Koh Samui trip (Sep 09)

[tensaigamer0]

wow! id love to go someday!! this coming from a guy who doesnt like to travel! O.O!!!

[Silverstan]

Please refer to my answer in blue.

Hi, Silverstan

Thanks for sharing the pictures and info. I am planning to go there during CNY 2010 for a week. YAHOOOOOOOO!!!!! So, your info gave me a lot of ideas. Thanks again.

May i know the following:
- which website or forum did you go to to do research?
my friend went to this island, and recommended to me. so i try to search online. website i check:
http://www.kohsamui.org/
http://www.samui-hotels.com/
http://www.kohsamui.com/

- why didn't you go for local tours? Or it is better to tour the island ourselves?
Samui Island not big, you can drive around the island with map, indicated with every interesting points.

- anything i need to be aware of when i am there?
when you rent a car / bike, MUST remember to take pictures for every parts of the vehicle you get. (must covered bumper, rims, doors panel, lower parts of body etc)
to avoid they simply charge when returning your vehicle.

- why did you choose Chaweng instead of other beaches?
Chaweng is famous and more choices for hotels, resorts, restaurants, thai massage, spa.. etc, you can walk around without transport

- is your snorkeling trip a tour package?
ya, it's a package, vary from 1200 baht to 2000 and above. have different spot & islands for snorkeling. (many island around Koh samui)
Koh Nangyuan is best for snorkeling (personally prefer this island), cause you can swim, sun bath, eat (with restaurant), snorkeling, jungle trekking in same island. the beach are nice! it's connected to 3 small island.

I hope you can help me out here because i am stuck at looking for a good hotel and which part of the island i should go to.
If you plan for more outdoor activities, get normal hotel good enough, cause end up your hotel just for sleep only. you will spend most of the time outside.
depend on what you prefer, you can check for the price from here: http://www.kohsamui.com/booking/price.html

Many thanks in advance.

Hope this help.

[GotLust?]

What camera are you using for all these fabulous photos?

[Silverstan]

What camera are you using for all these fabulous photos?

Olympus E-P1 for most of the time, for swimming & snorkeling, i was using my LX-2 with Dicapac.

[GotLust?]

Wholly crap. Olympus E-P1 is goddess.

[Silverstan]

beside weak-a** AF, no viewfinder, no build in flash, E-P1 still consider a good camera.

i think now most of the DSLR or DC (in same level) is almost the same, only which brand you prefer.
the most important is the one behind the camera (using it). (i am noob and still learning how to take good pics )

[anonlife]

Hi, Silverstan

Thanks very very much for the helpful tips and info. BTW, your pics looks great!

Please refer to my answer in blue.

Hi, Silverstan

Thanks for sharing the pictures and info. I am planning to go there during CNY 2010 for a week. YAHOOOOOOOO!!!!! So, your info gave me a lot of ideas. Thanks again.

May i know the following:
- which website or forum did you go to to do research?
my friend went to this island, and recommended to me. so i try to search online. website i check:
http://www.kohsamui.org/
http://www.samui-hotels.com/
http://www.kohsamui.com/

- why didn't you go for local tours? Or it is better to tour the island ourselves?
Samui Island not big, you can drive around the island with map, indicated with every interesting points.

- anything i need to be aware of when i am there?
when you rent a car / bike, MUST remember to take pictures for every parts of the vehicle you get. (must covered bumper, rims, doors panel, lower parts of body etc)
to avoid they simply charge when returning your vehicle.

- why did you choose Chaweng instead of other beaches?
Chaweng is famous and more choices for hotels, resorts, restaurants, thai massage, spa.. etc, you can walk around without transport

- is your snorkeling trip a tour package?
ya, it's a package, vary from 1200 baht to 2000 and above. have different spot & islands for snorkeling. (many island around Koh samui)
Koh Nangyuan is best for snorkeling (personally prefer this island), cause you can swim, sun bath, eat (with restaurant), snorkeling, jungle trekking in same island. the beach are nice! it's connected to 3 small island.

I hope you can help me out here because i am stuck at looking for a good hotel and which part of the island i should go to.
If you plan for more outdoor activities, get normal hotel good enough, cause end up your hotel just for sleep only. you will spend most of the time outside.
depend on what you prefer, you can check for the price from here: http://www.kohsamui.com/booking/price.html

Many thanks in advance.

Hope this help.

[Uchu Keling]

Well documented. Thank you.

[Silverstan]

If don't want to headache on booking hotel, check it at firefly website, choose flight + hotel.
you will get the price for airfare + hotel.

[anonlife]

Hi

Actually, Silverstan, i find that if you book directly through the hotel, you can get special rate. I just got myself a good deal through online reservation. Just send them an email and see what they can offer you. I also read in many forums that you can actually bargain the price with them if you find that your room is not what you expected and not up to the standards you are paying for.

All forumers who intend to go to Samui, go during low season. You can get a lot of good deals.

[joojoo1995]

I did it on road.Fly to Alor star,take private taxi to Hatyai,stayed for 2 nites,take a bus to Surathani,stayed 1 nite,then take bus to Koh Samui.In Koh Samui,you can find cheap chalets.see http://www.bootsnall.com for cheap rooms

[Silverstan]

good to see more ppl contribute info they have about koh samui.
will help a lot for those who planning to go there for holidays.

[joandainty]

Koh Samui is an ideal spot for luxury villas due to its charming coral reefs, long beaches, glorious Buddhist idols and exotic coconut tree plantations. The Koh Samui villas represent style and luxury.

[John612]

I changed my hotel twice over a period of week. I highly recommend you staying at more than one hotel if you're planning to spend more than a few days there. I know it may be a hassle to pack up and move to different hotels but everything is so close and it's good to enjoy different resort’s facilities and delicious food.

[manny71]

These hotels facility may also provide some sort of transport services. The transport services allow business people to go anywhere they would like to. The hotel can also provide shuttle service to and from the local airport.
http://edenproperty-samui.com/