Fishing in Koh Samui

There are many fishing areas in Koh Samui located near the ShaSa resort. (Photo courtesy of fishingpark.info)

Are there other good reasons to spend holidays in Thailand aside from getting a really good tan and visiting the corals? Aside from swimming and sunbathing in any of Koh Samui beaches, you can definitely go fishing. If you have not heard this before then you may have missed it and must not forget it now – this area of the Gulf of Thailand is teeming with fish.

Surely, if you’re bringing your family along your first thought would be to go swimming. Anyone who visits Thailand for its coconut palm-adorned shores has a natural affinity for water and the sea breeze. No wonder, the ShaSa Hotel  happily consents to give you instant gratification with its picturesque cascading pools amidst scenic gardens. But then again there’s so much more that the Koh Samui beaches can offer for any age group.

Big game fishing is a fun-packed and an amusing activity that keeps you near the water without making you wet. Far from the sand-and-sea-loving crowd at Koh Samui beaches, the captain will take you to the right spot to catch barracuda, cobia, shark, mackerel, sailfish, snapper, grouper, trevally and other species. There’s also no need to bring your own fishing gear because everything is provided for the big game fishing trip. All you ever need is a desire to fish whether you’re a novice or an expert. The captain at the helm and his crew will take you to the best fishing spots off the shores of Koh Samui beaches.

Fishing trip providers have excellent services and add-ons to offer like pick-up from the hotel, English speaking local guides, insurance (accident/life), bait and lures, rods, Lines, and trawling gear. Don’t be surprised to have some Thai lunch on board, BBQ, soft drinks, water and fresh fruits part of the package so that you won’t miss any of the Koh Samui beaches and their seaside food and drink bars. Do you want Thai style fishing? You’ll be thrilled to ride a long-tail boat and try fishing by hand line. And you will also be offered almost the same value-added services. Ask for assistance from travel and tour staff at your hotel to find where you can get this kind of kind of fishing trip arrangements.

Four Popular Nighttime Entertainment Attractions in Koh Samui

The nightlife in Koh Samui is amazing. Pictured here is a performer at the Full Moon Party. (photo from http://brukiosk.net/)

Looking to watch Muay Thai, go to the world’s biggest party and watch beautiful women perform on stage? Being able to do just one of those things could make any holiday memorable.

What of I told you go could do all of things in one place! You probably wouldn’t believe it but it’s true. Come to Koh Samui and you’ll never have dull moment.

Listed below are 4 things to do in Koh Samui that you should definitely try to check out during your trip

1)    Full Moon Party:

This renowned party at Had Rin beach attracts people from all over the world. When most people think about the things to do in Koh Samui this is definitely the first thing that comes to their mind. Each Full Moon Party has at least 10,000 partygoers and has jugglers, fire-eaters, fireworks and numerous other entertainers. The most popular time of the year to go to this party is around New Years when you can expect around 30,000 people.

2)    Petch Bucha Thai BoxingStadium:

If you have never watched a Muay Thai fight then you should go to Chaweng and watch it. There’s nothing else better than grabbing a beer and watching 2 competitors try to knock each other senseless. Sometimes the fights even consist of foreigners. Warning: This event can get extremely bloody.

3)    The Green Mango:

Thailand is renowned for its beautiful women. At the Green Mango located in Chaweng you will be able to dance the night away to the latest hip-hop tunes with some of the most gorgeous women in the world. Although not at the same level at the Full Moon party, this party occurs daily, unlike the Full Moon party, which only occurs once a month.

4)    Cabaret:

In the past this probably wasn’t one of the things to do in Koh Samui that anyone even considered or knew about. This new entertainment attraction is gaining popularity amongst Thai’s and foreigners. The most popular Caberets are Zodiav in Lamai and Christy’s in Chaweng. You’ll be able to find some of the most stunning Thai dancers singing and dancing on stage as well as some popular comedy acts at these shows.

ShaSa Resort and Residences Announce Surge in Russian Visitor Numbers

One of ShaSa's trademark structures.  

ShaSa Resorts and Residences is delighted to announce a huge surge in its popularity with visitors from Russia and other former CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries so far in 2011.

The year began with a bang for ShaSa Resorts, with a total of 83 Russian guests arriving to stay at the award-winning accommodations at the resort in the month of January, 2011. This number of Russian visitors really took ShaSa staff by surprise, as it was in excess of the total amount of Russian tourists staying at the resort for the whole of 2008-2010, a two-year period.

Throughout the rest of the year, up until the end of October 2011, ShaSa had welcomed more than 1,000 Russian visitors through its doors, something that has strengthen the company’s belief that it can crack the Russian market and become the luxury resort of choice for all Russian visitors to Koh Samui.

It seems that ShaSa Resort and Residences marketing efforts in Eastern Europe are finally bearing fruit, and the excellent services, facilities and standard of luxury afforded at the resort is becoming more and more popular with Russian visitors. The reputation of ShaSa amongst Russian tourists seems to be spreading by word of mouth as much as through the company’s own marketing efforts, with many guests telling staff they had come to ShaSa on the recommendation of others.

As a result of this deluge of interest from Russia and other Eastern European nations, ShaSa has announced that it is sending its staff on a new training program to be able to accommodate these guests. As of this month, all ShaSa staff members are being encouraged to begin taking Russian language classes, so that they can better communicate with the honored Russian guests. In addition, ShaSa has purchased a number of children’s books in Russian language so that the children of guests from these countries can be accommodated in the ShaSa Kids Club.

ShaSa Resort and Residences is an award-winning boutique hotel at Laem Sett Beach on Koh Samui, and offers superb facilities for its guests, including top grade spa facilities, water sports, car rental, travel and tour assistance and much more. Guests are also able to dine at the renowned Beyond the Sea Restaurant, which offers gourmet Thai and International cuisine, as well as a number of delicacies by its guest Head Chef Oan Kuldiloke of the Felice Pasta & Dessert Bar.

Women’s Koh Samui Travel Advice

Gorgeous view from the ShaSa Resort pool. 

As a woman traveler considering going alone to the islands, you might be wondering where you can get some Koh Samui travel advice so you know what to expect. If so, then you have come to the right place!

Many women wonder if it’s safe to travel alone to Koh Samui. All I can say is, that yes it certainly is! And what’s more, it’s not only safe, but there are special benefits for women who go alone. The most obvious benefit is the social aspect. Koh Samui travel is all about meeting new people and having a good time, and if you travel alone, you’ll almost certainly meet new people easier. Travelling alone can open many doors that would otherwise stay closed if you were travelling in a group. You’re much more approachable, and so it’s much more likely that you’ll be invited to join other people on an adventure.

Solo Koh Samui travel also allows women to go wherever they want, and do whatever they want, without having to think about what somebody else wants. Koh Samui has many different options, some you will like, some you won’t like. When you’re alone, you can just stick to the things you like. Feel like a luxury massage at the all-star Sasha spa and resort? Then just go for it! No need to worry what anyone else thinks.

On the downside though, solo Koh Samui travel does require women to take some extra precautions.

Additional Koh Samui Travel Tips for Women:

·          Koh Samui is a tourist resort packed full of westerners, and so it isn’t really necessary to wear “culturally appropriate” clothing like you may have to in other parts of Thailand. However, if you do wear something risqué, as a lone woman you are likely to attract lots of male attention. You can avoid this attention by dressing more conservatively (baggy t-shirt, shorts not too short), and not going too wild with your make up

·      You can also avoid attention from men by staying close to other groups of women if you are walking through a populated area. Or else, simply ignore men when they make approached towards you. Wearing a wedding ring may also help, and if some guy really starts pushing you to talk, just mention you are on your way to meet your husband

·      One of the biggest dangers of Koh Samui travel is at night. Solo or not, you should always take extra care at night, just as you would back at home. While this doesn’t mean you can’t go out and enjoy yourself, you do need to take care of yourself more at night. Watch your drink if you’re out in the pub, and let someone know where you are going, even if it’s just the hotel staff

·      Avoid carrying large amounts of money, and keep your purse and any valuables safely tucked away out of sight. This is sound Koh Samui travel advice.

·      Don’t tell people things they don’t need to know. Nobody needs to know that you are travelling alone, nor that no one is expecting you to come home later.

Much of this Koh Samui travel advice is just plain common sense anyway. The most important thing is, keep your wits about you and don’t forget you’re here to have fun. Enjoy!

What to Pack for your Koh Samui Getaway

What items do you need to pack to truly enjoy your Koh Samui Getaway? Read on to find out! (image provided by travel.findairlines.net) 

Before going into your ultimate holiday, you should start thinking about what to pack for your Koh Samui travel. Whether you lounge on the beach, go trekking up the hills or go on a tour around the temples, you need to be prepared with the things you will need.  If you are going on a Koh Samui travel tour, expect a holiday by the beach and luxurious accommodations in resorts like Shasa resort. Though you have exclusive amenities at Shasa resort like foreign exchange, Wi-Fi, shuttle service, airport transfers, baby sitting services and many more, you still have to bring your personal amenities.

If you want your Koh Samui travel to be stress free, then you have to be prepared. You can have all the comfort you need but you still need to bring certain things on your own. Here is a quick guide on what to pack for your Koh Samui travel experience:

• First rule is to never bring an overstuffed bag or suitcase on your trip. Only pack the things you will really wear and you will actually use. You do not want to wind up getting an overweight luggage at the check in counter and having to pay extra for your overweight bag. The whole country of Thailand is a famous shopping destination so expect to go home with more things than when you first came with. Travel light because you will be going on board and off the boats during the Koh Samui travel tour. It would be inconvenient to carry a very heavy and overstuffed suitcase during the boat ride.
• Next thing you should consider for your Koh Samui travel is the clothes, gear and shoes you will wear during the trip. Since Koh Samui is a tropical island with famous beaches, you will need lightweight clothes and swim wear. If you plan to go diving, snorkeling, surfing and etc, then you need to bring your own gear. Some beaches and resorts have gear you can rent but just to be sure, bring your own so you won’t have to pay extra for the rental. You will probably need summer clothes such as tank tops, t- shirts, shorts and basically thin layers of clothing. Bring shoes such as sandals and slippers for the beach. Protect yourself from the sun by bringing plenty of sun block, a hat and sunglasses. 
• Koh Samui travel is not complete without the parties and the night life. There are some beaches that are known for their “hippie” vibe while some offer a line of night clubs along the beach. You can chill by the beach with a beer or you can go dancing at the night clubs lined up around Koh Samui. However, be prepared with your toiletries and medicine. Carry your own supply of toilet paper or sanitary wipes and soap. If you have prescribed medicine then bring your own supply. Also include painkillers in case you get a hangover. 

Top 5 Reasons to go to Koh Samui

The majestic view of the ShaSa hotel at night. 

1. There are many reasons to go to Koh Samui but at the top of the list is the luxurious ShaSa Resorts and Residences. When you decide on going on a holiday, you think about relaxation and comfort. In Koh Samui, the best place to spend your holiday is at the ShaSa Resorts because it offers a luxurious experience for its guests. Couples can enjoy a private villa with the view of the sea from their balcony. Families can enjoy some quality time together by the pool or by the beach. There is enough space for everyone in the family. Friends can stay at the resort and get spa treatment, hydrotherapy and an overall luxurious holiday treatment. Who wouldn’t want that as their ultimate Koh Samui getaway? Since Koh Samui boasts of its beautiful, sandy beaches, ShaSa Resorts is situated near these famous destinations. It is on top of a hill that creates an amazing view of the Gulf of Thailand from the balconies and villas. Exclusive amenities for the guests include airport transfer, shuttle service, babysitting services, foreign exchange, kayak and even water sports activities, car rental and many other things.
2. The second reason to go to Koh Samui is its beaches. The world is beginning to discover the natural beauty of Koh Samui beaches that have managed to maintain its beauty despite the modern developments and the wear and tear of time. The Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are the most popular beaches. Guests staying in ShaSa Resorts can visit any of these two nearby beaches or just stay at the peaceful Laem Set beach located right outside their rooms. 
3. Third, the resorts like ShaSa Resorts and the beaches offer an exotic coastal experience and a refreshing holiday by the clear blue waters. Chaweng and Lamai are often visited by those looking for a beach adventure during the day and a nice club scene at night. These two beaches have restaurants and clubs lined up for tourists to choose from. However, those looking for a quieter beaches can go to Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Laem Set and Mae Nam beaches.
4. Koh Samui is an exotic island in Thailand that is home to around 40 000 people. Most of the people who live in this island are Buddhists. They maintain the virgin rainforest of the island, the clear and sandy beaches, and the coastal features as well. The culture of Koh Samui goes alongside the modern developments like resorts, spas and night clubs. Holiday goers can enjoy a luxurious stay with modern day amenities at ShaSa Resorts and still enjoy the unique culture of the island. Since the beaches and the local shops are nearby, the guests of the hotel can go sightseeing with convenience.
5. Those on a Koh Samui tour staying at the ShaSa Resorts should not miss out on a tour of the island itself. Aside from the beaches, there are temples and local stores where visitors can take pictures and go shopping. Famous landmarks include the following: the Ancient House, Wat Khunaram Ko Samui, Big Buddha Temple, Laem Sor Pagoda Ko Samui, Samui Butterfly Garden and many more.

Top 5 Kid Activities in Koh Samui

Koh Samui Crocodile farm's are a huge Koh Samui attraction, especially amongst kids. 

Koh Samui attractions are as much fun for the kids as they are for the adults, perhaps even more so! Despite its reputation for a wild nightlife, the number of Koh Samui attractions for kids is staggering; there are all kinds of different activities available, and so here’s our list of the best of them:

1.    Shasa Resort Kid’s Club

The luxury Shasa Resort and Residences at the family-friendly Laem Sett Beach has just about every kind of activity imaginable for kids of all ages. The Kid’s Club is one of the top Koh Samui attractions for kids, with a mix of fun, educational activities for them to enjoy. They have kid’s books available in dozens of different languages, painting classes, DVDs and movies, video games consoles such as the Nintendo Wii and the Sony PlayStation 3, along with a ton of games, and they also have the largest collection of LEGO bricks in Koh Samui! Super fun for kids of all ages is assured!

2.    Koh Samui Crocodile Farm

Kids will be enthralled by the living dinosaurs at the Koh Samui Crocodile Farm, one of the greatest Koh Samui attractions there is. As well as being home to fascinating Siamese crocodiles and saltwater crocodiles, the center also has numerous other reptile shows, including snakes, caimans and lizards. Monkey shows are also available on the island!

3.    Mini-Golf

As well as swimming, some of the best Koh Samui attractions are its sporting facilities, and perhaps none is more fun for children than the excellent mini-golfing facilities at Choeng Mon, which is one of the few certified mini-golf courses in the country. What’s more, as well as the regular mini-golf course, they also have a new addition – called football-golf! Here, the kids are face with a giant-sized mini-golf course, the idea being they have to tee off with their feet and kick the ball around which is actually a pretty challenging obstacle course.

4.    Ang Thong National Marine Park

If you’re looking for a nice family day out with the kids, then you might want to check out the famous Ang Thong National Marine Park, one of the biggest and most picturesque of all Koh Samui attractions you’ll ever get to see.

This awesome national park actually lies about an hour westwards of Koh Samui, and has to be visited by speedboat (something the kids will love!). Ang Thong National Marine Park is actually an archipelago of several stunningly beautiful islands, with crystal clear waters and spectacular, unspoilt beaches. One of the bigger islands also features an inland lake and a huge cave which can be explored, something that is sure to provide kids with an epic adventure. There are numerous companies operating tours to Ang Thong, just ask at your hotel about it.

5.    Jungle Walks

Back on dry land, one of the best Koh Samui attractions that kids will love is simply exploring the lush green jungle from the base at Hin Lad temple near Na Thon. The trail follows a small river and there are a number of waterfalls and areas where you can bathe in the water or sit and just rest. Further up the mountain, there are a couple of large pools big enough to swim in.