Best Koh Samui Diving School

Diving Schol in Koh Samui. (Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com) 

All around the world, divers want to experience the unique beauty of the sea and explore the underwater places that offer some of the greatest sights laid out for man’s eyes.  This is one of the reasons why scuba diving is becoming more popular these days.  

This underwater diving is considered as a recreational activity and finding the best place to scuba dive has become as significant as the activity itself.   For anyone who dreams of experiencing paradise under the sea, then Koh Samui Island is the top destination for you.

For over four decades, Koh Samui Island has opened its door to the world to allow everyone to feel and witness the magical beauty of Thailand.  Located in the East Coast part of the country this is the third largest island that you can find in the gulf area.  The dive sites in Koh Samui Island are open all year round and this is the place where you can find one of the most colourful corals and impressive marine life in the whole of Southeast Asia.

 

Hailed as one of the best spots to dive around the world, there is no wonder a lot of excellent diving schools can be found in the area.  There is the 100 Degrees east which is an award-winning dive centre that can offer you top rental scuba diving equipment on board their 35-feet custom-built diving speedboat.  You also have the Bho Put Diving School that has multilingual professional instructors who offer tailor-made courses to anyone who wants to try diving. 

Another diving school is the Planet Scuba, which offers beginner diving courses as well as classes for those who plan to be dive instructors.  Aside from being reputable when it comes to diving courses, these schools are also near the 5 star ShaSa Resort and Residences as well as other tourist accommodations found in Koh Samui Island.  This is ideal for tourists because they won’t have a hard time travelling from one place to another.

These diving schools can give you short-term courses that will enable you to explore the different diving sites found in Thailand. Once you learn the basics, there’s no stopping you from discovering the rich and stunning marine life of Thailand.  You might even get a glimpse of the famous majestic whale sharks that make frequent visits to the island.  When you want to experience diving at its best, Koh Samui Island will provide you the memory you’ll never forget.

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. 

Laem Sett

Stunning view of Laem Sett beach from the ShaSa hotel. 

If you’re planning for a vacation that is full of fun and adventure, consider a Koh Samui beach location. The third largest island in the country, Koh Samui beach is actually a part of an archipelago that forms the Ang Thong National Marine Park. It is the biggest of more than 80 islands, which are mostly uninhabited. And it’s strikingly beautiful. You can explore it by yourself by circumnavigating it by motorbike or car.  It will only take you a couple of hours.

Sometimes having too many people around reduces the fun of exploration for the traveller. You may choose to stay at the largest Koh Samui beach (Chaweng) or go to the smaller beaches in Samui South Coast. If you think that you can only find the best accommodations in the most populous Koh Samui beach areas, think again. As you will probably learn when you’re already traveling to exotic countries like Thailand, the hotels only get better the farther you are from the usual destinations.

In Laem Sett, you will find that Koh Samui Boutique Hotel or ShaSa Hotel – Samui Boutique Hotel will make you feel lucky for going south to find the right place to stay.  Immediately, when you arrive at the airport or wherever you come from, you will get the special treatment you fantasized about when you planned your vacation. Consider your ride from the airport (courtesy of trusted driver) to the hotel as your first taste of an amazing Koh Samui beach vacation. When you get there you will understand why it is a five-star beach resort. You will instantly enjoy the scenery: a scenic hillside resort that is complete with awesome cascading pools and flower-scented landscaped gardens.

Fly to a Koh Samui beach for a honeymoon, a company-sponsored pamper-me-kind-of-treat or just to have a home away from home as you take a big break from the hustle bustle of city life. Here, you can book for a stay at a luxurious private beachfront villa or one of the 32 suites with spacious sea view balconies.  Choose from among the many facilities and services available to complement your day: hydrotherapy pool, spa treatments, a large swimming pool and lots of outdoor activities (meaning, in the water or just under the sun).

ShaSa Hotel is where you want to take off from and go home to everyday. When you’re done taking advantage of the best that it can offer, you can explore the limitless possibilities in Koh Samui beach areas. Ask for travel and tour assistance from the hotel staff and they will happily tell you about where to book for snorkelling and diving, elephant trekking, golf, island tours, temples and historical sites in Laem Sett and the rest of the breath-taking island. You can also take advantage of the shuttle service to Chaweng and Lamai if you want to meet more travellers and local people. In the evening, you can enjoy the night market or the bars and discos in Koh Samui.

Bophut Beach Shopping

Bophut Beach is a great place to get some Koh Samui shopping done. 

Most of us travel to faraway island for the beach and to relax but in Koh Samui shopping is a delightful extra treat. Going tropical doesn’t always mean giving up your next big love – buying stuff for loved ones, friends and yourself. 

Located in Koh Samui’s northern coast, Bophut is a beach village that travellers and local residents love for its breath-taking sunsets, fine restaurants and plenty of pubs. Unlike some places in Thailand, Bophut doesn’t have girly bars or nightlife with all the fun and noise.  If you’re visiting as a young family or a couple, you will find the atmosphere just right. Visitors are more into playing and relaxing in the white sandy shoreline adorned with coconut palms. In the morning or lazy afternoons, when it’s not too hot, enjoy Koh Samui shopping along Bophut beach road or narrow streets lined with cafes and restaurants as well as mini shops. In the Fisherman’s Village, the centre of Bophut, you can drop by souvenir shops and boutiques with Thai and Chinese goods, which you cannot normally find in malls.

What makes Bophut’s version of Koh Samui shopping different is the beach village’s famous fine restaurants that offer Thai dishes as well as a range of specialty cuisines (yes, you can find Italian, French, Italian, and Indian food here). You can do all the hiking, choosing and buying without worrying about getting hungry in the process.  Koh Samui shopping, Bophut-style, doesn’t leave you empty in the stomach.  It’s not that you will get tired of these activities because shops and dining places are within walking distance in the Fisherman's Village.

Another plus factor for Bophut is the presence of the very best dentists that Thailand can offer. In fact, it’s a medical vacationing destination because of reasonably price dental services including restorative or general dentistry. You can sort of splurge on Koh Samui shopping (Thai-made clothing, handicrafts and many more); indulge in the finest Thai and international cooking, and still have some money left for dental cleaning and other services.

All of these you can enjoy especially if you stay at the ShaSa Hotel – Samui Boutique Hotel in Laem Sett in the southern part of the island. Reason to go south? Well, the trip is worth your while. Besides, vacationing in a tropical island is all about exploration and ShaSa Hotel supports you all the way with shuttle services. At the end of the day, after Koh Samui shopping and fun at the beach, you can go back to a paradise away from home.

Taling Ngam

Taling Ngam Beach Photo from Asiarooms.com

If you have seen an ad about Thailand showing a romantic beach lined with gently swaying coconut trees and peaceful shores, you may have seen a Koh Samui beach. True, Phuket is the more popular destination especially during peak season but if you want the sandy beaches to yourself and just some people, then to this island 700km south of Bangkok you must go.

Now among Koh Samui beach destinations, Chaweng and Lamai are the most famous but why choose the same spot as the rest of the travellers if you can go to a more exclusive spot in the island? Taling Ngam offers quaint landscapes in a peaceful hideaway with fishing boats offshore. Take a picture right away and like travellers of old send it back home (though this time we modern folks do it on Facebook) to prove how good life is when on vacation. Have you been always fantasizing lazy afternoons on a hammock or on the beach staring at the sky like it’s the first time you’ve ever done it? In a Koh Samui beach, especially in Taling Ngam, you will surely have a space to do it.

If you’re coming for slow pace vacationing, this is the best place to be. And when you feel like flexing your muscles and take a break from water- and sky-gazing, you can also have all the fun with diving, snorkelling, and cruising. You will find that water sports don’t have to done like you’re going to Formula One race.  Of all the Koh Samui beach destinations, Taling Ngam is the most serious about exclusivity.  Except for the presence of a few travellers, the area gives you the space that you want for quality time.

Equally serious with giving the traveller a royal treatment at the ShaSa Resort, a hill-by-the-sea hotel near the Laem Sett on the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region. Why not stay the night at Taling Ngam instead?  Well, you are on vacation and have time on your hands to explore Koh Samui beach resorts with a ride by taxi, bus or motorbikes around the island. After a glorious day at the remote Taling Ngam, you can go back to your boutique hotel and spend the rest of your waking hour, reading in the book at the garden or getting a good massage at the balcony of your suite.

Thailand is a great place to claim a week or two of peace and quiet that you have always dreamed of. Be ready with your camera because the “oohs” and the “aahs” need to be documented in pictures. Come to Koh Samui beach, specifically Taling Ngam, and feel like a celebrity who wants to be anonymous.

Best Thai Cooking Schools on Koh Samui

Gaeng Kiew Wan Goong Hoi Shell

There are many things to do in Koh Samui, especially when it comes to food. Instead of going for a regular holiday in Thailand, why not learn cooking from the best Thai cooking schools on Koh Samui? You can learn about Thai techniques in cooking and you can explore the many wonders of Thai cuisine. This will turn your regular holiday into a more productive and interesting one. Take home with you not only the beautiful attractions and memories of the many things to do in Koh Samui, but bring home new knowledge on Thai cooking.  

If you are curious and interested in learning about how Thai food is made and prepared, then you must include Thai cooking lessons among your list of things to do in Koh Samui. You can improve your knowledge on Thai cuisine and enjoy authentic Thai food at the same time. The classes and lessons offered by the Thai cooking schools can accommodate students of various levels so beginners, intermediate or advanced students can all take up classes and learn Thai cooking.

Koh Samui is now becoming known for its Thai cooking schools. People who are interested in pursuing a career in the food industry, especially in Thai cooking, are beginning to take notice of opportunities of learning in Koh Samui. There are many things to do in Koh Samui such as diving, sightseeing, shopping, etc. but learning Thai cooking is among the most popular. Amateurs that have a keen interest in Thai cuisine will find Koh Samui to be an island with a unique and authentic Thai culture still intact after a long history of contact with people from other cultures. It is in Koh Samui that some of the rare Thai cooking techniques are still being practiced. You can learn from the masters themselves if you take lessons in Thai cooking.

Here are some of the best schools on Koh Samui:


        1.   Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts

This school is located at the heart of the famous Chaweng Beach. The instructors are all experts of Thai cuisine and they teach with a professional approach. The students are equipped with hand-outs and DVDs to help them keep up with the class. You can get professional training and experience Thai cooking. Since it is located at the beach, students can enjoy the view of the beach, among other things to do in Koh Samui, after the lessons.

        2.   ShaSa resort Thai cooking school

This is definitely the most convenient cooking school. You can simply wake up, roll out of bed and learn how to cook some authentic Thai cuisine from the comforts of your room. ShaSa provides guests with a free Thai cooking class to all of its guests. Thousands of guests are taught every year.

  3.    Siam Kitchen

This cooking school is located on Lamai Beach and the classes are usually small in size and the approach is personalized. The school is run by a Thai family and they offer personalized instruction to their students. The instructors are known for their passion and deep knowledge of Thai cuisine and cooking. Students have the option to choose which dish they want to prepare or they can also ask the suggestion of their instructors.

  4.   The Blue Banana

 

This school is located on Big Buddha Beach and the lessons are known to be hands on. The classes are focused on students getting the full experience of cooking.

MAKE A SPLASH IN KOH SAMUI

There are so many gorgeous beaches in Koh Samui for you to enjoy. 

If you’re going to Thailand, it’s not at all possible to stay dry for long anywhere you go. Even if you skip Phuket and head to other islands like Koh Samui, your stay in the country will be just as satisfying. At the heart of Koh Samui attractions are the white sandy beaches fringed with coconut trees and everything you can possibly do on water.

Initially, the warm weather will make you feel gloriously lazy especially if you’re staying at ShaSa Hotel – Samui Boutique Hotel where you can have the best of two worlds – a view of the sea from the hillside while staying at a luxurious hotel. So actually, you get a taste of Koh Samui attractions right away, without going places yet. Check with the travel and tour assistance staff if they can make arrangements for watersports activities.

Of course, you couldn’t just stay indoors though it would be tempting. You just have to explore the island beyond the ShaSa property because it is what you came here for. There are two main Koh Samui attractions that would come highly recommended by locals and other tourists.

Chaweng Beach is the largest beach in the island. Here you can arrange for sea kayaking or canoeing, snorkeling and diving in one of the many resorts or diving shops because the island is near to Ko Tao and the Angthong National Marine Park where hydrophilics or water lovers go. Though the best time for diving is between June and August, it is definitely possible to enjoy this activity all year round. These activities are highly recommended Koh Samui attractions even for first-timers. In Lamai, you can expect the same thrills though you are likely to have less company here because it’s next in size to Chaweng. There are other beaches for those who need a place to reflect on the beauty of Mother Nature. For instance, there is the Laemset beach is one of the most relaxing beaches on Koh Samui and it's located only a few steps from the ShaSa hotel. This private beach is quiet and beautiful. 


Of course, you can’t just stay in the salty waters admiring the corals all the time. Relax and go sailing on one of the charter boats. Or you will have to walk on the island again. You will admire breathtaking waterfalls (one of Koh Samui attractions you must not miss) especially Namuang near Banturian. And there are other must-see places like the infamous Grandmother and Grandfather rocks and the sacred temples.


At the end of the day, back at the ShaSa Hotel you can rewind memories of Koh Samui attractions in the past hours and resolve to get more of them the next day.

Major Bars and Nightclubs in Koh Samui

Listed below are some of the most vibrant major bars and nightclubs in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is not a one trick pony, not only is it known for its white sanded picturesque beaches it’s also know for its nightlife.

After a day of unwinding on the beach, many individuals like to out and have some fun.

The island is considered one of the best entertainment hotspots in Thailand.  There are numerous Koh Samui nightclubs and bars situated on the island.

Please note that almost every bar and Koh Samui nightclub closes at 2 am. Party animals should head to Chaweng at least one night. Chaweng has an area of about 3-4km of clubs and bars.

It doesn’t matter if you want to dance the night away or just want to go somewhere to chitchat with your friends.

Listed below is some of the most popular Koh Samui nightclubs and bars:

1)    Find out why the Green Mango is the place to be-

Boisterous club attracts some of the prettiest girls and most handsome guys on the island every night. It is considered the most popular Koh Samui nightclub where you will be able to find the infamous Samui buckets. Sometimes this club can get too crowded and it can become hard to move inside. (Located at Chaweng)

2)    Go to the Reggae bar for a trendy and enjoyable night-

Samui’s second most famous bar is always popping off. This renowned Koh Samui nightclub attracts many of the top DJs from around the world. It’s the self-proclaimed “oldest disco in Koh Samui”. (Located at Chaweng)

3)    Excellent Fusions Club-

Great place to relax and strike great conversations. The atmosphere here is very laid back and the service is amazing. They play some classic tunes here all night long. (Located at Lamai)

4)    For a romantic evening head to the Lipa Noi-

This homely restaurant/bar has an unforgettable sunset at about 6 pm everyday. They also attract some of the top local bands to play music each night. (Located at Lipa Noi) 

BIG BUDDHA BEACH

With views like this one, no wonder the Big Buddha beach is one of the most popular Koh Samui beaches.

A Koh Samui beach list wouldn’t be complete without inclusion of Big Buddha Beach. Situated between the islands of Koh Farn and Koh Sam, this Koh Samui beach lies on the northeast tip of Koh Samui island. It is strategically located a mere 15-minute-road trip away from Chaweng, a popular nightspot for night owls, and just 25 minutes away from Nathon, the capital of Koh Samui. The village of Bophut also lies nearby.

What to Expect

Anyone out looking for a great time at night doesn’t have to look very far once they’re in the vicinity of this Koh Samui beach. Nightlife has never been more glamorous with the network of bars, nightclubs and restaurants that cater to various clients with the most discriminating tastes. The captivating peace in this Koh Samui beach provides a great place to hang out in, have a long, unhurried stroll on, or simply enjoy the soothing smell and taste of seawater to dispel those cobwebs of care from the confused mind. Big Buddha Beach offers tranquility in the right doses, as well as a healthy helping of nightlife noise to individuals out for a rocking good time.

Who Will Enjoy The Big Buddha Beach?

Practically anyone can treat themselves to the fascinating sights and sounds of this Koh Samui beach. With backpackers making up a good majority, Big Buddha beach also has much to offer to families, children and tour groups. The famous statue can be beheld in its magnificence towering at twelve meters at the highest point of a wide flight of stairs, with intricate dragon details characteristic of the brilliance of Thai art ingenuity. An added attraction is the array of art shops surrounding the temple of Wat Phra Yai, which houses the statue. Hunt for handcrafted silver jewelry in these fine shops.

What Can You Do at Big Buddha Beach?

Big Buddha Beach is a Koh Samui beach that has so much to offer. Go swimming with the entire family on this safe area where the water doesn’t run too deep and the current isn’t too strong. Get that much- wanted tan while engrossed in a great book. Go kiteboarding, snorkeling, and rock-walking. Immerse yourself in Koh Samui beach village culture by visiting the surrounding areas where a variety of services and shops from cybercafés, supermarkets, diving instruction schools, car and bike rentals, travel agencies, gas stations, a post office, can be availed of. This is Koh Samui at its best—at Big Buddha Beach. 

Songkran in Koh Samui

Spending your Songkran in Koh Samui is an unforgettable experience.  

Songkran in Koh Samui island is one of the most popular and widely anticipated festivals in Thailand. “Songkran” is also known as the “Thai New Year” or the “Water Festival”. Water is a sacred symbol for Thais that is often associated with cleansing or washing away of bad luck. Most foreigners know the 

Songkran as the Water Festival of Thailand. This celebration is held each year from April 13 to April 15. Expect Songkran in Koh Samui island to be wild beyond your expectations. It is a time for festivities and enjoyment for the Thais and the best place to experience the Thai New Year is in Koh Samui island.

This Water Festival originates from a Sanskrit origin that denotes the movement of the sun or the changing position of the sun into the zodiac. In Thailand, Songkran was traditionally a mark of the time of year when Thais would travel back home to visit their family and to give honor to the elders. In earlier times, the Songkran was a humble pouring of water over the family members and the friends’ shoulders and hands to wash away bad luck. Nowadays, it is a celebration in the whole country which is often celebrated by pouring bucketfuls of water.

In Koh Samui island, Songkran is widely celebrated. Usually, the locals go to the temple to offer a prayer and food to the temple monks. It is a celebration filled with merriment and well wishes. The whole community gathers together in well wishing. This celebration is likened to the combination of Chinese New Year and April Fool’s Day. 

Songkran usually takes place during the warmest season of the year. Since it is so warm, people find good reason to have water fights on this day. In Koh Samui island, the people prepare buckets of water, water hoses and gallon drums of water as “weapons” for the water fight. The whole day, you will witness people, both locals and tourists, joining in on the fun of water fights. There are pickup trucks and cars parked all over the island.

If you want to join in on the fun at Koh Samui island, bring a water pistol, a bottle of water or a bucket if you want. The rule of the water fight is simple: attack with your own “weapon” to those who least expect it. People are expected to play nice if the truly want to participate in this silly yet enjoyable celebration. Bring your nice attitude into the playground and leave your viciousness behind. It’s all about clean fun.  

Those that have “immunity” from the water fight are the uniformed police, the elderly and those that are driving. The common problem during this celebration is road safety because motorbike and scooter drivers often get shocked with the water bombs coming their way. However, among players, you can expect that there will be those mixing four, soap suds, talcum powder and other such things with the water. Some even chill the water near freezing point to add shock value. 

SWIMMING IN KOH SAMUI

You go swimming in one of the ShaSa's many beautiful pools (pictured above) or at one of the popular beaches nearby. 

Whether you want salty or fresh water, Thailand is still one of the best countries in the world for swimming. You may have heard of Phuket numerous times but it doesn’t mean Koh Samui beaches will give you less value for your travel money. Samui’s hotel resorts are also one of the best finds in Thailand.  Case in point is  ShaSa Hotel where you don’t need to be forced to get initiated in Thailand swimming in one of the hotel’s cascading pools overlooking the sea.

Swimming may sound like a lazy tourist’s activity as opposed to kayaking, jet skiing, and other watersports. Yet, it gives you the best chance (on the boat you are more likely to be looking offshore) to look attentively towards the shore to admire the coconut palms slowly waving, the powdery sand, and the spellbinding landscape. Actually, your mind is the best camera for taking photos of beautiful Koh Samui beaches.

Where do you get wet in Thailand’s third largest island? Almost everywhere because you can only walk on the streets looking for Thai stuff to bring home, sleep on your bed at one of island’s best resorts or look at mysterious rock formations. Probably ninety percent of the time, you’re in Koh Samui beaches giving your feet a grand vacation on the sand and then before you know it you will be surrendering your body again to the sea. Swimming is the most natural thing to do in this island for every member of the family.

If you like places with a more festive mood, go to Chaweng and Lamai, the biggest Koh Samui beaches. While waiting for the night market or the bars and discos, you can take a dip into the sea and rush to nearby drinking and dining spots to re-charge. Changwe is also the island’s departure point if you want to go swimming and snorkeling in Ko Tao and Angthong National Marine Park. For true-blue backpackers who would like to pretend keeping the sea for themselves, there are Koh Samui beaches that won’t disappoint. Check out Choeng Mon on the north coast. It offers a series of bays and the clean waters are absolutely great for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. If you want to check out  a quiet private beach you should head to the Laem set beach located right next to the Shasa hotel. 

The amazing thing about a few days of life in this island is that you can go to the sea in all directions. Koh Samui beaches have everything to offer whether you like socializing with a crowd of beach folks or contemplating on the vastness of the sea by yourself or with just a few people.

GRANDMOTHER AND GRANDFATHER ROCKS

The Grandfather Rocks looks like a males reproductive organ, while the Grandmother rocks looks like a women's region. Both rocks have become big tourist attractions in Koh Samui.  (photo courtesy of panoramio.com)

The rock formations popularly known as Hin Yai (Grandmother Rock) and Hin Ta (Grandfather Rock) have certainly become one of the most visited and most photographed Koh Samui attractions. Located on the southern tip of Koh Samui island between Lamai beach and Hua Thanon, the two rock formations have been formed due to natural erosion of inland boulders by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand. A half-day tour of the city wouldn’t be fulfilling enough if these Koh Samui attractions are not made part of your travel itinerary.

How They Look Like

Before you start expecting that these Koh Samui attractions resemble grandmother and grandfather images, well you’d be in for a great surprise. Grandmother Rock resembles a woman’s groin area; Grandfather Rock rises up into the air like a man’s phallus. Grandmother Rock is characterized by a crevice that has been naturally formed from the repeated action of the sea against what probably had been a straight slab; the sea could have created the ridge. The second of these Koh Samui attractions sticks out sharply among the other rocks just near Grandmother Rock; Grandfather Rock is a huge seemingly “capped” pillar projecting from among other rocks.

Folklore

Interestingly enough, the signboard for this pair of Koh Samui attractions tells an interesting tale of an old couple, Ta Kreng (Grandpa Kreng) and Yai Riem (Grandma Riem), who had decided to marry their son off to Ta Monglai’s daughter. A violent storm caused their boat to capsize, drowning the old couple. To show how sincere and noble the couple’s intentions were of having their son marry the bride, they were transformed into those two interesting Koh Samui attractions that have become mesmerizing spectacles to this day. This story appropriately shows how Buddhist culture can weave legends into interesting components of nature.

How to Get There

Shortly after getting off Lamai beach, go south and take a left off the main coast road. You will get to a pay parking area near the end. Find the small street lined with food, drinks and souvenir shops and stalls leading to the rocks. Follow the small street until you come upon Grandmother Rock; you’ll find Grandfather Rock just to the right. Visitors find these two Koh Samui attractions great spots to take amusing photos. You need to walk farther ahead to make out the crevice that forms Grandmother Rock’s famous anatomical characteristic. Grandfather Rock would be, for obvious reasons, much harder to miss. 

KOH SAMUI BLACK MOON PARTY

Koh Samui's Black Moon Party is one of the biggest parties held on the island every month. 

One of the more interesting Koh Samui things to do is the traditional Black Moon party. Captivated by the absence of lunar light, party people gather together at various Koh Samui venues to drink, chat, dance, and basically have a blast with other partygoers. If you’re planning your own itinerary of Koh Samui things to do, then this is definitely one event you won’t want to leave out.

What is a Black Moon Party?

Held two weeks before and two weeks after a full moon, a black moon beach party is mounted on a much smaller, more intimate scale than other moon parties and thusly is one of those rare Koh Samui things to do that simply anyone must do. With Koh Samui offering a spectacular vantage point that literally “lights up” the entire party scene, black moon parties have surely become a spectacular component of Koh Samui things to do.

What Happens at Black Moon Parties?

With the moon absent from the sky on such events, expect a lot of neon art and one-of-a-kind ultraviolet decorations to provide that special glitter to this fundamental of Koh Samui things to do and give that extra oomph that any party goer will die for. The beach literally comes to life at black moon parties. Mind-blasting musical element is provided by excellent DJs who create the perfect atmosphere for such a unique occasion. Playing throbbing tunes like underground house and psych trance, the DJs guarantee the best musical experience for dancers on the floor--nothing less than the most excellent among the many Koh Samui things to do.

Other Things to Enjoy/Consider

Black Moon parties,  being only one of the more interesting Koh Samui things to do, is also an event that showcases the skills of fire dancers. As the fire dancers wildly swing their sticks any which way, they provide great entertainment for party goers. In addition, a lot of drinking is to be enjoyed by all, along with enough energy drinks to keep everyone’s energy up for all-night dancing and partying. Drugs have never been allowed at such venues, and party people are cautioned from trying to get away with using them during the party. 

It is also recommended that guests bring along their hotel’s business card in unlikely emergency episodes that could happen while at the party. Visitors should keep themselves hydrated at all times, as excessive alcohol intake and all that dancing and moving around could easily deplete their bodily water reserves. And what happens to be the most important thing? Just kick off your shoes, let your hair down, and GO PARTY!

CHOENG MON BEACH

The Choeng Mon beach is a nice quiet, private beach in Koh Samui  located only a few minutes away from the ShaSa resort. (Photo courtesy of samuiontour.com)

Comparatively more upscale than neighboring Big Buddha Beach, Choeng Mon beach is one of those Koh Samui beaches that promises to live up to its higher class image.  Nestled on the northwestern edge of Koh Samui, Choeng Mon offers exclusivity to the more discerning traveler who prefers a more private setting for a holiday at any of the popular Koh Samui beaches. The elite handful of resorts that offer either three- or five-star accommodations attests to how individuality is nurtured on this side of the island.

How To Reach Choeng Mon

The serene setting of Choeng Mon is reachable by proceeding east past the airport turnoff. In similar fashion to most other Koh Samui beaches, the area is primarily a coastline setting and lies barely 15 minutes north of Chaweng. This captivating bay expanse is characterized by sprawling and pristine sandy beaches. Rock formations capture the imagination, and a small island on the other side mesmerizes with its own beauty. Choeng Mon, as many other Koh Samui beaches, offers much in the way of making more discriminating travelers feel they are truly away from the hustle and bustle of a very public world.

Resort Regulars

Beguiled by the relative seclusion offered by Choeng Mon, patrons who choose this beach among all other Koh Samui beaches belong to the older, package tour crowds. Frequenters are visitors from France and Germany, which is why entertainment and food selections are mostly geared toward this group. The spiciness of typical Thai cuisine is normally tempered down this side of Thailand. Most of the resorts have been designed to be self-sufficient within themselves, offering in-house entertainment to clients who do not wish to go venturing out for such. Western pop tunes are given expert covers by a good number of Filipino bands; traditional Thai dancing is also a staple in this upscale element of Koh Samui beaches.

Where to Stay

Choeng Mon beach naturally has several coves and islets just waiting to be explored by visitors out for some exploring to do on Koh Samui beaches. Luxurious resorts have been erected in a number of these islets and coves. The unbelievably two-level traditional teakwood Thai boats or barges and spectacular villas that make up The Imperial Boathouse provide breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, which have no villages but abound with tour counters, restaurants and minimarts. The White House,  considered by many as possibly the most romantic spot on this part of the island, offers exclusivity coupled with Thai hospitality. The Nara Garden offers captivating views and ultimate pampering to visitors out for a good dose of Thai warmth.