Eating Cheap Yet Delicious Food In Koh Samui

DelectableThai food can be found throughout Samui (photo courtesy ShaSahotels.com)

Lots of people are accustomed to paying large sums of cash to eat delicious food. While this is a reality in many parts of the world, especially within developed nations, it doesn’t necessarily hold true in other places, especially in Thailand.

Koh Samui isn’t just home to breath-taking sunsets, warm weather, luxury accommodations, and a range of trendy clubs, the tropical paradise is also renowned for its exotic cuisine that have tourists drooling over their plates.

Not only is the food to die for here, but it also costs a reasonable to affordable price, depending on where a vacationer eats. For those looking to pinch pennies – so they may perhaps use their cash for traveling around the island or classy hotel rooms – there are a number of options that they will be able to choose from without having to dip into their savings.

Thai restaurants, which specialize in selling local fresh food, are great options for those with restricted budgets. Tourists will be pleased to find a range of these joints along Chaweng Beach, wherein dishes start as low as 50 THB.

However, keep in mind that these businesses are used to seeing their customers incapable of handling the level of spice they incorporate into most dishes, so it may be necessary for guests to inform their waiters how spicy they want their meals.

Other venues to grab an affordable mouth-watering meal at include Thai temple fairs or markets. Here, visitors can enjoy a tasty piece of chicken with sticky rice and sweet chili sauce for 25 THB.

The walking market, which passes through Bophut Fisherman’s village every Friday and Meanam on Thursdays, is also an excellent source of cheap food. Some of the island’s best stalls can be found at these venues, as the food is always delicious and tagged at low prices.

Lastly, Samui have eat-all-you-can BBQ buffets – these hotpot restaurants are found throughout the entire island, and costs about 109 THB per head. Upon sitting down at any table, the standard operating procedure observed by most of these restaurants is to serve a small piece of BBQ chicken or beef onto a flame.

Unlimited vegetables, meats and fish for barbequing can be found at the buffet area. In addition, there’s also another area that serves limitless spring rolls, French fries, fried rice, and other goodies to eat. 

Koh Samui Hospitality Sector Predicted To Grow Stronger

Hotels like the ShaSa hotel are becoming extremely popular 

Despite the on-going European financial crisis, which has negatively impacted the tourism industry worldwide, the hospitality sector of Koh Samui has done well so far this year, and is predicted to grow even more in the coming years.

“This year saw stronger demand on the resort island during July and August, which have a profound impact on annal trading figures. Expectation is therefore that the overall annual occupancy rate will move up by a few percentage points from the 67-per-cent level achieved in the first half,” says Bill Barnett, the managing director C9 Hotelworks.

He also explains how the island has achieved a fairly equal balance between supply and demand prospects, which in turn counters the issue of an oversupply of accommodations. This is despite the fact that excess inventory has been a commonly mentioned problem by those engaging the tourism industry.

The occupancy rate in Koh Samui increased to an impressive 8%, which denotes three major hotel developments – with a combined total of 371 rooms – coming down the pipeline within a span of two years. This equates to a healthy addition of three percent to island’s supply.

On the other hand, Phuket has an additional 5,000 hotel rooms in the pipeline, thereby causing an eleven percent spike in the resort island’s supply.

Despite Samui’s enhanced tourism performance, the figures don’t spread evenly amongst the different accommodations establishments. Studies conducted by C9 Hotelworks shows that the occupancy rate (during the first half) of upscale hotels was 73 per cent, which is followed closely by mid-scale properties at 69 per cent, while luxury hotels were calculated at 59 percent only.

Ironically, budget hotels had the smallest occupancy rate of all, as research tags it at 53 percent only. Nevertheless, the market-wide occupancy rate encompassing all accommodations types has reached 67 percent, which is eight percent higher than last year, and the highest it’s been since 2008.

While many speculate that local tourism shall increase significantly when (or if) plans for a second airport materialize, others feel that Koh Samui would be better off with just one airport.

"Looking forward, the restrained air traffic may be a blessing in disguise to the island, as restricting mass-tourism growth could enhance its natural appeal," says Barnett. "While the competitive markets of Phuket and Bali are overrun with skyrocketing numbers, Samui's positioning is gradually shifting upward to a niche resort destination."

An Unbiased Opinion On What Koh Samui Is Really Like

Gorgeous pool located at the ShaSa hotel

Anyone who’s been planning a vacation to Koh Samui has probably done ample research about the tourist hotspots, and heard plenty of good feedback. They hear things such as the island has long stretches of captivating white sand beaches, turquoise-blue water, and a refreshing sea breeze that reinvigorates the body.

Descriptions like the one above can easily make anyone believe that everyone spitting out such lines is trying to sell accommodations or a ticket going to the island. While building up tourist destinations with cleverly handpicked words is inevitable in the tourism industry, Koh Samui is one of the few getaway hotspots that actually live up to the hype.

Although the island measures only 25 kms and the center of its land area is primarily comprised of a dense jungle, this vacation paradise packs a powerful punch with a plethora of commercial establishments located along the beachfront. It boasts an old-world atmosphere, which is a pleasant experience for folks worn-down by their hectic lifestyles back home.

The picturesque scenery of palm and coconut trees swaying in the wind across the beaches is indeed to die for. For those who want to take their close-to-nature experience to the next level, the Ang Thong Marine Park is just an hour boat ride away from this charming little island.

Watersports is ideal in this tropical haven; as the water is typically gentle throughout most of the year, thereby allowing visitors to go kayaking, paddle boating or motor boating. There’s a wealth of aquatic life down below, especially at the corals nearby the shoreline, which makes for great pictures and some underwater photography.

Food is served practically everywhere – tourists have the option of eating food prepared by world-class chefs at their resorts, or tantalizing Thai and international cuisines available at popular restaurants around the beach. Alternatively, those who’d like to get a taste of authentic local chow can feel free to eat at temple parties and other local events.

The opportunity to live an exciting nightlife is another attraction of this diminutive island, as there are plenty of trendy bars and renowned clubs in many parts of this island. Spending nights drinking Thai Whiskey, Singha beer, or hundreds of other internationally-recognized alcoholic beverage brands is one way to enjoy a night, while dancing with locals and vacationists from other parts of the world.

Lastly, accommodations are comparatively affordable; yet still manage to offer great value with lavishly furnished rooms, premier amenities, and outstanding staff hospitality. 

Bangkok Airways To Increase Tourist Traffic From Hong Kong

Bangkok Airways is the best way to get to Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s economy practically thrives on its tourism industry, which is fuelled by hundreds of businesses spread across the small island. A significant portion of its tourist traffic comes from Bangkok Airways, the island’s only airport, which has monopolized commercial flights over the past years.

With only one airline serving the tropical destination, as well as numerous flight restrictions established by airport’s corporate office, business owners and even governing officials have made numerous complaints regarding the lack of direct trips going to the island.

As of today, this airport operates only three international flights from the resort island in the Gulf of Thailand going to three cities, namely: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.

That being said, Bangkok Airways has finally decided to respond to public demand by increasing its number of flights between Koh Samui and Hong Kong from ten per week, all the way up to fourteen, denoting a considerable 40% increase, starting this Dec. 1.

In addition, vice-president ML Nandhika Varavarn says that the private carrier also plans on offering a direct link between the former crown colony and Suvarnabhumi airport sometime during the year 2013.

"Bangkok Airways is very excited about adding more flights to Koh Samui for the Hong Kong market, because we know how popular a destination it is for Hong Kong people who just want to relax and enjoy themselves," says ML Nandhika.

While Koh Samui does have its fair share of tourists from Hong Kong every year, the convenience of being able to select different direct flights – throughout the entire week -- going to the tropical destination will certainly boost the number of visits significantly.

The tourist traffic coming from Hong Kong will most likely include more first-time visitors, which is also great for businesses within Samui. Many believe that all it takes for the island to transform a new vacationist into a repeat visitor is half-a-day.

A strong customer base is something that this tropical hotspot can be proud about, as a large portion of its one million visitors per year has spent some time in the island before. Such a trend doesn’t come as a surprise to locals, as Samui is well known for its diverse range of top-of-the-line accommodations, premium services, and trendy entertainment establishments around the world.

To ramp up the number of visitor’s annually even higher, proposals for a second airport in Koh Samui are currently being discussed.

Enjoying A Holistic Retreat At Koh Samui

Get rid of all your stress in at the ShaSa Hotel

A Koh Samui resort owner says that a large portion their guests are stressed upon arrival. The underlying cause of this type of tension has numerous roots, be it from overanalysing situations, unnecessarily imagining worse case scenarios, constantly trying to live up to the standards and expectation of others.

While it’s widely believed that self-created stress starts in the mind, it carries a detrimental impact that trickles down the body, and continues to wear down the physical and mental well being of an individual.

Of course, there are other types of stress, such as that rendered by the death of a loved one. Whatever types a person may be struggling with, one thing remains certain: Koh Samui remains a premier choice for vacationists looking to extract the benefits of a holistic retreat.

This tropical island isn’t like most other places which are overly congested with commercial establishments and flocks of tourists – developments throughout the area are unique from one another, which provide visitors different “outlets” to vent all the accumulated negativity from inside them.

A preferred vacation experience amongst burnout white-collar workers would be at a resort, which boasts unparalleled serenity and privacy coupled with first-class accommodations, top-of-the-line amenities, and premium services.

While there are various businesses that can fit the profile described above, ShaSa Resort & Residences would undeniably be a perfect match. A beachfront property nestled in the picturesque area of Laem Set, this establishment is kept at a comfortable distance away from the busiest parts of Koh Samui.

Rooms of this prestigious resort are described by guests to be immaculate – interior decorations of every suite is stunning, and beautiful designer furniture is spread throughout all areas of every unit. Coming in one to three-bedroom variations, there’s enough space to fit singles and families of all sizes.

Moreover, rooms have balconies fitted with chairs and tables, thereby granting occupants a unique opportunity to meditate or enjoy a quite conversation and meal with someone special while enjoying the exhilarating view of the beach.

To further rejuvenate both mind and body, ShaSa Resort has a magnificent spa within its compound. Here, guests can feel free to partake in a wide range of services, such as getting a full-body massage by a licensed practitioner, or restore their skin’s youthful glow with a ground-coffee and brown sugar-based Coffee Scrub treatment.