http://www.blogs.1stopsamui.com The self-styled boutique island of Thailand Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:37:35 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Samui tourists looking for a break from non-stop partying in discos and clubs in Lamai and Chaweng might find that an evening spent in one of the island’s English or Irish pubs will do the trick. I went with a few friends recently to Ban Bang Rak, close to Big ... http://www.blogs.1stopsamui.com/2012/02/03/bang-rak-british-pubs/ Sitting on top of Koh Samui’s highest mountain, Paradise Park Farm is a cool place to chill out on a hot day with the added bonus of friendly animals and birds, and stupendous views. This nature park covers a 50 rai (20 acre) plot of rainforest shaded land on Khao ... http://www.blogs.1stopsamui.com/2012/01/27/a-peaceful-haven-atop-samui%e2%80%99s-highest-peak/ Samui Island is better known for its stunning beaches and iconic palm trees than as a bastion of Thai culture. Nevertheless there are lots of temples and religious shrines dotted about this tropical paradise. Most of the temples are typical Thai ones with lofty chapels, colourful wall murals and a ... http://www.blogs.1stopsamui.com/2012/01/19/visiting-zhao-mei-kuan-im-temple/ Although many holidaymakers arrive on Koh Samui at the island’s unique open-plan international airport, it is not the only means of reaching this tropical paradise island. There are regular passenger ferries and high-speed catamarans which depart from several points on the mainland and are a much cheaper and fun way ... http://www.blogs.1stopsamui.com/2012/01/13/all-aboard-for-the-ferry-to-samui/ Samui’s legendary nightlife and entertainment venues have transformed some areas of Thailand’s party isle beyond all recognition. The only constants are soft sandy beaches and translucent waters. The resort of Bophut has bucked the trend and still retains lots of its original architecture and laid-back island ambience. The heritage Fisherman's Village ... http://www.blogs.1stopsamui.com/2012/01/05/a-step-back-in-time-at-bophut/ Although it is not time for the monthly full moon yet, party organisers on nearby Koh Phangan never miss out on a golden opportunity for enjoyment and are staging a New Year’s Eve countdown and extravaganza. The New Year party is held annually and estimates of the number of guests ... http://www.blogs.1stopsamui.com/2011/12/30/new-year-countdown-party-on-koh-phangan/ While some of the bigger Samui resorts and hotels include gala dinners and entertainment for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve in their festive season packages, not every accommodation venue does. Those looking for alternative Christmas entertainment, or somewhere to dine on the big day, will find there are plentiful ... http://www.blogs.1stopsamui.com/2011/12/22/festive-season-dining-on-samui/ The Samui Tiger Zoo allows visitors to meet royal Bengal tigers and leopard cubs. The big cat section of the Samui Aquarium has a jungle habitat where people can watch the animals roam freely. The sight of these magnificent creatures strolling languidly or frolicking in a natural environment is a ... http://www.blogs.1stopsamui.com/2011/12/16/get-close-to-a-big-cat-on-samui/ The second lunar eclipse this year will take place tomorrow evening. The cosmic happening will be visible over much of southern Thailand and revellers at Samui’s neighbouring Phangan Island will be able to enjoy the spectacle as part of the monthly Full Moon Party extravaganza. The partial eclipse will start at ... http://www.blogs.1stopsamui.com/2011/12/08/view-the-lunar-eclipse-on-samui-tomorrow/ As Koh Samui has evolved from a 1980s backpacker destination into one of the world’s most visited holiday isles, its range of hotel and resort options has increased accordingly. The principal accommodation staple used to be non-air-conditioned bamboo bungalows with thatched roofs. While these still exist and cater to budget ... http://www.blogs.1stopsamui.com/2011/12/02/choosing-holiday-accommodation-on-samui/