go mad, howl, wail and die.

In the Katen Archipelago, Koh Tan is the only island with inhabitants. Tourists also love to visit the neighbouring island of Koh Mudsum. This is one of the Koh Samuibeaches that is also a good snorkelling spot. The island’s granite cliffs overhanging the water are good for kayaking. The Thai government is trying to preserve the seaweeds growing in this area.

Some notes on tour to Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum:

Tour on the way to these island leave Thong Krut Pier at 8:00 or 8:30 in the morning. Tour package include pick up and drop off.  Return trip is around 3 p.m. or 4:40 p.m. All tours include lunch and soft drinks. Activities with the package are kayaking and hiking around the island. Tour mounts 2,000 Thai Baht per person.

Thursday 6 September 2012

Essential Koh Samui Travel Information

Travelling to Koh Samui has become a lot more popular over the year (photo courtesy hotels.com)

One popular destination that tourists love to visit when they are in Thailand is Koh Samui. For the tourists who are thinking about Koh Samui travel, there are popular attractions that are must-see. Even backpackers will enjoy travelling here because of the fantastic beaches, incredible views, wonderful people and good choices when it comes to accommodation.

The meaning of Koh Samui remains mysterious although some people in the local area believe that name came from the Malay term that means “Saboey”. The meaning of this word is safe haven and until now, the Koh Samui Island proves that it is indeed a safe and beautiful land for locals and visitors.

The tourism industry of Thailand invested heavily in this island, helping it become a tourist hotspot. Until today, it is a premiere holiday destination in South East Asia. The Koh Samui Island is in fact a growing population. Apart from the 30,000 locals, there are more tourists who are also encouraged to settle down in this part of Thai because of their Koh Samui travel experience.

And now, tourists can enjoy Koh Samui travel without too many flight transfers! Firefly, an affordable airline, will again be offering direct flights for travellers from Penang towards the Koh Samui Island. Firefly originally offered this flight in 2007, but they had to cancel the route because of low-ticket sales. Fortunately, the tourism industry in Koh Samui is picking up, so Firefly will offer direct flights to the island again.

This will start on August 11. There will be 3 flights every week. The scheduled flights are of Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday as well. At exactly 25:15pm, the Flight FY3602 will depart from Penang and will arrive at 2:45pm local time in Koh Samui Island. For the next flight at 3:05 pm, the FY3603 flight will be the return flight from Koh Samiu Island to Penang, which will arrive at 5:35pm.

Aside from Penang, Firefly also offers direct flights to the beautiful Koh Samui Island from the Subang Airport at Kuala Lumpur. One-way flights, including taxes and other charges are only $65 or 199 MYR. Travellers and even locals can now enjoy all that Koh Samui island has to offer without the hassle of long travel times.

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Thaa Yai Festival




Even without the presence of the interesting and exciting Koh Samui attractions, the island’s tourism would still be going strong, thanks to its abundance of white sand beaches and exotic first-class accommodations. Regardless, special annual events and other crowd-drawers make this tropical destination even more worthwhile.

A yearly event known as Thaa Yai is celebrated throughout various parts of Thailand to commemorate the dead.  Although in other parts of Thailand the festival may be called something else besides “Thaa Yai”.

In Koh Samui, the special occasion takes place every September, and follows the exact same rituals practiced annually – families prepare a certain meal, and bring it to their local temple as an offering for their departed loved ones.

The meals are then gathered to create a grand fiesta for all of those who have passed away and are no longer with us. In addition to this, the locals also prepare additional offerings in the form of food, which are given to the temple’s monks.

Moreover, the islanders believe that the dead are actually present for approximately two weeks during Thaa Yai. During this span of time, people frequently return to the temple to offer more food for their deceased blood relatives, and as well as the monks.

What makes this annual affair even more interesting (which is also probably why it was included in the list of Koh Samui attractions) is the inclusion of wooden skewers with each meal prepared. Attached to these objects are messages written by the families for their departed loved ones. And at the end of the two-week event, a big feast is held, which is often thought of as a last supper with the lifeless and monks.

Seasoned travelers who’ve been to several parts of Asia will notice a wide range of annual events bearing close similarity to Thaa Yai. In Japan, the locals celebrate the return of their dead family members during an event known as Obon. While this special affair is generally held during the month of August, the celebration date may vary from region to region.

Aside from this festivity, there are other occasions, which belong to the long list of Koh Samui attractions. More and more tourists and vacationists are now spending their holidays at this tropical paradise for plenty of good reasons, wherein one includes a rare opportunity to witness many cultural attractions that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

Monday 3 September 2012

Reasons To Get Married In Koh Samui During Rainy Season

Want a beach wedding? Koh Samui is the perfect destination for a beach wedding (photo courtesy kireewongfoto.com) 

Getting married is probably going to be the biggest event in a man’s or woman’s life. It’s of the utmost importance that the ceremony, which commemorates the life-changing moment, is carefully planned to ensure the event is cherished forever.

With that being said, lots of couples choose to have their wedding ceremonies held in Koh Samui. The Koh Samui weather, white sand beaches, romantic sunsets, warm atmosphere, and other island features is what makes the tropical paradise an ideal location for two people to be joined through holy matrimony.

However, regardless of the fact that the idyllic setting for any wedding in a tropical destination would be moderately warm, some love birds, especially the locals, prefer to have their wedding days set during rainy season.

Planning such a special event during months it’s expected to rain may sound a little irrational, or even foolish, but upon close examination of the actual facts, as well as local traditions, it actually makes perfect sense to get married on a rainy day!

First and foremost, dressing up in tuxedos and other attire that traps in heat during a sunny day would make things unbearably hot for the soon-to-be couple, as well as their guests. On the contrary, hosting the event during rainy season, wherein the rain lasts anywhere from five to thirty minutes, is recommended since the light rain showers help cool things down.

Most travel guidebooks warn against having vacations planned during rainy Koh Samui weather because of risks of non-stop torrential rain and floods. Though this does have some truth to it, locals say that such instances rarely occur, and isn’t really as bad as many think.

The second reason to get married while it rains is to actually get wet, mainly because water is an important element in most especial occasions held in Thailand. At weddings, the more rain that hits the skin of the future husband and wife, the better - water is believed to cleanse and purify the body and soul, which thereby allows them to truly start new lives as one.

Last reason is based on the fact that there aren’t many tourists visiting the island when the Koh Samui weather is “bad”. With fewer non-guests in the vicinity, the atmosphere will naturally become more romantic.

With all that said, future husbands-and-wives can choose to have their weddings held at the magnificent ShaSa Resort &Residences. This premier commercial establishment can provide everything all future couples will need to facilitate their very special day, and make it an everlasting memory for everyone in attendance.

Furthermore, they also have some of the best rooms and suites on the entire island, so twosomes can feel free to move on straight to their honeymoons right after the nuptial.