The Best of Koh Samui Architecture

The Big Buddha Temple is a must see sight during your stay in Koh Samui (photo courtesy of wikalenda.com)

Koh Samui is known for its fine white sand, clear waters, and amazing sunsets. More than that, Koh Samui architecture is distinct and high in flair. There are numerous Koh Samui attractions which are famous and well-known all over the world.

Some of the most famous Koh Samui attractions are referred to as wat, meaning temple. There are a number of beautifully created temples in Koh Samui. In fact, these temples are the best testaments to Koh Samui architecture. The most famous of these temples is The Big Buddha Temple or Wat Phra Yai. This temple is among the tourists’ most favourite Koh Samui attractions. This temple features a colourful staircase and a giant golden Buddha. Found at the north coast of Samui, this seemingly modern structure remains to be one of the most photograph structures in the country.

Wat Plai Laem is also one of the most beautiful Koh Samui attractions. It is a Buddhist temple found in the north-east coast of Samui. It features a very impressive 18-arm image of Guanyin, known as the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Guanyin is very popular, as she is believed to be the provider of unconditional love and serves as the protector of the people. One of the key areas of this place is the ceremonial hall, which is set amidst the lake. Koh Samui’s strong Chinese heritage is also very obvious here, making it a mirror of the island’s rich past and amazing culture.

The Laem Sor Chedi is another one of the must see Koh Samui attractions. This ornately designed pagoda is one great excuse to visit Samui. It sits at the rocky waters edge, and is such a majestic sight to behold. It features traditional Thai architecture and is postcard perfect in all angles. Koh Samui is an island that serves as a melting pot to different cultures. Some proofs of this are the Chinese temple (Maenam), and Masjid Nurulihsan---the only mosque in Koh Samui.

The ancient house, located at Ban Thale is also worthy of a visit. It is the oldest house in the island, and is a representative of the island’s ancient architecture. It is around 150 years old, and is one of the island’s key attractions.

Koh Samui features rich and stunning architecture. It boasts a lot of temples and gigantic structures that will surely leave one in awe. Not only is this island rich in natural resources, it also has abundance of man-made structures that are worth seeing at least once.

Learning about the Koh Samui Airport

The Koh Samui airport is very easy to get to and is considered one of the top airports in Asia (photo courtesy of samuiairportonline.com) 

Despite the fact that the airport hasn't undergone any recent renovations, the Koh Samui Airport, still remains one of the world’s most notable airports. Hailed as one of the most beautiful airport in the world, it’s no surprise that tourists and locals who came to visit are in awe of this magnificent modern structure that combines contemporary and traditional decor.  Koh Samui Airport is a low-rise structure with charming thatched roofs, tall fine pillars made of palm tree, wooden and rattan walls that allow the breeze in its cool open structure. It’s not only spectacularly beautiful, it is eco-friendly too. It is cool inside, even without air-conditioning.  Built Ritta Co Ltd, designed it in such a way so that it would have the vibe of a lush tropical resort haven.

Located at the northern part of the island, it was officially opened to the public on April  1989. It is the located at close to the island’s most amazing landscapes and spectacular sceneries. Koh Samui Airport is a privately owned airport and is run by Bangkok Airways. In fact, most flights are handled by Bangkok Airways.  In February 2008, Thai Airways  started to operate at the Koh Samui Airport as well.

Aside from its impressive structure and interior, the Koh Samui Airport is also an ideal place to shop and dine. There is a collection of top quality brands at the airport’s shopping area. There’s a skin care shop, a Swatch store, and plenty of souvenir shops where you can buy some locally made items. Family and friends will love all the trinkets you can buy here for all of them. There’s something for everyone!

There is also an impressive array of dining options at the airport. There’s the Gourmet Food Park which features a wide-selection of international cuisine.  There’s also a coffee and tea house, a cocktail place, and internet cafe, and other great dining places for some travelling alone or with their entire family.

One of the best things about this airport is the efficient service. Your baggage can be quickly picked up and right outside the airport are several means of transportation including vans and taxis, which aren't that expensive. Everything is very convenient here.  The meeting area is cozy and spacious and has a homey feel to it. It’s no surprise that Koh Samui is one home to one of the world’s most beautiful airports.

Big Game Fishing in Koh Samui

Don't be surprised if you catch the biggest fish of your life during your stay in Koh Samui 

It’s a given that Koh Samui is a beautiful island, where people go to relax and chill out next to breath-taking beach. However, the fun does not stop there. It is true that this island is known for its powder-fine white sand, fresh clear waters, and spectacular sceneries. But, there’s more to Samui than the passive enjoyment of lying down on the beach and getting a tan. One of the best things to do in Koh Samui is fishing.  You read it right---fishing in Koh Samui.

Fishing is one of the most exciting attractions in Koh Samui---both by tourists and locals. The water and warm tropical weather makes it very ideal to go fishing in Koh Samui generally all year round, except during the rainy season.

The great thing about fishing in Samui is that you need not bring some fishing equipment with you. When you ride a fishing vessel, all the equipment will be provided for you. So all you basically need to do is to hop on and get ready for the greatest catch of your life.

The best way to go fishing in Samui is to ride a fishing vessel. Here, you’ll be at the company of a Captain and his experienced crew. In a fishing vessel, catches are never small. Prepare to be shocked as fishes like Barracuda, Shark, Mackerel, Sailfish, Snapper, Grouper, and Trevally are caught before your very eyes.

Fishing is one of the best things to do in Koh Samui because the of water in the area and the species of fish one can catch here is immense. Both men and women alike happen to enjoy big game fishing as it is an experience unlike any other. Sure, you can go fishing anywhere. But there are only a few places in the world where you can catch fishes this big. This island is one of those rare places.

If you are planning to stay in Koh Samui for vacation, the ShaSa Resort is definitely a place you should consider. The location is ideal and the accommodations are impressive. 

Breath-taking Lipa Noi

Mesmerizing sunset at Lipa Noi (photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org) 

Your stay at a Koh Samui beach is bound to be very memorable and exciting. One of the most popular beaches is Lipa Noi. Located at the west coast, this Koh Samui beach is known for its unspoilt beauty, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets. People from all over the world go to this magical place to relax and enjoy some water activities such as snorkelling.

The uninhabited beach of Lipa Noi makes it seem like a private Koh Samui beach. The beach stretches without obstruction---no rocks and corals, just fine white sand and clear turquoise waters, making it a safe pick for families to bring their kids to. The water is also very shallow.

This beach is very easy to get to. Lipa Noi is very close to the pier, so people who are coming in from the mainland consider this area as the point of entry to the Island of Samui.

The resorts surrounding this place exert lots of effort to preserve the beauty of the area, all the while catering to the needs of their patrons. One such resort worth staying at is the ShaSa Resort. This place is the perfect venue to watch the breathtaking Samui sunset  and enjoy some of the most amazing foods offered on the island.

Lipa Noi is a tropical paradise. Aside from actually being in the water, one can just unwind while doing other things. The beauty of the place is enough to make one forget about the problems in your life. One can take a peaceful stroll at the shore, sip tropical drinks while gazing out at the water and shop for souvenirs.  If you came here for wellness and spiritual renewal, you won’t be disappointed. This is a place where the best spas are located. Have a traditional Thai massage or some native body scrub.

Lipa Noi also boasts about its food. Being surrounded with water, one can expect top quality seafood at this place. Taken fresh out of the water, your taste buds will surely enjoy all the island’s offerings. 

Entertaining Dining Shows in Koh Samui

Instead of watching TV while you eat, why not go to Koh Samui and watch some entertaining dining shows while you enjoy your delectable meal. (photo courtesy of madarinoriental.com) 

There are some Koh Samui restaurants that offer delicious food as well as entertaining dinner shows that make for quite am entertaining dining experience. Thailand offers dining that is as festive as its people and culture. 

One of the Koh Samui restaurants that offer you a taste of Brazil through its super dishes and awesome shows is Zico's Brazilian Grill & Bar in Samui located in Chaweng. This restaurant has gained so much popularity over the years with its superb salad bar and meat served on skewers (Brazil's traditional churrasco). It's an all- you- can- eat restaurant that is a very typical way of Brazilian dining and is locally called buffet livre. Zico offers a different menu everyday but the varieties of meat- beef, pork, prawns, sausages, chicken, duck and fish are staples. Enjoy a fantastic show of women dressed in lively and well ornated costumes that sparkle all night long. Take a glimpse of Brazil's beautiful culture of dancing through the samba and funky that the girls gracefully execute.

Another Koh Samui restaurant is the Happy Elephant Thai Cuisine located in the charming fishing village of Bophut. You may request for a hotel transfer to the village. If you are staying at the ShaSa Resort or any other hotel at Koh Samui, a car will gladly pick you up and take you to the restaurant. While the entertainment may not be in the restaurant itself, there is a package you can take advantage of where you will be taken to watch a cabaret show or a Thai boxing match after that delicious seafood dinner. 

The Ladyboys Cabaret Show is one of the must- see shows in Koh Samui. It showcases a lot of colors, laughter and awesome talent by Thailand's famous third sex. And they are definitely beautiful and sultry, you would mistake them for real women. They dance and lip- synch popular songs that would make you sing along, all amidst glitter and glitz, the whole atmosphere is amazing. One of the best cabaret shows is at Christy Cabaret. For those who wish for a more action- packed entertainment, you could head to Petchbuncha Stadium where live Thai boxing matches are held almost daily.

Siam Classic Bophut is another Koh Samui restaurant located at the fisherman village where fantastic shows are held. Experience authentic Thai culture through the authentic dishes as well as the Thai Dance Drama shows offered here. Feast your eyes on the lovely traditional Thai costumes, the choreographer of the dances have performed for Thailand's Royal Family at Bangkok's National Theater.

Another Koh Samui restaurant you should check out is the renowned, Beyond the Sea, restaurant located at the ShaSa hotel. This restaurant has some of the Thailand's best chefs, and often have world famous guest chefs every few months. 

So if you are looking for a one of a kind nightlife, Koh Samui restaurants could give you not only the best of Thailand's food but the enchanting world of the country's entertainment industry as well. 

Koh Samui Weather: When is the best time of the year to go?

People like to joke that there are 3 seasons in Koh Samui, hot, very hot, and very very very hot (photo courtesy of Kohsamui.thailandtravelo.com)

Koh Samui is an island located off the east coast of Kra Isthmus in Thailand. Being Thailand’s third largest island, it is a palm tree-lined haven with white sand beaches, bright blue waters, and bright sunshine. This island, being a beautiful place where one can soak up the sun and enjoy the warm Samui weather, attracts many tourists year after year.

Having a typical tropical climate, Samui weather is generally warm and sunny. The usual temperature varies from 25 to 34 degrees Celsius.  Samui shares the same kind of weather like its surrounding areas in Asia. It has one dry season----a period where Samui weather is ideal to visit the beaches and do all kinds of water activities like surfing and swimming. To offset the very high humidity, there is the so-called rainy season. During this time, light to heavy rains can be observed. Most of the time however, these precipitations are only brief, and the tourists can enjoy the sun again after a few hours.

The best period to visit is from December to June. These are the months when the Koh Samui weather  is perfect. Tourists flock the island around this time of the year and take the time off to see this hidden haven in Thailand. This is a blissful place with impressive luxurious resorts such as the ShaSa hotel, where one can enjoy the beauty of islands in comfort. Samui is also the place to sample the most authentic local delicacies. There are a variety of delicious foods here to try.

If you came here for the beaches, you won’t be disappointed. This island will delight you with the purity of its waters and rich natural wonders that you kind find here. It is known that many people go here to fish, as most of the best catches are in this island. If you are not that fond of the beach however, you can still find plenty of excuses to visit Samui. There’s a butterfly farm, a crocodile farm, interesting rock formations, monkey shows and a snake farm in Samui. Life in the island is simple and it’s a place where time moves slowly, allowing one to relax.

The rainy season in the island is from the end of September to November. If you like to make the most of your stay, then just be wary of this period. Generally though, Samui weather won't affect your visit that much. 

Rent a Car in Koh Samui

Depicted above are some of the cars you'll be able to rent in Koh Samui

It is so much more convenient to rent a car in Koh Samui when you are on vacation then constantly having to look for public transportation. Renting a car means you don't have to stress out  carrying your luggage everywhere until you get to your destination. There is also less risk of frauds and drivers who will overcharge you and rip you off if you rent a ar in Koh Samui. 

There are a number of rent-a-car companies in Koh Samui and you can book one at the following locations: Chiang Rai International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Udon Thani Airport, Khon Khaen Airport, Samui International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok Downtown Petchburee Road, Hua Hin Downtown Villa Market, Pattaya Downtown Outlet Mall, Khao Lak Downtown Palm Galleria and Krabi Downtown Krabi Maritime. There are twelve types of cars to choose from depending on your preference and the number of people who will be seated in the car with you.

Car rentals in Koh Samui or anywhere in Thailand for that matter have extra fuel costs excluded from the rate that you will be paying so it is best to prepare extra baht for this. You may also choose some add-ons such as child seat, GPS navigator and super LDW.

If you have a change of plans and need to cancel your car rental reservations, being able to do so 24 hours prior to vehicle pick up will give you the privilege of not having to pay for a cancellation fee. If the cancellation is made later, there will be a fee which is equivalent to one day rental.

                 

 Koh Samui is a beautiful place to explore, it's full of fantastic hotels and resorts such as the ShaSa Resort and with the convenience of having your personal driver and car take you to wherever you want to go is a great stress reliever.

Payment for renting a car in Koh Samui may be paid in cash, valid major credit cards such as Visa, Master, Amex and Credit card.  Make sure to prepare the following vital documents when making a rent : Copy of ID card or passport, and a valid copy of the credit card made to pay the reservation along with the pre- authorized amount from customer's credit card as guarantee.

There is a 24 hour emergency assistance service number which you can call. It may be reached through (66) 2 6351234 or (66) 81 7107967.