Kho Samui, Thailand – Like Your Favourite Pair Of Slippers

By Daniel Resnik on February 14, 2014 in Other

Thailand is South East Asia’s premier holiday destination and each year thousands of Australians flock to this mecca for these simple reasons: it’s reasonably close to Australia, has great beaches, the food is delicious and cheap, there is an abundance of accommodation, the shopping is awesome and the people are incredibly friendly. It’s a winning combo!

Eclectic and exciting cities abound including the capital, Bangkok, which was once again voted the world’s best city by Travel and Leisure Magazine.

Bangkok is a vibrant city set on the banks of Chao Phraya River. On a recent three-day stopover I stayed in the uber funky Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa, perfectly positioned in the main shopping district, and set about rediscovering one of the most visited cities on the planet.

With a thriving population of nine million, this diverse city has so much to offer, from historical palaces and temples to pulsating nightlife and some of the best rooftop bars in the world. It’s a food lover’s fantasy too, and for the bargain hunter it will send your shopping hormones crazy. With a plethora of markets spread across the city and a number of high-end shopping centres, you can literarily shop till you drop.

After a few manic and exciting days in Bangkok, it was time for a short one-hour flight to the diverse and beautiful island of Koh Samui. Located in the Gulf of Siam, this island is divided into four key regions: Chaweng Beach (main beach), Lamai Beach, Bophut Beach and Maenarn Beach.

This is my fourth time to Koh Samui and each visit is just as exciting. Samui has been a popular destination for Aussies and is kind of like your favourite pair of slippers: very comfortable and familiar.

The majority of hotels, resort spas and health retreats are situated in these four areas, ranging from budget backpacker accommodation to the very best five star resorts. Whether you’re a family, a newly married couple or single and looking to party, Koh Samui has it all.

I had the pleasure of staying in two different resorts. The first was the Bandara Resort & Spa, located on Bophut Beach, the peaceful north coast of the island. Set on 2.5 acres, this property is beautifully landscaped with four pools including a massive main pool, two beachside pools and a kids’ pool. The main focal point is the oceanfront restaurant and super stylish beach bar. Perfectly positioned, it’s close to the renowned Fisherman’s Village, which is an historical and authentic tourist attraction that features shops, markets, bars, cafes and restaurants.

Second stop was the romantic and serene Silavadee Pool Spa Resort located on Laem Nan Beach, between Chaweng and Laem Beach, on the south east coast of the island. One of the most beautiful resorts I’ve stayed at, the Silavadee was designed to blend in with its natural environment. This resort oozes style, simplicity and extreme privacy. The infinity pool overlooks the sparkling Gulf of Siam and you can guarantee the majority of your time will be spent here or perhaps snorkeling or kayaking on the resort’s private beach just below. A favourite of mine was a visit to the scrumptious breakfast buffet, which was enhanced by the enchanting views overlooking the sea.

If you wish to discover Koh Samui, the island has literally everything available including diving and snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, golf, go-karting, Muay Thai boxing, elephant trekking, temple visits and island tours. I recommend you visit your hotel information tour desk to see what else is available.

There is also a very lively nightlife scene offering many bars and nightclubs. For some bawdy outrageous fun and entertainment take a stroll down the main drag to one of the many ‘lady boy cabarets’ on Chaweng Beach. Sequins, feather boas and gyrating hips feature prominently!

A trip to Koh Samui is definitely not complete until you’ve been on a Chewang Beach main road shopping adventure. The choice is plentiful, cheap and fun. You can also discover some high-class boutiques and along the way you’ll get to meet every t-shirt, board short and thong vendor imaginable. If you’re after a cheap copy of your favourite brand name, you’re in the right street.

I have been visiting Thailand now for over thirty years and have never tired of this remarkable country. The friendliness of the Thai people is like no other culture and you soon realise why the country is known as the ‘land of smiles’.

Tips

* If you plan on driving or scootering, ensure you have an international drivers license or you won’t be covered for medical expenses. Cost is under AUD$50 and can be acquired from the NRMA.
* Beware of current jet ski scams in Thailand. Perhaps photograph craft before you use them in case there is prior damage that they try to blame you for.

For All Your Thailand Accommodation Go To:

www.paradisesonline.com

How To Get There:

Jetset Travel Rose Bay
www.jetsetrosebay.com
(02) 9371 8576

or

The Travel Café Bondi
www.whitestartravel.com.au
(02) 9130 1345