The amount of vacation time you have should decide where you stay. Given that my sister and I had four days, we decided to stay at the touristy stretch of Chaweng Beach. With hotels lining up the beach front, the other side was full of…Read More

The amount of vacation time you have should decide where you stay. Given that my sister and I had four days, we decided to stay at the touristy stretch of Chaweng Beach. With hotels lining up the beach front, the other side was full of restaurants from the familiar McDonalds, KFC to Haggendas and Star Bucks. If you decide to stay there for longer than a week, then the beautiful, cheaper and less touristy Lamai Beach is a good option. We decided to split our holiday into three parts – beach time, adventure time, and shopping anytime!

Armed with an umbrella, we decided to undertake the shopping factor having seen all the stalls lined outside our hotel – from pirated CD’s to colourful sarongs and tee-shirts selling for a song – the 5 kilometer stretch walk was definitely worth it. But it was obvious that sun, sand and song was on everybody’s mind as the beach was crowded with bodies getting a tan, chilling out and trying some water sports. We found a quiet corner to do the same and allowed beauty of the beach to capture our senses. Also, try your hand at adventure sorts like parasailing or the water scooters. The view from the top, along with the silence and the breeze blowing through your hair is worth every penny you pay for it!

Our exploratory mission began early next day. Our day trip began with a visit to Hin Ta Hin Yai – two famous granite stones called the Grand Mother’s and Grand father’s rock as they are shaped like male and female genitalia and said to be origin of the ‘Mui people’. The stones are just an excuse for a fabulous view of the coastline and definitely worth going click happy! The next on our list was the Na Muang Waterfalls -- Samui’s best known waterfall. At the base of the hill is a beautiful elephant park, with a crocodile and snake show for visitors. If you are traveling with children, they will love it – as did a lot of kids! Walk a few kilometers uphill and just below a canopy of trees will bring you to a large pool and waterfall.

After a trip through the island’s lush jungle, we were just grateful for a dip an shower beneath the 30-ft waterfall. Cold, chilling and beautiful – we grabbed our share of lemon tea and cola cans and sipped them in the pool. The day was rounded with lunch on a cliff garden restaurant, a visit to the beautifully crafted Magic Statue Garden and the Big Buddha in Boput. Walking, sweating and being on our feet all day had hunger strike us much early than we expected…

The great part about Samui is the choice of restaurants. We indulged in some regular dal-chawal at a tony Indian restaurant (!) and then some superb Starbucks Hot Chocolate. We also found some great jazz live music being played at Quarter Deck – one of Chaweng’s well-known international eateries which served everything – from pizza to pasta to local Thai cuisine! The best part about Samui is that massage parlours stay open till wee hours – so if your feet hurt, just pop in for a foot massage. At a 100 bhat and at eleven in the night, this was definitely our quick way to get to heaven.

Our next day’s trip to Anthong Marine Park was an early wake up call. Two hours in our steamer brought in the beauty of the Marine Park slowly. If you get seasick, one of those quicker yachts might be a better idea. The skies are criss-crossed by soarings eagles and reef egrets while the trees are home to Asian long-tailed monkeys. We tried our hand at kay-kaying (and trust me, it’s hard work rowing that boat) and snorkeling (getting our chance to see sea turtles and schools of fish). The sand is clean, almost white and the rocks stun you into silence. If you are lucky enough to visit the island during festival time, as we were – then you are likely to see an amazing sight. Paper lanterns are lit up on the beach – which when released flow right up into the sky. They hang there like stars till the fire in the lantern lasts and then sink into the beach. As they are made with eco-friendly paper, they usually don’t pollute the sea.

Samui’s nightlife is as exciting as the colourful day trips. Most bars congregate around Soi Green Mango, where British pubs go head to head with the razzmatazz of the local bars. The great plus – dancing in the open. From dancing on regular tiled flooring, to the courtyard to even below a tree – this is nightlife in absolute natural surroundings.

Our last day on Samui was spent in the spa. With over 30 different spas operating in Samui – aficionados are spoilt for choice. We settled on the Tamarind Springs, which is well-known for its herbal steam room. Known locally as the ‘Dragon’s Cave’, it is set between two boulders whose rocky sides serve as walls, besides a waterfall-fed plunge. Camphor, lemongrass, beach morning glory, tamarind leaf and kaffir lime infuse a spicy steam that just clears any hangover left over from last night!

Before we head to the airport the next day, we decide to indulge in a continental breakfast. Sitting at the lovely Quarter Deck, my sister and I play checkers as we watch the world go by. A large chunk of it is Indian. We even spot actor Kim Sharma with her gang of friends on a mobike. And trust me, we are sad when we say bye to Samui. It is really a slice of paradise.

Koh Samui is a great place. It must be as this is my third year in a row returning to this island and my friend’s eighth year! Koh Samui offers all I desire in a holiday destination: absolute relaxation, beautiful beaches with very temperate waters, massages…Read More

Koh Samui is a great place. It must be as this is my third year in a row returning to this island and my friend’s eighth year!

Koh Samui offers all I desire in a holiday destination: absolute relaxation, beautiful beaches with very temperate waters, massages at very reasonable prices, nightlife, shopping, and fantastic on-the-road restaurants run by the locals!

Last year, our restaurant experience was very interesting! We found a locally run place and the smells were fantastic, so we thought we would give it a go! Our first request as it was so warm was for eight Heineken -- very cold please! It was so funny to be asked by the owner if we could pay now please, so I can go buy very cold Heineken for you!!!!! Pay we did and provide he did!! Then came the meal, which was absolute perfection! If you love Thai food, then get off the main roads and give the locals a go. This was a family run operation with a granny out the back peeling and preparing as fast as she could go, children lying straight on the concrete floor next to our table, some sleeping and some doing homework! There was lots of chatter and the results were fantastic!

Koh Samui has changed over the years -- you will find Gloria Jean’s Coffee and the dreaded McDonalds -- but it still holds that Thai charm.

The value for money is unbelievable. Last year, my friend and I had a meal, and four of the lovely cold Heinekens – the total for the two of us was AU$12!!

There are lots of bars complete with Thai girls, there are sports bars, and there’s lots of shopping!

When flying to Koh Samui, we have come via Bangkok; however, this time (June 2004) we will be flying via Singapore. Either way from Australia or New Zealand, you will need a night’s stopover on the way.

Our usual length of stay is two weeks; I feel very relaxed by this stage and really feel as if I have had a decent holiday.

It’s only three months until we go again and every time we leave we all say, "Well, only 11 months ‘til we are back again!"

I really loved this small village located at the northern end of Koh Samui. It is one of those places that you tuck away as a "secret spot" that you would always return to. Consisting of one main street it sees many day visitors, and…Read More

I really loved this small village located at the northern end of Koh Samui. It is one of those places that you tuck away as a "secret spot" that you would always return to.

Consisting of one main street it sees many day visitors, and this is how we found it as we had hired a jeep to drive around the island. But when you spend a night or two, you really begin to discover it's charm. It's quiet and laid back, with a beautiful strip of sand that is never crowded.

There are some really great cafes and little restaurants, and the Coffee Junction is (you guessed it) a great spot for coffee but also for breakfast or lunch too.

Bophut also offers some great accommodation options, but in small supply, so that you don't feel that you are back in the Chaweng tourist crush.

Stake your patch on the sand and just chill out, or take in a beach massage or manicure. Because of the small number of tourists, the town is much friendlier and you meet some interesting fellow travellers and expats.

No need to worry about being harassed by the beach hawkers because there aren't any. Also lacking, thankfully, are the "go go" girls (to be polite) that seem to be in an oversupply, and latch onto any older white guy on every other part of the island.

Oh and did I mention the sunsets—they are sublime!

The best selection of restaurants can be found on Mae Nam beach. They are all very similar in both their appearance and cuisine, although some places are better than others. These restaurants also boast the best location, as they are well away from…Read More

The best selection of restaurants can be found on Mae Nam beach. They are all very similar in both their appearance and cuisine, although some places are better than others. These restaurants also boast the best location, as they are well away from the main road that circles the island. Avoid the restaurants on the road that leads down to the beach, as the food is nothing special and the cleanliness and toilet facilities at the one we ate in was appalling.

One restaurant on the main road that is worth a visit, if only for comic value, is La Trattoria. The food is overpriced, but the red-faced European manager’s ‘Italian’ act is hilarious.

The outing I would most recommend is a trip to Namuang Waterfall. One, because it’s free, and two because although it is by no means the most impressive waterfall in the world it is certainly an adventure getting to the top! Just follow…Read More

The outing I would most recommend is a trip to Namuang Waterfall. One, because it’s free, and two because although it is by no means the most impressive waterfall in the world it is certainly an adventure getting to the top! Just follow one of the guides, who will take you there for a swim.

Another highlight is the snorkeling trip to Koh Nangyaun. Food and equipment is included, and they provide life jackets for everyone, meaning non-swimmers can also participate. There are two locations to snorkel from during the trip – one directly from the boat and the other from the shore of Nangyaun , where lunch is provided.

You can inject that extra bit of ‘culture’ into your trip by visiting the infamous phallus that is ‘Grandpa Rock’. Amazing Thailand!

What can I tell, well, Samui is the most paradise like place I've ever been, and i've got to tell you, I've travelled through places. We were flying from Florence to Brussells to Zurich and then all the way up to Bangkok....and after 3 crazy days…Read More

What can I tell, well, Samui is the most paradise like place I've ever been, and i've got to tell you, I've travelled through places.

We were flying from Florence to Brussells to Zurich and then all the way up to Bangkok....and after 3 crazy days there and an 18 hour bus trip we've finally got there. The weather was the worst, and when I say the worst I mean that there was a non stop raining for about 2 days - yes, it was monsoon season... There was nothing else than a heavy storm.

From Suratani (where the port was at) we took a ferry. It was another 3 hr trip, and i've got to tell you, the view was awsome - so many islands around, it's amazing to see at the peoples' faces. All of us that were at that ferry were so exited about getting to this paradise...

So we finally got there. Manuel (the guy that I was travelling with) knew someone from Mexico that is living over there, and we were so lucky - this guy was taking some vacations in Russia, so he lent his bungalow and his bike to us. This bungalow had an ocean view and there was a great pool out there. And it was still raining!!!!

That same night was my friend's birthay so we went to party!!! There are some nice bars, or clubs (if you can call them in that way) at Chaweng Beach, and after going from one place to another, this Italian guy suggested that we move to the next beach, which is called Lamai. Over there you can find a bunch of places for ....just have fun!!!

After 3 days, the sun began shinning. I was at this BLack Moon party in a beach nearby. That same morning was the very first time that we saw the sun shining right from the middle of the ocean!!! All those beautifull palm trees, that crystal colored water - wow, I've got goose bumps. My point is that here, with such nature around and this beautifull ocean and these amazing people all around you, being right in the other side of the world from home, you notice that there are some things that really don't matter... Hope you get my point!

I don't have enough space for writing down everything of course, so I strongly recommend you to take some time, spend some hours on a plane, and enjoy enjoy and enjoy as much as you can all about this exciting place. Well, I've just mentioned almost nothing about this place, coz of course there is delicious food all around. Please try new things - don't eat pizza or a hamburguer. And try not to be the average tourist: rent a bike, go arround, take a ferry to all the beautifull islands arround, explore... In other words, relax, chill and enjoy!!!!

After a year of high living in China, I wanted to do something a bit different. I was already going to meet friends in Thailand, and during research for the trip, I discovered a site on the web about Spa Samui. I was initially intrigued…Read More

After a year of high living in China, I wanted to do something a bit different. I was already going to meet friends in Thailand, and during research for the trip, I discovered a site on the web about Spa Samui. I was initially intrigued why anyone would want to pay good money NOT to eat and also to have "colon cleansing." But the more I read, the more I realised that this could be the challenge I was looking for.

In short, it was a great week. I never felt hungry, owing to the five daily herbal supplements in a clay drink (almost as bad as it sounds, but you can cope), and I overcame my initial embarrassment at having colonics (though this confirmed that I'm not gay).

At the end of the week, I added an eighth day to my fast. I'd lost nearly 10 kilograms (but put 3 back on soon), and I felt healthy and energetic and much more aware of my food intake. I also met some lovely people who were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable and, importantly, I now fully appreciate the taste of all food and, particularly, lager.

Apparently this was on British TV last year as "celebrity detox." The general consensus was that the real thing was more fun than reality TV.

As soon as you arrive at the airport in Koh Samui, which has an alarmingly short runway and is all entirely open-air, you know you have stepped into another world. This was the first trip to Koh Samui for our travelling group and we had…Read More

As soon as you arrive at the airport in Koh Samui, which has an alarmingly short runway and is all entirely open-air, you know you have stepped into another world. This was the first trip to Koh Samui for our travelling group and we had no idea of what to expect, but we hopped into a cab and arrived at the Golden Sands Resort in Lamai Beach.

Upon registering at the check-in desk, we received a coconut with a straw in it, which was most appreciated after a 13-hour flight from Bangkok and a further hour to Koh Samui. What we didn’t realise was that we had arrived on the day of the king’s birthday and on that day, the sale of alcohol is prohibited in bars! But we managed to locate a bar, which was served to us ice cold Carlsberg in large coffee mugs.

Lamai is the second biggest resort area on Koh Samui and by my estimation is the superior. Chaweng Beach is the larger of the two and because of that, it is more "upscale," which to me means just like any other Western beach resorts -- all McDonald’s and big name chains. This is fine if you like that sort of thing, but if you are going to travel to the other side of the world, I feel that you should try to immerse yourself somewhat in that world. By that rationale, Lamai was perfect -- big enough to never be dull, small enough to make it friendlier.

In particular, check out the rising sun for the best breakfast in Lamai, the Siam Bar and Grill for great Western food, and the Suram Thai Restaurant for delicious Thai food. Ask for medium spicy, even if you normally eat spicy at home; believe me, medium is plenty. I tried a genuinely spicy Thai dish and it took three Cokes and four beers just to reduce the burning sensation.

I have been staying in Duplex M in Bo Phut for tw weeks in early October 09. I throughly enjoyed it. I stayed to enojy some sunshine and also to work. All WiFi, with full Cable TV, I was able to do some work, and…Read More

I have been staying in Duplex M in Bo Phut for tw weeks in early October 09. I throughly enjoyed it. I stayed to enojy some sunshine and also to work. All WiFi, with full Cable TV, I was able to do some work, and keep up with managing my portfolio, etc. This place is absolutely beautiful, and as the time of the day changes, the face of the place also change accordingly with breathtaking view of the sky and the sea. I really fell in love with it when it was raining. I was in the kitchen and it was raining one day, and I saw the surface of the infinity pool reflecting the rain drops. It looke as it the pool was part of the living room and as if it was indoor pond. I really fell in love with this place there and then. I have never seen something so beautiful and calimg.

This place has 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, breathtaking 180° views over the Gulf of Thailand and surrounding islands. It has an open plan main living area, European designer furniture package, floor to ceiling patio-sliding windows, which open up directly to the panoramic views of the infinity pool. 16 x 4 meter infinity pool and 9 square meter jacuzzi are great for morning laps or afternoon dips to cool down. Upstairs have 3 beautifully furnished, air conditioned bedrooms each have equally breath taking views & terraces. The master bedroom has a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom with a jacuzzi bath and separate rain dance shower. The additional two bedrooms have 1 queen size bed, 2 twins and share a large bathroom with shower. 42" flat-screen TV with full cable channels, iPOD Boss Speaker, WiFi broadband internet, 32" TV & DVD in master bedroom, air-con throughout, full SMEG designer kitchen w/ Oven & Dishwahser, indoor Jacuzzi bathtub set against the seaview, large pool terrace, private lift, 2 private covered car parking. 178 sqm of Stunning living area full of expensive modern arts. Indoor space as stunning as the view outside.
For more pictures, visit www.duplexmsamui.comClose

Peaceful Mae Nam isn’t really the place to party, so hop on a songthaew to Chaweng (about 50 baht per person) for an altogether more lively night out. Here you will find endless bars, restaurants and clubs to satisfy your night time needs.…Read More

Peaceful Mae Nam isn’t really the place to party, so hop on a songthaew to Chaweng (about 50 baht per person) for an altogether more lively night out. Here you will find endless bars, restaurants and clubs to satisfy your night time needs.Close