The Seduction Of Koh Samui
What is it that makes island life so seductive? Perhaps it's the barefoot informality of everyday living, the feel of sand under your feet, the swaying coconut palms, the glorious sunsets over the turquoise sea, or the long warm days full of possibilities. In fact it's all those things and much more, and where better than the Thai island of Koh Samui to experience island life to the full?
The great thing about Koh Samui is your range of options. You might well choose to spend your whole time on the beach. With its fine white sand, canopies of coconut palms and inviting sea, this is understandable.
You have many options when it comes to Koh Samui beaches. You can hang out on lively beaches such as Chaweng which are always crowded with holiday makers and enjoy the buzz of beach sports and social life. Or find your own secluded spot away from it all and sprawl on your private stretch of sand with just a book for company.
Then if you prefer something more active, Samui offers a huge range of choices. You can charter a boat and go snorkeling among the coral reefs or just take boat trips to nearby islands. You have plenty of possible destinations; the Koh Samui archipelago contains over 60 islands. Other water sports include jet skiing, water skiing, speedboats, parasailing and banana boat riding.
Back on dry land, you can get your thrills blasting off an AK47 at the shooting range, go carting or if you're really into adrenaline sports, take a bungee jump. If golf is your thing, there are golf courses and some hotels have their own facilities. For the full Monty, head for the international standard Santiburi Country club with eighteen scenic holes in the foothills behind Mae Nam Beach.
To explore Samui, you can go for walks in the lush tropical jungles in the hilly inland. If you've got strong legs, you could hire a bike and make a trip right around the island. You can see the contrast between the less developed southern part of the island and the tourist enclaves of the north.
For something more organised Samui has lots of activities, including some that showcase the local culture and wildlife. If you've got limited time you can just sign up for a one-day island tour which will show you all the attractions of Samui in one whistle-stop day.
You can visit the Big Buddha temple with its 15-meter high Buddha images looming over the coat, the curious Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks at the south of Lamai Beach, Namuang waterfalls and the town of Nathon which serves as the island's administrative capital.
Other more specialized tours give you insights into Samui culture. You can see monkeys scrambling up coconut palms to harvest coconuts and take an elephant ride down to a waterfall. Other encounters with local fauna are available including butterflies, snakes and crocodiles.
Evenings on Koh Samui usher in a new phase of island life. Perhaps you'd like guzzling on freshly caught seafood cooked over an open fire under the stars. Or if French or Italian fare is more to your liking, you can find that, too. For authentic Samui cuisine, head to Ban Huathanon Seafood in Fisherman Village at Bo Phut Beach in the north of the island.
And if you'd prefer the laid back lifestyle and quiet nights, you can walk along the beach or visit a quiet bar or cafe. And the pulsating nightlife of Chaweng's Beach Road is there all night. Real party people will head on a boat and go full moon partying on nearby Koh Phangan.
When it comes to accommodation, your island life can be as basic or as elaborate as your wish. Whether you want a beachside hut with a thatched roof and bamboo balcony or the most luxurious 5-start resort, Koh Samui hotels have it all. Chaweng Beach is home to a huge array of quality Koh Samui hotels to suite all tastes and pockets.
Living the island life means you can choose exactly the kind of life you want to lead and koh Samui travel is easy and convenient. So make your reservation today and get ready for total pleasure.
