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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.