Attractions from your Samui Hotel

Information: These heavyweights are mostly involved in fighting as there is no (rice) farming anymore on Samui. This is a sport specific to the south of, and on Samui it generates a great deal of excitement.

Usually, the more aggressive the buffalo, the greater the crowd's delight. The fight ends when one animal turns and runs, usually well before either animal gets hurt. But for the peace-loving ones there is now the "Living Thailand Buffalo Show". Features are a Thai farming museum, a buffalo theatre showing paddy ploughing and rice planting and a ride in a buffalo cart.

Lamai Overlap Stone

Information: It is a challenge to get up to these impressive balanced boulders, but the spectacular views on arrival make it worthwhile for the adventurous traveller. The steep, rough, dirt-track road leading to the viewpoint should only be attempted on a dirt bike or with a 4x4, and the last stretch may have to be walked, depending on conditions. Alternatively it is a hard 20-minute climb on foot, but there is a refreshment stall at the top and it is an exhilarating experience before you return to your Ko Samui Resort.

Koh Samui Butterfly Garden

Information: At the Samui Butterfly Garden you can treat your eyes to a deluge of butterflies and other tropical insects. These stunning butterflies fill the garden with colour. There are some massive varieties of butterfly that are easily a quarter meter wide. There are also a number of preserved butterflies on display for the curious.

For bug enthusiasts, there is an Insect Museum at the Samui Butterfly Garden in Ko Samui, featuring rare insects from Thailand and other countries, and a bee house, where you can observe the activities of bees.

Hua Thanon

Information: This fishing village is home to a large proportion of Samui's Muslim population, and still retains a quaint, old-Samui feel, with rickety teakwood houses lining the road, as well as some decent seafood restaraunts and ethnic clothing and jewellery boutiques. Whilst you may not see too many long-tail boats setting off to cast nets these days, its worth checking out the teak houses put to modern usage, with the play station arcades and cars parked in the front rooms.

The Passage Samui Villas &Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Ang Thong Marine National Park

Information: This popular day excursion takes you to some 40 protected limestone islands about 30 km northwest of Ko Samui, the tallest reaching up to 400m and mostly covered in tropical rain forest; altogether beautiful and safe sanctuaries to dozens of bird species and other mammals.

The park headquarters (where most boats stop) is on Ko Wua Talab and a 400 metre climb to the peak offers superb panoramic views. Other islands have spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations, and there is a lovely saltwater lake on Ko Mae Ko; a major attraction, but requiring a fairly strenuous climb in the heat of the day. For those in shape, a better and more adventurous way to explore this area is to book a one-day Kayaking Tour around the marine park, admiring the attractions close up, including fascinating rock formations, limestone cliffs, secret caves and alluring grottoes. Big Game Fishing day trips can also be arranged during your stay in a hotel Koh Samui.

If time permits, visitors might want to visit the island of Pha Ngan, 15 kilometres to the north which is almost as large as Samui, and easily accessed by daily ferry boats. This island is high and rugged, with rocky granite headlands separating many palm- fringed beaches hiding in secluded coves. Another option is Koh Tao, the smallest and remotest of the three major islands, but sharing the same geological structure, with spectacular beaches, and dramatic rocky headlands dominated by huge granite boulders.

The Passage Samui Villas &Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Sun, Sand and Samui Hotel

Lamai Beach

Information: Samui's second most popular beach, Lamai is a little quieter, a little looser, and a little cheaper than Chaweng. There is something distinctly boom-town about the main strip, which is generally referred to as Lamai Gulch, with its bars, diners and shops crammed together along the roadside and down the dusty sidelanes. Ride or walk to the back of the beach road and you're in the heart of banana groves and coconut plantations, and you can take a mountain bike ride up the hilltracks and into the rugged interior... Or follow the road down past the headland where the infamous Grandfather and Grandmother rocks attract picnicking Thais.

Lamai is home to a charming old temple with a tiny museum, and a number of local gyms where you can take Thai boxing lessons. You will also find a choice of dive shops and even a couple of meditation centers. After dark Lamai Gulch loses its sleepy daytime persona and becomes a jumping nightspot. There are some real home-style alfresco places with Thai and western food, pub/saloons featuring live bands, video movies on show and several discos which start swinging 'round about midnight. Central Lamai has a broad selection of bungalow type Samui accommodation, ranging from budget lodgings to the magnificent, the latter with tended landscaped gardens, swimming pools and sweet seclusion.

Mae Nam Beach

Information: It’s hard to believe as you drive along the Ring Road in Maenam that just a few hundred metres away there is one of the prettiest beaches that Koh Samui has to offer. Once you're off the road, it’s an amazingly tranquil spot, fringed the whole way along by majestic palms. It’s also here that you find some of the cheapest accommodation deals on the island, as well as a few up-market resorts.

The sand, though not postcard white powder, is a fine yellow colour, with a turquoise sea stretching away. In the distance you can see Koh Pha Ngan, Samui’s sister island, and on a clear day distant Koh Tao. For those who know it, Maenam represents a largely unspoilt beach and when you sit on the sands here, and look along it in either direction, it’s hard to see the development, most of which consists of small collections of bungalows.

Maenam Beach, unlike Chaweng, is never crowded, and very often you will come across only a handful of people sunbathing.

The Passage Samui Villas &Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Koh Samui Beaches

Big Buddha Beach (Bang Rak Beach)

The beach is sheltered and has a backdrop of coconut palms and other tropical trees giving you that desert island feeling. The water here is generally warm, above body temperature and calm, but not clear enough to snorkel. The beach drops off quite steeply a few metres from the low water line so if you are not a good swimmer beware of that fact. We did not experience any strong currents. There at a few sharp rocks in places but these can easily be avoided. The sand is a coarse yellow, mildly abrasive and not suitable for sand castles!

There are a few luxury hotel resort areas and restaurants, a fisherman’s village and of course Big Buddha Beach is overlooked by the Big Buddha Statue from where the beach derives its name.

Bo Phut Beach

Information: Bo Phut Beach is situated on the north east of the island of Koh Samui. The beach is a couple of kilometres in length. The beach itself is made of a yellow fairly coarse sand (that doesn't make good sand castles!) Gently sloping down from a mainly coconut palm fringe to a pleasantly warm, generally quiet aquamarine sea.

The water is not generally clear enough to snorkel and the underwater beach drops away quite steeply a few meters out at low tide. The water at high tide still leaves a good wide stretch of sand and at low tide the beach doubles in breadth. There are no strong under currents in the bay.

The Bo Phut Resort areas are spread thinly along the length of the beach except around the central area where there is a fisherman's village and crude jetty. Around the same area there are a number of bars and restaurants catering for just about all tastes. Bo Phut Beach resort areas are popular with all nationalities: British, German, Australian and Japanese seeming to be the prevalent 'species'.

The Passage Samui Villas &Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Luxury Resort Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a charming island situated 700 kilometres south east of Bangkok with many luxury boutique resorts. It is an explorers dream, but easy to drive around by car or motorbike being just 21km at it’s widest and 25km at its longest point. You also drive on the right! Some areas of the north of the island around Chaweng and Lamai have been developed, and are extremely lively, however much of the island, especially the south coast, remains largely undeveloped. The island retains its sleepy magic, is a tropical paradise with every possible amenity. There are lots of water sports and super beaches. The interior of the island is mountainous with beautiful lush scenery. The Thai people are gentle and well mannered.

The island has something for everyone, every type of restaurant from budget to top class and covering international cuisine. There are numerous holistic centres and health spas and you can pamper yourself with an inexpensive massage. Young people love the island for the nightlife in Chaweng, and the full moon parties on neighbouring Koh Phangnan, and yet the island has an extremely relaxed and safe feel to it.

The weather is hot! Coolest in Jan-Feb (79f /26c on average) March-May is the hot, driest season. It has been known to reach 40 degrees. June-Sept is usually hot and sunny, with the occasional downpour that doesn't last long Oct-Dec Frequent showers (not monsoons) in October and the weather settles in mid-December, giving extremely long sunny periods.

The Passage Samui Villas &Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

A Dining Guide for your Koh Samui Holiday

Thai food is one of those things that you should never miss when you visit Koh Samui. Thai cuisine is world renowned for the diversity of its ingredients, its outstanding spiciness and medicinal properties. You will never go hungry in Koh Samui that is for certain because no matter where you are from or what food you like, you will always find it in Samui.

Where to eat in Samui

A high concentration of restaurants can be found along Chaweng beach. The Tree Tops is one of Samui’s restaurants that are worth mentioning because of its uniqueness. With only 8 tables, each table is an individual tree house. However, it is important to make reservations since the popularity and smallness of the restaurant makes it one of the most sought after dining places in Samui. Without reservations, you don’t stand a chance to enjoy a memorable experience.

For high quality Thai food at reasonable prices, your best bet would be Lamai Beach. Lamai is a charming resort town located on Samui’s east coast where every kind of dining option is available from the exotic to the traditional Thai cuisine. You can have a choice from dining underneath the stars while seated on comfortable cushions by the beach or fancy dining in a chic restaurant with a live band. Hilltop restaurants offer the best of dining experience with a magnificent view of the island.

Romantic dining in Samui

Many Samui boutique hotels will set up a special romantic dinner by the beach if you make a request. Some of the places where you choose to be accommodated will be willing to do so even without any extra charges except for the normal bill that you will pay for a meal. The boutique hotel staff will set up a table away from the rest of beachgoers so that you can enjoy a private romantic dining under the stars.

The Passage Samui Villas &Resort
57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7

www.thepassagesamui.com
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Important Tips for the Traveler to Koh Samui

Travel tips are important if you are new in Thailand. Visiting Koh Samui takes you to a place with magnificent beaches and an abundance of natural environment where you gain peace and tranquility after months of hard work. Travel guides provide you with the right choices for Koh Samui accommodations to gain an entirely different experience. It also helps you navigate the cultural nuances that make Thailand a unique destination.

Visas to Thailand        

Entry to Thailand requires a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Tourist visas to Thailand are available by applying at the Thai consulate or Embassy before travelling. Always check for new visa regulations before application as it can always change.

Currency of Koh Samui

Thailand’s currency is the Baht that comes in denominations of 1,000, 500, 100, 50 and 20 bills. Coins are 10, 5 and 1. Most international currencies and Travel Cheques can be exchanged at banks or local money exchangers. Credit cards are accepted at most establishments. ATM machines are found all over the place with optional displays in English.

Accommodations in Koh Samui

Lamai Beach is Samui’s second most developed beach where travelers can find a full range of accommodations from backpacker hostels to Samui boutique hotels and luxury villas. At the northern coast of the island is Bo Phut that offers accommodations that are bit secluded but a good launching point for dive excursions. Laem Yai beach is a lovely and relatively isolated spot with hotels and resorts tucked away from the usual hustle and bustle of the island’s mains beaches.

Customs and traditions in Koh Samui

Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles and its people are some of the friendliest, warmest and most welcoming that you will ever likely to meet. The people are aware that foreign travelers have their own culture but it is important to be polite and courteous at all times. After all, this only basic good manners and not a difficult thing to do.

The Passage Samui Villas &Resort

57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7

www.thepassagesamui.com
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Koh Samui – Events and Festivities for 2014

Koh Samui is Thailand’s most famous island gateway with its beautiful beaches, relaxed island atmosphere and abundance of accommodations for every kind of tourist whether the adventurous backpacker or company executive. Accommodations range from the low-priced hostels to reasonably priced Samui boutique hotels. Samui is easy to access by virtue of its airport – Samui International Airport at the northern part of the island. However, to get a better view of the crystalline waters, a ferry ride takes only about 45 minutes to an hour.

Events in Samui 2014

January – the first month of the year is celebrated with a Buffalo Fighting Festival. This is different to the bull fighting that is known all over the world. In Samui, bulls are festooned with ribbons and gold-painted leaves on their horns after which the bulls are blessed with holy water before the fights.  

April – is the month for the Songkran and an all-around national water fight for anyone who has the guts to venture outdoors. Traditionally, Songkran was celebrated by bathing Buddha’s images with water. From the sprinkling of water into someone’s hands, Songkran has evolved into a friendly mass drenching that does not spare anyone.

May – is Buddha’s birthday that is celebrated with candlelit processions. Tourists are welcome to join the parades that prove to be a unique experience.

August – is the Queen’s birthday and as with all royal celebrations, this guarantees a magnificent fireworks display.

November – is celebrated with the some of the most beautiful sights and festivities related to the annual festival of Loy Kratong. Held on a November full moon, little floats made from banana trunks, flowers and candles are set afloat on the waters to symbolize the casting away of troubles and a call for a happy future.

December – is a much revered month throughout Thailand because it is the king’s birthday. Celebrations are held all over Thailand especially for this occasion. 

The Passage Samui Villas & resort

57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7

www : www.thepassagesamui.com

Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com

Koh Samui – offering you an Abundance of Unique Experiences in a Natural Environment

Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular island resort destinations. There is so much in store for a visitor in Samui from absolute fun on the crystalline waters to intense full-moon party scenes. Samui is one of the most coveted destinations in Thailand to enjoy a first class holiday without spending a fortune. Samui accommodations are reasonably priced with the hospitality and friendliness that are trademarks of Thailand.

What to eat in Samui

Samui is now a culinary destination with several first class restaurants featuring talented and well known chefs. Chaweng Beach is 6 kilometers long and features the best of beachside dining. Just before the sun drops, staff starts laying out some short legged tables, wooden beach chairs, beach lounging cushions and flaming torches on the sand for a unique kind of beach dining. You can take your pick from Thai traditional cuisine to international dishes with emphasis on seafood all cooked to perfection.

Full moon parties on Koh Samui

Thailand’s tourism industry has paved the way for various upscale bars and clubs catering to tourists who want to have some fun. However, every visitor in Samui must try the monthly full moon parties on the neighboring Pha Ngan Island that rage all night to honor the full moon. Boatloads of partygoers go to the island to experience this one-of-a-kind heart-pounding all night party.

World class diving in Samui

Koh Samui offers a great opportunity for world class diving amidst the fabulous offshore coral reefs. The ultimate diving destination in Thailand is Koh Tao but skilled divers prefer Sail Rock or Ang Thong National Marine Park that boasts of a pristine natural environment.

Elephant ride in Samui

The whole family will certainly have an unforgettable experience of elephant rides in a jungle setting. An elephant is something a visitor to Thailand will not miss since it is always the perfect setting for memorable photographs to show back home. 

The Passage Samui Villas & resort

57/ 6-7, Moo 5
Angthong,
KohSamui, Suratthani
Postal code 84140

Phone: +66 77 421 721
Fax: +66 77 421 726-7
www : www.thepassagesamui.com
Email: rsvn@thepassagesamui.com or sales@thepassagesamui.com