February 2011
2 posts
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Shopping in Koh Samui
If you are looking for an extra-special souvenir to bring back from your Koh Samui Holiday then why not get a unique made-to-measure suit or pair of shoes?
If you’ve got time, have a chat and see what the tailors on Chaweng Beach Road have to offer. You’d be surprised at the skill of Thailand’s tailors: But remember to go for at least three fittings, do not leave purchasing to...
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Koh Samui Airport
Often referred to as ‘The Most Beautiful Airport in the World,’ Koh Samui Airport certainly is as stunning as it is functional.
Is is highly unusual: Much of the area is located outside with only the few shops being under cover. It is a privately owned airport that runs services operated by Bankok Airways and Pangali Airways.
Flying in, you get brief glimpses of outlying islands,...
January 2011
14 posts
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Koh Samui Weather Update
Want to escape the dull winter weather? Maybe you should jet off to Koh Samui where presently they are expected to experience highs of 30 degrees at points during this week!
December- February in Koh Samui is classed as the dry season. With minimal rain and a slight breeze, this is the perfect time for wind surfing or body boarding.
With a mild breeze and around 85% of day time hours being...
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Koh Samui: Traditional Celebrations
Throughout the year on Koh Samui, various festivals are celebrated by the local people. Some of the more unusual celebrations include:
Children’s Day (2nd Saturday in January)- Children are often rewarded and many places offer half price or free entry for children on this occasion.
Teacher’s Day (16th January)- All the schools in Thailand close for a day as a special tribute to...
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Koh Samui Fishing Trips
Not many people associate the idyllic island of Koh Samui with fishing trips but with beautiful seas teaming with exotic sea life, game fishing is a popular past time with locals and tourists alike.
Several fishing tours are available for day trips with all equipment provided and often an on-board lunch for those who would like to spend the entire day out at sea.
Popular catches are Barracuda,...
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Koh Samui Go Karting
Why not bring out your competitive side during your stay on Koh Samui?
A great activity for both children and adults, with varying carts to choose from: ‘Fun’ for children and those less confident, ‘Pro’ for those who want to pump up the adrenaline a little and the ultimate go kart ‘Speed’ that is recommended only for the most daring drivers!
Helmets and...
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Koh Samui Yoga Classes
Yoga is an essential part of the contemporary approach to healthiness worldwide. Yoga on Samui is offered by a collection of professional foreign freelance yoga instructors who deliver courses, classes and sessions at various resorts and spas, plus a few centres on the island providing yoga retreats.
Yoga combines physical postures with some breathing exercises and a touch of meditation to...
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Weather Update In Koh Samui
The dry season has really begun to hit the island of Koh Samui right now with sun throughout this next week and only scattered showers.
With predicted glorious highs of 84 degrees Fahrenheit, high humidity and a gentle breeze, the island of Koh Samui is perfect for a winter escape!
To book your holiday in paradise, visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com
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Taking Children to Koh Samui
As well as swimming in the stunning ocean, there are a large number of sporting activities for children, starting with the carefully designed mini-golf course in Choeng Mon, which is one of the only certified courses in Thailand.
Nearby is one of Samui’s popular new hybrid games, football-golf: a novelty game where you tee off with your foot, the idea being to get a football round a quite...
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Relax in Koh Samui: By the Tree Spa
It’s bold. It’s chic. It’s luxurious. It’s brand new… And it’s already becoming one of the best spas on the island
You’ll notice from the grand entrance and main reception that there’s a decidedly natural feel to the whole place; lots of wood, many plants, and several water features.
The whole spa is contemporary yet definitely Oriental in style.
Thai and foot massages take...
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Cabarets in Koh Samui
Cabaret shows are relatively new on Koh Samui, but slowly, the shows are gaining popularity with both locals and foreign visitors.
The shows are based on elaborate musicals and feature songs and dances (with a mixture of Chinese and American songs and including classical and modern Thai dances) spiced up with stints by popular comedy acts.
The glamour of the performers is probably the main...
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Koh Samui: Wat Plai Laem Temple
Wat Plai Laem is located in the north of Koh Samui on road 4171 between Big Buddha and Choeng Mon Beach and is a popular sight to see.
This relatively new temple, built in 2004, is famous for the hundreds of big fish enjoying their live in the lake of the temple and waiting to be fed (Food for the fish is available at the temple for a small donation of 10 Baht per pack). Wat Plai Laem is one of...
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Kayaking & Snorkeling at Coral Island
Sea kayak along warm tropical coastlines around Koh Mudsum Island Samui on a Sea Kayak Tour. Snorkel at Koh Tan in warm crystal waters, trek through the jungle in search of monkeys and exotic birds, look down upon white sand beaches or just relax in a shady hammock under a palm tree.
Boats for this excursion depart from TK Tour pier at Thong Krut daily and arrive at Koh Tan to see the best...
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Koh Samui: Trip to Koh Pha-Ngan
Although Koh Samui offers many activities for your stay, if you are feeling extremely adventurous, why not take a short 30 minute boat trip to the neighbouring sister island of Koh Pha-Ngan?
Discover deserted beaches, explore un-touched coral formations and enjoy the laid-back way of life on this idyllic island.
Thong Sala is the main city of Koh Pha-Ngan and is where the boat docks for day...
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Koh Samui: Mr Ung's Safari
Mr. Ung is one of Koh Samui’s most experienced origanizers of 4-wheel drive safari tours and big game fishing excursions on the Gulf of Thailand.
Depending on weather you take the full or half day safari, sights include the Grandfather/Grandmother Rocks, Coconut Monkeys, Elephant Trekking, a Crocodile Show, Waterfall Swim, a visit to the Mummified Monk, View from Mountain-top, the...
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SAWATDEE PI MAI! (Happy New Year!)
If you like a New Year’s party, Thailand is the place for you. Samui’s people are blessed with no less than three annual opportunities to ring in a new year with their European friends on January 1st, with their Chinese friends in early February, and on April 13, which has for centuries marked the first day of of the traditional Thai solar calendar. This last celebration is called...
December 2010
16 posts
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Koh Samui: The Best Places To Eat in Chaweng
Here are a few of the best and affordable places to eat in the Chaweng area:
Gringo’s Cantina
Samui’s finest Mexican joint serves a comprehensive range of South-of-the-border fare. Alongside nachos, tortillas, tostadas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos and chimichangas, nightly specials include chilli verde, curried lamb burritos, fish tacos, campfire beans and sausage, barbequed ribs...
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Things To Do in Koh Samui: Bowling!
Yes, this beautiful desert island now has ten pin bowling, and bowling like you have never seen before! Living Bowl, is located in Chaweng above McDonalds, in what can only be described as a very ‘hip’ environment. The pins are under ultra violet lights, and Living Bowl has a very disco / futuristic feel to it.
Living Bowl is open from 10am to 2am and its prices are reasonable...
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Koh Samui: Angthong National Marine Park
These 40 islands, spread over approximately 97 square miles in the Gulf of Thailand, are characterized by hundreds of limestone monoliths, carved into fantastic shapes by years of erosion. All the islands are of different sizes and shapes. Most of them are covered with tropical forests and named after their distinguishing geography, a kind of descriptive appellation, such as ‘Sleeping Cow...
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Koh Samui: Learn How to Cook at the Siam Kitchen
The Siam Kitchen was established in the year 2000 and has been located on Koh Samui, one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands since 2006. Visitors can take a class here from a culinary professional, with all lessons taught in English. The day consists of: A briefing about traditional Thai cuisine, a lesson in Thai food terminology, hands on preparation of four dishes and the eating of the...
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Koh Samui: 100 Degrees East Dive Team
Voted the top attraction in Koh Samui by visitor ratings, the 100 Degrees East Dive Team is the island’s premier dive centre! You can dive from your own 35ft speedboat meaning you stay comfortably clear of all the crowds. The excursion will take you to all of the top dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand while customer safety and satisfaction remain a priority. The three main dive sites are...
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Canopy Adventures in Koh Samui
The canopy Adventure at secret falls, on Soi 5 five in Maenam is an experience that you really must not miss during your stay here on this island.
The canopy adventure has been up and running for six years now and over 30,000 people have enjoyed the experience. You don’t need any experience to enjoy these stunning cable rides over unspoilt rainforest and anybody from age 7 to 85 can enjoy...
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Night-time in Koh Samui: Bar Ice Samui
Enjoy the amazing decor inside the world’s only themed -7 degrees ice bar!
With ice imported from Northern Canada, escape the heat of the dry season and experience spectacular Thai themed sculptures including elephants and even a full-sized Tuk Tuk!
Upon arriving to the bar, guests are provided with warm designer capes and offered a menu of exciting cocktails served in glasses made of...
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Things to do in Koh Samui - Paradise Farm Park
If you are looking for a place on Samui to relax, close to nature, Paradise Park Farm should be your destination. It is on Samui’s highest mountain, Khao Pom, within a tropical rainforest.
Paradise Park Farm is home to Molly and Mommaem, two parrots that can talk to visitors in both Thai and English. They are popular especially to children, who love to have their pictures taken with these...
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Weather in Koh Samui
Presently, the weather in Koh Samui is 86 degrees Fahrenheit/30 degrees Celsius, dry with just scattered clouds. December - February is the dry season. Not much rain, but it might occur with some refreshing wind or breeze at this time. Great for wind and body surfing. There is normally a lot of sunshine during this season.
To book your holiday in paradise, visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com
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Koh Samui Butterfly Garden
Samui Butterfly Garden in Ko Samui is situated on the southeast coast of Ko Samui, opposite the Central Samui Village resort, off 4170 road. Located near the Samui Aquarium, this garden is perched on a sloped lot, with a net over the top of the compound.
Built into a hillside covered with netting, at the Samui Butterfly Garden in Ko Samui you can treat your eyes to a deluge of butterflies...
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Koh Samui: The legend of Hin Ta and Hin Yai
Located between Lamai and Hua Thanon are Hin Ta and Hin Yai (The Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) representing male and female genitalia.
Anyone on Koh Samui will tell you the story of their being, which goes like this: Ta Kreng and Yai Riem (grandpa Kreng and grandma Riem) lived with their son in the southern Thai province of Nakhon Sri Thammarat. Their son having come of age, they felt...
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What to see in Koh Samui: The Snake Farm
Some of the most famous scary and poisonous snakes in Asia are goaded into action by experienced snake wranglers, who dodge and weave, duck and dive, as the snakes try to grab their attention. A must-see for almost anyone visiting the island.
Also includes displays of centipedes and scorpions, as well as demonstrations of Thai Cock Fighting. The programs are both informative and...
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What to see in Koh Samui: The Mummified Monk
Located in Wat Khunaram and on route 4169, South of Lamai Town is the Mummified Monk. The body of Samui’s most famous mummified monk Leung Pordaeng is on display here. Leung Pordaeng died over 20 years ago and as per his instructions, his body was placed in a specially designed glass case for posterity. It has remained there ever since and has showed few signs of decay. His remarkable...
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Traditional Souveniers From Koh Samui
Certain parts of Thailand are blessed with a natural abundance of rubies, sapphires, zircon, onyx, jade and opal. Local cutting, design and manufacturing skills ensure a fine range of quality items with a wide choice of prices.
Gold is also popular in Thailand. It has been used primarily in temples and palaces, as golden Buddha images, jewelry and royal insignia and...
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Koh Samui Natural Wonder: The 'Overlap Stone'
On the north side of the 4169 ring-road, this rock has a precarious perch overhanging a daunting clifftop high above Lamai. A proper dirt bike will get you most of the way up, but unless you’re feeling brave, you really shouldn’t attempt it on a scooter. Walking all the way can be pretty exhausting, but the view is fantastic and there’s a refreshment stand to help you...
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Celebrations in Koh Samui: Kings and Queens...
The Kings Birthday
His Majesty King Bhumibol’s birthday is the 5th of December. Businesses and individuals mark this important day by displaying pictures of the King. All show respect to the king on this day. This is also Father’s Day in Thailand.
The Queens Birthday
Her ...
November 2010
18 posts
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Trip Advisor Overview of Koh Samui
Luxury resorts rub elbows with backpacker accommodations on the Thai island of Ko Samui, a 15-mile-long palm-covered tropical oasis located off the country’s east coast. Rent a car to take in all the quirky sights, including the 80-foot tall gold-tiled Big Buddha at Koh Faan, the wonderful Rocks at Lamai Beach, the Snake Farm and the omnipresent coconut-collecting monkeys. Head to...
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Koh Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo
If you would like to admire underwater fauna, in the south of the island, after the village of Huathanon you turn right and follow the “Aquarium and Tiger Zoo” road signs. You will be able to see there many fish and coral species, among others turtles, sharks, catfishes and many others which come from the local underwater ocean deeps. You will have also the possibility of...
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Celebrations and Fairs in Koh Samui
Thai Festivals are an important part of daily life on Koh Samui. The larger celebrations are Chinese New Year in February, Songkran (Thai New Year) in April and Loi Krathong (Festival of Light) in November. These all involve processions, temple festivities, food fairs and live performances.
Temple fairs take place throughout the year, passing from village to village. Popular with...
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Koh Samui Events and Festivals
Buffalo Fighting Festival One of the best-known festivals on Ko Samui is its Buffalo Fighting Festival, which is held on special occasions such as New Years Day and Songkran. Unlike Spanish bull-fighting, the fighting on Ko Samui is fairly harmless. The fighting season varies according to some ancient customs and ceremonies. The buffalo are beautifully decorated with ribbons and ...
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Eating in Koh Samui
Thai cuisine is legendary throughout the world. With its inventive use of fresh ingredients and spices, many visitors are surprised at the variety of dishes available compared with the standard fare available in Thai restaurants in other parts of the globe.
It’s not just about noodles and green curry. There’s something for everyone in Thailand and it doesn’t always have to be fiery hot ...
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Koh Samui - Chaweng Beach
Koh Samui’s busiest and biggest town has sprung up around one of the island’s best beaches. As well as offering more accommodation options than elsewhere on the island, Chaweng is also nightlife central with bars and restaurants catering to every taste.
From beachside institutions to sophisticated cocktail bars, Chaweng’s nightlife is streets ahead of anywhere else on...
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"Dolphin Expeditions" Boat Trips on Koh Samui
“Dolphin Expeditions” offers boat charters trips to remote islands for couples, families or friends or for groups up to 12 people. The boat leaves from the beach at 9 AM and returns at 5 PM. A picnic basket will be provided but it is also possible to lunch at one of the local restaurants on the beach. The crew will take care of all necessary safety precautions and will assist...
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Crocodile farms on Koh Samui
There are 2 crocodile farms on the island, one which is located behind the airport and on a 7000 square metres area, you will find more than 100 animal species such as Siam and sea water crocodiles, caymans, snakes, lizards, apes and many others.There are 2 daily shows, at 2 and 4.30 pm. The second one is situated in the south of the island, at Namuang Waterfall II , also not to be...
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Koh Samui - Top 5 in World's Best Islands!
Koh Samui is again one of the five best islands in Asia, according to the “2010 World’s Best Island” ranking in the American magazine Travel & Leisure, behind Bali and the Maldives, and before Phuket. And Bangkok has been voted “World’s Best City 2010”, followed by Chiang Mai, based on the following criteria: namely, culture/art, sights, entertainment,...
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Dreams Villa Resort - Koh Samui Weather
Thailand’s climate is tropical. High in both temperature and humidity and most people find it very pleasant. The average temperature is about 30 degrees Celsius, or 86 degrees Fahrenheit. When it is getting too hot, just enter a air conditioned hotel room or shop for a while and you will “recharge your batteries”. Remember to drink a lot of water so you do not become ...
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Things to do in Koh Samui - Thai Boxing
In Thailand, Muay Thai, in other words “Thai boxing” is the national sport, not only for the spectacle, but also for important bets which it engenders. In spite of its violence, this sport is also an art on its own. You will be able to attend as a spectator every Monday and Friday at 9pm, fights at the Chaweng Stadium, not far from the Reggae Pub. There is since recently a...
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Koh Samui: Getting around the island
Walk Nice, but use a lot of sun screen and be careful in the traffic. Bicycle Just rent it. It’s cheap. But be very careful if the traffic is intense. Motorbike Most common for transportation here. From 100 cc (smaller bikes such as; Honda Click, Honda Wave, Honda Dream, Yamaha Nouvo, Yamaha Mio etc), to Harley Davidson. Prices from 120 baht per day and up. Please, for your own...
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Koh Samui Facts
Koh means: Island in Thai language Island size: About 247 km² Location: Gulf of Thailand, on the South-East coast of Thailand Province: Changwat SuratthaniDistance from Bangkok: About 700 km Number of Tambon or sub districts: 7 Population: About 50,000 (officially) Main town: Nathon
To book your dream holiday on Koh Samui visit:
www.dreamsvillaresort.com
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History of Koh Samui
Ko Samui was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fisherman from the Malay Peninsula and Southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam.
The name Samui is mysterious in itself. Two likely origins are that either the name is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui, or else that the name comes from the Chinese...
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Bophut Beach: 10 mins from Dreams Villa Resort!
Not far from the famous landmark of Big Buddha is Bophut Beach.
The beach itself encompasses some two kilometers of white sandy shoreline fringed by coconut palms leaning over the sea. The calm waters of the bay make this a popular spot for either playing or relaxing. Stretched along the main road you will find many small shops and...
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Praise for Dreams Villa Resort...
‘I must say the treatment we got here was fantastic, the villas were exceptional the pool was beautiful and the food was faultless’
‘The resort is immaculate, service second to none. Staff make you so welcome. Don’t waste your time, this is the place to stay in Bophut. The food was great and these villa are the best value I have seen is Samui. Can’t wait to...
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Dreams Villa Resort - Introducing yourself in...
Most of the phrases in Thai language you need to end with the polite words: “Khrab” for men and “Kaa” for women. There are also a few phrases where I say “Phom” which is “I” for men. Women would normally say “Di-chun” in formal situations and “Chun” among friends.
So, to introduce yourself, you would say “Phom chue …(your name).. khrab“, this is for men. For women would say “Di-chun chue …(your...
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Dreams Villa Resort - Thai Cooking Class on Koh...
While a visit to Koh Samui may seem like paradise, SITCA’s curriculum is down-to-earth, comprehensive and above all enjoyable. All chefs are Thai experts with years of experience cooking Thai, and a love of their art. Whether avid home cook or aspiring professional, you will learn all the skills you need to cook one of Asia’s most varied and fascinating cuisines.
If your interest...
