Visiting Koh Samui

Koh Samui is 700 kms to the south of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand and 50 kms from Surat Thani. Regular flights are the most comfortable way to reach the island. For those looking to save money, trains, buses and boats can be used. If you have car or motorcycle, there are car ferries.

Via Air

Koh Samui's little open airport has both domestic and international flights from Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. There are hourly flights from Bangkok's Suvunarbhumi International Airport between 6 am to 9 pm for Koh Samui everyday. There are hourly Bangkok Airways flights and Thai airways has 2-3 flights per day. These flights cost 2200 - 3500 baht for Bangkok Airways and can go up to 7400 baht for Thai Airways. The duration of the flight is about 1.15 hours.

Bangkok Airways also conducts daily flights to Koh Samui from Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya and twice a week flights between Krabi and Koh Samui. For economical flights, opt for Air Asia's flights from Bangkok, costing 600 - 900 baht. These flights take you to Surat Thani, from where you can take local shuttles or cabs to Donsak Pier or Samui Ferry Pier and then continue further to the island.

For international tourists, Bangkok Airways conducts direct flights from Hong Kong on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and Singapore on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Berjaya Air has 2 flights per week on Thursday and Sunday from Kuala Lumpur.

Via Train and Ferry

You have to buy train & ferry tickets separately. So you have to take local transport from the train station to the dock, where you can buy ferry tickets. To prevent any delay, find out about ferry timings in advance. However avoid online booking of trains from Bangkok to Surat Thani by using your credit card to prevent addition of handling fees to the ticket costs. You may also have to face the risk of waiting for a boat to Koh Samui or being overcharged for local transport to the dock. So it advisable to buy a combined train/shuttle/ferry ticket from one of the numerous travel agencies in Bangkok. There are 2 trains departing from Bangkok's Hualamphong station everyday and arrive at Surat Thani in 8 hours. When you take a combined ticket, you are escorted and taken to the ferry, from where you can arrive at Koh Samui in 1.5 hours. The costs starts from just more than 1000 - 1700 baht, based on the type of train seat selected for the journey.

Via Bus (or coach) and Ferry

For cost conscious, bus and ferry trip is the best option. Air-conditioned overnight buses depart from Bangkok's southern bus station everyday. These buses leave at late afternoon and early evening. On reaching Surat Thani, buses are transported to Koh Samui. Bus fares start from 300 to 400 baht based on the class of service selected and travel time is about 14 hours. Ferry fares lie below 50 baht. Private companies operate coaches and pick up people from numerous spots in Bangkok. They usually let travelers buy a combined coach/ferry tickets from local travel agencies. This journey takes around 13 hours. The cost lies between 350 - 650 baht based on the type of the service. There are daily bus services from Hat Yai, Phuket and Krabi. However this trip is meant for the toughest travelers. Unscheduled local buses halt at any spot to pick up anybody looking to board the bus. The trip may take longer than the overnight buses and coaches

Via boat

Express catamaran service to Koh Samui departs from adjacent Koh Tao and mainland ports of Chumphon and Surat Thani. There are also usual ferry service and smaller boat services available. Long-tail boat service operates planned trips to and from Koh Phangan.

Via car or motorcycle

There is a ferry service departing every hour from 06:00 - 18:00 from both Donsak Pier and Samui Ferry Pier. The time taken is about 1.5 hours.

You are welcome to publish the article along with the hyperlinked URL: Samui Hotel

By Jack Dan

Koh Samui is a Beautiful Tropical Island in Thailand

Koh Samui is the 3rd biggest island in Thailand that is located in the Gulf of Thailand, around 90 km east of Surat Thani and approximately 750 km south of Bangkok. In fact, it is really an Amphoe (district) of Surat Thani and is divided into 7 sub districts (tambon): Angthong, Bophut, Lipa Noi, Maenam, Maret, Namuang, and Taling Nam. It is also called as the Coconut Island, as it grows over 2 million coconuts each month.

The area is a tropical paradise due to its lovely white sandy beaches, azure-blue sea, vibrant green forested hills, distinct limestone and scenic coves and bays. There is hardly any traffic and the locals are warm and friendly. Due to this, the place has become a hotspot for tourism.

The island is renowned for its glorious shoreline, lined with a long arc of palm lined white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Chaweng Beach is one of the busiest and most famous beaches here. It has a large number of beachside cafes, disco bars, and cocktail bars. Another famous beach here is Lamai Beach, which is full of an assortment of restaurants and amusement centers. It is not very crowded, and so a walk on this beach is actually relaxing and peaceful.

If you want peace and privacy, then head over to Maenam Beach, which is a suitable venue for backpackers and elite. This beach houses few of the excellent deluxe resorts and hotels in the area. Bophut is another lovely beach here and has a quiet fisherman's village, full of tranquil eateries, hip boutiques, and old wooden houses.

Other famous beaches on the island include are Big Buddha Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, and Lipa Noi Beach. Every beach on the island has facilities to let you experience a wide range of activities like diving, snorkeling, swimming, and sea canoeing.

Besides this, there are infinite number of things to see and do in Koh Samui. For nature lovers, a trip to Na Tian Butterfly Garden to see a wide array of different types of brightly colored lepidopterans is a must. It also has a bee house and an insect museum, containing few rare breed of insects.

For animal lovers, there is a Crocodile Farm that contains crocodile species like Caimans and saltwater crocodiles; Samui Aquarium and Zoo containing scores of fish species and specialties such as Asian tigers, sea hawks, and parrots; and Snake Farm housing few rare and most hazardous snakes in Asia.

If you want to go sightseeing, then Koh Samui offers many enchanting attractions. One of them is Big Buddha, the most famous symbol of the island. It is a 12 m tall golden idol of Lord Buddha in sitting pose, which is visible from a distance,

Hin Ta Hin Yai, are spectacular rocks also called as Grandfather and Grandmother rocks and are regarded as the forefather of the Mui race. Magic Statue Garden is an astonishing garden situated at the heart of the forest and accessed by traveling through precipitous cliffs and forested rivers and hills and Overlap Stone, is quite tough to arrive at these remarkable boulders.

Other must-see attractions in Koh Samui comprise of temples like Hainan Temple, Hin Lad Waterfall Temple, Laem Sor Pagoda, and Pagoda Khao Chedi. Other things to see here also include Buffalo fighting, Monkey Show, and conventional Thai Boxing.

Koh Samui is well-connected by sea, land, and air and has excellent accommodation alternatives.

You are welcome to publish the article along with the hyperlinked URL: Hotels Koh Samui

By Jack Dan

Koh Samui Airport Car Hire Guide

The Koh Samui Airport is named as the most beautiful airport of all, mostly by the travelers who have gone all around the world. This airport can be found in the island of the same name in Thailand. The city center is the Chaweng Village and it is a two-kilometre ride from the airport. This airport seems different because it doesn't have any indoors. The only building with a roof around here is a gift shop.

The main attraction of the island is of course, the beautiful beaches and all the natural wonders surrounding it. The whole place is a paradise perfect for royalties. To travel around the island, you can rent different kinds of vehicles such as a jeep, a car, or a motorcycle. Taxis are easily available as well, but haggling is the key to arrive at the best possible price. The whole area is indeed a great travel destination. However, given that fact, you can quite assume that things could get a little pricey around here.

There are buses running around the island all day. But they stop the service at 11pm. If you are going to travel at a later time, you have to take the taxi. The buses here are trucks with roofs and you sit right there on the top for that perfect view of the city.

Tourists are most advised to get their own vehicle while here. There are many car hire providers available such as Sixt, Avis, and Budget. It is relatively cheaper to hire a car than to use the public transport all the time. Try to book a vehicle before your estimate time of arrival so that the company can prepare your car at the airport's parking lot.

The Koh Samui Island is referred to as most beautiful tropical island of Southeast Asia. From the airplane view, you will easily see all the nice things that the island can offer its guests. Koh Samui is surrounded by smaller groups of islands and it has a good a surfing area. Fishing crafts are parked across the ports along the enticing and calm aquamarine sea, which is mostly the reason why tourists fly over here. Koh Samui is located off the Thailand Gulf.

Article was compiled by Eamonn Turley who writes for http://www.fastcarhire.co.uk specialized in car rental in Malaysia, Thailand and Australia.

If you are thinking of visiting Thailand for that once in a lifetime trip then http://www.fastcarhire.co.uk/koh-samui-airport-thailand.asp for more information on car rental options available.

By Eamonn Turley

Thailand Holidays - Attractions to See on Your Visit

The allure of a visit to Thailand is an intense one due to its varied enticing elements.

Thailand is unique with its mix of friendly smiling people, ancient culture and religious artifacts, lush landscapes, great beaches and modern metropolis. It is difficult to cull the list of fascinating destinations to see in Thailand to a mere handful but here is an attempt to offer some requirements during your visit.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the world's great cities. Bangkok is a modern city with world famous nightlife, world class restaurants and fabulous shopping. It also is the home to some of the most important Buddhist temples and relics in the world. These include Wat Phra Kaeo (Emerald Buddha Chapel), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Saket (Golden Mount), and Wat Benchannabophit (Marble Temple).

Chiang Mai is north of Bangkok and is in a green valley surrounded by mountains. It is well known for its Arts & Culture Center, many museums, beautiful Buddhist temples and two elephant sanctuaries. This is also a well known area to study Thailand's delicious cuisine through numerous cooking schools.

Ko Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in the southern part of the country. It is a world famous scuba and snorkel destination where you can swim with turtles, stingray, barracuda and even whale sharks. Other beach destinations include Phuket, Hat Khao Lak, Ko Mak, Ko Kut, Ko Pha-Ngan and Hat Phra Nang.

Ayutthaya is the ancient capital of Thailand and is about 85 km north of Bangkok. It is a world heritage site known for its historic Buddhist temples, museums and parks. Important sites to see here include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ancient Palace Chao Sam Phraya Museum and Phra Ram Park. Ban Chiang located in the northeaster part of Thailand and is another world heritage site and is considered to contain some of the world's oldest Bronze Age artifacts.

One of the best times to visit Thailand is during its cool season which runs from November to the end of February. The weather is warm, with temperatures averaging about 30 degrees Celsius 85 Fahrenheit but with low humidity and clear skies. This is Thailand's peak tourist period.

Some important national holidays are Magha Puja which is celebrated at the full moon in February. Monks and others bear flowers, incense and candles and circle the countries temples after sunset. The Songkran Festival is April 12 - 14. This is the Thai traditional New Year's festival and a great place to experience it is in Chiang Mai. Visaka Puja is the most holy day for Buddhists as it celebrates the birth of Buddha. It is celebrated in May at the full moon.

James is an ardent traveller who has explored many countries and cities worldwide. Before travelling to Thailand James likes to plan his trip using his favourite travel websites.

By James T Pritchard

Top Five Hotels in Koh Samui

Samui, an island lying in the Gulf of Thailand truly deserves the epithet 'the Paradise on Earth'. An island famous for its beaches and natural beauty, Samui occupies a prominent position among the world tourist destinations. Here are the top five hotels Koh Samui to make the vacation even more enjoyable.

1. Amari Palm Reef Resort, Chaweng (5-star)

Located on one of the most beautiful and popular of Samui beaches, Amari Palm Reef Resort is a favorite among hotels Koh Samui. The Thai-style buildings of the resort are set amidst tropical gardens and swaying coconut palms. Crystalline waters, availability of varied water sports and vibrant nightlife makes the resort the ideal base for travelers of all hues.

2. Anantara Koh Samui Resort & Spa, Bophut beach (5-star)

Picturesque beaches, breathtaking sea views, spacious rooms, Thai décor, private balcony and signature Anantara spa facilities are the highlights of this luxury resort located in Fisherman's Cove. Anantara Resort is the last word in luxury and comfort.

3. Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, Chaweng (5-star)

Located barely 15-minutes drive from Samui Airport, this resort is an established name in the Samui hospitality scene. The Cafe restaurant, Poolside Bar, Beachfront Barbecue Terrace, Pub and Lobby Lounge all are aimed at giving maximum satisfaction to guests.

4. Poppies Samui Resort, Chaweng (5-star)

Poppies Resort is located far away from the regular tourist area of Chaweng beach to give more peace and tranquility to its guests. Swimming pool with natural rock formations, Jacuzzi and open-air beachfront restaurant are its attractions.

5. Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa, Lamai (5-star)

Away from the hustling tourist areas, Renaissance Resort is located close to Lamai fishing village. The calm sea and quiet surroundings are perfect for a peaceful beach holiday. In case guests feel like spending a lively night, Chaweng is just 15 minutes away.

Hotels Koh Samui are designed to be perfect partners to unforgettable beach vacation experiences.

Paisit Kapilakan owns and operates the website My Samui Holiday that provides more than just information and reservation for hotels in Koh Samui. My Samui Holiday offers a comprehensive travel guide to Samui, Thailand and the best discount for hotel reservations in Samui. For more information on Hotels Koh Samui, visit http://www.mysamuiholiday.com and avail the fabulous offers.

By Pasit Kapilakan

Travelling in Thailand

Thailand is great value; an outstandingly beautiful country; the people are warm and welcoming; it offers a multitude of outdoor activities; it’s home to wonderful ruins of ancient kingdoms as well as present day temples; the food is out of this world and Thailand has some of the finest beaches on the planet.
Chiang Mai and its surroundings is any adventure enthusiast’s playground with a huge array of activities on offer- from outstanding mountain biking and trekking to rafting and elephant riding. You can even cycle all the way to Bangkok! If Chiang Mai and the north are associated with adventure and activity then the south is with beaches and sunshine. The islands are split on either side of Thailand’s peninsular, with, amongst others, Phuket, Koh Lanta off the Andaman coast to the west and Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan to the east in the Gulf of Thailand.
There is of course plenty in between as well, not least the ‘City of Angels’ – Bangkok, surely one of the most vibrant city’s on the planet! So many visitors pass straight through, convinced that it offers nothing but pollution and noise. Take our advice; give it a couple of days and you’ll fall in love with the place.
In the heartland of Thailand you’ll have the opportunity to trek, explore lost kingdoms, ride elephants, walk with tigers, raft and visit, and even stay with, hill tribe people!

Nick Pulley is CEO of Selective Asia, a UK based specialist tour operator running privately guided itineraries in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

Visit http://www.selectiveasia.com/site-map.aspx for further information

By Nick Pulley