Koh Samui Tourism Picks Up

 

Amazingly awesome Sunset in Koh Samui
Photo Courtesy thailandislandtravel.blogspot.com

Propelled by additional international flights and upgraded aircraft coming in, the travel industry in Koh Samui island, a popular tourist destination in Thailand, showed substantial improvement last year, as per indicators from C9 Hotelworks, a consulting firm. Its analysis of tourist bookings in 2012 revealed that the island’s hotel occupancy rate stood at a record high of 68% which is significantly above the 59% clip recorded in 2011.

According to Bill Barnett, C9 managing director, the uptick in Koh Samui hotel occupancy is traceable to the ongoing fleet upgrade of Bangkok Airways for its flights bound for the island. With this move, over 189,000 airline seats annually are being made available for island-bound tourists.

New urban offerings

There are other factors which can further stimulate tourist inflow into Koh Samui, Barnett added. Local tourist facilities, like the ShaSa Resort at the island’s southern tip, will likely derive benefit from the 48,000-square-metre shopping complex being developed by the Central Group. Island projects such as these will bring in more urban offerings and, in the process, draw more Asian middle class visitors.

At present, the pristine white beaches of Koh Samui and water-based leisure activities are the primary drivers to its tourism industry in. Its profile of visitors is generally of European origin, principally Germany and the UK. Domestic tourists or those from other parts of Thailand constitute another important segment of the island’s travel industry market. These locals, combined with the Germans and the British, account for 27% of tourist arrivals in Koh Samui in 2012.

Notably, the island’s guests from the Russian Federation are also poised to grow in significance too. Last year, these tourists accounted for 15% of the total visitors in Phu Ket, another Thai tourist hub.

Meeting power demand

It is likewise notable that tourist industry players are laying the groundwork for the further influx of foreign visitors. For accommodations, 459 new rooms are set to be added to the current 17,479 rooms in the next two years.

Also, a new power distribution station has been opened, thereby addressing the issue of power blackouts which hit Koh Samui late last year to the detriment of the travel trade. This new station will be served by a 54-kilometre power cable from a generator in the mainland. All in all, this project costs 4.2 billion baht and will not only benefit Koh Samui but also its neighboring Koh Phangan. This facility can reportedly provide the power capacity sufficient enough to meet the local demand for the next ten years. 

Checking the Authenticity of Baht Notes in Koh Samui

Thai baht front top to bottom 1000 baht, 500 baht, 100 baht and 50 baht note

It doesn’t get any better than checking in at a luxury suite at ShaSa Resort and Residences, and spending the day visiting as many Koh Samui attractions as possible. However, a vacationist’s seemingly perfect holiday can easily be turned inside out if he makes the mistake of exchanging his cash for fake baht notes.

Police in Thailand have recently issued several warnings regarding the emergence of counterfeited dough yet again. Although the instances of these occurrences happening to tourists are statistically uncommon, there’s always that small chance wherein an individual unwittingly exchanges his money for knockoffs.

Counterfeiters have done an excellent job at creating fake bills, which closely resemble the real thing. Numerous cashiers are trained to identify fake currencies, and upon catching a customer paying facsimiles, they’ll be left with no choice but to contact local authorities.

Unwillingly using replica baht usually won’t entail trouble with the law, but it does mean a potentially long interview will be conducted in order to determine innocence. On the other hand, if the tourist happens to be caught knowingly using pseudo notes, then he or she could pay a fine of up to 30,000 baht (USD1000) and/or be sentenced to jail for 15 years.

To avoid the hassle of being interrogated by suspicious cops or spending a lengthy holiday in a dirty prison cell with other lawbreakers, the management at ShaSa Resort shares the following tips for distinguishing between the real deal and fakes: first, try wetting a portion of the bill. If it’s fake, then some of the colours will start running.

Authentic baht notes also have a holographic strip on the left hand side, which is typically larger than that of its unreal counterparts.

Here’s another helpful tip: compare suspicious notes with an authentic bill acquired from legit moneychangers at airports within the island or abroad. Even foreigners coming to Samui for the first time will immediately be able to detect a notable difference between genuine bills and their pseudo counterparts, so using this particular test as a “pre-test” to warrant the need for using the other tests mentioned earlier would definitely be helpful.

Before getting overwhelmed with plotting an itinerary for the Koh Samui attractions to visit, the management of ShaSa Resort strongly advises ensuring the authenticity of their baht notes first. To negate the risk of receiving fake bills, dealing with Thai banks or legit moneychangers is recommended.

Indulge and Unwind in Koh Samui

Sauna in ShaSa health club. (www.shasahotels.com)

ShaSa Resort has the ShaSa Health club for the guests to indulge and unwind. ShaSa Resort is a world-class spa resort and it offers only the best fitness machines and training for its guests. The health club has treadmills, sky walkers, elliptical climbers, weights and personal trainers to look after the guests who need assistance for their workout. The guests have the privilege to choose their own workout routine, whether they want a light workout or a full body workout.

The spa of ShaSa Resort is not only for working out. It also offers various spa treatments like body scrubs and massage for those who want to relax and pamper themselves. In Koh Samui, what better way to experience the island than to sit back, relax and enjoy a good spa treatment at the resort? Whether you spend the day at the beach or strolling around the island, you can come home to ShaSa Resort and pamper yourself at the spa. For more information, read below:

The Spa

·      Guests who want to check into spa treatment or workout should inform the Guest Service Agent regarding any conditions such as pregnancy, high blood pressure, injuries, allergies, disabilities, ailments and the like. Alcohol consumption is not advised before the treatment or immediately after the treatment.

·      For the convenience of the guests, personal belongings will be provided with storage space within the spa area. However, guests should take note that the resort will not be held liable for the personal items in the storage. It is advisable to leave all valuables in the safe provided in the hotel suites.

·      Treatments and appointments are dealt with on time in ShaSa Resort so guests are advised to come on time and if possible, at least ten minutes before their scheduled treatment. Guests who come in late will have limited time to enjoy their treatment. Schedules cannot be easily extended because there are other guests with appointments.

·      All cancellations should be done more than six hours before the scheduled treatment. If the guest cancelled six hours before the appointment, a 50% cancellation fee would be charged and if the cancellation were done two hours before, then the charge would be a 100%.

·      Payment can be done using any of the major credit cards; the guests of ShaSa Resort can opt to have their spa charges billed to their hotel bill.

There are many spa treatments to choose from such as:

·      Deep Tissue Facial Massage- deep cleansing and clarifying treatment recommended for aging and sensitive skin

·      Pre Sun and After Sun Facial- separate treatments that hydrate and then relieve the skin for sunbathing

·      Coffee Scrub Treatment- this treatment exfoliates and revitalizes the skin with ground coffee beans mixed with brown sugar. The skin is rubbed with this mixture to take out dead cells and reveal new, fresh looking skin. The massage is then given to relax and de-stress the muscles. It is a truly rewarding treatment for the guests of ShaSa Resort. 

AFTERNOON COCKTAILS AT LAEM SETT

There's truly no better place in the world to enjoy a refreshing afternoon cocktail than on Laem Set beach

With its seaside beach setting characterized by soft, pristine sand and providing a great venue for peaceful, lazy afternoons, cocktails by the beach along ShaSaResort is nothing short of heavenly. Imagine the sea lapping softly at the beach and the lethargy-inducing soft wind against your face. Beyond the Sea at ShaSa Resort promises to give the traveler pampering service that truly goes beyond the sea.

Out-on-the-Terrace Cocktails

With a great, expansive view of the Gulf of Thailand, Beyond the Sea at ShaSa Resort easily provides an unrivalled afternoon cocktails experience to the visitor out for a breezy, great time. Nurse your perfect cocktail brew prepared meticulously by Beyond the Sea bartenders. Sip to your heart’s content while gazing out at the clear blue ocean and inhaling refreshing gulps of ocean air. Indulge in lazy conversations with your loved one or travelling companion while seated at lounge chairs or low chairs that allow you to stretch your legs. Here at ShaSa Resort, afternoon cocktails have never been sunnier than what you can truly experience at Beyond the Sea.

Afternoon Cocktails Inside Beyond the Sea

A 360-degree tour of the interiors of Beyond the Sea at ShaSa Resort will reveal tasteful, minimalist details which could be a Zen-like affair to the traveler wishing to unwind in restful comfort. Indulge in afternoon cocktails here while looking out large bay windows. Feel your cares melting away while you sip your excellent cocktails and gaze out those windows that invite you to either dip your tired feet into the pool or go out further into the ocean. Wooden interior walls, chairs provided with cushions, lounging chairs that invite you to hang loose, attentive service from dedicated waiters….blissful contentment at Beyond the Sea, the brasserie at ShaSa Resort.

Go Barefoot

The idea of going barefoot while enjoying sips on your afternoon cocktails might just be the key to let the wooden floor out on the terrace at Beyond the Sea drain tiredness away from you. The low chairs beckon that you do so—they are designed for really lazy, casual afternoons where kicking off your shoes or heels could become so addictive, you’d want to do it every afternoon here at Beyond the Sea on ShaSa Resort. But do get some spa treatment at the ShaSa Health Club first, so the afternoon cocktails while barefoot would be a great cap for your spa experience. 

Want to Scuba Dive in Paradise?

Scuba Diving in Koh Samui should atop your Koh Samui things to do list.

Scuba diving with amazing creatures in Koh Samui should be on your list of Koh Samui things to do! Scuba diving is a popular water sport in Thailand and many tourists from all over the world make time to visit just to experience the rich and abundant waters of Thailand. Experience a whole new world under the sea using the diving equipment. See the majestic creatures of the waters of Thailand. The coral reefs and multitude of sea creatures will never cease to amaze you. Fill your hungry eyes with the sea cows, giant barracuda, sharks and even manta rays! Yes, there are many other Koh Samui things to do but why miss out on such a unique underwater experience?

Since the start of the 70s, Koh Samui has been the center of attention for many visitors looking for a rich, well preserved coast. Situated on the east coast of Thailand, the island is a sheltered coastal paradise that is a diver’s haven because of the coral reefs and dynamic sea creatures. The diving sites have majestic rock formations and coral reefs that cannot be seen anywhere else.  Because of the popularity of the island for scuba diving, tourists have made it a point to include the water sport in their list of Koh Samui things to do. Nowadays, Koh Samui is one of the world class diving sites.

Where to stay in Koh Samui

ShaSa Resort- Before heading out for a scuba diving adventure, check in at the exclusive villas, spa treatment and pampering at the ShaSa Resort where you can get the best quality accommodations. Families, couples and groups of friends can find a relaxing place to stay on the island in this hotel. It is near various diving sites so you can easily travel back and forth.

Koh Samui Diving Sites

There are various diving sites on Koh Samui. Here are the best ones to go to:

• Chumphon Pinnacle
• Sail Rock
• Koh Nang Yuan
• Koh Tao
• Southwest Pinnacle

Diving Season in Koh Samui

Lots of tourists include scuba diving in their list of Koh Samui things to do because the diving season is available the whole year. However, the best time to go is from the month of May until August. During these months, the Andaman coast experiences a low season. From September until November, the Northeast monsoon winds bring surface swells into the island so there is 30% decrease of visibility.

What To Do While at Chaweng Beach

View from Chaweng Beach located only 15 minutes from the ShaSa Resort. (photo from Chawengburi.com)

Want to relax, while sitting beachside sipping on fresh coconut juice during the day and go partying at night?

Sounds like you want the best of both worlds, but you are not sure which KohSamui beach you should stay at to accomplish this. Well, if you want to stay along a beautiful beach with plenty of entertainment options then you should consider Chaweng beach. Whereas if you want to stay somewhere quiet and more family oriented you definitely think about staying at the Laem Set beach instead.

Although it isn’t the most tranquil Koh Samui beach, the Chaweng beach makes up for it in other areas, specifically its nightlife.

Chaweng is home to the Koh Samui’s bubbliest nightlife, various malls and a scenic beach. The area is light years ahead of other Koh Samui beaches in terms of malls and nightlife.

There are numerous pubs, dance clubs and girly bars along the Chaweng strip. Green mango is the most renowned nightclub in Koh Samui.  The most popular meet up spot in the area is Tropical Murphy’s Irish Pub. Please note that all the nightclubs in the area close their doors at 2 am.

Clubbing and drinking not your thing? Then you should go to Petch Bucha Thai Boxing Stadium and watch some Muay Thai boxing matches. Matches usually take place from 9 pm until midnight.

Another popular place you should check out while you at Chaweng is the Moulin Rouge. Some of the most gorgeous lady boys perform here daily. After the show you can take photos with the performers, then when your trip is over you can even ask your buddies if you think this “chick” is hot.

The Chaweng beach is the longest Koh Samui beach and stretches over 5 miles. Along the beach you will find masseuse offering beachside massages and vendors selling fresh coconuts and cocktails.

If you are looking for some action packed water sports then you won’t have to look far. Chaweng beach is full of areas where you can go parasailing; jet skiing, water skiing and banana boating. Individuals who are more adventurous can also go out for a scuba diving 1-day trip from this beach.

This Koh Samui beach probably isn’t the beach of choice for families, but if you are single, young and looking for some fun then you definitely consider visiting this beach before heading to somewhere quieter to sleep.

Don’t worry about booking a hotel in advance, you won’t also have problem finding a place to stay. There are many hotels along Chaweng, however most of them are loud at night and won’t provide a great sleep. A close boat ride away is one of the top hotels just outside Chaweng, which is the ShaSa resort.

Unforgettable Full Moon Party Should Be Atop your Koh Samui Things To Do List

While staying at the ShaSa Resort you should definitely consider going to the Full Moon party.
 (photo from blog.travelpod.com)

Have you ever imagined how it would be like to party in paradise? Lose your inhibitions, relax and rejoice over something you have taken for granted for years. Welcome in the new Full Moon by attending this unforgettable party.

The Full Moon Party has been considered one of the world’s top parties for years! There’s a reason it has this distinction.

Legend has it that some tourists who were visiting this Had Rin beach discovered that the most gorgeous full moon they had every seen in their lives could be found here.

They then arranged a huge party with their friends along this beach. Other people then arranged parties along this beach and the party just grew from there. Today this party is on top of many people’s Koh Samui things to dolist. 

It doesn’t matter what kind of music you like, you’ll be able to find it here. The atmosphere is absolutely crazy; throughout the party you’ll find fire-eaters, jugglers, giant slip and slides, people fire jump roping and impromptu firework displays.

Here are seven interesting facts you probably didn’t know what the Full Moon Party.

1. 1)    It’s the world’s biggest beach party
2. 2)    It occurs every full moon
3. 3)    Even in low season you’ll find over 10,000 party animals here
4. 4)    Expect to find over 30,000 party-goers for New Years
5. 5)    Famous DJ’s regularly play here
6. 6)    There are dozens of beach clubs you can choose from
7. 7)    Number 1 on Koh Samui things to do list for most individuals 18-30 years old

Be careful not to get too out of control as some partygoers are sometime left with 3^rd degree burns from jump roping with the notorious fire jump rope in the middle of the party. If you aren’t sober you should leave this to the professionals.

Please be advised that there are tons of soft-core and hardcore drugs that can be found here. However, if you decide to buy drugs or take them while at the party, do so discreetly or you may be arrested by an undercover policemen.

There are tons of Koh Samui things to do but none of them compare to this event. You’ll never look at a full moon the same after this party. 

Fishing in Koh Samui

There are many fishing areas in Koh Samui located near the ShaSa resort. (Photo courtesy of fishingpark.info)

Are there other good reasons to spend holidays in Thailand aside from getting a really good tan and visiting the corals? Aside from swimming and sunbathing in any of Koh Samui beaches, you can definitely go fishing. If you have not heard this before then you may have missed it and must not forget it now – this area of the Gulf of Thailand is teeming with fish.

Surely, if you’re bringing your family along your first thought would be to go swimming. Anyone who visits Thailand for its coconut palm-adorned shores has a natural affinity for water and the sea breeze. No wonder, the ShaSa Hotel  happily consents to give you instant gratification with its picturesque cascading pools amidst scenic gardens. But then again there’s so much more that the Koh Samui beaches can offer for any age group.

Big game fishing is a fun-packed and an amusing activity that keeps you near the water without making you wet. Far from the sand-and-sea-loving crowd at Koh Samui beaches, the captain will take you to the right spot to catch barracuda, cobia, shark, mackerel, sailfish, snapper, grouper, trevally and other species. There’s also no need to bring your own fishing gear because everything is provided for the big game fishing trip. All you ever need is a desire to fish whether you’re a novice or an expert. The captain at the helm and his crew will take you to the best fishing spots off the shores of Koh Samui beaches.

Fishing trip providers have excellent services and add-ons to offer like pick-up from the hotel, English speaking local guides, insurance (accident/life), bait and lures, rods, Lines, and trawling gear. Don’t be surprised to have some Thai lunch on board, BBQ, soft drinks, water and fresh fruits part of the package so that you won’t miss any of the Koh Samui beaches and their seaside food and drink bars. Do you want Thai style fishing? You’ll be thrilled to ride a long-tail boat and try fishing by hand line. And you will also be offered almost the same value-added services. Ask for assistance from travel and tour staff at your hotel to find where you can get this kind of kind of fishing trip arrangements.

Top 5 Reasons to go to Koh Samui

The majestic view of the ShaSa hotel at night. 

1. There are many reasons to go to Koh Samui but at the top of the list is the luxurious ShaSa Resorts and Residences. When you decide on going on a holiday, you think about relaxation and comfort. In Koh Samui, the best place to spend your holiday is at the ShaSa Resorts because it offers a luxurious experience for its guests. Couples can enjoy a private villa with the view of the sea from their balcony. Families can enjoy some quality time together by the pool or by the beach. There is enough space for everyone in the family. Friends can stay at the resort and get spa treatment, hydrotherapy and an overall luxurious holiday treatment. Who wouldn’t want that as their ultimate Koh Samui getaway? Since Koh Samui boasts of its beautiful, sandy beaches, ShaSa Resorts is situated near these famous destinations. It is on top of a hill that creates an amazing view of the Gulf of Thailand from the balconies and villas. Exclusive amenities for the guests include airport transfer, shuttle service, babysitting services, foreign exchange, kayak and even water sports activities, car rental and many other things.
2. The second reason to go to Koh Samui is its beaches. The world is beginning to discover the natural beauty of Koh Samui beaches that have managed to maintain its beauty despite the modern developments and the wear and tear of time. The Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are the most popular beaches. Guests staying in ShaSa Resorts can visit any of these two nearby beaches or just stay at the peaceful Laem Set beach located right outside their rooms. 
3. Third, the resorts like ShaSa Resorts and the beaches offer an exotic coastal experience and a refreshing holiday by the clear blue waters. Chaweng and Lamai are often visited by those looking for a beach adventure during the day and a nice club scene at night. These two beaches have restaurants and clubs lined up for tourists to choose from. However, those looking for a quieter beaches can go to Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Laem Set and Mae Nam beaches.
4. Koh Samui is an exotic island in Thailand that is home to around 40 000 people. Most of the people who live in this island are Buddhists. They maintain the virgin rainforest of the island, the clear and sandy beaches, and the coastal features as well. The culture of Koh Samui goes alongside the modern developments like resorts, spas and night clubs. Holiday goers can enjoy a luxurious stay with modern day amenities at ShaSa Resorts and still enjoy the unique culture of the island. Since the beaches and the local shops are nearby, the guests of the hotel can go sightseeing with convenience.
5. Those on a Koh Samui tour staying at the ShaSa Resorts should not miss out on a tour of the island itself. Aside from the beaches, there are temples and local stores where visitors can take pictures and go shopping. Famous landmarks include the following: the Ancient House, Wat Khunaram Ko Samui, Big Buddha Temple, Laem Sor Pagoda Ko Samui, Samui Butterfly Garden and many more.

The Best Time To Travel To Koh Samui

           

There are 3 main seasons in Koh Samui but no matter how the Samui weather is you'll surely have a good time at the Shasa Resort all year round.

            

Before you go plan your Koh Samui vacation, you should learn more about the Samui weather and when the best time to go there is. Koh Samui is an island located in Thailand and because of this, has a tropical monsoon climate. Some say that Koh Samui has two seasons, rainy and sunny, while others classify Samui weather into three categories: dry, hot, and rainy. You should know what you want to do in Koh Samui so that can take this into consideration in planning the best time to travel there.

            The dry season of Koh Samui is from December to February. Samui weather during this season is characterized as being cooler than usual and having less rainfall and some light winds and because of this, some say this is the best time to go to Koh Samui. This is because you can do almost anything you want to do such as go to the beach, visit the temples, and go elephant trekking without worrying about getting wet from the rain. This is why most people prefer to take their Koh Samui vacation during this season so be sure to make reservations early on since most nice hotels and resorts, such as the Shasa Resort, can get fully booked during this season.

            The hot season of Koh Samui is from March to April and the Samui weather during this time can be characterized by having the hottest temperature of the year. This is a good time for you to travel to Koh Samui if you can stand temperatures up to 30-degrees Celsius because there are less people than during the dry season and rain is still sparse. Aside from these, this Samui weather is the most conducive for divers. If you’re planning to see the diverse underwater life of Koh Samui and can take the heat when exploring the island, the hot season is the best time to set your Koh Samui vacation.

            Rainfall increases starting from the end of April and reaches its peak during the months of September to November, which is called the rainy season. This Samui weather is still okay for strolling on the beach but it might cause unnecessary hassle because the rain is unpredictable. Divers should not plan their Koh Samui adventure during this season because the visibility decreases when the rainfall is strong. However, if you’ve been dreaming to go to a luxurious resort, like the Shasa Resort, but want to save on accommodation fees, this season is the best time to plan your travel because most hotels have lower rates during the rainy season. Aside from this, if you like your vacation more quiet with less people, this is the best time to travel.

            Overall, any time you travel to Koh Samui will assure you a great experience but you should still choose which season and Samui weather will best suit you so that you can do everything you want to do in your travel. Just remember that if you go during the peak months, make sure you book your accommodations ahead of time because you might not get the resort you want. If you go during the hot season, remember to bring sunscreen as the Samui weather can get really hot. If you prefer the quiet of the rainy season, don’t forget to bring your umbrella as it can get rainy. Any time of the year you choose to travel to Koh Samui, choose the right accommodations, like Shasa resort, so that at the end of the day, whether it was rainy or sunny, you’re assured of a good bed to sleep in. 

Koh Samui Travel – How To Get Around The Island

One of the many ways to get around Koh Samui is by using a songthaew

During your stay at ShaSa Resort and Residences, you’ll most likely want to get out and about and explore the rest of this incredible island. And why not? Koh Samui travel is all about going out and having fun, and there are absolutely tons of attractions to see, and what’s more, they’re all easily accessible from the ShaSa Resort.

Koh Samui travel is actually very convenient, thanks to its well developed road network, especially when compared to other islands. There’s also dozens of different transportation options, and so any part of the island can easily be reached if you fancy a day out.

Chauffeur Driven Car

For the ultimate convenience in Koh Samui travel, there’s nothing like having your own chauffeur driven car to ferry you about from one hotspot to the next. The ShaSa Resort has a number of private cars with English speaking drivers on hand, which can be rented out for day trips or simply to taxi you to the airport or one of the numerous beaches at any time of day. Simply ask at the front desk and our staff will have a car ready for you in minutes.

Shuttle Bus

Besides the private car service, another Koh Samui travel option is the regular shuttle buses that go from ShaSa Resort, to both Chaweng and Lamai beaches, and the airport. Shuttle buses leave every hour, and run from early in the morning till late at night.

Motorboats in Koh Samui 

If you would like to go island hopping one of the fastest ways to do so is by using a motorboat. People traveling in a large group will usually get a cheaper rate than people who are traveling alone. Motorboat rides typically cost about 200-500 baht, depending on the beach and the location of your hotel. 

Taxis

Koh Samui also has its very own taxi service, just like Bangkok. However, while most taxis have meters like the ones in the capital, you’ll find that very few drivers are willing to use them! Instead, many drivers will look to negotiate a fee, and you’ll need to be ready to barter quite hard for this Koh Samui travel option, as their first offer is usually very expensive. A 25 km trip should cost you around 300 baht, so if you can’t get it for that price, take another taxi.

Songthaews

Songthaews (converted pickup trucks able to seat passengers in the back) serve as a kind of bus service on the island, and are one of the cheapest Koh Samui travel options. You may have to wait around for one to turn up (though not too long), and you’ll have to share of course, and even the trip may be a little bit bumpy, but when you’re only paying 50-60 baht to go from one end of the island to the other, or 10-20 baht for a local trip, you can’t really complain.

Car and Motorbike Rental

It’s also possible to hire a vehicle of your own if you’re planning on doing some exploring off the beaten track during your Koh Samui travel. Car hire is quite expensive – you’ll need a sizeable deposit, and you can expect to pay around 1,500 baht per day. Car hire companies can be found at the airport, and at all the major beaches on Koh Samui.

Motorbikes are a cheaper option for solo travelers and couples, costing anything from 200 baht to 700 baht a day, depending on the type. These can be rented from just about anywhere – virtually every beach and even most resorts will have motorbikes for hire.

For both cars and motorbikes, you may need to leave your passport behind as a deposit, and you should have some kind of driving license, whether an international one or one from your own country.