An Ang Thong Adventure

Amazing view from the Ang Thong National Marine Park (photo courtesy of quicktrip.sg)

Ang Thong National Marine Park is one of the most beautiful and thrilling Koh Samui attractions. Take a boat from Koh Samui, which is 28 kilometers away, and you will arrive at Ang Thong, which has pristine beaches and an amazing view. There are so many things to do while at Ang Thong.

Of course, you could spend the day getting a golden tan while reading your favorite book and enjoying the sound of the waves but Ang Thong, as it is one of the most exciting Koh Samui attractions, has so much more to offer. You could hike along the island's steep limestone steps, reach the peak and take in Thailand's beautiful scenery from above, while capturing a memorable photo. 

Ang Thong has safe mountain trails with seasoned hiking guides. 'Ang Thong' literally means 'Golden Basin' and it refers to the beautiful topography that has formed due to the numerous erosion that has taken place in the area over the years. Ang Thong is comprised of 42 different islands and to attempt to explore everything would take a few weeks. But of course, you could always visit only the main attractions.

Ang Thong has an amazing wildlife and this is one of the more thrilling Koh Samui attractions. Get up close with a variety of fascinating creatures such as pythons and other species of snakes, iguanas, langurs, white bellied sea eagles, otters and other reptile and bird species.

Koh Mae or the "Mother Island" boasts of a gorgeous beach and its inland salt water lagoon called is called the Thale Nai or "Emerald Lake". Nearby is Koh Sam Sao or the "Tripod Island" that has a coral reef and great hiking grounds perfect for divers and hikers. You may also choose to take a snorkeling tour around the islands and be enthralled by a variety of sea creatures. You could also rent a boat and go sailing or do some Kayaking.

Ang Thong is able to maintain its beauty because it has been greatly protected since its establishment in the 1980s. The place has gained widespread popularity when it was mentioned in Alex Garland's novel 'The Beach' which was then made into a film starring Leonardo Di Caprio. The movie however was not filmed on Ang Thong.

It has attractions within it and has something for everybody. Experiencing these Koh Samui attractions makes it not only a fun vacation, it makes it a journey. 

Best Spa and Resort in Koh Samui

The best place to get some spa treatment and unwind is without a doubt the ShaSa resort (photo courtesy of enlistmedia.blogspot.com)   

Koh Samui is a paradise island. Tourists flock to the island basically all year round to enjoy the beauty of the beach and the island’s serene ambience. Many people go here for some R&R and they are never disappointed. Spas are among the best excuses to visit Samui. There is nothing like a great dose of pampering while here at the tropics. Resorts usually have their own spas, making it more convenient for tourists. There’s the ShaSa Resort and the Anantara to name a few.

Here’s a list of the top three best spa and resorts in Koh Samui.

ShaSa Resort

ShaSa Resort is a 5 star hotel which offers the most breathtaking view of bright crystal clear water. It is a very popular choice among couples who are on a honeymoon, because it is a romantic place set amidst one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The most luxurious accommodations can be found here. Located at the hillside, it offers a very good panoramic view of the most amazing sights in Samui. ShaSa Resort is famous for its hydrotherapy pool---a popular choice for those who place a great value in wellness. The ShaSa Resort spa offers the most exotic body treatments and soothing massages, perfect to tone the body and relieve stress effectively. There are so many resorts and spas in Samui, but the ShaSa Resort is still undoubtedly the best.

Anantara

The Anantara Bophut is another world-renowned resort in Samui. It is also a popular tourist choice, as it features some of the best amenities. Known for its water sports and soft white sand, one can really have a great Samui experience in this resort. One can absolutely enjoy a host of activities here in Anantara. There’s yoga, reiki, wind surfing, sailing, and tennis. There is also an Infinity edge pool, Jacuzzi, and fitness centre. Those who are looking for top class treatment will love it here for sure.

Melati Beach Resort

Melati Beach Resort and Spa features traditional Southern Thai style architecture that is sure to wow tourists from all over the world. It has 77 villas and suites and has accommodations for all sorts of tastes and preferences. Melati is known for its sophisticated pampering. The Melati Spa is situated near a pond and a waterfall, for a more relaxing and soothing experience.

If wellness and turquoise blue waters are on top of your list of vacation must haves, then Samui is the perfect place for you. 

Why You Should Vist Hua Thanon

This a beautiful view of a Hua Thanon beach (photo courtesy of beachthailand.com)

Hua Thanon is area of Koh Samui that is home to fascinating rock formations. The natural geological formations called Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks resemble the male and female genitalias. When you come to see these rocks, you should find out about the interesting legend behind them too.

Hua Thanon is a Muslim village that boasts of white sand, pristine turquoise beaches and is home to a number of Koh Samui attractions. Both backpackers and luxurious travelers will love Hua Thanon. 

One could meet the fishermen about to set sail in their colorful and artfully painted kor lae boats that resemble the village's equally colorful fish market. Authentic Samui cuisine, usually made up of fresh seafood, can also be found at numerous restaurants by the beach. 

You can choose to lounge on the beach all day with your favorite brand of cocktail or if you are staying at the ShaSa Resort, enjoy a day in the spa and feast at the resort's famous Beyond the Sea restaurant. But if you are wishing to experience more of the Koh Samui attractions, there are a number of fantastic things to do and see while on the island.

Enjoy the day snorkeling or diving and if you want to "get into the wild" you could visit the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo and enjoy a wide variety of wild and exotic animals. You can have your photos taken with those fierce, striped tigers and get up close with other creatures such as manta rays, leopard sharks, nurse sharks, monkeys and sea turtles.

One of the more famous Koh Samui attractions is the main show at the zoo by the Bengal tigers and leopards that demonstrate an exciting display of their strength, speed, agility and naturally intimidating beauty. These live shows are conducted by professional animal trainers so they are safe.

For a more peaceful and less heart pounding adventure, Hua Thanon is home to the Butterfly Garden, a famous Koh Samui attraction. Discover different species of some of the most beautiful butterflies in the world. Walk into the stony steps while being surrounded by these lovely fluttering creatures and if you are lucky, they might even land on your hands. The Butterfly Garden will surround you with both beautiful butterflies as well as blooming flowers. 

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.