Scuba Diving in Thailand – the Secrets of One of the World’s Most Popular Diving Destinations
By Mark J Burns
Thailand has one of the world’s most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations.
There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centres, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.
It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Phuket and the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving in Phuket is of the highest standard, and the waters surrounding the ‘island’ host a number of excellent dive sites. However, the real underwater treasures of Phuket lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Similan Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.
The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centres and excellent dive sites.
Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Chumpon Pinnacle are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Pattaya, Krabi, Ko Chang and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centres.
Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.
Mark Burns is Director of Scubaworld.tv, a large scuba diving site specializing in scuba diving in Thailand and a leading provider of information on Scuba diving in Phuket
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The Five Most Costly Mistakes You Can Make on Your Trip to the Thailand Islands : How to Avoid Them
By Ella Evans
Southern Thailand islands also known as the “Paradise” Islands are among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. More than 12,000,000 tourists have visited Thailand in 2005, and the majority of them had left the Bangkok International Airport immediately after their arrival and headed straight to the Southern Islands. Some of the visitors were fascinated by the stories of people who were caught in the charms of the unforgettable ambience of the islands, some of them were taken by images they saw on the web, while others were convinced as per the words of their travel agent that the Thai Islands were indeed the ultimate tourist destination that fits every taste, age, budget and personality type. This can partly explain the massive flow of honeymooners, backpackers, families-on-vacation, partygoers, divers and many others to the Thai Islands every year.
However, the inexperienced Thailand traveler may be unconscious to the fact that a satisfying vacation is not a surefire thing even in a place nick named Island Paradise. In order to be successful, enjoyable and fulfilling, your vacation must be thoroughly planned. Unfamiliar destinations often hide little unknown secrets, which hold the enormous potential to make the desired positive change in your vacation.
This article will discuss the biggest mistakes you can make prior and during your visit to the Thai Islands. Adhering to or ignoring the five amendments below can literally make or break your vacation in the Southern Thailand Islands.
1. Mistake 1: choosing your vacation island spontaneously. Web pictures of tropical islands often make them look almost identical. The inexperienced traveler is likely to assume that no matter where you go in Southern Thailand Islands – you will bump into the same picturesque beach with white sands, turquoise water and a single coconut tree. Falling into the illusion of images while choosing your vacation island out of pure impulse can be a very disappointing experience in case the final destination island does not meet your needs, your personality or expectations at all. To avoid this mistake, define your preferences before hand, make a dedicated research prior to choosing your destination by gathering the relevant information using guidebooks in addition to using the Internet. As you choose the island that fits your needs, pay close attention to the following points:
a. The level of tourist development. Some travelers like their islands loaded with tourist facilities (i. e. Phuket, Koh Samui), whereas others prefer the classic touch “old school” isolated touch (i. e. Koh Phangan, Khao Lak).
b. Nightlife – Phuket, Koh Samui and at lesser extent Krabi offer a thriving nightlife, whereas Koh Phi Phi and Koh Tao are quiet and drowsy.
c. Diving sites – Koh Phi Phi and Koh Tao offer the best diving sites in Southern Thailand.
d. The prevalent level of accommodation. Phuket and Koh Phi Phi offer a immense variety of luxury hotels, while Koh Phangan and Koh Tao offer mostly basic (not necessary low standard) accommodation.
2. Mistake 2: Assuming that a great vacation can be carried out at a very low budget. Some travelers tend to wrongly assume, that Thailand being a country with developing economy will provide everything including a high standard hospitalization in ridiculously cheap prices. This is partially right, since the local tourism industry suggests an inexpensive travel opportunities to backpackers. However, the spoiled tourist who is used to savor on luxury westernized accommodation will find out the hard way that in order to meet his or her traveling expectations the expenses are appropriate to what is offered. To avoid this mistake and eliminate serious deviations from the planned budget – make your research to learn about price gaps in Southern Thailand Islands. For instance, one should know that staying in some islands (i. e. Koh Phi Phi) is expected to be more expensive, while staying in other islands (i. e. Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) can be significantly cheaper. To avoid any disappointments related to over expenses, I recommend adhering to the following guidelines:
a. Avoid planning a budget on the basis of someone else’s estimations, especially if that person visited the Thai Islands many years ago; spent the vacation in another island than the one you chose; much younger than yourself/ or prefers a different life standard.
b. Make an informed decision regarding the desired level of accommodation. The basic accommodation that includes a clean air-conditioned room and western style bathroom can be booked on relatively low, albeit not ridiculous, price. Contrary to that, a luxury accommodation (that kind of accommodation is quite common in Phuket and Koh Samui) may be almost as expensive as the hotels in your neighboring country.
c. Although checking the room rates is possible using the Internet – the prices of meals should be carefully checked as well. Don’t assume that no matter where you eat – the meal will be cheap. During my first visit to Thailand, I was very surprised to receive a check of the same value as in my home country. Now I know, that the Southern Thailand Islands offer a myriad of western style restaurants with western style prices. Therefore, before you enter a well-designed restaurant – check the menu and make clear budget estimation.
3. Mistake 3: choosing your vacation beach spontaneously. This is similar to mistake number one – but probably easier to correct, because checking other beaches on the destination is easier logistically and cheaper than checking other islands. However, the “wrong” beach choice can make you feel that you haven’t exploited the full potential of your vacation, or that you have wasted significant part of it. For instance, during my first visit in Koh Phangan I found out two days before the end of my vacation, that my “perfect” beach is located on the other side of the island. The following tips can help you avoid a similar situation:
a. The most developed and crowdie beaches on most islands are located in proximity to the airport (in case there is an airport in your island) or to one of the main seaports.
b. In case you prefer the above type of beaches – be aware of the fact that some of them, especially in Koh Samui and Phuket, are not family friendly.
c. The old school quiet and picturesque beaches are always on the other side of the island. If the “old school” beach is what you are looking for – don’t give up even if the way to Thailand was long and exhausting, and try to make a small effort to cross the island on your way to the opposite side; it will be well worth your while.
4. Mistake 4: insisting on Westernized food. Some of us tend to worry about experimenting with an unfamiliar food. The Thai tourist industry is aware of this fact; therefore the supply of Western style restaurants in Southern Thailand Islands is huge. Having said that, limiting yourself to these restaurants could be a huge mistake, since the prices for western cuisine are much higher compared to the ones in authentic local restaurants; and even worse- you miss out on one of the most important experiences of the Thai culture – the superior Thai cuisine, probably one of the best in the world. To avoid this mistake, don’t hesitate entering small restaurants with ridiculously neglected interior design, plastic maps and un-plastered walls. These restaurants’ owners are probably the worst marketers – but usually are superior cooks. Your meal in one of these restaurants will often be unbelievably cheap, tasty and mostly made of fresh sizzling ingredients. You will fantasize about these meals long after you have left the island.
5. Mistake 5: To take your big business suitcase to an island that could be only accessed by sea. A big suitcase is of course very convenient [in Europe]: using it, you can pack everything you need; it can be carried easily thanks to those little wheels; and it makes you look very representative. However, taking a big suitcase to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao is not something I would recommend. The platforms in the piers are extremely narrow and occasionally unstable. So if you’re really lucky – your big suitcase will be safe. If you’re a little bit less lucky – it can fall into the water. If you ran out of luck – you can fall into the water together with your suitcase. I seriously think a back bag would be your best bet. Just for the record, the huge suitcase that was taken by yours truly to her first trip to Koh Phangan was left somewhere in the jungle to frighten local monkeys.
So, on the next time the idea of heading the Thailand Islands crosses your mind, as tempting as it may be, try not to succumb to rumors and fascinating imagery. A thorough research and planning ahead may take some time and effort on your side, but it will be more than worth your while.
Independent researcher, MA in anthropology, and travel enthusiast Ella Evans has spend more than a decade exploring Thailand focusing on the Southern Islands. The fruits of her labor can be found in the Koh Phangan Experience Website: a comprehensive travel guide to Koh Phangan, Thailand, which includes information articles, tips, advice and a message board. To visit Koh Phangan Experience Guide, click here: http://kohphangan.eternaltravel.net/
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Diving in Thailand – Koh Samui
By Abbey Vallance
Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island. It is still covered with coconut trees, jungle and rugged rocks of granite sloping into the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Siam. Samui measures 21km in its length and is 25km wide.
Nowadays Koh Samui is a preferred destination for divers who are looking for an up-market western infrastructure in the Gulf of when compared to what is available on Koh Tao the main diving destination in this area.
5 Star resorts and luxury villa accommodation is easily found on all parts of the island. Four international hospitals are available as well as a golf course, plenty of Spa treatments from traditional Thai massages to healing fast and hot stone therapies. Many restaurants employ international high class chefs and the variety of international cuisine is enormous with no doubt -delicious. All the major fast food chains will be found as well.
Diving from Samui is varied, mainly boat diving and virtually possible all year round. The journey to the dive sites differs between 45 mins (Speedboat to Sail Rock) and 3.5 hrs (slower displacement boats/tourboat) depending on the destination and boat type, which means Speed- or Tourboat.
Depths range from shallow reefs between 10-18m and deeper Pinnacles down to 40m. However most of the dives are not conducted deeper than 30m and depending on diver’s experience.
The majority of dive trips offer two or three dives which are more or less daytrips due to the destination and travel time.
One of the undoubtedly most famous dive sites in the Koh Samui Archipelago is
SAIL ROCK located 45 km north of Samui midway between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. This rock pinnacle is, shaped like an ice-berg emerges from 40m to 15 m above the oceans surface. Sail Rock provides large schools of pelagic’s steep walls, rock formation covered with corals and an awesome “chimney”, a swimthrough located on its northwest side. The chimney starts at 18m down and exits at 6m where the natural light penetrating the top makes it fantastically picturesque. At its exit on the top you will find yourself surrounded by magnificent carpets of colourful anemones full of vibrant anemone fish. At 12m you will spot a hole that opens up. -”The window” is another opportunity to exit the chimney into the open water.
Apart from the big schools of fishes you see here all year round you have a good chance to spot whale sharks or manta rays passing by on their feed in season.
For further information or to receive a monthly e-newsletter full of articles and scuba related advice, please visit our online dive store. We also supply a vast range of scuba diving equipment as well as overseas property investments & dive holidays.
Abbey Vallance works with Kit Scuba one of the UK’s leading online scuba stores, She is a dive enthusiast and loves to share dive experiences with others. for further scuba diving articles, please visit our blog.
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Technical Diving in Thailand – Take the Ultimate Deep Diving Challenge
By Ayesha Cantrell
Technical diving training is not a new thing to Thailand but the discovery of world class ship wreck sites has made Thailand an even more attractive place to study. Koh Tao, a small island off the east coast of Thailand, is the jump off point for all of the most recently discovered wrecks. The waters in this area have always been and still remain an important shipping route and the ocean floor is littered with the carcasses of lost ships. Within the last three years deep water explorers have located over 20 previously unexplored ships lying in the depths. These artificial reefs include a fully intact WWII US Submarine, 2 drill ships, huge cargo and POW ships and ancient junks. Many more sites remain unexplored making this area a wreck diving paradise.
Diving conditions are excellent and perfect for training and enjoying the experience. Warm, clear water with virtually no current and mostly calm seas make for relaxed and pleasurable diving. Your training begins in the shallow water, diving the same sites that recreational divers use, meaning you have the chance to see turtles, sharks, whale sharks and a selection of hard and soft corals with an abundance of tropical reef fish. Once this training is complete most regions can only offer completion of your course going deeper on these same recreational sites. This is the big difference that Koh Tao offers as you will progress to some amazing and hardly visited wreck sites.
Koh Tao revolves around diving and the after dive social scene is vibrant. Restaurants and bars are available to suit every taste and pocket. Non divers will enjoy the island too, the beaches are long and tranquil with many deserted coves to explore, there’s mini golf, 10 pin bowling and many spas and massage parlours to relax in too.
Ayesha Cantrell is an experienced Technical Diving Instructor based on Koh Tao, Thailand. Read more about how you can become a technical diver or join tech diving deep wreck liveaboards at her site Thailand Technical Diving
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Thailand Scuba Diving – When And Where To Go
By Chris Mitchell
Thailand is famous for its scuba diving, where warm, calm waters and an abundance of incredible marine life makes for spectacular dives. Thailand’s diving is also very cheap compared to diving in Europe and the Caribbean, although for safety’s sake care must be taken to use a reputable dive operator.
To get the most out of diving in Thailand, you need to know when and where to go. Not all of Thailand’s dive sites are available all year round, so it pays to do a bit of planning.
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are widely regarded as one of the Top 10 Dive Destinations. They are a small group of uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea, just off the western Thai coast. The Similans are usually visited by liveaboard boats from Phuket and Khao Lak, where divers eat sleep and dive on the boat for several days. Usually the liveaboard lasts 4 days / 4 nights and lets the divers get 14 dives.
The Similans are an ideal place to learn to dive, as taking a liveaboard trip will let a new diver be able to have lots of practice by doing so many dives. It’s important to be taught by a reputable liveaboard operator with full PADI certification and experienced instructors. Be sure to ask your operator about the newness of their scuba equipment and their staff qualifications.
The Similan Islands are only open to divers from October to May each year. The monsoon season arrives during June to September and makes the seas too rough for safe diving.
Hin Daeng / Koh Bida / Phi Phi / Koh Ha
This is a group of dive sites further south in the Andaman Sea from the Similan Islands and accessible from Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. They are usually visited on daytrips from these destinations, although there a couple of liveaboards who visit them. Koh Lanta in particular is a beautiful Thai island that is not as busy or expensive as Koh Phi Phi.
Hin Daeng and Koh Ha are also only open from October to May each year. Koh Bida and Phi Phi have a few reefs that are open all year round if you are visiting Koh Phi Phi.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a tiny island on the other, eastern coast of Thailand, above Koh Phangan, home of the Full Moon Parties. Koh Tao is a four hour ferry ride from Surat Thani on the mainland. Koh Tao is a burgeoning island for divers and also for chilled out escape – while popular, Koh Tao remains quite uncrowded.
There are lots of dive shops here that offer diving daytrips – there are very few scheduled liveaboards, although they do occasionally happen. The diving around Koh Tao is not considered as good as the Similans or Hin Daeng, but on its day it can be fantastic.
Koh Tao is also the most popular place to learn to dive in all of Asia Pacific, except for Cairns in Australia. If you want to learn to dive but don’t want to commit to doing a liveaboard, Koh Tao is a great place to learn and also enjoy the laid back party scene as well.
Koh Tao’s monsoon season lasts from September to December – it’s still possible to dive during this time but the weather can be pretty rough.
Best Times Of The Year To Dive Thailand
Similan Islands and Hin Daeng / Koh Ha — October to May
Koh Tao – January to September
Planning Your Thailand Diving Trip
When choosing your Thailand diving trip, think about what time of year you can go and then decide if you want to do a liveaboard trip or if you’d prefer to do daytrips and return to a hotel each evening. Then ask Thailand dive operators about what trips and dive packages are available – sometimes you can get real bargains. The dive operator can also give you the best advice of how to get from Bangkok to your preferred dive destination.
Chris Mitchell is a scuba diving journalist based in Bangkok, Thailand. He manages the Thailand diving websites Phuket-Diving-Safaris.com, AmazingLanta.com and Divehappy.com
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Prices Rise on Land For Sale in Koh Samui
By Daniel Sandercock
The Thailand Treasury Department has revealed government estimates which overwhelmingly suggest that land for sale in Koh Samui in the southern part of Thailand has increased overall by a substantial amount, their figures give 85.79 percent over an average nationwide increase of 26.9 percent.
The Director General of the Thailand Treasury Department, Khun Puntip Surathin, announced the Samui land valuations for tax calculations during the period 2008 to 2011. The Thailand Treasury Department reviews land valuations every 4 years and evaluates well over 5 million plots in Bangkok and more than 3 million plots country wide. The Thailand Treasury Department reaches the figures reported by collating the information recorded in its extensive surveys and takes into account the exact use the particular land for sale in Koh Samui is being put too, the local environment and current economic conditions.
In stiff contrast to the southern Samui land prime cost hikes, the average Bangkok land price increased by just under 6 per cent. Still, the values that have been placed on land for sale in Koh Samui and land for sale nationwide differed greatly across various areas, for example Bangkok observed prices ranging from Bt 260 per square wah in Nong Chok to Bt 650,000 on or near to Silom Road.
Amongst the Thai provinces, land for sale in Hat Yai, Songkhla was put at a value of Bt 400,000 per square wah. Ranot district was one of the cheapest places in the country to buy a plot of land. Prices were also on the increase in and around the large Northeastern province of Issan, which price hikes estimated at a level of 22.97 per cent. A square wah in Khon Kaen’s Muang district cost Bt 200,000. However, there were again variations within the region with land in Sakhon Nakhon’s Song Dao district and Chaiyaphum’s Phakdi Chumpol district priced at at a lot lower rate.
Land in the North of Thailand increased to an average price of 15.43 percent with the most expensive land being in the Muang district of Chiang Mai, which was priced at Bt 250,000 per square wah. However, land in Doi Tao, Mae Chaem, which is in the same province as the northern city’s Muang district, was estimated to be worth a lot less.
In the Central Eastern region of Thailand, average prices of land for sale in Koh Samui rose 11.71 percent with the highest price rise nationwide recorded in the Muang district of Samut Prakan at Bt 140,000 per sq wah. The diversity within individual regions was again evident, with land in the Sangkhla Buri district of Kanchanaburi costing only a fraction of that in Samut Prakan.
Horizon Homes makes it easy to find out the inside news on Thailand Property and Koh Samui property. Learn how to purchase land for sale in Koh Samui the right way: http://www.horizonhomes-samui.com
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What’s so great About Koh Samui in Thailand?
By Rhiannon Williamson
You’ve probably heard of Koh Samui, it’s the third largest of Thailand’s islands and many people seem to rave about it – but what’s so great about Koh Samui and is it really worth a visit?
Well, not only is Koh Samui worth a visit – it is one of those places on earth that’s once seen and never forgotten. In fact, many of those who visit Koh Samui once are hooked for life and some never leave. There are also an increasing number of Western expatriate retirees moving to live in Thailand and Koh Samui is a favourite destination because not only is it highly affordable but it offers up an excellent standard of living.
Basically what’s so great about Koh Samui is that it has the perfect blend of stunning climate, inimitable views, pristine sandy beaches, lush dense and incredible foliage, rare flora and fauna, excellent cuisine, plenty to see and do and experience and the people are among the friendliest on the planet – oh and healthcare is world class yet affordable and there are even international schools available on the island for those who wish to move there before their retirement years.
If you want to experience the best of Thailand in a safe environment and only moments away from all the amenities and facilities you could possibly want then Koh Samui is the place to go.
You can learn to dive in the crystal clean waters, you can learn to sunbathe (!) on the pure white sandy beaches which are fringed with beautiful palm trees, you can visit coconut plantations, witness incredible waterfalls, take boat trips to outer lying islands such as Koh Tao, Koh Wua Talap or Koh Mae Koh, you can snorkel in the National Marine Park or if all that sounds too energetic why not spend a day or even a week at one of Koh Samui’s spas?
Spa resorts are in abundance on the island and they offer peace, tranquillity and a whole host of luxurious treatments that will leave you feeling purified and whole again after the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And as soon as you’re feeling refreshed and energised it’ll be time to hit the abundance of excellent shops and boutiques or to go for a night out on the town where you can watch cabaret, go bar hopping, dine exquisitely or just while away an evening on the beach star gazing.
If all this sounds like your idea of heaven on earth you’re not alone – Koh Samui is great, it is well worth a visit but don’t blame me if you’re hooked and want to stay for life! There are new residential developments springing up in areas zoned and protected specifically for low rise residential construction and these developments all offer a taste of Thailand combined with contemporary architecture. One of the latest is Infinity Samui which consists of condos, penthouses and villas with infinity pools and infinity sea views. On site there is a spa and all residents will be treated to five star hotel like service – so you can actually live a life of affordable luxury in one of the most desirable places on earth – which is why we truly believe Koh Samui is just so great!
Rhiannon Williamson writes about buying property abroad and showcases new property developments in Thailand and around the world on her site http://www.PropertyDevelopmentWorld.com
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Visiting Koh Samui
By Jack Dan
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
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Koh Samui – Thailand Information 101
By Terry Bytheway
The thirst largest of Thailand’s Islands in the South, Koh Samui offers everything you could want… and more! Popular with westerns and locals alike, many come and wish never to have to return to their mundane life back home, in fact some don’t return and relocate to this tropical paradise! Not only highly affordable, Koh Samui offers high quality and assures relaxation as well as partying!
Perfect climate, stunning scenery, crystal water, amazing cuisine and partying until the early hours for those who so wish, Koh Samui really does have it all!
Superb health care and international schools, mean that living long term in this stunning location really can be a reality, and it has everything older couples could desire for retirement to the Island…
The list of potential fun activities is endless; caving, scuba dicing, kayaking, snorkeling, island hopping, cycling, dancing, partying, sunbathing, spa and relaxations treatments, why not?
Surrounding islands Koh Tao, Koh Wua Talap or Koh Mae Koh are a boat ride away and have more of the same stunning scenery. But if this sound too energetic, stay put in your hammock or sun lounger and watch the world pass you by! Or check into one of the spa resorts and truly escape the hustle and bustle of your life back home. Hit the shops and grab a bargain or two, then sit on the beach over candlelight and sample the fantastic local delicacies. You can exert as much or a little energy as you wish in Koh sanui!
There are an abundance of new residential areas for those of you who cant bear to prise yourself away and wish to make Koh Samui you’re permanent residence! Think about it- what more could you ask for?!
Read more information on luxury koh samui rental villas [http://www.baan-napoli.com] and thailand villas [http://www.baan-napoli.com] for much more than luxury living.
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Attractions in Koh Samui – Thailand
By Jack Dan
Koh Samui is the 3rd biggest island in Thailand and has won rave reviews. But why is Koh Samui so great and should you visit it?
The best part of Koh Samui is its ideal mix of awesome climate, unbeatable views, pure sandy beaches, thick dense and wonderful trees, rare flora and fauna, delectable cuisine, wide range of activities and some of the friendliest people on the earth. Its healthcare is the finest yet cheapest and it has international schools for those looking to spend their retired life there.
You can spend time learning to dive in the clear blue waters, go sunbathing on the virgin white sandy beaches lined with lovely palm trees, go on a trip to coconut farms, view lovely waterfalls, go on a boat tours to other islands like Koh Tao, Koh Wua Talap or Koh Mae Koh, snorkel in the National Marine Park or spend time in one of the world class spas.
There are various spa resorts on the island, providing calm, equanimity and a wide range of lavish treatments which will give you the feeling of freshness and relaxed after the chaos of daily life. Then you can go shopping in the numerous shops and boutiques or spend a night out in the town by watching cabaret, going bar hopping, eat in a chic restaurant or just spend time on the beach looking at the stars.
Koh Samui is great, a paradise on the earth. Many new residential complexes are being built in places particularly reserved for low rise residential buildings. These buildings are a blend of traditional as well as modern architecture. The latest one is Infinity Samui, comprising of condos, penthouses and villas attached with infinity pools and infinity sea views. There is a spa all residents can enjoy luxurious service. It will let you enjoy luxurious lifestyle at economical price.
There are lots of hotels in Samui, but Park Samui Hotel is the best. You are welcome to publish the article along with the hyperlinked URL : Samui Hotel
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