Most travellers to Thailand will stay in Hotels Bangkok and overlook one of my most favorite places in Thailand, Koh Samui. It’s the most idyllic island I have ever been to , its in southern Thailand a short flight from Bangkok and 20 miles or so north of Surat Thani town. The total island is only about 15 miles wide and is surrounded by the sixty or so other small islands, which compose the Ang Thong Marine National Park. It has Hotels to suit every budget and a vibe that is hard to find any where else.
For many years the original inhabitants of the island, known as ‘Chao Samui’ made a living farming coconuts but now mostly work in Koh Samui Hotels and other tourism related jobs.
This area in south of Thailand has a wonderful culture due mostly to the huge mix of Buddhists, Thai Chinese, Muslims and indigenous sea-faring gypsies. The island of Koh Samui does not suffer from the religious tensions experienced in some of the other areas of Thailand which leads to a glorious laid back easy going atmosphere which you can help fall in love with.
The Island has some of the best events and festivals anywhere in South East Asia including the Koh Samui Buffalo Fighting Festival which is held on special occasions such as New Year’s Day and Songkran. Unlike the more commonly known bull-fighting from Spain the fighting on Koh Samui is a little more laid back and completely harmless to the animals. The buffalo are wonderfully decorated with coloured ribbons and painted with gold leaves. Its hugely popular with the local Koh Samui people as well as other Thai’s coming in from Bangkok and beyond packing out all the Koh Samui Hotels and enjoying themselves into the early hours.
Other not to miss events include the Ten Stars Samui Art Party. Its a fantastic cultural Art event bringing together local Thai and many renown international artists showcasing new and highly original works. Normally every other month these events are hosted at different hotels resorts and other 5-star venues on the island. Every Koh Samui Guide worth their salt always list this as a “not to be missed” event. You can pick up some quality artwork and very affordable prices.
The men and ladies of Koh Samui take sport very seriously and other annual events include the National Bowling Championship ( held in May every year) , Avis Samui Tennis Open ( July ) , The Koh Samui Triathlon ( more than 500 competitors last year ) and the world famous Samui Regatta with boats coming from Australia, Singapore, Japan and China.
For the more laid back and less sporty I always try to make time to visit Koh Samui’s five day Fisherman’s Village Festival with fun, inexpensive food and music to dance the days and nights away. Many of the local hotels have great offers on during this and all the festivals.
Already thinking about your next trip? Here are 3 suggestions of cities to visit for a vacation you won’t soon forget.
Bangkok is definitely a city worth visiting. It is home to several Buddhist temples, like the famous Golden Buddha Temple and the Emerald Buddha, and many markets where you can find everything from authentic Thai foods to western watches and purses that are “same same but different” (fake). Elephant rides in Chiang Mai and pristine beaches in the islands (Ko Samui and Ko Phangan, where full moon parties take place every month, are two of the main islands) are not far away!
Go to Milan’s Santa Maria delle Grazie church to see Da Vinci’s Last Supper for yourself. There is something magical about witnessing the world-renowned Last Supper painting in its authenticity. However, tickets for the Last Supper are not unlimited and Dan Brown’s best-seller, The Da Vinci Code, has resulted in more and more desire for Last Supper tickets. It is best to book Last Supper ticketsin advance to avoid disappointment.
If you’ve never been to Rome, you’re missing out on one of the most beautiful, historically rich, influential cities in the world. Not only is Rome home to ancient buildings like Castel S. Angelo and the Colosseum, it is also very modernized. In one visit to Rome, you can uncover thousands of years of history on a crypts and catacombs tour and take a tour based on Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, Angels and Demons. Rome hop on hop off bus tours offer a comprehensive tour of Rome, giving you the chance to disembark the bus as you please at any of the over 15 stops. One thing is for sure: Rome sightseeing is never boring and a hop on hop off Romebus tour will show you all of Rome’s highlights.
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is the very first and most famous tourist spot for Thailand Vacation, was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. It is now the country’s spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. It covers an area of more than 1,500 square kilometres, and it is home to approximatlely ten million people or more than 10% of the country’s population.
Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples of great beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, numerous shopping centres and traditional ways of life, especially along the “Venice of the East” timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River of the “River of Kings” winding through the city. For those who plan to have the first trip to Thailand, it is worth taking a trip along Chao Phraya River before exploring further into different canals to take a glimpse of old Bangkok. There are many interesting and wonderful festivals in Bangkok such as, Bangkok Songkran Festival, H.M. The King’s Birthday Celebration, H.M. The Queen’s Birthday Celebration, Royal Ploughing Ceremony, and Trooping of the Colours, etc. which can be read here later in the coming up articles from Thailand Vacation Info team.
For more information about Bangkok and Thailand, you may find here.
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