Tips for Avoiding Sunburns in Koh Samui

Don't let this happen to you!

The Koh Samui weather will be reaching its highest temperatures between March and June. This hot season is something that many vacationists look forward to, as temperatures average around 34°C, which is perfect for having a little fun under the sun at the island’s white sand beaches.

However, the management at ShaSa Resort & Residences say that the heat can elevate anywhere from 37 to 40°C, making it even easier to develop nasty sunburns through prolonged exposure to the planet’s closest star. They also warn that the cool breeze coming from the ocean can easily fool tourists into thinking they aren’t getting burned by that big ball of fire hovering in the sky.

Considering the dangers involved, several measures must be taken by any vacationer to negate the risks of developing sunburn. First tip is to lather on a little organic coconut oil – available for sale at local pharmacies -- all over the body before heading out to the beach. Alternatively, applying the innards of a ripe avocado to the skin may provide some protection from the sun as well.

Second tip is to be wary of the “broken-cloud-effect” – although very cloudy days (like the ones accompanied by rainfall) means less UV ray absorption for beachgoers, partly cloudy overcast Koh Samui weather has the tendency to amplify these harmful rays, especially UV-B frequencies, by up to 25 per cent.

For those looking to get a few tones darker during their tropical vacation, the third tip is more of common sense, but is often neglected: don’t get impatient to get brown. The management at ShaSa Resort would like to remind its valued guests that Thailand is pretty close to the equator, meaning the intensity of UV rays will always be stronger in comparison to that of countries further away from the earth’s middle portion.

Fourth and last tip is to set a time limit the duration of sunlight exposure – very light-coloured individuals are advised to start with ten minutes of exposure before 11am, or after 3pm, to be safe.

Always keep in mind that Koh Samui weather is quite deceptive, especially with all that sea breeze blowing in from the ocean. The management at ShaSa Resort would also like to remind tourists to pack sunblock and sunglasses before departing for this sizzling hot island, as well as limit their duration of exposure to the sun to steer clear of painful sunburns.

Top Five Dishes in Koh Samui

There are many must try dishes in Koh Samui including the depicted Som Tom  

No matter where any individual is in the world, there’s bound to be a restaurant that serves Thai cuisines. These mouth-watering dishes have made significant impacts on culinary industries across various nations, and have helped foreigners understand Thailand’s local culture a little better through the appreciation of good cooking.

Koh Samui itself is a holiday destination of choice through many aspects, including tongue-tantalizing meals. Those staying in ShaSa resort are given an excellent selection of local chow to feast on courtesy of Beyond the Sea. Alternatively, they can also head out to various other restaurants outside the establishment to see how well those businesses fair in preparing local gourmet food.

But when stumped as to what to order, Samuians have come up with a list of the top five best dishes to order, of which the first one is Moo-Sa-Te. This tasty meal consists of sweet-flavored grilled pork sticks laced with juicy sauce derived from curry powder and turmeric.

The second must-try dish is called Kai Pad Med Mamuang Himmapan, which is basically stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts. This slightly sweet and salty bird isn’t spicy, so it’d definitely be a great choice for those who can’t handle the level of spiciness of other cuisines. Also, the crunchy cashew nuts included in the meal helps accentuate the unique flavorful of the chicken.

Third on the list is Tom Yam Koong, which is spicy shrimp soup in English. This cuisine batters the tongue with spice and sourness with the use of kaffir lime leaves, galangal, shallot, chili pepper, and fragrant herbs.

Tom Yam Kai is the fourth entry on this list – commonly referred by westerners as spicy chicken soup, this cuisine features an impressive blend of lime, chili, and fish sauce that’s guaranteed to please any tourist who can handle a little spice in their meals.

Fifth, we have Panaeng – also identified as meat in spicy coconut cream, this dish is prepared using beef, pork or chicken. Those who’ve sunk their teeth in this tasty treat say that its flavors resemble that of Thai red curry. However, a notable difference between the two meals would be Panaeng’s thicker and richer coconut milk sauce.

It’s imperative that the Koh Samui highlights of any vacationer’s holiday include food tasting. Those staying in ShaSa Resort have the outstanding opportunity to experience authentic Thai dishes within the business’ restaurant, as well as other diners nearby.

Enjoying Coconuts at Koh Samui

Nothing beats a cold coconut drink on a beach

At Koh Samui things to do never seem to run out – foreigners will have the time of their lives on this island, which features the perfect balance of unspoilt natural beauty and tourist-oriented businesses. For many of this tropical paradise’s visitors, adopting the islander healthy diet (and implementing it in their lifestyle back home) is one thing they’d like to achieve during their stay.

That said, Koh Samui travel guides say that including the coconut in any eating and drinking regimen is a must for those who wish to stay fit and healthy. But regardless of all its life-enhancing attributes, misinformation surrounding this wonder nut is constantly being spread, most especially throughout the western world.

According to these erroneous facts, the fruit’s oil contains saturated fat, which can clog arteries and cause various heart problems.

False info such as the one listed above have been fabricated by organizations such as the Corn Products Company (CPC International) and the American Soybean Association (ASA). These groups are economically motivated to slam the reputation of the coconut. Companies that create products derived from this natural occurring good have already affected revenues generated by other firms using products derived from other fruits and vegetables.

So just like any other giant company that’s being bothered by its rivals, Koh Samui travel guides explain that these organizations have resorted to distorting scientific evidence in an attempt to turn consumers off towards purchasing goods coconut-based products.

Here’s what tourists need to know: although this super nut does contain fat, it’s way different from the unhealthy variation that most people think it to be. Its fat is called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which is metabolized differently from the fats found in other oils.

In addition, despite most of its fat is the saturated type, several studies suggest that not all saturated fats are detrimental to health. Coconut oil is proven to raise HDL cholesterol, which is the “good” type needed by the body.

Coconut water has also been shown to be beneficial for human health. 11ozs of this liquid contains significant amounts of potassium, 15 carbohydrates, and a gram of protein, making it great for workouts – one of those important Koh Samui things to do during any vacation, especially for fitness concerned individuals.

However, Koh Samui travel guides say that 11oz of this nut’s water does contain 60 calories, therefore, it should be taken in moderation, preferably during or after workouts.

More Flights for Bangkok Airways

Koh Samui has become such a popular destination that additional flights are now available

Bangkok Airways, a regional airline in Thailand, which has the Koh Samui Island among its premier destinations, is planning to add more local flights in two of its routes. The airline said it is launching two daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi this April and four flights weekly from Bangkok to Mandalay in September. These two routes were being expanded due to rising demand, the airline disclosed, adding that other airlines like Thai AirAsia have already moved in on the opportunity.

Nevertheless, it emphasized that boosting its KohSamui travel services remains prominent in Bangkok Airways’ radar screen. Regulatory restrictions currently prevent the airline from operating more flights out of the island’s airport, which the airlines also owns and operates. It is seeking clearance from environmental authorities for an increase to fifty in the number of flights allowed through Koh Samui from the present thirty-eight. 

Making the flight times in the airport more frequent by one hour is expected to accomplish this. The present 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. flight schedules in the island, in effect, would be changed to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., thus accommodating more flights and tourist arrivals drawn by Koh Samui attractions.  

Out of the thirty-eight flights now allowed at the Koh Samui airport, thirty-one are accounted for by Bangkok Airways; the remaining seven are shared by Malaysia’s Firefly, Singapore’s SilkAir, and Thai Airways. Obtaining government permission for the added flights is pivotal to Bangkok Airways’ aim to launch more international routes to Koh Samui. 

The airline is eying possible links with the cities of Taipei and Shanghai. The island’s airport is already serving flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

A Bangkok airways executive said that the airline wants to diversify its market. The airline, which marks its 45^th year this 2013, draws a significant portion of its revenue from its Koh Samui airport and flights operation. The airline executive noted that the rising number of hotel rooms at the resort island, estimated at 10,000 at present, indicate an incoming fast growth in demand for airline seats.

Additional flight frequencies on existing routes that Bangkok Airways likewise plans includes increasing to five flights a week it’s Bangkok–Male and Bangkok–Luang Prabang services from the current four and two, respectively. Daily flights on the Koh Samui–Phuket and Bangkok–Chiang Mai routes may also be increased to six, while the daily Koh Samui–Chiang Mai flights may be bumped up to seven.

Koh Samui Attractions: Thailand’s Wildlife

Make sure to check out some of Thailand's wildlife while on the island

One of the biggest Koh Samui attractions today is the island’s collection of interesting and unique wildlife. Approximately 282 mammals have been identified in Thailand, which basically means that a whopping twelve per cent of all mammal species across the planet can be found within this country.

Seeing at least some of these animals up close and personal is simply one of those Koh Samui things to do that shouldn’t be neglected. Folks fascinated by these beasts will definitely be impressed by the diverse range of wildlife – including everything from an elephant to the world’s smallest mammal, the Hog-nosed bat – to meet.

Tourists will be pleased to know that there are 13 species of primates, 18 ungulates, 36 carnivores, 70 rodents, and 92 bats. Today, there are two species of bear dwelling within the borders of Thailand. One is the Asiatic black bear, and the other is the Malaysian sun bear – the smallest bear in the world to date.

Moreover, both bears are omnivores, so they primarily thrive on vegetables and fruit.

There are also nine wildcat species – including the tiger – in existence within Thailand. Other species include the golden cat, leopard cat, and the popular clouded leopard. However, these tigers have dwindled in number due to heavy persecution. Fortunately, the West Forest Complex continues to act as the country’s most important tiger habitats to date.

Ungulates – commonly referred to as hoofed animals – in Thailand include sambar deer, barking deer and wild boars. The gaur, which is the planet’s biggest wild cattle species, can also be found here as well. Moreover, mountain goats known as serows have also been spotted on the steep cliffs of Thailand’s western area.

Of course, elephants (which were once depicted in the country’s flag) also dwell in Thailand. Unfortunately, just like the tiger, their numbers have diminished due to hunting as well. Today, there are only 2,000 to 3,000 of these animals left, of which many roam in parks protected by Wild Watch Thailand.

Nevertheless, the opportunity to see at least some of these beasts are one of the most renowned Koh Samui attractions island visitors wouldn’t want to miss during their holidays. Without question, going on trips to appreciate the beauty of these mammals is one of the best Koh Samui things to do today, especially for those who so happen to enjoy going to zoos and other natural wildlife habitats.

Top Five Herbs and Spices in Koh Samui

Delectable Thai herbs is one of the reason Thai food is so delectable

The list of Koh Samui things to do goes beyond watersports at white sand beaches, exploring uninhabited islands, hanging out at bars, or relaxing on the balcony of a villa facing the ocean. Thai food – which is touted by health experts to be one of the healthiest foods known to man – is loaded with special herbs and spices with special disease-fighting and immune-boosting properties.

According to Koh Samui travel guides, there’s a wide range of these cooking ingredients with excellent nutritional value. With that said, feel free to check out the list of this island’s top five herbs and spices below.

First on the list is lemongrass – this herb’s usage dates back to ancient times when the Chinese utilized its medicinal properties for the treatment of diseases such as fevers, headaches, stomach aches, flus, colds, arthritis and fungal conditions. Today, lemongrass is extensively used as an important ingredient for the preparation of numerous Thai dishes, mainly because of its fragrant, lemony characteristics.

Second on this list is Galangal – although grown in the majority of Southeast-Asian countries, this variation of ginger was originally used as medicine and a cooking ingredient in China and Java. Its popularity gradually breached the walls of Europe during the Middle Ages. Galangal was even used by St. Hildegard of Bingen as a remedy for diseases ranging from heart disease to indigestion.

Third, we have turmeric – Koh Samui travel guides explain that its main active ingredient is curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory attributes, thereby making it effective against conditions such as arthritis. Additionally, it’s also a powerful antioxidant, which makes it great for destroying free radical buildups.

Fourth entry on the list is Chillies – not only does this ingredient lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, or help an individual sleep better at night, but it’s also good for the heart, and actually helps maintain glucose and insulin levels as well.

Fifth and last item on the list Coriander – its seed has been used since ancient times by healers across the globe for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems. Koh Samui travel guides say this herb is also known as cilantro in the western world, and the herb and seed are used in numerous Thai cuisines today.

Considering all the health benefits to be enjoyed from these herbs and spices – as well as the remarkable flavor they render – tourists are strongly advised to include “eating Thai food” in their list of Koh Samui things to do.