Samui - top 10 attractions and activities

by Andy Burrows
A 2-hour ferry ride from the coast of Sarat Thani will land you on the banks of Samui, one of Thailand's most popular resort islands which has grown increasingly popular in the past few years. Well-known for its wild parties as well as for its luxurious resorts, stunning coral reef environments and natural landscape, Samui has rightfully earned its place as one of Thailand's most-loved destinations.

Beaches Chaweng Beach is probably the most popular beach to visit on Samui. Its clear waters and white sand make it very inviting, and the exciting night life and Muay Thai boxing matches are an added bonus. Choeng Mon is more secluded and offers five-star accommodation, while the bay of Ao Tong Takian is named after the silver hue of its sand. Lamai Beach is packed with water sports ranging from jet-skis and banana boats to activities like parasailing.

Temple of the Big Buddha The Temple of the Big Buddha, or Wat Phra Yai, was built in 1972 and is one of Samui's top attractions. In the past few decades, it has become a beacon of prosperity for the island, a sentiment embodied in the 12 metre Buddha statue that sits in the grounds. There is also a meditation centre on-site that's open to visitors.

Full Moon Party Full Moon parties have become synonymous with the hedonistic side of this region. These high-octane celebrations take place once a month on the nearby Koh Pha Ngan. Thousands of foreign tourists flock to the island for what compares to an outdoor, coastal rave. Music blares, prices soar and controlled substances abound. As the popularity of these parties has risen, savvy locals have added an interim Half Moon Party to add an extra weekend of debauchery and partying.

Eating out Eating out is one of the simplest pleasures in Samui, with fresh seafood served up in every fashion according to international and local recipes. Visitors will find authentic street vendors selling delicious treats at phenomenal prices, along with more upscale establishments that sell gourmet Thai dishes as well as international cuisine. One way to treat yourself is to take your dinner on the beach in the comfortable surroundings of a beachside restaurant.

Partying and nightlife Big Buddha Beach is a good place to spend an evening for families or perhaps for the faint of heart. Many establishments here are laid-back and lack the pulsing music of the more heated parties found elsewhere on the island. Lamai Beach has a thriving red light district and plenty of go-go bars, while Chaweng Beach hosts a variety of live bands that play a mix of Thai and western covers.

Daytrip down south For those seeking the less touristy side of Samui, you may consider heading to the south side of the island. There has been less development here, and a daytrip provides insight into what Samui once looked like, as well as offering a glimpse of day to day life for the locals who don't work directly with tourists. You'll find several enticing, secluded beaches connected by coconut groves and predominately Muslim fishing villages.

Waterfalls It's worthwhile to journey out to one of a few waterfalls on the island. Hin Lat Fall is most conductive to swimming, as there aren't many boulders or sharp edges underwater. Trekkers and groups of elephant riders regularly journey to the Na Muang Falls system--specifically to the second waterfall, because it's easily accessed by elephants. The first of the two falls cascades magnificently down a steep cliff.

Diving Samui has a firm reputation among snorkellers and divers. Beginners can receive instruction from local gurus that work at one of multiple diving shops. More experienced divers have many options, ranging from the nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park or Sail Rock, out to the farther but highly esteemed Koh Tao, where divers from all over Thailand gather. In any event, the clear waters and stunning coral reefs make diving a wonderful experience.

Adventure sports Samui is an ideal place for those who are full of energy as there are many adrenaline pumping activities and exciting water sports. You can also get up close and personal with Samui's local elephants. The less energetic will be content with the lovely beaches that offer perfect tropical swimming, or a day spent shopping or at a spa.

Viewing wildlife Samui has every manner of wildlife. Marine life teems at the Samui Aquarium, while snakes and scorpions are employed in death-defying shows at the Snake Farm. The Crocodile Farm has more than just reptiles, with a few monkeys and other animals in addition to crocs and lizards. Violent Buffalo fights are held at one of several buffalo stadiums, while delicate butterfly species can be observed at the Butterfly Farm in the island's southeast corner.

Koh Samui travel guide

Kanjanaburi - West of Thailand

The Bridge on the River Khwae (the Death Railway Bridge)
Thanks to several films and books, the Bridge on the River Khwae has become notoriously famous and attracted both Thais and foreigners to the site. If an ordinary black iron bridge can tell a story, you can be sure it's a dramatic one.
The bridge spans across Maenam Khwae Yai which is a branch of Maenam Mae Klong. During the Japanese occupation of Thailand in World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army brought the iron bridge from Java. It was then resembled by Allied Prisoners of War (POW) under Japanese supervision. The bridge was part of a strategic railway route to Myanmar in which the Japanese aimed to secure supplies with which to conquer other western Asian countries. It was 415 kilometers long (about 303 kilometers in Thailand and about 112 kilometers in Burma) and passed through the Three Pagoda Pass in Sangkhlaburi District, the northern most part of Kanchanaburi province.

Construction started on September 16, 1942 at Nong Pladuk, and was completed on 25 December 1943. It is estimated that over 16,000 POWs from England, Australia, Holland and America died while building the bridge which was a target of bombing raids in 1945. In addition to this, approximate 90,000 laborers from Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia died during its construction.
Rebuilt after WWII, the bridge is still in use today with the curved portions of the bridge being that of the original. An attraction of note is the annual light and sound event at the bridge to commemorate the Allied attack in 1945.The railway currently ends at Ban Tha Sao or Namtok Station, a distance of some 77 km. from Kanchanaburi Station. A special train running from Bangkok to Namtok Station is available on weekends and national holidays. For further details,
www.railway.co.th.

Thai Fruits

Thai fruits - - including mangoes, mangosteens, clurians, pineapples, watermelons, papayas, rambutans, longans, lyches, tamarinds, pomegranates, palm fruits, oranges, pomeloes, jackfruits and more than 20 kinds of bananas- - are available all year round.

From January to April, grapes, jackfruits, java apples, tangerines, watermelons and pomegranates are in season. Next come mangoes, lyches, pineapples, clurians and mangosteens.From July on, longans will ripen, and also langsats, jujubes, passionfruits, pomeloes, rambutans, sugar apples and again tangerines, grapes, watermelons, bananas, coconuts, guavas and papayas are available thoughout the year.
Some harvests are celebrated in style, with colourful festivals, sometimes featuring a pageant of local beauties.In early April, the Paet Riu Mango Festival is organized in Chachoengsao. Probably the most popular and typical of Thai fruits, the mango deserves this honour.In May, Songkhla promotes its fruits with a bazaar, fruit carving demonstrations and a Miss Southern Thailand Pageant.In June, Chanthaburi exhibits delicious provincial fruits, including the king of them all, the exquisitely delicious durian.In September, to honour pomeloes, a fruit and floral float procession is held in Nakhon Pathom, near Bangkok.

thailandtravelguide.com

THAI GIRLS IN PATTAYA

When I came to work, I was still thinking of the topic I wanted to write about, and then I looked at the cars passing by, hoping I could get something from it. It sounded hopeless though, but while I was sitting the idea came in to my head. My boss is correct; I should start thinking about how a teen thinks about the “girls in the pub”. Especially since I’m not Thai, I’m a foreign student and an employee in Pattaya Daily News

I’m one of those people who migrated and who is living in another country. My insights about them are pretty much the same as others, well I assume. But honestly, what I think about these girls is not as close-minded as the others are. I look at them in a positive way, well as much as I can think of. The questions stacked up into my brain and they were pushing my mind to pour out some answers. When I look at these girls, I stop, and wonder what they’re thinking. Are they some of the girls who dance at night just to attract what they call “Farangs”? They entertain them. Yes they do have a lot of ways to make them happy. Dance, drink, a little bit of hugging, these foreigners can’t get enough of them. But what bugs me is the question: “Do they do this just to simply eat and live?” It may be an endless speculation or a pointless direction, but what I think is that life’s never easy. It may look dirty and embarrassing for us, but what they do is what we call “survival of the fittest”. This is what they call a “job” so we should respect them.

Other Thais marry these farangs, so what do you think? Again, we’re back to the unlimited source of conclusions on why they marry them. Others may say, he’s just rich, or she’s not pretty at all. But what we don’t know may surprise us. Marriage is a sacred act that a couple does when they’re in love. Everything we see is not flat. There are curves in the road, there’s a broken one, and not everything that lies within our eye’s view is real. Truth lies beneath everything that is unreal; we don’t see them as much as we see a clear view of an object.

I asked my friend about his insights or opinions on this topic, and he gave me an amazing and remarkable answer. He said, “ Pattaya is a place where the code is 'Live and let live'. I don't condemn anyone who engages in a mutual commerce between consenting adults, whether the interaction is called "short time" or "marriage". As John Lennon said "Whatever gets you through the night." Money for beauty is nothing new, nor is it restricted to Thailand.

Story : Maria Hyasmine Photo : DCman

http://www.pattayadailynews.com/showfeature.php?FeatureID=0000000434

Life of a Thai farmer

We often hear the sayings that farmers are backbone of the country and in the water there are plenty of fish while in the paddy fields there is and abundance of rice. These sayings are right as farmers grow rice to feed the entire nation. Rice is not only the staple food of the country, but now is one of our main export products. Therefore, farmers are the most important work force of the country.
Farmers work from dawn to dusk the whole year-round as after the annual rice harvest, they will again cultivate the second-rice crop or other cash crops, raising cattle and other animals such as fish, ducks etc. Usually fish lives by nature in the paddy fields. So, rice and fish will naturally grow up in the same place. At the end of the annual rice harvest, farmers will have both rice and fish to eat during the coming dry season. If we travel to the countryside, we will see farmers drying fish on the roof of their houses along the roadside. Thus, it has become a common greeting among Thai people when they meet, they will firstly ask each other "Where do you go?" then the following sentence is "Did you eat rice and fish?". In fact, rice and fish have been the main food of Thai people for a very long time.Rice is mostly grown in the central region which is sometimes called the "rice bowl" of Asia because of its vast fertile land and plenty of water for agriculture. Rice farming is an old occupation which has been passed down from generations to generations. By and large farmers live a peaceful life in the countryside.Unfortunately, this occupation is being threatened by various factors, for example, low paddy price, scarcity of water for the second-rice cultivation and the construction of housing estates or commercial complexes which frequently bring pollution to nearby areas. Moreover, the new generation tends to abandon this century-old occupation to work in factories in the city or other occupation that offers them better income.Now it is time to help the backbone of our country to carry on their task, otherwise they cannot survive due to these various challenges. If ever our farmers are forced to give up their occupation we will definitely have to import rice to eat and if the situation turns to be like this, the occupation of our forefathers will cease to exist and Thailand will lose its name as the "rice bowl" of the world.
article source http://www.mythaicupid.com/articles.php?articleID=15&action=viewarticle

Spa in Thailand

Thailand is rapidly becoming the Spa capital of the world. In Conde Nast Travellers recent reader's survey Chiva Som in Hua Hin was in first place nudging last years winner Banyan Tree Spa in Phuket into second. Purely co-incidentally they were checking out the Lanna Spa the same weekend that we visited, and did photograph the suite I was staying as soon as I checked out. Could it be that next year we will have the top three spa rankings?
Spa culture gives an individual their quality time to make them feel good, a justifiable indulgence for the overworked. At the birth of Thailand's tourist industry American GI's came to Thailand during the Vietnam War looking for just two R's - rest & relaxation. The Spa tourist coming to Thailand today is looking for 4 R's Rest, Relaxation, Rejuvenation and Rejoicing life.

Five years ago few international travelers would of thought of Thailand as a Spa destination, so what are the factors causing the growth. Firstly the Kingdom grows the natural ingredients that not only make one f the world greatest cuisine's but that are also the natural ingredients for spa treatments. Secondly Thai's natural attitude to hospitality provides the pampering and feel good factor, a key spa ingredient. And thirdly they have refined the art of massage knowing exactly which buttons to press to relieve stress and strain while encouraging relaxation. Many of the Spa treatments offered in Thailand are a refined extension of what was originally provided by the monks in the temples.

Checking into The Regent Chiang Mai is a massage of the mind in itself. The indulgent tranquility of the resort makes it a sanctuary from stress. A Thai companion described it as a natural Disneyland, something beyond his dreams. The Lanna Spa was inspired by a northern Thai temple. The interiors are richly decorated in maroon, gold leaf, black and white; also feature specially commissioned artworks and sculptures. T here are seven treatment suites, including a Penthouse Treatment Suite, for individuals or couples. The total privacy is fueling a trend for couples to take their treatments together, sharing the experience. The philosophy of the spa is to promote general well being, a part of Thai lifestyle for generations. The herbs that are used in the treatment are bought in the local market, distilled and diffused. When mixed with steam is absorbed through respiration and the pores of the skin. The whole process is relaxed and unhurried.
I decided to try a Lanna facial, starting with deep herbal cleansing, exfoliation, massage for the face, neck, shoulders and hands. Then a revitalising mask was spread over my face using extracts of f Prai (the Ginger family), and Khanin (Cumin) to nourish, hydrate and balance the skin. It took an hour and the result did make me look and feel younger. Having had my face worked on it was now time for the massage. I opted for Orient Blend a pressure point massage based on the oriental theories of energy meridians. I was told this massage was effective in relieving tension, aches and pains. The combination of soothing aromatic oils and gentle kneading and stretching left my body feeling totally relaxed and refreshed. The lady giving me the massage professionally suggested that if I removed my underwear I would enjoy the massage more. So I slipped out of them and did enjoy the treatment but luckily it wasn't physically noticeable. Don't be shy when having a massage, being naked does make you feel better. When the treatment was completed I relaxed sipping hot ginger tea.

Back in the real world of Bangkok, I wanted to check out where I could spa without having to travel. The Oriental Spa is a short boat ride across the river from the hotel. I had found my sanctuary from the pressure and stress of Bangkok. Their temple of wellbeing is set in a gentile traditional teak house. I could very easily see why guests having found this collection of suites within a hotel would want to sleep over after their treatment. Given a duvet I would have happily done so, but alas its not possible. The Spa has its own Cuisine Minceur menu with dishes prepared in a separate section of the kitchen. The menu shows the calories and fat count for each dish so the guest can carefully monitor how they are fuelling their bodies. The privacy factor of each of the suites makes the experience more relaxed. The guest coming to stay at the Oriental just for Spa treatment accounts for 10% of the hotels total occupancy. The significant growth market is the number of male guests opting for spa treatment. Is it now real men do spa?

The Oriental is the unofficial guardian of Thai tradition and culture. As part of its well being programme some of the Spa staff have studied Traditional Thai medicines and are now offer a healing programme using traditional medicines. In High Season the demand for the Spa is so great that only hotel guess can be accommodated. A three day, two night package ranges from US$ 1,600 for The Oriental Pampering Programe to US$2,500 for the couples Romantic Getaway. The price includes three healthy meals a day, a superior room, an Oriental cooking class and culture programe and roundtrip hotel limousine airport transfer. All the guest has to do is relax and enjoy.

Chiva Som in the Royal beach resort of Hua Hin is rated the best Spa in the world. I popped in to find out why. In a seven-acre beachfront site at the royal beach resort of Hua Hin , Chiva-Som offers just 57 Thai style pavilions provide privacy with a traditional charm.

Wealth without health is meaningless. Chiva-Som International Health Resort provides members and guests with the opportunity to enjoy life more fully, and very likely longer.
The secluded world of Chiva-Som - which means "Haven of Life" - is private, luxurious and exclusive. The Chiva-Som philosophy is based on positive mental and physical health . Their aim to encourage prevention rather than cure by helping the guest to take responsibility and action for the quality of their life.
On arrival , guests will receive a private consultation by a member of the medical staff to advise an appropriate treatment and activity schedule during your stay suited to your individual requirements and personal goals . A fully qualified teams of doctors , nurses , dieticians and other professionals are available for more specialist advice and guidance if required . Although Chiva-Som's positive health philosophy means that they accept well rather than sick patients , their programmes can be effective for treating certain ailments such as muscular and skeletal disorders , skin problems , stress related illness , cardiac rehabilitation and heavy smoking . In addition , we will be offering a special range of treatments aimed at improving the efficiency of the immune system , rejuvenation and anti-ageing.
Water plays an important part at Chiva-Som , with many pleasurable and aqua experiences. In the great outdoors is an aquamarine-tiled pool by the sparkling sea for swimmers and sunbathers. Water sports are also available. Other sports activities can be arranged at nearby facilities, including golf as some of the country 's best golf courses can be found in the Hua Hin area.Chiva-Som aims to educate as well, and lectures by experts in different fields are scheduled on a regular basis. Contrary to popular belief , healthy eating need not mean boring eating. A meal of Chiva-Som's acclaimed spa cuisine of Asian and Western specialties proves that low-calorie , nutritious food can be a gourmet experience. One example is steam roasted garlic is served with the bread rolls rather than butter. Many of the fruits and vegetables used at the resort are grown in their organic garden.
The only alcoholic beverages served at Chiva-Som are wine and champagne. At first I questioned paying all that money to stay at the resort and not being allowed to drink, but then when why was I visiting it in the first place, to improve my health and my normal drinking level was not helping the cause. This policy of controlled moderation was in my best interest to achieve the goal of visiting Chiva Som - adopting a healthy life style.
The team that developed the award winning Banyan Tree spa have just developed a sister brand, the more affordable Angsana Spa proving that you don't have to be rich to spa. Again a tree has inspired the logo and philosophy. The tall Angsana is found in tropical rainforests. Noted for its golden yellow crown, the fragrant flower that blooms unexpectedly for just a day and will burst into bloom again without notice. It teaches us to live life spontaneously, savouring the moment.
The spa's design and landscape immediately transport the visitor to their desired state of tranquility. Guests are offered a variety of over twenty holistic non-medical treatments ranging from massage, facials, body treatment and scrubs that last anything from 25 mins to three hours. Treatments use such natural treasures as herbs, cereals, fruits, honeys and salts with a focus on particular conditions, needs or treatments.
All eight pavilions are spacious enough for two treatment beds and afford total privacy. The soothing background music completes the tranquil cocoon with the masseur's skilful hands awaking the tactile and aromatic senses. Massages range from B900-1,800++; Body Scrubs B900++; Body Treatments and facials B1,800++.
The Lanna Spa, The Regent Resort Chiang Mai, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180 (66 53 298181, fax 66 53 298 189, rcm.reservations@fourseasons.com)
The Oriental Spa, The Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue, Bangkok 10500, (66-2 439 7613-4, fax 66-2 439 7587)
Chiva Som 73/4 Petchkasem Rd, Hua Hin 77110 (66-32-536536, fax 66-32-511154)
The Angsana Spa, Dusit Laguna Resort Hotel, 390 Srisoontorn Rd, Cherngtalay, Phuket 83110 (66-76 324324, fax 66-76 324174, dlp@dusit.com)

article source http://hotelthailand.com/ezine/2000/issue2/zine1.html

Koh Surin- Phang Nga

Koh Surin- Phang Nga

Situated in Tambon Koh Phra Thong and covering an area of 84,375 rais (33,750 acres), Mu Koh Surin is an archipelago of 5 islands: Koh Surin Nuea, Koh Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Koh Khai, and Ko Klang. It was declared a national park on July 9, 1981. The archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea, near the Thai-Burmese sea border, to the west coast of Thailand. There are beautiful and unspoilt coral reefs; the area is suitable for snorkelling. The best time tovisit is from November to April.Koh Surin Nuea has several bays. The most well-known bay is Ao Mae Yai, the largest bay that offers calm waters. To the southeast of Koh Surin Nuea lies Ao Luek, which is so deep that the sea appears dark green, offering splendid shallow corals as well as sea weeds, sea flowers, coral lines, and various species of fish. Sea Gypsy Village, a Singha, or Morgan, Sea Gypsy tribe resides on the shore of Hat Sai En, Koh Surin Nuea. There are 130-150 sea gypsies who still hold on to their traditional ways of life and still live in their boats. On shore, there is a wooden sculpture resembling the Indian Totem Pole and is considered a sacred area. Every year, on the 15th day of thewaxing moon in April, the sea gypsies in this village would worship their respected spirits. The event lasts for 3 days. Ao Mai Ngam, situated to the west of Koh Surin Nuea with the National Parks office nearby. There is a 2-kilometre walking path that you can take to enjoy the natural features of Hat Mai Ngam or you can take a longboat ride. The lovely bay provides fresh water and a long beach that is best for snorkelling and swimming. Ao Chak, situated to the north of Koh Surin Nuea. The bay possesses unspoilt coral reefs.Interesting attractions on Ko Surin Tai include Ao Tao, situated to the east of the island. The bay is home to numerous sea turtles and magnificent coral reefs. Ao Phakkat, situated to the south of Koh Surin Tai. It is where unspoilt coral reefs can be seen.Koh Klang or Koh Pachumba has a scenic bay called Ao Mangkon. The bay is teeming with splendid coral reefs and many schools of various kinds of fish.Koh Khai or Koh Torilla, situated to the south of Koh Surin Tai. On the eastern side of the island there is a long stretch of unspoile and picturesque coral reef. Snorkelling is the most recommended activity here.

How to Get There

Travelling to Mu Ko Surin can be initiated from several different points:

- Khura Buri Pier is the nearest point to Mu Ko Surin. Khura Buri is some 125 kilometres north of Phang-nga. A boat trip takes around 4 hours. There is no regular boat service for travellers to Ko Surin. Boats leaving from Khura Buri are suitable for group tours.Amphoe Kapoe Pier is in Ranong Province. The trip takes 7 hours. Visitors may contact Chansom Tara Hotel (tel: 0 7783 5317-9) which has boats leaving Chan Damri Beach for trips to Mu Ko Surin.

Note: The best way for individual travellers is to join a trip out of Phuket that includes Mu Koh Surin on the itinerary.This typically lasts at least 3 days and includes visits to Mu Ko Similan.

Accommodation

There are lodges, bungalows, tents, and restaurants available. Admission fee is 200 baht. Scuba diving equipments are available for rent. For more information, contact Mu Ko Surin National Park, Amphoe Khura Buri, Phang-nga, 82150, tel: 0 7649 1378, 0 7641 9028.

http://www.thailandislandtour.com