An Unbiased Opinion On What Koh Samui Is Really Like

Gorgeous pool located at the ShaSa hotel

Anyone who’s been planning a vacation to Koh Samui has probably done ample research about the tourist hotspots, and heard plenty of good feedback. They hear things such as the island has long stretches of captivating white sand beaches, turquoise-blue water, and a refreshing sea breeze that reinvigorates the body.

Descriptions like the one above can easily make anyone believe that everyone spitting out such lines is trying to sell accommodations or a ticket going to the island. While building up tourist destinations with cleverly handpicked words is inevitable in the tourism industry, Koh Samui is one of the few getaway hotspots that actually live up to the hype.

Although the island measures only 25 kms and the center of its land area is primarily comprised of a dense jungle, this vacation paradise packs a powerful punch with a plethora of commercial establishments located along the beachfront. It boasts an old-world atmosphere, which is a pleasant experience for folks worn-down by their hectic lifestyles back home.

The picturesque scenery of palm and coconut trees swaying in the wind across the beaches is indeed to die for. For those who want to take their close-to-nature experience to the next level, the Ang Thong Marine Park is just an hour boat ride away from this charming little island.

Watersports is ideal in this tropical haven; as the water is typically gentle throughout most of the year, thereby allowing visitors to go kayaking, paddle boating or motor boating. There’s a wealth of aquatic life down below, especially at the corals nearby the shoreline, which makes for great pictures and some underwater photography.

Food is served practically everywhere – tourists have the option of eating food prepared by world-class chefs at their resorts, or tantalizing Thai and international cuisines available at popular restaurants around the beach. Alternatively, those who’d like to get a taste of authentic local chow can feel free to eat at temple parties and other local events.

The opportunity to live an exciting nightlife is another attraction of this diminutive island, as there are plenty of trendy bars and renowned clubs in many parts of this island. Spending nights drinking Thai Whiskey, Singha beer, or hundreds of other internationally-recognized alcoholic beverage brands is one way to enjoy a night, while dancing with locals and vacationists from other parts of the world.

Lastly, accommodations are comparatively affordable; yet still manage to offer great value with lavishly furnished rooms, premier amenities, and outstanding staff hospitality. 

Bangkok Airways To Increase Tourist Traffic From Hong Kong

Bangkok Airways is the best way to get to Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s economy practically thrives on its tourism industry, which is fuelled by hundreds of businesses spread across the small island. A significant portion of its tourist traffic comes from Bangkok Airways, the island’s only airport, which has monopolized commercial flights over the past years.

With only one airline serving the tropical destination, as well as numerous flight restrictions established by airport’s corporate office, business owners and even governing officials have made numerous complaints regarding the lack of direct trips going to the island.

As of today, this airport operates only three international flights from the resort island in the Gulf of Thailand going to three cities, namely: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.

That being said, Bangkok Airways has finally decided to respond to public demand by increasing its number of flights between Koh Samui and Hong Kong from ten per week, all the way up to fourteen, denoting a considerable 40% increase, starting this Dec. 1.

In addition, vice-president ML Nandhika Varavarn says that the private carrier also plans on offering a direct link between the former crown colony and Suvarnabhumi airport sometime during the year 2013.

"Bangkok Airways is very excited about adding more flights to Koh Samui for the Hong Kong market, because we know how popular a destination it is for Hong Kong people who just want to relax and enjoy themselves," says ML Nandhika.

While Koh Samui does have its fair share of tourists from Hong Kong every year, the convenience of being able to select different direct flights – throughout the entire week -- going to the tropical destination will certainly boost the number of visits significantly.

The tourist traffic coming from Hong Kong will most likely include more first-time visitors, which is also great for businesses within Samui. Many believe that all it takes for the island to transform a new vacationist into a repeat visitor is half-a-day.

A strong customer base is something that this tropical hotspot can be proud about, as a large portion of its one million visitors per year has spent some time in the island before. Such a trend doesn’t come as a surprise to locals, as Samui is well known for its diverse range of top-of-the-line accommodations, premium services, and trendy entertainment establishments around the world.

To ramp up the number of visitor’s annually even higher, proposals for a second airport in Koh Samui are currently being discussed.

Enjoying A Holistic Retreat At Koh Samui

Get rid of all your stress in at the ShaSa Hotel

A Koh Samui resort owner says that a large portion their guests are stressed upon arrival. The underlying cause of this type of tension has numerous roots, be it from overanalysing situations, unnecessarily imagining worse case scenarios, constantly trying to live up to the standards and expectation of others.

While it’s widely believed that self-created stress starts in the mind, it carries a detrimental impact that trickles down the body, and continues to wear down the physical and mental well being of an individual.

Of course, there are other types of stress, such as that rendered by the death of a loved one. Whatever types a person may be struggling with, one thing remains certain: Koh Samui remains a premier choice for vacationists looking to extract the benefits of a holistic retreat.

This tropical island isn’t like most other places which are overly congested with commercial establishments and flocks of tourists – developments throughout the area are unique from one another, which provide visitors different “outlets” to vent all the accumulated negativity from inside them.

A preferred vacation experience amongst burnout white-collar workers would be at a resort, which boasts unparalleled serenity and privacy coupled with first-class accommodations, top-of-the-line amenities, and premium services.

While there are various businesses that can fit the profile described above, ShaSa Resort & Residences would undeniably be a perfect match. A beachfront property nestled in the picturesque area of Laem Set, this establishment is kept at a comfortable distance away from the busiest parts of Koh Samui.

Rooms of this prestigious resort are described by guests to be immaculate – interior decorations of every suite is stunning, and beautiful designer furniture is spread throughout all areas of every unit. Coming in one to three-bedroom variations, there’s enough space to fit singles and families of all sizes.

Moreover, rooms have balconies fitted with chairs and tables, thereby granting occupants a unique opportunity to meditate or enjoy a quite conversation and meal with someone special while enjoying the exhilarating view of the beach.

To further rejuvenate both mind and body, ShaSa Resort has a magnificent spa within its compound. Here, guests can feel free to partake in a wide range of services, such as getting a full-body massage by a licensed practitioner, or restore their skin’s youthful glow with a ground-coffee and brown sugar-based Coffee Scrub treatment.

Angthong Marine Park

Don't miss out on your chance to visit the Ang Thong Marine Park (photo courtesy flickr.com)

When people plan on going to a tropical destination, which is commercially dubbed as a tropical paradise, they usually expect to get more or less than what’s being advertised. However, the natural beauty of most island tourist hotspots is tarnished by industrialization and commercial expansion.

On the contrary, every Koh Samui travel agency wouldn’t bother selling tourism related services for Thailand’s second biggest island if it didn’t have the right balance between natural formations and commercial accommodations and establishments.

Out of the many attractions Koh Samui has, Angthong Marine Park is one site in particular that’s frequently visited by tourists. Comprised of forty-two island this attraction has a total land area of approximately 250 square kilometres.

People are on holiday who stay in Koh Samui will be pleased to know that Angthong Marine Park is just a few hours travel (via boat) away from their location. But why should they bother going out of their way to another venue when the place they’re currently residing at is already a tropical paradise?

According to Koh Samui travel guides, this “park” (not an actual park) is said to be even better – this attraction outshines its counterparts with its magnificent limestone mountains and rock formations, as well as its abundance of coconut trees plus other plant life. Since the area is predominantly uninhabited, the surrounding beaches and ocean water appears to be extra clean and clear.

In addition to the facts above, there are around sixteen types of mammals living within the area, which would make for a pleasant sightseeing experience for adults and children. Strolling deeper into the depths of the “jungle” is recommended (under the supervision of reputable tour guides), since there’s a variety of lakes and other pleasing sights to see as well.

Vacationers staying in Koh Samui should definitely consider paying a visit to Angthong Marine Park. Approaching various boat charters and hiring these professionals for a private trip, or getting on a scheduled trip with the other tourists, is the best way to get to the park. Such tours usually last for an entire day, and include food plus water.

Experienced Koh Samui travel guides are included in the package as well, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost. Lastly, it’s highly advisable to bring snorkelling equipment along, since a wide range of aquatic life can be found near the shorelines of the beaches. 

What Do I Need For Koh Samui?

Don't forget to pack the essentials to your trip to Koh Samui (photo courtesy shasahotels.com)

Many people head off to this tropical paradise ill prepared, which will cause many problems. A person who doesn’t pack everything they need for their trip will not have as much fun as someone who is prepared. Riding a plane to Thailand, staying in a fancy hotel, and partying at night won’t be cheap, so it’s important that you prepare everything that’s needed for the trip ahead of time!

The obvious things vacationers should bring include a passport, travel insurance, and money. As for the not so obvious items, the first one that’s often neglected by overly excited vacationists is a guidebook. At this island getaway, there are plenty of beaches to visit, mediocre to premium accommodations to stay at, attractions to see, and bars to hang out at.

Staying at some place that’s near a fair amount of the attractions would be an ideal move, but nevertheless, it’s something that the clueless tourist couldn’t possibly do by himself. Naturally, a guide book will be able to pinpoint the best hotels, condominiums or even beachfront villas to stay at, while issues with being too far from the coolest attractions will be effectively eliminated.

Moving forward, the second thing that may be considered necessary in the formation of any Koh Samui travel plan is a book with some essential Thai phrases. However, considering that the entire country is a tourist hot spot, essential English phrases are known by the majority of the locals, especially those working in commercial establishments.

Learning basic Thai will definitely be appreciated by the Thais. Moreover, the inhabitants of the islet love it when they hear foreigners speaking in their tongue, so it’d certainly help when it comes to making to friends.

The third items on this list is to pack all the necessary travel essentials – this includes medication (numerous vacationers had to cut their holidays short due to vital medicine left behind), luggage locks, travel organizers, sun block, sun glasses, hats and a camera.

Last item to include in any Koh Samui travel plan is an mp3 player and earplugs, since the trip going to Thailand is anything but short. Spending long hours on a plane, it will be important to get sleep.

Listening to music is a great way to kill time. Trying to fall asleep is a feasible yet challenging option in economy class, but having earplugs will help make the task easier.