Enjoying Coconuts at Koh Samui

Nothing beats a cold coconut drink on a beach

At Koh Samui things to do never seem to run out – foreigners will have the time of their lives on this island, which features the perfect balance of unspoilt natural beauty and tourist-oriented businesses. For many of this tropical paradise’s visitors, adopting the islander healthy diet (and implementing it in their lifestyle back home) is one thing they’d like to achieve during their stay.

That said, Koh Samui travel guides say that including the coconut in any eating and drinking regimen is a must for those who wish to stay fit and healthy. But regardless of all its life-enhancing attributes, misinformation surrounding this wonder nut is constantly being spread, most especially throughout the western world.

According to these erroneous facts, the fruit’s oil contains saturated fat, which can clog arteries and cause various heart problems.

False info such as the one listed above have been fabricated by organizations such as the Corn Products Company (CPC International) and the American Soybean Association (ASA). These groups are economically motivated to slam the reputation of the coconut. Companies that create products derived from this natural occurring good have already affected revenues generated by other firms using products derived from other fruits and vegetables.

So just like any other giant company that’s being bothered by its rivals, Koh Samui travel guides explain that these organizations have resorted to distorting scientific evidence in an attempt to turn consumers off towards purchasing goods coconut-based products.

Here’s what tourists need to know: although this super nut does contain fat, it’s way different from the unhealthy variation that most people think it to be. Its fat is called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which is metabolized differently from the fats found in other oils.

In addition, despite most of its fat is the saturated type, several studies suggest that not all saturated fats are detrimental to health. Coconut oil is proven to raise HDL cholesterol, which is the “good” type needed by the body.

Coconut water has also been shown to be beneficial for human health. 11ozs of this liquid contains significant amounts of potassium, 15 carbohydrates, and a gram of protein, making it great for workouts – one of those important Koh Samui things to do during any vacation, especially for fitness concerned individuals.

However, Koh Samui travel guides say that 11oz of this nut’s water does contain 60 calories, therefore, it should be taken in moderation, preferably during or after workouts.

More Flights for Bangkok Airways

Koh Samui has become such a popular destination that additional flights are now available

Bangkok Airways, a regional airline in Thailand, which has the Koh Samui Island among its premier destinations, is planning to add more local flights in two of its routes. The airline said it is launching two daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi this April and four flights weekly from Bangkok to Mandalay in September. These two routes were being expanded due to rising demand, the airline disclosed, adding that other airlines like Thai AirAsia have already moved in on the opportunity.

Nevertheless, it emphasized that boosting its KohSamui travel services remains prominent in Bangkok Airways’ radar screen. Regulatory restrictions currently prevent the airline from operating more flights out of the island’s airport, which the airlines also owns and operates. It is seeking clearance from environmental authorities for an increase to fifty in the number of flights allowed through Koh Samui from the present thirty-eight. 

Making the flight times in the airport more frequent by one hour is expected to accomplish this. The present 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. flight schedules in the island, in effect, would be changed to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., thus accommodating more flights and tourist arrivals drawn by Koh Samui attractions.  

Out of the thirty-eight flights now allowed at the Koh Samui airport, thirty-one are accounted for by Bangkok Airways; the remaining seven are shared by Malaysia’s Firefly, Singapore’s SilkAir, and Thai Airways. Obtaining government permission for the added flights is pivotal to Bangkok Airways’ aim to launch more international routes to Koh Samui. 

The airline is eying possible links with the cities of Taipei and Shanghai. The island’s airport is already serving flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

A Bangkok airways executive said that the airline wants to diversify its market. The airline, which marks its 45^th year this 2013, draws a significant portion of its revenue from its Koh Samui airport and flights operation. The airline executive noted that the rising number of hotel rooms at the resort island, estimated at 10,000 at present, indicate an incoming fast growth in demand for airline seats.

Additional flight frequencies on existing routes that Bangkok Airways likewise plans includes increasing to five flights a week it’s Bangkok–Male and Bangkok–Luang Prabang services from the current four and two, respectively. Daily flights on the Koh Samui–Phuket and Bangkok–Chiang Mai routes may also be increased to six, while the daily Koh Samui–Chiang Mai flights may be bumped up to seven.

Koh Samui Attractions: Thailand’s Wildlife

Make sure to check out some of Thailand's wildlife while on the island

One of the biggest Koh Samui attractions today is the island’s collection of interesting and unique wildlife. Approximately 282 mammals have been identified in Thailand, which basically means that a whopping twelve per cent of all mammal species across the planet can be found within this country.

Seeing at least some of these animals up close and personal is simply one of those Koh Samui things to do that shouldn’t be neglected. Folks fascinated by these beasts will definitely be impressed by the diverse range of wildlife – including everything from an elephant to the world’s smallest mammal, the Hog-nosed bat – to meet.

Tourists will be pleased to know that there are 13 species of primates, 18 ungulates, 36 carnivores, 70 rodents, and 92 bats. Today, there are two species of bear dwelling within the borders of Thailand. One is the Asiatic black bear, and the other is the Malaysian sun bear – the smallest bear in the world to date.

Moreover, both bears are omnivores, so they primarily thrive on vegetables and fruit.

There are also nine wildcat species – including the tiger – in existence within Thailand. Other species include the golden cat, leopard cat, and the popular clouded leopard. However, these tigers have dwindled in number due to heavy persecution. Fortunately, the West Forest Complex continues to act as the country’s most important tiger habitats to date.

Ungulates – commonly referred to as hoofed animals – in Thailand include sambar deer, barking deer and wild boars. The gaur, which is the planet’s biggest wild cattle species, can also be found here as well. Moreover, mountain goats known as serows have also been spotted on the steep cliffs of Thailand’s western area.

Of course, elephants (which were once depicted in the country’s flag) also dwell in Thailand. Unfortunately, just like the tiger, their numbers have diminished due to hunting as well. Today, there are only 2,000 to 3,000 of these animals left, of which many roam in parks protected by Wild Watch Thailand.

Nevertheless, the opportunity to see at least some of these beasts are one of the most renowned Koh Samui attractions island visitors wouldn’t want to miss during their holidays. Without question, going on trips to appreciate the beauty of these mammals is one of the best Koh Samui things to do today, especially for those who so happen to enjoy going to zoos and other natural wildlife habitats.

Top Five Herbs and Spices in Koh Samui

Delectable Thai herbs is one of the reason Thai food is so delectable

The list of Koh Samui things to do goes beyond watersports at white sand beaches, exploring uninhabited islands, hanging out at bars, or relaxing on the balcony of a villa facing the ocean. Thai food – which is touted by health experts to be one of the healthiest foods known to man – is loaded with special herbs and spices with special disease-fighting and immune-boosting properties.

According to Koh Samui travel guides, there’s a wide range of these cooking ingredients with excellent nutritional value. With that said, feel free to check out the list of this island’s top five herbs and spices below.

First on the list is lemongrass – this herb’s usage dates back to ancient times when the Chinese utilized its medicinal properties for the treatment of diseases such as fevers, headaches, stomach aches, flus, colds, arthritis and fungal conditions. Today, lemongrass is extensively used as an important ingredient for the preparation of numerous Thai dishes, mainly because of its fragrant, lemony characteristics.

Second on this list is Galangal – although grown in the majority of Southeast-Asian countries, this variation of ginger was originally used as medicine and a cooking ingredient in China and Java. Its popularity gradually breached the walls of Europe during the Middle Ages. Galangal was even used by St. Hildegard of Bingen as a remedy for diseases ranging from heart disease to indigestion.

Third, we have turmeric – Koh Samui travel guides explain that its main active ingredient is curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory attributes, thereby making it effective against conditions such as arthritis. Additionally, it’s also a powerful antioxidant, which makes it great for destroying free radical buildups.

Fourth entry on the list is Chillies – not only does this ingredient lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, or help an individual sleep better at night, but it’s also good for the heart, and actually helps maintain glucose and insulin levels as well.

Fifth and last item on the list Coriander – its seed has been used since ancient times by healers across the globe for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems. Koh Samui travel guides say this herb is also known as cilantro in the western world, and the herb and seed are used in numerous Thai cuisines today.

Considering all the health benefits to be enjoyed from these herbs and spices – as well as the remarkable flavor they render – tourists are strongly advised to include “eating Thai food” in their list of Koh Samui things to do.

Canopy Adventures in Koh Samui

Enjoy an amazing canopy adventure in Koh Samui

People should make a list of KohSamui things to do before departing for their trips in order to maximize every precious hour they spend in the tropical paradise. They also need to take into careful consideration the Koh Samui weather – although climate conditions tend to stay favorable throughout most of the year, a rainy day could postpone an outdoor trip by several hours or longer.

But given that the clouds are gone and the sun is bright and shining, tourists who’d like to get that adrenaline rush of a lifetime should definitely consider making a quick stopover Canopy Adventures in Maenam.

The rush that has gotten folks from around the world buzzing involves zip-lining through a rainforest at speeds reaching 50 mph and beyond. Not only is the adventure breath-taking, but the beautiful, unspoilt view of nature at its best is simply astonishing.

A good thing about Canopy Adventures is they eliminate the need for customers to travel going to the actual zip-line site themselves. Tourists will be picked up at their hotels, apartments, villas, or wherever it is they’re staying, and be escorted to the area.

Passengers will be taken on an off-road safari through the island’s untouched areas, approximately four kilometres from the main road of Maenam. Along the way, a quick stopover is to be made at Hammock bar, where folks can enjoy refreshments. They’ll also be fitted out with the necessary equipment and gear for the adventure waiting ahead.

Once everyone has been securely outfitted with all necessities, participants will go on a short trek going to the training area. A trained guide will then show each individual how to cable ride, and then allow everyone to practice on their own. Learning isn’t difficult at all, as only a few minutes are needed to become an expert.

From there, guides take their students to the next phase wherein they can zip from one point to another at freewill. There are seven tree platforms and six lengthy cables, which add up to a total of 500 meters of pure fun!

With all that said, cable riding is definitely one of the many Koh Samui things to do during a holiday within the island. So long as the Koh Samui weather conditions are predicted to be fine, anyone from the age of 7 to 85 can feel free to zip through trees like monkey anytime!