Koh Samui beaches: Phangka and Thong Tanote

Need a quiet retreat? Check out the Phangka and Thong Tanote beach (Photo courtesy virtourist.com)

Out of the many beautiful Koh Samui beaches, Phangka and Thong Tanote are two of the least visited vacation spots, which make them excellent places for tourists looking to experience unmatched peace, privacy and relaxation.

Nestled within the southwest peninsula, these two private getaway spots are one of the few places not yet tarnished by industrial development, which explains why the traditional wooden dwellings can still be seen throughout the area.

Phangka

Also known as Emerald Bay, Phangka is unquestionably one of the most remote places within the island, granting vacationers superb tranquillity and privacy. The natural beauty of the surrounding environment is well preserved in comparison to other places on the island of Samui nearby. As a matter of fact, a small fishing village is located within this beach – a bonus feature that guests at this area appreciate to a great extent.

For those who choose to, visitors are given an once-in-a-lifetime experience to submerge themselves into the island lifestyle by observing or even participating in their daily routines, such as fishing out in the open sea, they must give it try.

In addition to this, guests may feel free to hire a long-tail boat going to Koh Tan and Koh Mutsum - two deserted islands that are great for doing a little exploring. Moreover, there are plenty of coral reefs in nearby, making it ideal for snorkelling.

Like other Koh Samui beaches, accommodations at resorts close to the Emerald Bay are top-notch. One resort in particular, namely ShaSa Resort, boasts lavish pools and suites.

Thong Tanote

In comparison to Phangka, Thong Tanote offers even better privacy for its guests. The open, beautiful white-sand beaches and clear ocean water further enhances the feeling of tranquillity vacationists get whenever they spend their holidays here.

Not many people like going to Thong Tanote since it doesn’t have any shopping malls or huge parties, however it does offer visitors a chance to enjoy a romantic stay with their loved ones, away from the hustle and bustle of other tourist traps that are crowded and loud.

Aside from offering a mystical island atmosphere that people from all over the world so badly crave for, the accommodations presented by resorts are outstanding, yet affordable. 

Koh Samui Jazz Festival

Make sure to plan your trip to Koh Samui during the Koh Samui Jazz Festival, you won't regret it (photo courtesy ejazznews.com)

Considering how expensive travel fare and accommodation rentals can be, carefully planning a vacation outside the country is unquestionably important. Out of the many travel destinations visited by vacationists everywhere, Koh Samui is one island paradise that receives a large number of tourists annually.

While heading on over to this islet anytime of the year would automatically mean a holiday well-spent, planning the date when special events are going on would be preferable. As many people who have read this blog already know, there are numerous Koh Samui attractions which entice foreigners to plan a vacation to this getaway spot instead of the other popular venues.

One attraction in particular that’s catching the attention of travel junkies around the planet is the Koh Samui Jazz Festival. This annual event is held every September, and started in 2010. Although relatively new, hosts were clearly able to manage two events so far, and are now looking towards making the third even better.

The Jazz theme of the festival is what makes this affair extra unique and beloved by attendees. In addition to this, notable international and local Jazz musicians are hired as entertainers for the crowd, making the annual event even more exciting.

Unlike other Koh Samui attractions, this occasion has only taken place 2 times so far, both of which have been great successes. In 2010, the Samui Jazz Festival was held over several beachfront locations, such as Bophut, Chaweng, Lamai, and Fisherman’s village.

During this time, a few distinguished musicians who played during the event included Alexander Beets, Renske Taminiau, and over one hundred other Thai Jazz performers. Moreover, entrance was free, so guests only had to worry about paying for their food and drinks.

The following year, the festival’s format was changed, and better venues were selected for the event to take place. The yearly festivity was held at premier beachfront resorts, such as Rocky’s Boutique Resort, Amari Palm Resort, Nora Buri, and Karma Samui.

To make things even better for the audiences, hosts invited more international artists from countries such as Holland, Canada and Israel. Naturally, local jazz performers were thrown into the mix as well. However, unlike the first festival, which took place back in 2010, some venues charged an entrance fee to people who wanted to watch the concert.

This year, locals predict that the jazz festival will draw larger crowds as compared to the majority of Koh Samui attractions. Whether the prediction comes true or not, planning a vacation at the island this September would be well worth the trip!

An Introduction To Chaweng Beach

Gorgeous view of Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui (photo courtesy kohsamui.com)

Koh Samui beaches have become one of the most popular vacation hot spots in the world today. Each beach has various amenities, attractions, accommodations plus other commercial establishments that give tourists everything they need and want during their vacations.

Chaweng Beach is one venue in particular that has consistently received positive feedback from innumerable individuals across the globe. For those looking to get a taste of the finest preparations of local plus international cuisines, they’re in luck, since some of the best restaurants in the entire island can be found here.

Moreover, Chaweng Beach is situated near various businesses as well, such as shops, bars, clubs, numerous nightspots, and great hotels like the ShaSa hotel. With that being said, it’s easy to imagine why thousands believe that this place is the only getaway spot that can give them everything they want during a badly needed holiday.

Those who have had the pleasure of staying at this tropical paradise always have something nice to say about the venue’s excellent swimming conditions – soft and powdery white sand which is about seven kilometers. The ocean water is crystal-clear, while the sea breeze is surprisingly refreshing and blows throughout the day to keep swimmers and beach bums cool.

Like the majority of Koh Samui beaches, snorkelling is one activity that visitors must try while here. Several coral reefs are located nearby the shoreline, making it easy for anybody to reach so that they are able to feast their eyes on countless sea creatures.

Another water activity that visitors might be interested in is kayaking. Kayaks may be rented at reasonable prices, and used to visit two islands very close to Chaweng beach.

As for accommodations, they range anywhere from ordinary to extraordinary, thereby effectively catering everyone’s budget. Folks who’d like to save as much as they can, and aren’t too picky, may feel free to check in at a hostel.

On the other hand, vacationists who want nothing less than the best suite or hotel room should consider staying at the ShaSaResort and Residences, which is more than capable at providing everything a vacationer may need and more. It is also closely situated near Chaweng Beach.

At this establishment, each room’s magnificent interior design, designer furniture plus fixtures, and terrific panoramic views of the vast ocean outside will stun guests. Additionally, there’s a variety of amenities included as well, such as 24-hour butler service, security, swimming pools, spas and a whole lot more!

Introducing Koh Samui

Crystal clear, pristine Koh Samui beach (Photo Courtesy Samuitransport.com)

With its tropical warm waters and white sandy beaches, Koh Samui is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Gulf of Thailand. This beautiful island is rich in natural resources, coconut trees and coral reefs.

Koh Samui is divided into seven sub districts and its beaches range from being wild and lively to being quiet and secluded. The island has both natural and man-made attractions and getting around can be done by riding a taxi, songthaew, motorbike, bicycle and car. With its friendly people, natural beauty and world-class amenities, Koh Samui truly offers a perfect island getaway.

The economy of the island in recent years mainly depends on tourism. In the past, farming and fishing are the two major livelihoods on the island. Koh Samui weather is suitable for these activities and together with its accessibility from the rest of the country, the island draws not only local investors but also international investors as well. Tourism is a booming industry in this part of Thailand. Tropical islands such as Koh Samui make the Land of Smiles famous all over the world and help propel its economy forward.

From February to late June, the bulk of visitors flock to this idyllic island to experience the lovely Samui weather. This is the time that the island is experiencing the hot and dry season. Like in other tropical destinations, Samui weather is also quite unpredictable so it is better to check the weather forecast week to week to avoid any inconvenience. Rainy season starts in July but raining is on and off until October. From October to January, strong winds are inevitable occurrences, which makes this time of the year not very good for diving and snorkelling. Whether Samui weather is good or bad, however, tourists still visit the island from December to July. This is considered the peak season.  Those who do not want to be in Koh Samui during this time of the year, should visit it sometime in September or October instead. Samui weather in November is very similar to the weather of Malaysia.

The famous must-see places in Koh Samui are its lively beaches in Chaweng and Lamai, majestic Na Muang waterfalls, scenic temples and their relics, its jungles that can be accessed by a relaxing elephant trek, interesting rock formations and its still, rustic villages and quiet beaches in the south. 

Enjoy The Ride Of Your Life Via Koh Samui Quad Bikes

Quad Biking is an exhilarating sport that can try in Koh Samui.

People have been coming up with innovative and creative ways to experience adrenaline-pumping activities that feed their adventurous side.Take this new escapade across streams, rocks, lots of mud, fruit plantations, up the mountains and hilly plains and winding streets in a quad bike. This is a truly amazingly one-of-a-kind Koh Samui travel experience that everyone should try.

ATVs or quad bikes are these machines which are actually 250cc motorbikes with four huge fat tyres. One look at them and you know you will travel Koh Samui like never before. There are several ways to experience this gorgeous Thai island. You could do it by foot and leisurely; be on top of an elephant and explore the jungles, plantations until you reach the top of the mountain for a breath taking view; ride a jeep with windows rolled down to enjoy the sights and sounds better; go boating and explore the pristine seas and the other fascinating islands; or yes, hop on that quad bike and experience something totally different.

Stay at the luxurious ShaSa Resort and they will make sure to arrange your quad biking adventure for you. Go quad biking at Mae Nam in Soi 1 where the quad biking experts and professionals are based. They will be the ones to guide you through the whole ride. Not everyone is qualified to drive the quad bikes however. Before you begin the journey, they allot time for you to be test your driving skills. If you make 3 mistakes in your test run, then you will be made a passenger along a professional quad driver. Kids are usually not allowed to drive the quad bike on their own.

If you want to travel Koh Samui via a quad bike, this will require a group leader to be followed in a convoy along different paths and courses. If you wish to be on a safer track then remain in the starting area where there are obstacle courses and other fun things to do. The bike is equipped with a first aid kit and help is only a call away.

Amazing paths as well as safety precautions are provided for that unforgettable KohSamui travel experience. This exploit is certainly for the bold and the daring who just love getting an adrenaline rush.

Snorkelling Adventures at Koh Nang Yuan

Make sure to go on a snorkelling adventure while in Koh Samui (Photo Courtesy of  pinkflamingo.com.au)

Samui is an island paradise and a fun filled place for those who love the beach. On this lovely island, there is always something exciting to do. Regardless of one’s preferences----be it some hardcore pampering at the wellness spa or outdoor activities that involve the beach, there is something for everyone. Koh Samui diving is one of these activities. People from all over the globe visit Samui to be able to experience snorkelling in its turquoise waters. Koh Samui diving is not only for professionals. There is a always a first time for everything, and what better place to dive than in this island filled with hundreds of water species that will surely leave divers in awe?

For those who love to snorkel, there are speedboats that will take visitors from Koh Samui to the island of Koh Nang Yuan. Here, adventurers are in for a treat. With the long stretch of white sand, everyone will get to have fun at the beach and be able to witness the beauty and wonder of the corals. Snorkelling at Koh Nang Yuan is a great way to get in touch with nature and look at some amazing underwater creatures. It’s no wonder why Koh Samui diving is now one of the most popular activities here on the island.

Next stop of the Koh Samui diving adventure is Koh Tao, which translates to “Turtle Island”. It obtained that specific name because of its interesting shape, just like the hunched back of turtles. This island is the ideal place to snorkel and is actually one of the most scenic sea spots in Thailand. Koh Tao is a place where visitors can take in the beauty of the sea----above and below the water.

This Koh Samui diving tour departs from Koh Samui hotels such as the ShaSa Resort everyday. The hotel pick up is at 7:15 am and the tour finishes as 4:30 pm. The cruise includes snorkelling and lunch. There’s an English speaking guide that will facilitate the entire trip. The weather of Samui and the nearby islands make them ideal for snorkelling. The visibility is good and the beauty of the sea is incomparable. The vast diversity of marine life, which includes whale sharks and corals, is a must see. Snorkelling is a rare experience that visitors will definitely remember for a long time. Koh Samui is indeed a wonderful place with lots of exciting things to offer.

Banana Boating in Koh Samui

Going on a banana boat is thrilling experience that is one of the top Koh Samui attractions. (Photo courtesy of  Whatonsanya.com)

One of the main Koh Samui attractions and the reason why a lot of people from all over the globe come to experience this magical Thai island, is its pristine beaches. And tourists could certainly appreciate them in a lot of ways. Of course, one could lounge all day by the shore, sipping a deliciously concocted cocktail, reading their favourite novel or laying down on the white sand to achieve that perfect tan but for the more adventurous, there are various water sports and fun water activities that they could do.

These water sports and activities are the more thrilling attractions in Koh Samui that could be enjoyed by every one of all ages. One of these fun activities that could be enjoyed by a group of friends or the whole family is a banana boat ride. If you are staying at the ShaSa Resort or any other place on the island, make sure to arrange for a day of banana boat riding. Tour guides will also be able to suggest the best deals and best places to experience this exhilarating activity.

The whole island is quite vast and every area of the island has its own array of Koh Samui attractions. Banana Boat rides are offered at Chaweng, Lamai and Bo Phut so these are the ideal places to experience that adrenaline rush via that yellow floating banana. But before one gets to hop on, it is important to be aware of the safety measures. Life jackets must be provided for everyone. The driver of the speed boat that will tug the banana boat along the waters or any other person in charge must be able to properly brief their customers with the safety precautions while enjoying the ride.

Once properly secured, the boat will be edged forward into the deeper and farther part of the sea. The speed will increase and soon, it will feel as if you are being pulled into space. The banana boat tips sideways from time to time and your body has to lean the other way to make sure you do not fall off although the purpose of the ride is to really throw each and every one into the water. Hence, it is advisable to make sure your life jacket is in place. Banana boat rides are fantastic KohSamui attractions that could definitely create a funny memory ideally shared with family and friends.