Wat Plai Laem

This amazing Buddhist themed artwork is a must see sight

Numerous frequent travellers feel that there’s practically no valid excuse for an individual not to spend a holiday in this tourist destination. Other than the all-year-round mostly pleasant Koh Samui weather conditions, there’s a plethora of things to see throughout the duration of their visit.

Amongst the many awe-inspiring Koh Samui attractions there are to see in this mystical little island, Wat Plai Laem would definitely be worth the time of any traveller interested in seeing unique architectural beauty at its finest. Located at the island’s northeast coast, this Buddhist temple               compound features a massive 18-arm image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion.

This establishment showcases beautiful Buddhist-themed art and architecture unlike any other most western tourists have ever seen before. The sophisticated designs of this structure are the handiwork of Jarit Phumdonming – one of Thailand’s most respected artists.  It also offers visitors a glimpse of Chinese-Thai beliefs as well.

Devotees from across the island come to the magnificent temple to pay homage to Guanyin and the Buddha. Images of these two gods are depicted in various murals and statues spread throughout the temple.

Although construction took place much earlier in comparison to some of the older attractions within Samui, the building techniques utilized by the compound’s creators were centuries old, and was based on ancient beliefs.

Guanyin’s depiction with 18 arms describes her ability and willingness to extend help to those who ask for it. She is also said to be protector of all human beings, and is also the source of unconditional love. Females who intend to bear children come to Wat Plai Laem and pray to Guanyin to help them out with the task (because she’s also seen as the goddess of fertility.)

The structure is surrounded by a panoramic lake, which further enhances the compound’s tranquility. In these waters are groups of fish swimming everywhere. In exchange for a small donation, guests will be given a small bag of food, which they can use to feed the amphibians.

This temple truly belongs to the list of Koh Samui attractions, and will definitely serve as a pleasant, long-lasting memory to those who’ve made the trip to see it. Vacationers can plot trips going here during the daytime only. Nonetheless, they won’t have to worry much about bad Koh Samui weather, as it’s nice and warm (instead of rainy) throughout most of the year.

The Status of Foreigners in Koh Samui

YOU would be excited if you were in Koh Samui too!

No individual can fully understand what life in a tourist destination is really like unless they’ve been born there, or at least have spent several years interacting with the locals. Koh Samui travel guides say the same can be said about Thailand, as well as its many islands, which have attracted countless foreigners over the decades.

Beyond the beautiful Koh Samui beaches, first-class hotels, exotic clubs, spas, and exciting snake shows is a wonderful lifestyle unique to those residing in the western world. In this island, the concept of status weighs heavily amongst every local and foreigner that sets foot on the island.

According to locals, those who bear the highest statuses are either members of the royal family or the Buddhist monkhood. Being a member of either group usually entails universal respect and even love from the majority of the populace.

On the other hand, the status of those who don’t have blue blood or belong to a Buddhist monastery is gauged according to a variety of factors, including the following: age, job and wealth.

Older folks – whether local or international – definitely gain a greater deal of respect as compared to younger individuals (especially if they so happen to work the same job and are more or less equal in terms of wealth.)

Koh Samui travel guides say that if two individuals were to cross paths, the younger of the two would technically have to walk by “shorter” than the older individual. Foreigners, however, aren’t expected to follow this particular show of respect.

Occupation is definitely a massive determinant of respect – although a teacher may not earn much, he or she is given the title “Anjan” (which means teacher). The holder of such a title is given massive admiration by Thais, even after retiring from the job.

Lastly, rich folks are regarded as prestigious members of society, and therefore boast high status as well.

Koh Samui travel guides say foreigners are generally stereotyped as wealthy people, especially if they come to Samui to retire. In this aspect, retirees instantly score big points in terms of wealth, and garner even more respect considering their age.

If they’ve retired from “admirable” or high-powered jobs, their statuses are boosted even further. With all that said, an example of a foreigner who’d be given high status by locals at the Koh Samui beaches would be a retired university teacher with a large bank account and a big stream of income from his or her pension plan.

Playing Golf at the Santiburi Samui Country Club

The Santiburi Samui Country is one of the top places to go golfing in Thailand

A lot of golf enthusiasts usually prefer having their holidays spent at some place where there’s a golf course nearby. Fortunately, such a development so happens to be one of the many Koh Samui attractions that make spending a holiday within the tropical paradise even more worthwhile.

All the travel guides say Santiburi Samui Country club is a championship course that’s built on the mountain of the island. Spanning 6,930 yards, this par-72, 18-hole course features unique challenges of its own. This magnificent development blends in astonishingly well with its natural environment – downhill slopes, steep hills, and winding fairways which pass through the coconut forest, cliffs, and mountain creeks – making it none like any other most golfers have seen in their lifetime.

This club has a set of rules and guidelines applicable to everyone who wants to play, which includes making reservations in advance. Those who come in groups are allowed five people – including non-golfers – in total only. Golfers are required to register at the proshop at least 15 minutes before game time. Moreover, each golfer is expected to use a golf cart and have a caddie.

Koh Samui travel guides say there’s a dress code that’s applicable to both male and female players. For the men, they should wear shirts with collars and sleeves at all times. For their bottoms, slacks, golf shorts, or walking shorts are acceptable.

Females should also wear collared shirts with sleeves as well. For their lower garments, slacks, mid-length shorts and mid-length skirts are appropriate. Both men and women are required to wear soft-spike or spike-less golfing shoes only. Any type of footwear that could cause damage to the playing field is strictly prohibited.

Aside from the clubhouse, there are other amenities available to Santiburi’s customers, of which includes a classy restaurant with a spectacular view of the ocean.

Anyone looking to enjoy all that Santiburi Samui Country Club has to offer is advised to reserve accommodations at a nearby place, such as ShaSa Resort & Residences, which is considered by many to be one of the biggest Koh Samui attractions. Other than the fact this resort comes with luxurious suites and premier amenities, Koh Samui travel guides say it also offers its guest a FREE shuttle service going to the golf course as well.

Koh Samui: Jewel of the Gulf of Thailand

Relax in the jewel of the Gulf of Thailand at the ShaSa resort

The lovely Island of Koh Samui in Eastern Thailand offers excellent diving opportunities and legendary hospitality for tourists to enjoy, according to Capt. Charlie Dwyer of 36m Yanneke of the Asia Pacific Superyachts Samui. 

Considered as the Thailand Gulf Jewel, Koh Samui is such a natural beauty and features several options that are perfect for anchoring along its coast.  Samui and its surrounding Islands offer a wide selection of travel destinations and activities that are sure to keep tourists busy.  Tourists will enjoy the island’s Monkey Shows, Snake Shows, Elephant Trekking, Temples, Mountain Safari Trip, and the Waterfalls Thai Cultural Dancing.  The island also offers several of Thailand’s finest spas and restaurants. 

Koh Samui is home to magnificent and famous beaches such as Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach.  Chaweng is the most-developed and largest beach in the island and features a mix of luxurious villas and hotels, backpacker guesthouses, and exciting nightlife.  Lamai is located just south of Chaweng and appeals more to backpackers.  The island is also famous for its events and festivals such as the Buffalo Fighting Festival, Samui Regatta, Triathlon Event, to name some. 

Situated 20NM from the Island of Koh Samui is the interesting Angthong National Marine Park featuring a magnificent group of forty-two exciting and uniquely different islands.  Just 7NM from Koh Samui is Koh Phangan, a tropical island that is famous for its natural beauty as well as its “Full Moon Party”.  Located to the north of Samui is the Koh Tao Island, which is considered as the Gulf’s Diving Mecca.  The island also has the biggest diving school in the world.  Tourists who are interested in learning how to dive can simply visit Koh Tao. 

The Island of Koh Samui can be used as the base for visiting and discovering the various magnificent islands found in the gulf’s vast turquoise seas such as the Islands of Koh Samet and Koh Chang.  From the island, it is easy to sail on to Pattaya and even to Thailand’s cultural capital, Bangkok.  For tourists, the best months to explore Koh Samui are from May to September.  

Soul Rejuvenation at ShaSa Resort

A woman getting a rejuvenating massage at the 5 star ShaSa Resort

Booking a trip with a Koh Samui travel agent for a holiday at the mystical island is a decision that the traveler won’t regret. The warm weather, cool sea breeze, and white sand beaches are only a few of the many island’s features that make this tourist destination a favourite amongst seasoned vacationers who’ve had the privilege of seeing the best of what the world has to offer.

State-of-the-art facilities designed to help customers relax and release all that negative energy crammed up inside are one of the main Koh Samui attractions that international guests have learned to love.

ShaSa Resort & Residences is a quick 45-minute drive away from the island’s airport. This luxurious resort boasts one of the island’s best spas today, which features the ShaSa Health Club, Life Fitness exercise machines – including a treadmill, skywalker, elliptical climber, personal trainers and more – free weights, plus other equipment necessary to give customers a one-of-a-kind rejuvenating experience.

Inside this renowned facility are modernized massage tables, reclining chairs, equipment sterilizer, as well as other accessories intended to ensure every client is kept comfortable as possible within a hygienic environment.

Depending on the service or package requested by the customer, personal towel robes, bottoms, shirts and other disposal apparel will be given to customers. Shower rooms are readily available for customers who’d like to freshen up before and after being massaged.

Koh Samui travel guides (who’ve availed treatment at this spa before) say massages last anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours and beyond. Folks interested in getting their bodies rubbed down may avail special oil massages, Swedish and Thai massages, and plenty of others.

One of this spa’s most popular services – of which can be considered one of the many Koh Samui attractions on its own – is known as the Coffee Scrub treatment. This service incorporates the use of freshly grounded coffee beans and brown sugar, which is then rubbed onto the skin to remove dead skin cells to reveal glowing exfoliated skin.

Another bath treatment that travel guides recommend for tourists is the mineral salt body scrub. This method utilizes a combination of mineral salt scrub and essential oils to help customers relax, moisturize the skin, kill bacteria, and exfoliate dead skin cells.

The list of available services at ShaSa Resort’s spa is quite lengthy, and only includes premium services designed to render clients a truly relaxing experience during their stay within the tropical paradise.