Visiting Thailand: What Visas are Available?

Most foreigners on a visit to ShaSa Resort in Thailand need not have a pre-approved visa if they intend to stay for less than 30 days. This visa waiver is extended to holders of passports of a Western country or other countries which Thailand extends such a privilege. A 30-day entry stamp is issued to these visitors if they arrive by air, while a 15-day entry stamp goes to those entering Thailand at any of its border points.

These visa waivers can only be used four times to prevent potential abuse. Once a waiver lapses, the visitor need to apply at the Immigration Office for an extension or a visa which costs 1,900 baht.

Choices for tourists

Thailand issues several visas. These are generally classified as tourist and non-immigrant visas. There are two types of tourist visas—single entry and double entry. These are extended to visitors whose singular purpose is for tourism and not business or employment.

A single entry visa is good for 60 days which can be extended by 7 days up to 30 days, depending on the immigration officer. Length of stay for the double entry visa is also 60 days, but its holder can cross any of the Thai border points and promptly reenter the country for another 60-day allowed stay.

For businessmen, students, retirees

There are several types of non-immigrant visas which Thailand issues. For visitors on a business trip, the country issues the non-immigrant “B” visa. Foreigners who work in Thailand also need this visa to legitimize their local employment. Documentation from the company employers is typically among the requirements for this type of visa.

Students who wish to pursue education in Thailand will need to apply for a non-immigrant ed visa. An application for this type of visa will require proof from the school they are enrolling in. Holders of this visa are typically required to enter and reenter the country every three months, again as a safeguard against illegal residency.

Much longer stays are accorded to holders of the non-immigrant O visa which are extended to foreigners eying retirement in Thailand or to those who marry a Thai national. For the latter, one basic requirement is an original copy of the marriage certificate. The retirees, on the other hand, should be at least 50 years old and can show proof of at least 65,000 baht monthly income or an 80,000 bank balance.

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5 Best Navigation Apps

Android users have many choices on available navigation apps. Ultimately, the choice taken will largely depend on the application best suited to the users’ specific needs or varying purposes. Often, planning routes either for business or leisure can have some distinct differences. 

Consider these 5 navigation apps when you visit ShaSa Resort as just a few of the leading options for an Android phone. Nonetheless, having any of these choices can fill the requirement of most users.

1. Google Maps. This app is one of the most popular among android users because of its extensive map database. It can help you locate the shortest route to a destination. Its popularity also owes much to the fact that it can be accessed for free, easy to use, and has a voice-guided capability.
2. GPS Essentials.This is another free navigation app which is also based on Google map to determine the best route to a destination. Its dashboard can be customised as the user manages destination waypoints, tracks, and routes. Tracks can be recorded and viewed on the map. Distance of the user’s destination, temperature data, and user speed are some of the basic info accessible with this app.
3. WAZE. This navigation app is one of the easiest to use and provides real time data as well. It can generate traffic info from others on the road, enabling search for the most convenient route. Inputs which can be derived from this app include road closures or accidents, traffic jams, police road presence,and nearby fuel stations. It has connectivity with the user’s Facebook account, thus expanding its reach and utility to the social network.
4. Telenav GPS Navigator. This app has voice capability and can generate multi-routes to help users find the fastest way through traffic. Besides map screen shots, it can generate real-time traffic data and alerts of what’s ahead on a taken route.
5. Wisepilot. This is another GPS app great to have in an Android phone. Installing it in the device enables convenient map access to the user and allows search for the best possible route. Additionally, it can help locate places of interest to the user and share these via Facebook.

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Five Great Thai Beach Hideaways

Some of the top beaches in Thailand are situated in Koh Samui

Thailand is a storied tourist destination mainly because of its many superb beaches. The choices are truly numerous, but here are five surefire choices for memorable vacations.

Ko Taen, Ko Samui

The resort-island of Ko Samui is synonymous with pristine beaches. The good thing is that its neighboring islands also offers alternatives that are as exciting. One of these is Ko Taen which is just off the Samui’s southern coast. Full commercialization of the tourist trade hasn’t caught up with Ko Taen yet. As such, tourists who shun shops and night clubs will be more at home here. There’s even an eco-tourism lure in this island which can be reached via ferry boats which sail from Ko Samui’s Thong Krut port twice a day.

Bang Saphan Yai

Those who miss Samui of the l970s when it was still a backpackers’ haven will likely fall in love with Bang Saphan Yai. It attracts both local and international tourists for its laid-back beach ambience and more affordable facilities. Much of its charm is drawn from the palm plantations that line most of its shoreline. Two other islands are also nearby which can be included in a one-day itinerary.

Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai

The duo of Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai, located at the northern part of the Gulf of Phuket, is another sure bet for beach lovers. These two have been drawing much tourist attention not only because of its beaches but also due to the unadulterated Thai charm that they exude. Commercialism is starting to creep in, however, and hotel accommodations are getting more upscale. Budget-conscious tourists may have to hurry up and enjoy these beach destinations while they can.

Pak Nam Beach, Ko Phi Phi

Pak Nam is one saving grace for Ko Phi Phi whose recent tourism boom has sparked fears of overdevelopment. Relax Beach Resort is one magnet for Pak Nam which is nestled on the east side of Phi Phi island. Should hotel booking be a problem at peak months like December and January, Ao To Koh also in Phi Phi is an alternative to Pak Nam Beach.

Ko Lao Liang

A part of the Ko Petra National Park, Lao Liang consists of two northern and southern islands .Their splendid beaches and coral reefs can be enjoyed via organized tours providing accommodations in multi-room tents and shared bathroom facilities.

Hidden Costs of Travel on Koh Samui

Be aware of the hidden costs in Koh Samui

Some miscellaneous expenses accompany international travel, particularly for destinations like the resort-island of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. These costs are often overlooked, particularly by first-time visitors to this tourist destination hundreds of miles south of the Thai capital, Bangkok. It is a sound idea beforehand to unveil what these costs are and including them in your planning for a Samui trip. You may even be able to save on travel costs if these are items are anticipated and prepared for early enough.

 Fees which are associated with air travel constitute many hidden costs which you’ll encounter. Excess baggage fees are one consideration. Travelling light, which is advisable in a trip to Koh Samui, should help you cut on air transportation cost.

 Smart ways to fly

Optional airline services which carry certain charges are also worthwhile looking into. Preferred seating and pre-checked-in bags are among the passenger options which you may want to forego and further reduce your travel expenditures in the process. Another option which you can do away with is airline insurance. It may be superfluous if you already have personal travel insurance.

Some potential hidden costs are also posed by the food and drinks you consume at the airport and onboard the plane. Sneaking in some snacks, bottled water or beverages in your hand-carried luggage may do the trick to cut on your travel expenses. Do the same if you’re coming in to Koh Samui via a combination of either bus or train and ferry.

Explore alternative resources

Also, take full advantage of the onboard free meals and drinks which may already be included in your air fare. You’d be wise to take any plane food or drink freebies to your hotels, especially if a free breakfast isn’t included at your lodging accommodations.

Keeping yourself connected online during a Samui trip can also be a source of hidden costs. There are many ways to avoid this potential expenditure and still be able to have Internet access. Ensure that this service is freely available at your lodging accommodations. Also, many shopping malls and transport conveyances, including buses, now have free Wi-fi access, so there may be no need at all to spend time and money in an Internet café.

Visiting Koh Samui: How to Save Money

You don't have to spend a fortune to have a great time in Samui

You need not blow away your lifetime savings when visiting the ShaSa Resort in Koh Samui. Some sensible budgeting will help you to enjoy this popular destination’s pristine beaches and experience the quaint Thai culture without costing you an arm and a leg. Here are a few tips on how to save money in a trip to Koh Samui:

Manage travel funds well

Determine the bank fees which you may be charged if you use your bank ATM card during your trip. The bank fees imposed on such transactions are often substantial, and it could be a more cost-effective alternative to go for travelers checks instead.

Cut corners on local transportation

It is definitely more convenient and faster to fly in from Bangkok to Koh Samui. However, the air fare can be prohibitive for tourists on a limited budget. The less expensive choice is to use a combination of overland and sea travel facilities to the island. Bus and rail transports are available in Bangkok to the jump-off ports to Koh Samui. Going by these transport modes, you can choose from first-class or economy choices, which can further reduce the amount of money you’ll spend on a holiday on the island. Moreover, the land-sea trip itself can serve as a highlight to vacationing in Koh Samui.

Choose the beach resorts

Great value can be found in lodging and accommodations at Koh Samui beach resorts, and their rates are very reasonable. You can even opt for the less expensive non-aircon rooms in some of these establishments. The tropical climate in the island is surely warm, but with a choice of a room with good ventilation and a fan, a cool and comfortable stay can be assured. The ShaSa resort is great place to stay if you want have a relaxing stay in Koh Samui, 

Be sensible on travel accessories

Don’t invest in costly hiking boots; light and inexpensive footwear will do for your Koh Samui visit. Also, go digital in documenting your island vacation. Films and color slides are more expensive to process. Likewise, forego sleeping bags if you intend to have some overnight outdoor activities in your visit. Join organized treks or tours which already provide the equipment, such as tents, sheets, and beddings for such activity. 

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Ten Reasons to Do a Koh Samui Adventure Tour

Many adventure tours include snorkelling and gorgeous fish

1. Adventure tours abound now. Travel agencies have long recognized the income-generating potential of serving the niche for travelers who would want to go off the beaten path. This is why ecotourism has become increasingly popular in recent years in popular destinations like Koh Samui.

2. Opportunities open on meeting “cool” people in adventure tours.  Most of those who join an organized tour to rarely visited or exotic places have a bent toward environmental conservation and similar advocacies. Being in the company of like-minded souls is one sure way to enjoy a holiday or vacation.

3. Conscientious pre-planning goes into an organized tour. Adventure tour operators have already established specific protocols to ensure an enjoyable experience in various travel destinations. They already have a network on the ground which can facilitate arrangements for such things as wilderness guides and the right equipment for an offbeat travel destination.

4. There’s an advantage in numbers. Going on an adventure trip with a group is definitely a money and time-saver. For example, local transportation facilities can be procured faster and more economically by a travelling group compared to individuals going on their own.

5. Insurance coverage provides a safety net. Adventure tour operators generally build their clientele by providing sufficient insurance on their operations. A fully insured and bonded operator can fulfill its contractual obligations with its clients even if it meets some unexpected financial difficulties.

6. Group tours provide budget options. Established operators often offer several travel packages tailor-fit to budget-conscious adventure travelers. 

7. Local knowledge comes with a group tour. Language barriers are easily hurdled as guides can also act as translators.

 8. Adventure tour operators help create a unique experience for their clients. Additionally, they strive to differentiate their services from competitors.

9. There’s the thrill of discovery in adventure tours. Travel operators such as ShaSa Resort are a potent resource for less-known places to visit and enjoy, destinations which an individual traveler would find difficulty finding on their own.

10. Adventure tours can be inexpensive. Upfront price quotes can be discouraging, but in the long run, these tours are economical with the time saved in terms of preparation and the items already covered in a package, such as local transportation, guide, equipment, food, and accommodations.

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