If you are setting off on holiday to Thailand you may be quick to pick the regular destinations like Bangkok and Phuket, but nestled in the gulf of Thailand is the island gem of Koh Samui.

A holiday in Koh Samui has the best Thai offerings wrapped in a small island feel and topped with untouched natural beauty and tranquillity that may be lacking in other Thai destinations.

Sunset in Koh Samui

By scheduling Koh Samui in your holiday itinerary you will not be disappointed by the culture, cuisine, holiday activities and laid back atmosphere that makes this island so popular amongst the more enthusiastic traveller. A holiday in Koh Samui has much to offer; from five star hotels, luxurious villas and world renowned restaurants to trips to quaint fishing villages, hikes in the mountainous centre of the island or long relaxing walks on the white sandy beaches.

While a holiday in Koh Samui is often marketed for its natural beauty, the island has undergone significant development in recent years to ensure that you have access to all the facilities and services necessary for an enjoyable hotel. Samui International Airport provides flights to and from major Southeast Asian destinations, like Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, allowing you to bypass Bangkok and avoiding costly charters or cramped sea ferries. If you want to avoid the monotony of another hotel, holiday villas in Koh Samui range from the more expensive beach villas with a private gourmet chef on call to the budget friendly self-catering apartments with picturesque ocean views.

A holiday would not be complete without shopping and local entertainment and Koh Samui has a great choice on offer, especially if you opt for the more popular towns like Chaweng or Lamai. From the 12 metre high golden Big Buddha to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Samui has sufficient sights and sounds to captivate every traveller’s interest. A holiday in Koh Samui will ensure that you taste some of Thailand’s abundant seafood, with fishing villages dotting the entire Koh Samui coastline.

Try to avoid booking a last minute getaway to this stunning island. A pre-booked holiday in Koh Samui will ensure that you experience the white sandy beaches, clear blue waters and coconut studded coastline that has made Koh Samui the idyllic island getaway.

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It can be tricky trying to decide where to take the kids on holiday. Some people may think that once they have kids their days of long distance travelling and seeing the world are over but that needn’t be the case.

Koh Samui is a great place for children with its sandy beaches and numerous activities to keep them occupied.

Family on Beach

A luxury villa on the beach is perfect for families, especially those with young children as it eliminates the need to pack up everything you would need for a day at the beach. Since Koh Samui beaches have very low tides in the summer months, many of the beaches have great amounts of space where you can play beach games like football, volleyball or cricket. The younger children will also have a great time exploring the rock pools and finding beautiful tropical seashells.

Many villas also come complete with babysitting facilities which means that you can enjoy some quiet time and soak up the relaxing surroundings, get a massage or go out for a delicious dinner with your partner. The local people in Koh Samui are also very friendly towards young children and will always make you feel welcome.

When it comes to food and drink there are plenty of options for eating out with kids, alternatively it can be an added bonus to know that you can plan meal times at the villa. Many villas even come with an in-house chef who can cook for you which gives the experience of eating out without having to worry about leaving the villa with smaller children. If you do intend on eating out, it is a good idea to invest in a portable high chair for the little ones because most Thai restaurants will not provide child seating. It is possible to purchase small chairs that screw onto the table top and will fit nicely inside the baby bag.

Taking the young children on holiday doesn’t have to be stressful. A luxury villa in Koh Samui will provide the perfect base for you and your children in a safe and comfortable environment with the added bonus of having the sea just a few metres away as well as plenty of space to keep the little ones entertained.

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Are you jetting off to Thailand? Make sure you do not confine yourself to the usual tourist destinations like Bangkok and Phuket, as you will surely miss the magic of this Southeast Asian nation.

Tucked away in the Gulf of Thailand (also known as Gulf of Siam) is Koh Samui, the third largest of the Thai islands which is an untouched gem of tropical beauty, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of commercial Thailand.

Koh Samui is becoming increasingly popular and has developed into defining the Thai holiday experience, but it has retained its picturesque natural scenery and relaxed environment.

The Kingdom of Thailand has made its mark on international tourism offering a combination of stunning landscapes, exquisite cuisine, and a range of sporting and holiday activities to create the perfect Asian experience. Among the top 30 most populous countries and one of the economic powerhouses of Southeast Asia, Thailand has fallen victim to a more commercial feel, with towering skyscrapers and congested highways, which at times feels like a reflection of large western cities. With islands like Koh Samui, Thailand has managed to retain a distinctively Asian identity mixed with natural beauty and a laid back lifestyle.

A largely Buddhist nation, Thailand has strong influences from many other cultures which is evident in the cuisine and practices of the locals. Koh Samui is no different and you can enjoy the best that Thailand has to offer by choosing to stay in a private villa on the island. Samui International Airport on Koh Samui allows you to travel to and from many Southeast Asian destinations, including Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, without having to go through mainland Thailand. With a rather temperate climate, Koh Samui is not exposed to prolonged rainy seasons and torrential floods like other parts of Thailand, which allows longer periods of fun in the sun, typical of any tropical island.

Whether you opt to go kayaking in the clear blue waters or just relax in your beach villa, Koh Samui has everything one would expect for the perfect island holiday. When planning your next trip to Thailand, make sure that Koh Samui is on your itinerary and enjoy the best of Southeast Asia’s untouched natural beauty.

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While the more conventional tourists head off to the local hotels, enthusiastic travellers wanting some privacy and the freedom to tailor make their own island holiday experience should consider the selection of beach villas in Koh Samui.

Most beach villas in Koh Samui are located in premier locations on the white sandy shores or just a stone throw from the beach. Depending on your budget and individual preferences, you can opt for a smaller villa that is ideal for a couple, especially honeymooners, or large beach villas that can accommodate an entire family or even a small travel group. For those with a bigger budget, you can choose one of our luxury Koh Samui beach villas, complete with all the facilities one would expect plus a little more like a private gourmet chef, car hire and even your own personal chauffeur to show you the sights.

With the activity in Koh Samui revolving around its coastline, a beach villa is the ideal holiday accommodation to keep you and your travel group at the centre of all the holiday fun while still affording you the opportunity for some quiet time if you so wish. Our beach villas in Koh Samui offer residents opportunities beyond the confines of the resorts, with concierge services assisting you in whatever your holiday plans may be.

Beach villas in Koh Samui need not break your holiday budget and with a little planning, you can find the perfect beach villa for your next holiday. Enjoy the fun in the sun, whether you bask on the beach all day or go snorkelling in the clear blue waters of Koh Samui.

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Oh boy, is there! Here are a few to add to your list of What To Do With The Kids …

At Chaweng Beach there’s the Aquapark for anyone over 5 years of age, where there are giant inflatables to leap onto, and off. This is a designated area cordoned off from the main ocean and all visitors are provided with life vests. Cost is 500 baht per person for a day, and 350 for a half day. By all accounts an exhausting activity!

Coco Splash Waterpark is at Lamai Beach. This waterpark has 7 slides, 4 pools, a Jacuzzi, waterpolo and pool-side activities too such as table tennis. Children under 90cms tall get free entry, children 90-130cms are 350 baht and over 130cms 450 baht. A 4-person family pass costs 1500 baht. There is a restaurant, and the adults can also enjoy a massage.

Samui Frisbee Golf at Maenam is a new venture for all ages that is proving very popular. The course has 9 holes, is very shady, and has separate tee areas for beginners and advanced players. The owner, Nigel, explains all the rules and techniques – and he also runs a pizza restaurant on the side! Costs are 50 baht for children, 100 baht for adults.

Treasure Island Mini Golf is near the Big Buddha at Bophut. This course has 18 holes and is a great way to spend an afternoon. Price: 400 baht for adults, 200 for children under 12.

An elephant trek through some of the backwater jungle areas of the island can be a good family outing, and can be organised through one of the many nature tour groups on the island. Cost will be approximately 700 baht for an adult, 500 for child between 4 and 10 years old for a 30-minute trip is. Or 1200 and 800 for an hour.

Older kids might enjoy the adventure of the Treetop Tour Cable Ride, inland from Maenan close to Magic Garden on one of Samui’s highest mountains. Zip through the treetops, 780 metres of cable, safe, fun and exciting….

Some of the most popular for children are -

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo, close to the Samui Orchid Resort in the south of the island, where there are plenty of live shows and you can have your photograph taken with a big cat.

Koh Samui Butterfly Garden, close to Buddha’s Footprint in the south of the island, where there are also moths, and insects, and beehives.

The Crocodile Farm, near the airport, is also very popular, especially with boys for some reason! Entrance costs 100 baht for an adult, and 75 for children. There are also snakes, monkeys, caimans, alligators and lizards.

Many Koh Samui villas have been specifically designed for families with younger children in mind. Some villas have connecting doors between the master and adjacent bedroom, others have colourful adventure bedrooms designed and equipped with children in mind. Some have a shallow area in the pool for the younger ones and there are usually plenty of televisions and child-friendly DVDs once they are exhausted by all the outdoor activities!

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How to say a few words and avoid some cultural faux pas.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Your holiday on Koh Samui island will be so much more rewarding and fun (sanuk) if you can say a few words to the Thai people you meet, so how about learning a few words of their language?   Many Thais speak English, but don’t let that stop you!

There are differences in how to speak Thai if you are a man or a woman, but these words and phrases given below will be understood whether said by either, and you will not cause offence if you use the wrong gender version.

Sawadee  – Hello and Goodbye
At the same time (instead of a hand shake) place your palms together in front of your chest, fingers pointed upward, and bow your head a little.  This is called a Wai.  Usually, the younger or lower status person initiates the Wai.  It is quite usual to address Thai people by their first name, preceded by Khun (Mr / Mrs).

Phoot Thai mai dai
I can’t speak Thai

Hong lnam yoo tee nai?
Where is the rest room?

Khorb koon mark
Thank you very much

Mai pen rai
You’re welcome / never mind

Chai
Yes

Mai-chai
No, / no it’s not / no I don’t

Khor toat
Sorry / excuse me

Tai ruup dai mai?
May I take a photo?

Sabai dee mai?
How are you?
Sabai dee
I am fine

Pom chue …
My name is …

Yoo tee nai?
Where is …?  While pointing to your map …

Gee baht?
How much?

A-roi
Delicious

Mai a-roi
Not delicious

Dai nit noi
A little

Gep taang
The bill, please

Bai nai?  -  where are you going?  Often shouted as a greeting by tuk tuk drivers!  So if you’d rather walk, you can reply – Mai ow khrab!

The Thais are a very conservative yet relaxed and light-hearted people: they love to please, to keep things calm, to enjoy the moment – and to have fun.   Their strong sense of how they are seen by others means that any confrontation or embarrassment, either of or by themselves or others, should be avoided.  To save face, your own or someone else’s, is paramount.   This is probably the source of that famous and beautiful Thai smile: it is surely the best way to see you through difficult situations.

The Thais may well see many visitors as over-worrying and over-pernickety: it is not in their nature to be this way.  They do not worry about having to wait or queue, and as a whole are not concerned about what life will be like in the future: they live for the day.  Things will only get better!  We could learn a little here …

Meeting Thais for the first time socially may be a bit like undergoing an inquisition!  Social rank and your status in society are very important, and you may be asked any number of questions so that your new friend can judge where you stand …  Phu Yai (the big people) and Phu Noi (the little people) are the two main ‘classifications’; e.g. teacher and student; adult and child; older sibling and younger sibling; Thai and non-Thai.  As a visitor to Thailand, you may be given the honorary Phu Yai role, based on the Thai’s assuming you have wealth because you are there, and education and status in your own country because of what he understands about your country.   What a compliment!

A few don’ts:

Beach:
Do not remove any part of your swimwear for sunbathing.  Nudity is not allowed in public.

Eyes, Mouth, Hands, Feet and Shoes:
Don’t stare, and avoid long eye contact.  This is not considered polite.  Very brief eye-to-eye contact is the norm for Thais when having a conversation.
Avoid raising your voice and losing your temper – this will be considered a great loss of face on your part, and you may be ignored completely.  Show patience and acceptance of what is being done for you.

Do not point or gesticulate madly; do not drop or throw things.  All these are considered very inelegant (unless you are on the beach)!  Best to be subtle, quiet and indirect …

In many parts of Asia the feet are considered the most unclean or impure part of the body. To sit in a way that points the sole of your foot at someone is considered disrespectful and an insult.   If you accidently step on someone ‘khor toat’ is recommended.  Try to avoid stepping over anyone: wait for him or her to move out of your way.  And do not step over food!

Do not wear your shoes in someone’s house: leave them outside.  This is true also for temples and other religious buildings, and sometimes small hotels, guesthouses and even shops.   Look for the clues: a pile of removed shoes left outside.

Royalty:
The Thais love and respect their King and his family.  Do not insult or make jokes about them.

Sacred places and things:
Do not touch things you see in temples or other religious places, or in an individual’s personal spirit house or altar.  Lengthy rituals may need to be undertaken if you inadvertently contaminate these things.
Women must not touch Buddhist monks, or hand things to him themselves, or be alone in their presence.

All monks, whatever their age, are highly respected.

It is sacrilegious to use an image of Buddha as purely decorative, so icons used around the home other than in personal altars are frowned upon.  But a small Buddha hanging round the neck is OK: it may protect you and bring you good luck.

Time:
Seems to have a different meaning in Thailand!  Do not fret if the service in your restaurant is slow … enjoy the leisure time.  If someone is late for a meeting, ignore it.  Welcome them when they arrive … and carry on.

But mainly, do not worry!  You are here on Koh Samui to enjoy yourself and if you make a mistake, by mistake, just apologise and smile.  The Thais will forgive you.

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