What To Do While at Chaweng Beach

View from Chaweng Beach located only 15 minutes from the ShaSa Resort. (photo from Chawengburi.com)

Want to relax, while sitting beachside sipping on fresh coconut juice during the day and go partying at night?

Sounds like you want the best of both worlds, but you are not sure which KohSamui beach you should stay at to accomplish this. Well, if you want to stay along a beautiful beach with plenty of entertainment options then you should consider Chaweng beach. Whereas if you want to stay somewhere quiet and more family oriented you definitely think about staying at the Laem Set beach instead.

Although it isn’t the most tranquil Koh Samui beach, the Chaweng beach makes up for it in other areas, specifically its nightlife.

Chaweng is home to the Koh Samui’s bubbliest nightlife, various malls and a scenic beach. The area is light years ahead of other Koh Samui beaches in terms of malls and nightlife.

There are numerous pubs, dance clubs and girly bars along the Chaweng strip. Green mango is the most renowned nightclub in Koh Samui.  The most popular meet up spot in the area is Tropical Murphy’s Irish Pub. Please note that all the nightclubs in the area close their doors at 2 am.

Clubbing and drinking not your thing? Then you should go to Petch Bucha Thai Boxing Stadium and watch some Muay Thai boxing matches. Matches usually take place from 9 pm until midnight.

Another popular place you should check out while you at Chaweng is the Moulin Rouge. Some of the most gorgeous lady boys perform here daily. After the show you can take photos with the performers, then when your trip is over you can even ask your buddies if you think this “chick” is hot.

The Chaweng beach is the longest Koh Samui beach and stretches over 5 miles. Along the beach you will find masseuse offering beachside massages and vendors selling fresh coconuts and cocktails.

If you are looking for some action packed water sports then you won’t have to look far. Chaweng beach is full of areas where you can go parasailing; jet skiing, water skiing and banana boating. Individuals who are more adventurous can also go out for a scuba diving 1-day trip from this beach.

This Koh Samui beach probably isn’t the beach of choice for families, but if you are single, young and looking for some fun then you definitely consider visiting this beach before heading to somewhere quieter to sleep.

Don’t worry about booking a hotel in advance, you won’t also have problem finding a place to stay. There are many hotels along Chaweng, however most of them are loud at night and won’t provide a great sleep. A close boat ride away is one of the top hotels just outside Chaweng, which is the ShaSa resort.

HISTORIC TEMPLES OF KOH SAMUI

Stunning view of the Wat Phra Yai, Big Buddha (photo courtesy of  http://bluedandelion.net/)

Koh Samui, or simply Samui, is famed not only for being a beach-and-coconut tourist destination island, but also for its historic temples, which serve as one of KohSamui’s attractions. Immerse yourself in the rich Buddhist culture by visiting any one of several temples that attest to how the island is steeped in Buddhist tradition and how the veneration of the Supreme Buddha is a most significant part of this island’s inhabitants. Sawadee!

TheWat Phra Yai and Big Buddha

Home to the island’s most famous image, Wat Phra Yai is undeniably the most visited Koh Samui attraction on this island. The Big Buddha, majestic at 12 feet, visibly towers towards the skies as travelers get to Koh Samui Island. Located on the northeast tip of the island on route 4171, this Koh Samui attraction is easily accessible to travelers from the airport. And for travelers wanting to get the best accommodations possible at a similarly located resort, your best bet is to get yourself booked--and literally hooked--at ShaSa Resort and Residences, just a mere 45-minute-drive from the airport. After you’ve gone through the many shops and restaurants designed for travelers and Buddhist devotees alike, rest your shopping-tired but spiritually-invigorated selves at ShaSa Resort and Residences, where lovely service and pampering are unarguably one of the greatest of Koh Samui attractions.

TheWat Plai Laem

Nestled north of Samui on route 4171 at about the same general area as the Wat Phra Yai, this temple is another showcase of magnificence of Koh Samui attractions as it is home to the colorful statue of the 18-armed Buddha that sits right in the middle of a lake.  Feeding the big, lovely fish that abound in the lake waters will prove to be an enjoyable experience, as fish food packs can be had for a relatively cheap 10-baht donation. And for those looking to enjoy bigger and more fascinating water adventures, situated along the same general location as the ShaSa Resort.

The Laem Sor Pagoda

Majestically constructed on the rocks at the water’s edge, this ornately designed edifice easily stands tall among Koh Samui attractions because of its shimmering yellow tiles that appear golden when viewed from a distance. Lying south off the island, it is easily accessible via road 4170 between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka.

The Coral Buddha

Located not far from ShaSa Resort and Residences at 4169 ring road are the ruins of what used to be a jewel among Koh Samui’s attractions--the Coral Buddha. Lying to the right side of Hua Thanon at approximately 800 meters, the small, crumbling figure of the Coral Buddha is a revered place of devotion among devout Buddhists, especially among monks from nearby Wat Sumret.

Unforgettable Full Moon Party Should Be Atop your Koh Samui Things To Do List

While staying at the ShaSa Resort you should definitely consider going to the Full Moon party.
 (photo from blog.travelpod.com)

Have you ever imagined how it would be like to party in paradise? Lose your inhibitions, relax and rejoice over something you have taken for granted for years. Welcome in the new Full Moon by attending this unforgettable party.

The Full Moon Party has been considered one of the world’s top parties for years! There’s a reason it has this distinction.

Legend has it that some tourists who were visiting this Had Rin beach discovered that the most gorgeous full moon they had every seen in their lives could be found here.

They then arranged a huge party with their friends along this beach. Other people then arranged parties along this beach and the party just grew from there. Today this party is on top of many people’s Koh Samui things to dolist. 

It doesn’t matter what kind of music you like, you’ll be able to find it here. The atmosphere is absolutely crazy; throughout the party you’ll find fire-eaters, jugglers, giant slip and slides, people fire jump roping and impromptu firework displays.

Here are seven interesting facts you probably didn’t know what the Full Moon Party.

1. 1)    It’s the world’s biggest beach party
2. 2)    It occurs every full moon
3. 3)    Even in low season you’ll find over 10,000 party animals here
4. 4)    Expect to find over 30,000 party-goers for New Years
5. 5)    Famous DJ’s regularly play here
6. 6)    There are dozens of beach clubs you can choose from
7. 7)    Number 1 on Koh Samui things to do list for most individuals 18-30 years old

Be careful not to get too out of control as some partygoers are sometime left with 3^rd degree burns from jump roping with the notorious fire jump rope in the middle of the party. If you aren’t sober you should leave this to the professionals.

Please be advised that there are tons of soft-core and hardcore drugs that can be found here. However, if you decide to buy drugs or take them while at the party, do so discreetly or you may be arrested by an undercover policemen.

There are tons of Koh Samui things to do but none of them compare to this event. You’ll never look at a full moon the same after this party. 

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!