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Thailand : Koh Samui - July 2008
Country Code: Dial +65 for Thailand

FROM THE AIRPORT

Taxi:  Note that although the yellow and red air-conditioned saloons are marked “Meter Taxi”, the meters are never used. Prices range from 200 to 400 baht.

Car hire:  Budget Car Rental (tel (0)77 427188) has an office at Samui Airport. A Suzuki Caribian costs 1,500 baht a day. For mini-vans, the general rule is, the more passengers, the cheaper the fare. Prices range from 40 to 120 baht.

Songthaew:  Agree on the price before boarding. Fares range from 50 to 100 baht. You must wait until the shared pick-up is adequately full before you depart (unless you are willing to compensate for the driver’s lost fares).

Mini-van:  The general rule is, the more passengers, the cheaper the fare. Prices range from 40 to 120 baht.

TABLE TALK

Cheap chic

Na Thon Food Market
(Na Thon Seafront. )
For a truly Samui experience, join locals at this collection of food stalls which springs up every evening, all offering a wide variety of delicious local dishes at very reasonable prices.

Mid-range magic

BamBu!
(Chaweng Beach Road, Chaweng Centre. Tel. (0)8 0144-6890)
This distinctive restaurant serves some of the best Chinese food on the island. They also have some great offers, including all-you-can-eat from the a la carte menu (including alcohol) for just 1,300 baht.

Gourmet

SALA Samui
(SALA Samui Resort and Spa, Choeng Mon. Tel. (0)77 245888)
Fine Thai and international cuisine served in a truly beautiful setting is reason enough to dine here. There is even a table for two set up in the pool (the water is only a few inches deep).

AFTER DARK

Cocktail hour

Verandah Bar
Despite being located a little off the beaten track, the Verandah Bar at Baan Taling Ngam Resort has to be one of the most spectacular locations to enjoy one of Samui’s famous sunsets with a cool drink in hand to end the day.

Late night

Chaweng Lake View
(Chaweng Lakeside. )
This venue holds regular late-night parties, often featuring well-known guest DJs. The dates of the parties are well advertised via leaflets and signs as well as in local publications.

BODY & SOUL

Prana Spa
(Tongsai Bay. Tel. (0)77 245480)
This escape is located in the beautiful Tongsai Bay Resort overlooking its own private bay. The three spa suites reside in their own individual cottages. Body treatments at Prana emphasise the use of local herbs and ingredients. www.tongsaibay.co.th

BOUTIQUE BEDS

Punnpreeda Pool Villa Beachfront
(Bophut Beach. Tel. (0)77 246333)
Located on 140m of pristine beachfront on Bophut Beach, Punpreeda Pool Villa offers just 13 luxuriously appointed villas, each with private verandahs under the cool shade of coconut trees. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway. www.punnpreedapoolvilla.com

HOT SPOTS

Lipa Noi –Catch the sunset just south of Nathon. The beach here remains almost deserted despite the shallow water and golden sands. There are some good seafood restaurants as well.

INSIDER TIPS

Bophut Hills Golf Club –Go for a round of golf at the nine-hole Bophut Hills Golf Club. Green fees are very reasonable and don’t worry if you didn’t bring your clubs – you can hire them there. Call (0) 872 67-1042 to book a tee time.

DAY TRIPPING

Ride a bike –Mountain bikes are an ideal way for the more energetic to explore the interiors of the island. Red Bicycle offers half-day and full-day tours around different parts of Koh Samui, as well as nearby Koh Taen island. You can also rent bikes from them if you want to go off alone. There’s no better way to discover Koh Samui than on wheels. Red Bicycle, Lamai and Big Buddha, tel (0)77 232136/245936

IN THE KNOW

Motorbikes are one of the most popular ways to get around the island and are great as long as you take the necessary precautions. Always wear a helmet, and don’t drink and drive. If you encounter a steep hill, simply get off and push the bike. Avoid acquiring a “Samui Tattoo” – a result of burning one’s leg on the exhaust!

Compiled by Graeme Malley

Previous issues for Koh Samui
 
   
Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy,
please confirm event/venue details in advance.

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