Blog Entries

Samui taking flight again

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:38:26 +0100

After taking a hard hit during the global slump, the island resort is showing strong signs of a recovery

The controversy over oil exploration off the coast of Koh Samui does not seem to have dented tourism on the island. The number of visitors increased by 19% in the first half of 2010 compared with last year, which admittedly was a low tide for Samui, said Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks.

While the uplift is encouraging, it must be emphasised that Samui was prob [...]

Protesters across Samui rally against offshore oil drilling

admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:52:33 +0100

Thousands of concerned locals, expatriates and tourists on the island showed up on the main ring road around Samui from 10am to 12 noon on July 31 in opposition to drilling for oil in the Gulf of Thailand by NuCoastal (Thailand) and other petroleum companies.
Called �Hands around Samui 52km,� the protest aims to decry the policies and decisions made by the Ministry of Energy. Opened by Suratthani governor Montree Perchkhum, the protest was deemed very important. �Without it, the concess [...]

Koh Samui to be a port of call on the P&O cruise itinerary

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:55:49 +0100

Australian travellers seeking to see the world from in classic British style will be spoiled for choice in 2012, with P&O Cruises World Voyages offering four globetrotting journeys in early 2012.On sale from July 17, the journeys will see four ships � Aurora, Oriana, Arcadia and Adonia � visiting 162 ports of call in more than 50 countries, with sailings ranging in length from three to 109 nights.

With a range of sectors available, prices start from $559* per person twin share for a [...]

5 things one must avoid while holidaying in Koh Samui

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:43:10 +0100

Crystal clear aqua waters, green coconut palms and clean crisp ocean air are all part of what makes Koh Samui the pictorial image of a tropical paradise. And for a truly unforgettable Koh Samui experience, you can�t go past a stay in an incredible luxury villa. Holidaying in one of Thailand villas will provide unparalleled comfort, privacy, and luxury.

Many Koh Samui villas actually lie right on the pristine sands. We have many contemporary villas in Thailand that are built in traditio [...]

New luxury boutique hotel in Fisherman's Village

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 03:38:18 +0100

A new luxury boutique hotel has recently opened in the trendy Bophut Beach area of Koh Samui in southern Thailand.

Hansar Samui, a 74-room beachfront property, is located on the tropical stretch of golden sands and turquoise waters of Koh Samui�s up market Bophut Bay. The resort is a short stroll down the quaint cobblestone �walking street�, adjacent to the vibrant Fisherman�s Village, with its antique wooden shop fronts, chic cafes and atmospheric seaside bars.

Hansar Samui offer [...]

Club class in the Country on Koh Samui

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:35:45 +0100

Nestled in the hills above Mae Nam and boasting stunning views across to neighboring Koh Phagnan, the Koh Samui Country Club (KSCC) is poised to set a new standard in deluxe tropical living on the Thai island of Koh Samui.

Developed and managed by the Beach Republic Group, responsible for the hip and fashionable Beach Republic Ocean Club in Lamai, KSCC will boast an upscale yet casual atmosphere where both locals and jet setters alike can let loose and enjoy the good life.

Set on [...]

W Hotels Unveils Design Concept for W Retreat Koh Samui

admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 05:18:05 +0100

Stylish and Modern Design of First W Hotel in Southeast Asia Reflects Dual Nature of Koh Samui, Where the Day is Dedicated to Relaxing and the Night for Celebrating
W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, today unveiled the eagerly anticipated design concept for its first W Hotel in Southeast Asia and its third Retreat worldwide, W Retreat Koh Samui, which is expected to debut in August 2010 on the renowned Thai island destination of Koh Samui.
W Retreat K [...]

Samui ready to blossom again

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:33:51 +0100

Thailand�s tourism industry has suffered blow after blow and yet still remains one of the world�s most popular holiday destinations. This says something about the people and the natural assets with which the kingdom is blessed.

Over the recent years there�ve been all sorts of problems: volcanic ash, SARS, bird flu, swine flu, the military coup which ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the devastating Asian tsunami, the seizure and closure of the main Bangkok airport, the global cr [...]

Thailand entices tourists, business back

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 03:19:30 +0100

The Thai government launches travel incentives in a bid to win back the world's travelers as government advisories are reduced

Several signs have emerged this week that the world�s confidence in Bangkok is slowly returning following last month�s violence.
On the front page of today�s Hong Kong Standard is the headline �Bangkok�s Back.� The Standard reports that there are some great deals for Hong Kong residents looking for cheap trips to Thailand now that the government has [...]

New Banyan Tree Hotel to Open its Doors on Samui

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 05:02:22 +0100

Chain of leading hotel resorts in the Asia-Pacific region, Banyan Tree, opens a new resort in Thailand on Samui Island. Banyan Tree Samui will be ready to receive its first guests in July 2010. The new hotel is situated in the most picturesque bay of the island - Lamai, which is surrounded on all sides by cliffs and thick jungle, which creates a unique atmosphere of seclusion and tranquility.

At the same time both the hotel and the beach have well-developed infrastructure, providing ma [...]

Violence in the capital fails to scar economy

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 01:59:25 +0100

Violence in the capital fails to scar economy

For the last nine weeks, as red-shirted protesters have fought to unseat the government,
the prevailing image of Thailand has been one of conflict, but its economic indicators
have been painting a picture of a country riding a robust wave of recovery.

Although the violence has hit the currency and stocks in recent days, the medium-term
trends for gross domestic product, markets, investment and consumption are all [...]

Thailand Wins Four Out of 10 TripAdvisor Awards for Top Asian Beach Destinations

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 04:52:31 +0100

The results of the TripAdvisor Traveler�s Choice 2010 awards are in, and the beautiful islands of Thailand brought home four out of 10 awards for beach destinations in Asia.
The islands of Ko Lanta, Khao Lak, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui were ranked #3, #4, #5 and #6, respectively, on the list of �Top 10 Beach & Sun Destinations in Asia.� With these honors, Thailand became the most-awarded Asian country in the category, besting Vietnam, the Maldives and the Philippines.

In other a [...]

Hotel investors look beyond Bangkok

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 04:13:27 +0100

Hotel investments in key tourist destinations like Phuket and Samui have become more attractive than Bangkok as global players are considering return on investment more carefully, according to leading hotel investment and consultant firms.

"Local hotel investors understand the political problems and see this as an opportunity to invest in hotels, whilst offshore investors are generally taking a wait-and-see approach.

Interestingly, Thai tourist destinations outside of Bangkok [...]

Samui operators plead for more flights

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:13:41 +0100

The government is being urged to increase flights to Koh Samui as tourist numbers are expected to surge during the high summer season.

Seni Puwasetthawon, president of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, said it submitted a letter to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva because existing flights were inadequate to cope with demand.

National carrier Thai Airways International has only two flights per day offering a total of 290 seats.

Previously, the association petitioned Bangk [...]

Conrad Koh Samui Residences Setting New Luxury Living Benchmark For Thailand

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 02:42:07 +0100

Conrad Koh Samui Residences, setting a new benchmark for luxury resort living on the idyllic Thai island of Koh Samui, will launch in Hong Kong at the Conrad Hotel on March 6th and 7th 2010.

The 32 residential pool villas are part of the new Conrad Koh Samui opening in late 2010.

Prices start from THB43.8 million for two-bedroom pool villas and THB 88 million for three-bedroom pool villas. An owner of a two-bedroom residence can enjoy a 7% per annum guaranteed rental for fi [...]

Etihad and T.A.T Partnership

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Etihad Holidays and the Tourism Authority of Thailand has announced a new partnership which will encourage more Middle-eastern travellers to Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui.

Etihad Holidays, the wholesale arm of Etihad Airways, will also be running a special promotion to celebrate the new alliance to push Thailand as a destination.

"Etihad is committed to forging strong partnerships with tourism bodies and service providers in all of our destinations," said Peter [...]

Samui is becoming synonymous with style and sophistication

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:25:17 +0100

A lot has been documented about the development of Samui and the move towards the higher-end traveller. And evidence of this can be seen clearly in the lifestyle options now available on the island.
In terms of real-estate, the size, style and finish of the majority of the new homes being built are really catering to the sought-after tropical luxury lifestyle. Houses priced at 4, 5 and 6 million dollars are becoming commonplace, both in beachfront locations and also in more private [...]

New W Hotel in Koh Samui

admin — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:18:01 +0100

The first W Retreat in Southeast Asia will feature 75 villas, brings new dimensions of modern design and contemporary lifestyle to Thailand.

W Hotels Worldwide has announced the spring 2010 opening of W Retreat Koh Samui, the first W Retreat in Southeast Asia. An all-villa beachfront resort set on the north shore of Thailand�s Samui Island, W Koh Samui will bring cutting-edge design, contemporary lifestyle, and exhilarating experiences to Thailand.

Adjacent to W Retreat Koh Samui wi [...]

Samui seen as a model for Bangkok's new tourism thrust

admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:17:15 +0100

Members of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council led by its chairman, Somchai Vasaratchatrakoon, recently visited Samui to learn how the island was managing its tourism industry. The council is the legislative arm of the Bangkok metropolitan government.

Samui mayor Ramnet Jaikwang said that during their three-day (Dec. 1-3) visit, the councilmen tried to study various aspects of the island�s administration, including infrastructure development, wastewater and garbage management, transportati [...]

Foreign arrivals expected to reach 16 Million this year

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:52:41 +0100

BANGKOK, Jan 5 � The number of foreign tourists this year is expected to reach 16 million as targeted if there are no serious political disturbances nor epidemics, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Speaking on the first day of assuming the TAT governorship, Governor Surapon Sawetseeranee said he would attempt to increase the number of foreign arrivals to the target set by Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa.

�Unless there is political chaos or epide [...]