Samui
From Europe to Latin America, from Australia to the USA, very many people now recognize the name of Koh Samui. And for good reason, this beautiful tropical island has been charming its visitors ever since the first tourists arrived in 1971. Those who experience Samui are rewarded with idyllic tropical retreat with little traffic, white-sand beaches, a sapphire-blue sea, an abundance of tantilizing Thai cuisine and an unusally warm and friendly people.
Koh Samui is the largest in a group of islands of the east coast of Thailand. And the shoreline is made up of countless palm-fringes beaches and bays. The best (and most developed) beaches are Chaweng and Lamai on the east coast. Bophut and Maenam, on the calmer northfacing Koh Phangan, are also popular beaches offering a quieter, gentler holiday experience.
Samui's natural attractions include the coral beds at Laem Sed and Tong Takien, the Hin Lad and Na Muang waterfalls and the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai bay. An beyond the main island are many others well worth exploring - Koh Phangan (world famous for its monthly Full Moon Parties), Koh Toa (one of the best diving locations in Thailand) and Ang Thong National Marine Park (a compact archipelago of small and virtually untouched islands which are best explored by sea kayak).
However you get here, it's likely that your first sight of Samui will be unforgettable - either traditional village nestled in palm-fringed beaches or else Samui's beautiful and justly famous tropical airport. At any event, you can be sure that from the moment you land, the beautiful and relaxed atmosphere of this island will begin to catch you in its spell.
Currency
The unit of exchange is Baht. The approximately equivalent of US$ 1 is 38 - 41 Baht. Foreign visitors may bring in foreign currencies or other types of foreign exchange. Major foreign currencies can be exchanged for baht with banks and authorized money changers. Major international credit cards are accepted in the restaurants and the shops.
Climate
The temperature range between 25 degree Celsius - 32 degree Celsius.
Electricity
220 volts (50 cycles), alternating current throughout the country.
Visa
Please check the Visa information at www.mfa.go.th.
Venue
The Imperial Boat House Hotel is located on Choeng Mon beach, in the North of Koh Samui. For more information on the hotel, please visit www.imperialhotels.com.
Address:
83 Moo 5 Choeng Mon beach,
Thambol Bophut, Koh Samui
Suratthani 84320
Tel: +66 (0) 7742 5041 - 52
Fax: +66 (0) 7742 5460 - 1
E-mail: boathouse@imperialhotels.com
The Imperial Samui Hotel, which is located on Chaweng Noi Beach and just 20 minutes by shuttle buses from the venue, where the research methodology session will be held and also the accomodation for those who just register recently.
Address:
86 Moo 3 Chaweng Noi Beach
Tambol Bophut, Koh Samui
Suratthani, 84320
Tel: +66 (0) 7742 2020-36
Fax: +66 (0) 7742 2396
E-mail: samui@imperialhotels.com
Tranportation
From Bangkok to Koh Samui
Planes
Bangkok Airways serves over 10 flights a day that flies from Bangkok to
Koh Samui. You can either check the flight timetable or make the reservation
at www.bangkokair.com.
Early reservation is highly recommended.
To get around Koh Samui
Minibus
Pick-up trucks serve as local buses during daylight hours. They follow
fixed routes around the island. At night sonthaews also operate as private
taxis and can be chartered to go anywhere.
Car/Motorbike/Bicycle
Rentals
Renting your own vehicle is an excellent way to get around.
Taxis
Samui has dozens of yellow metered taxis for those who prefer to travel
in air-conditioned confort.
Airport Tax
An airport tax for international flight when leaving Don Muang Airport is 500 baht. For Samui Airport, the airport tax is 400 baht.
Places to go
Beaches
- Chaweng - is the longest beach and biggest town on Samui
- Lamai - is Samui's second largest beach and the most beautiful
- Big Buddha - its proximity to the airport makes Big Buddha very convenient if you're flying in
Waterfall
- Na Muang 1
- Namuang 2 - is the most beautiful waterfall on island
- Wang Saotong
- Hin Lad
Wat (Thai Temples)
- Wat Phra Yai - is the home of the 12 metre tall big Buddha
- Wat Kiri Wongkaram - is noted for the mummified body of the Buddhist Monk, Loung Por Ruam
- The Coral Buddha
- The Lord Buddha's Footprint
- Wat Sumret
- The Laem sor Chodi
- Wat Khunaram
- Wat Sila Ngu
Others
- Hin-Ta and Hin-Yai - these two stones, called Grandmother and Grandfather respectively, have been naturally crafted by the elements to resemble male and female genitalia
- Nathon - is the primary point of connection with the mainland and other islands
- Hua Thanon - the Muslim fishing village is located here
- Butterfly Garden
- Aquarium and Tiger Zoo
- Snake farm
Beyond Koh Samui
- Koh Phangan - Had Rin East is the home of the Full Moon Parties and Phangan's nightlife center
- Koh Taen - has excellent hiking trails
- Koh Nangyuan - is a quiet place which there are no roads and no motors on this island
- Ang Thong National Marine Park - is a compact archipelago of most uninhabited islands
Things to do
- Adventure sports - such as shooting, Bungy jump, go kart
- Diving/snorkelling
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Buffallo show and also buffalo-cart ride
- Elephant Trekking
- Jungle tours
- Thai Boxing
- Spa - Samui is now a place where you can practice serious health regimens and enjoy the most self-indulgent sap treatment
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