Dreams Villa Resort

Shopping in Koh Samui

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:27:08 -0500

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 the last minute if you want to be entirely satisfied with your one of a kind piece. All of these tailors are open 11am-late and offer bargain prices if you negotiate well.

Samui Footwear is located in the Fisherman’s village and offers original designs and made-to-order work of a superior quality as well as repairs.

Samui Footwear will handle just about anything you request if you allow a week’s working and fitting time.

Information from: http://www.kosamui.com/bophut-shopping.htm

To book your holiday in paradise, visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Koh Samui Airport

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:44:10 -0500

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, streaks of surf, the wakes of small fishing craft sketched across the calm aquamarine sea.

Koh Samui Airport has recently opened a whole new modern terminal that is still in fitting with the surrounding areas and has much more to offer the visitor now, with an arcade of shops, better security and a greater emphasis on customer service.

The rest of the area is very pleasant with palm trees at the entrance and lush green tropical gardens.

To book your holiday to paradise, visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Koh Samui Weather Update

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:31:00 -0500

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 sunny, can you find a reason not to visit?

To book your holiday in paradise, please visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Koh Samui: Traditional Celebrations

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:58:00 -0500

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 the hard-working Teachers.

National Labor Day (1st May)- Many factory and office workers have a public holiday on this occasion as a sign of appreciation for their hard work.

National Ploughing Day (11th May)- A ceremony to mark the official beginning of the rice planting season.

Loy Krathong (3rd November)- A dazzling celebration is held on the full-moon of the 12th lunar month. Little candle-lit krathongs are launched onto the water as an offering to Mother Water. People apologise for polluting the water and promise to do better in the future.

To find out more information, go to: www.http://samui.sawadee.com/

To book your holiday in paradise, go to: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Koh Samui Fishing Trips

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 05:01:27 -0500

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, Cobia, Shark, Mackeral, Sailfish, Snapper, Grouper, Trevally and More…

Most trips include transportation to the dock from your resort and depart from TK Tour pier at Thong Krut

For more information, please go to: http://www.kosamui.com/game-fishing/

To book your holiday in paradise visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Koh Samui Go Karting

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 04:07:23 -0500

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 careful instructions are given by experienced staff and the tracks cater for everyone from beginners to experienced go-karters.

The main track is located near Bophut beach and open from 9am to 9pm, but there are also 2 other tracks located in North Samui.

For more information, visit: http://www.koh-samui.travel/go-karting.php

To book your holiday in paradise, visit www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Koh Samui Yoga Classes

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:58:09 -0500

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 smoothen the mind, body and breath connection.

Absolute Yoga has recently opened in Fisherman’s Village and features a wide open space for yoga practice, as well as restaurant down below with health spa cuisine and wireless Internet access.

Yoga Thailand provide retreats at their centre in Bang Por on the north coast of Koh Samui. Yoga is the focus but they also teach people the interesting philosophy of the exercise.

For more information, visit: http://www.mysamuiholiday.com/activities-guide/yoga.php

To book your holiday in paradise, visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Weather Update In Koh Samui

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 07:16:24 -0500

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

Taking Children to Koh Samui

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 07:25:00 -0500

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 difficult obstacle course.

Also, at Tesco Lotus, near Chaweng, is a bowling alley, which is air-conditioned to give visitors a few hours break from the sunshine.

On the same complex there is also a cinema, which shows a constantly changing selection of movies for children and adults. In addition, a small play area for the kids and lots of fast food options can be found here.

If your child is a lover of nature, Koh Samui is perfect for them, with the beautiful sights of the Ang Thong National Marine Park (about an hour west of Samui by speedboat), a snake and crocodile zoo and the opportunity to ride elephants, they will never be bored for a minute!

To book your holiday in paradise, visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Info from: www.1stopsamui.com

Relax in Koh Samui: By the Tree Spa

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:46:24 -0500

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 place in three ground floor suites, whilst all the other treatments are provided in one of the four double or two single suites on the first floor. And all of these also have private Jacuzzis and steam rooms.

To find out more, visit: http://www.siamspaguide.com/by_the_tree.html

To book your holiday in paradise, visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Cabarets in Koh Samui

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:22:53 -0500

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 attraction, though. These performers excite the audience with their dazzling costumes, made to compliment the colourful production sets.

The main stages are Starz Cabaret and Christy’s in Chaweng and the Zodiav in Lamai.

Bring your whole family and spend a wonderful time at a cabaret show!

To book your holiday in paradise, please visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Information from: http://samui.sawadee.com/nightlife/index.htm

Koh Samui: Wat Plai Laem Temple

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:51:00 -0500

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 the most colorful temples on Samui and features an amazing 18-arm strong Buddha statue set in the middle of the lake.

Well worth a visit during your stay on Koh Samui!

To book your holiday in paradise, visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Kayaking & Snorkeling at Coral Island

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:19:00 -0500

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 coral reef in the area, Where you can enjoy snorkeling. The tour then moves on to a kayaking adventure around the island followed by lunch and an afternoon at sea.

Please visit: http://www.kosamui.com/kayaking/coralisland-kayak-snorkel.htm for more information on this amazing excursion.

To book your holiday in paradise, visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Koh Samui: Trip to Koh Pha-Ngan

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 07:02:41 -0500

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 trips from Koh Samui. Here you will find restaurants, clothes shops and even a market. You can hire motorbikes for a reasonable fee here as well as joining local dive schools for excursions out into the azure blue seas.

The island is world-famous for it’s monthly full moon party on the Hat-Rin-Nok beach in the South-East region with gathers between 15-20,000 partygoers in high season. With the modern music and BBQ’s under the beautiful view of the full moon, it certainly is a once in a lifetime experience.

To book your holiday in paradise, please visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Koh Samui: Mr Ung's Safari

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:56:12 -0500

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 Buddha’s Magic Garden, Lunch (traditional Thai food), the Rubber Plantation, Big Buddha and some other stops along the route.

There is no better way to get to know Koh Samui than to go beyond the city limits!

For more information on these tours, visit: www.ungsafari.com

To book your holiday in paradise, go to: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

SAWATDEE PI MAI! (Happy New Year!)

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 05:16:37 -0500

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 Songkran, and it is one of the most joyous occasions in The Kingdom.

The word Songkran comes from the Sanskrit words for “New Year”, and the Thai celebration was probably imported with major aspects of Indian culture over 2,500 years ago.

Songkran in Thailand is a holiday primarily dedicated to the family, and tourists may notice a much slimmer staff manning the restaurants and hotels as every employee who is able, goes home to spend the day with his or her relatives.

Info from: www.samui.sawadee.com

To book your holiday in paradise, please visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Koh Samui: The Best Places To Eat in Chaweng

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 04:10:05 -0500

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 and a very authentic Sunday paella. The patrons, including lots of large groups on their way to nearby Soi Green Mango, are kept well oiled with frozen margarita, jugs of sangria and tequila slammers.

Vecchia Napoli

This restaurant serves exceptionally well-made Italian classics and has been popular for years on the island – it was set up in 1994. The antipasto includes mussels in white wine sauce, thin sliced raw beef fillet with parmesan, olive oil and lemon and Norwegian smoked salmon. Like the best Italian cuisine, it’s all kept simple, fresh and delicious. The homemade pasta, such as ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and spinach in tomato sauce and black squid noodles with calamari, olive oil, cherry tomato and garlic melts in the mouth

Baan Boran

Located in a traditional Ayudhaya-style Thai building, Ban Boran is above everything a themed restaurant with nightly puppet shows, set menus with signature dishes – all in a folksy atmosphere.

Things To Do in Koh Samui: Bowling!

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 05:48:43 -0500

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 with an Heineken costing only 75 Baht and a game only 100 Baht per person. It is a welcome addition to Koh Samui and well worth a visit, especially when it is not too busy!

Information from: www.asiatraveltips.com

To book your holiday in paradise, visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Koh Samui: Angthong National Marine Park

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 03:55:33 -0500

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 Island’ and ‘Three Pillars Island’.

Sixteen species of mammals like otters, langurs, crab-eating monkeys, hogs, silver haired bats, dolphins and whales are found on these islands, while there are around 54 species of birds and 14 species of reptile.

Boat trips to the marine park can be picked up from the ‘Big Buddah’ in the early morning for a full day of exploration.

For more information, please visit: www.kohsamui.org/angthong

To book your holiday in paradise, visit www.dreamsvillaresort.com

Koh Samui: Learn How to Cook at the Siam Kitchen

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 04:09:26 -0500

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 delicious food afterwards!
You can also have an interesting local market tour as well as a certificate of your participation and menus and recipes to take back home with you.
For more information and to book, visit: www.siamkitchen.info

To book your holiday in paradise, visit: www.dreamsvillaresort.com