Koh Samui Dining Guide : When, Where and What to Eat in Koh Samui

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One of the things I like best when traveling is having an opportunity to sample the local cuisine. But before heading off, I do some research. I started with TripAdvisor Samui restaurants and I couldn’t believe the variety of foods available. Sure there were unique Thai places. But I found I could also enjoy seafood, Indian food, French food, Isaan food and Burmese food. And when I got tired of all that I could get a good old fashioned hamburger. Plus, I would have the chance to dine at just about any kind of restaurant, from five stars to street food. So while there are lots of things to do in Samui, be sure to add checking out the variety of food to the list.

Breakfast

For breakfast in Koh Samui, I was surprised to learn that on the menu would be items I’d typically eat only at lunch or dinner, like pad Thai, yellow, red and green curries and sticky rice. And coconut was always available. The best coconuts coming out of Thailand are produced in Samui and coconut jam is a staple on the breakfast table.

For a traditional English breakfast, Angelia’s Diner and Bakery is a great place to start the day. While not the cheapest place the ingredients are top quality. Try the banana pancakes with a side of bacon or sausage.

For something a bit different, go to the beach for breakfast. There are loads of beachfront cafes and restaurants where everything is available from light fare of fruit and fresh juice to a full English breakfast of eggs and sausage.

Brunch

While many resorts and hotels offer buffets with the standard cooked items, like eggs and toast, and cold items like cereal, skip all that and head to the fruit display. Here there will be wonderful Thai fruits, many of which I found new to me. That’s the place to start and then follow up with wonderful waffles, granola, and homemade yogurt.

Some of the best places to have brunch Koh Samui include The Tongsai Bay, the Four Seasons Resort and SALA Samui which is known for the honey from its own beehives. But to get a really fantastic brunch by the beach check out the Beach Republic Sunday session. It’s brunch includes, beyond the standards, oysters, roast beef, roast turkey, sushi, a BBQ station, and much, much more.

Lunch

Lunch is a good time to branch out the culinary experience. Asking the waiter to bring a selection of Thai dishes, but specified not spicy, is a good way to sample items that normally I wouldn’t try.

At times when I wasn’t very hungry for lunch, the best authentic Thai food in Koh Samui is an island dish called, of all things, No Names. It is a mixture of vegetables that are grated and coated in batter. Then it is deep fried.

For great seafood for lunch, check out the Had Bang Po restaurant. It is found on the northern ring road and sits on a gorgeous spot so close to the beach, it is possible to have water swirling under the table at high tide. And there is The Jungle Club for lunch with a view, in the hills overlooking Chaweng Beach.

And of course, street food Koh Samui that include fresh fruit, pancakes, corn on the cob and fried chicken. There are also things on the menu that go crunch as insects are popular in Thailand, including grasshoppers, cicadas, and crickets.

Dinner

Seafood is a staple in Samui but ask before ordering. Unfortunately, some fish is imported for Western tourists so need to make sure the fish being ordered was caught that day. With same-day caught fish, a Samui seafood restaurant on the shore makes for a romantic beach dinner Koh Samui

 

At this point, though, it might be time to head to a restaurant serving something besides Thai food. The Stacked, in Chaweng, offers burgers and pulled pork sandwiches. There are a couple of nice options for French. La Route de Rum, in Taling Ngam, offers house-made smoked salmon and boeuf bourguignon. Picasso in Maenam is a small restaurant that used local ingredients in its French cooking. For something more upscale, the Dining Room in Lamai at Rocky’s Resort has foie gras stuffed quail and an extensive wine list.

Nightlife

Koh Samui bars are the place for a bit of nightlife and there is no shortage of options. Save Water Drink Cocktails is a street bar with great inexpensive drinks. The Like Volk Cocktail gets its name from the VW van that was converted to create this bar and has great drinks and great music.

About author: Riya is an inspired writer. She is delighted to work with many aspiring small business owners. Riya loves cooking, crafting and yes! Sipping a good coffee. Check out her twitter, @sanderriya.

5 Luxury Beachfront Villas in Thailand with Private Pool

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kc resort, thailand accommodation, thailand tourism

For those who envision days and nights spent in one’s own personal paradise, tucked away in some far-away island, there are Thailand private pool villas that can satisfy this need. Whether you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track yet comfortable experience or a luxurious private retreat near the beach, Thailand has something for you.

KC Resort and Over Water Villas

Located in Koh Samui island in Surat Thani province, KC Resort offers one of the best luxury villas in Thailand. The hotel accommodations, which are perched on a hillside, offers impressive views of Chaweng Bay and nearby Matlang Island.

KC Resort has 16 overwater villas, which are suspended on stilts over a 60m² crystal clear infinity pool. This unique design allows guests to swim under or around the private villa, pausing to admire the panoramic views of the ocean. In keeping with the natural theme, the villas are constructed with materials such as cedar and teak.

Also Check : 10 Best Things to in Dubai You Just Can’t Miss

Coastal Escape

Unobstructed views of the world famous Pha Nga Bay welcomes visitors to this holiday resort Koh Yao Noi. This piece of paradise offers the best of both worlds with its proximity to tourist magnets such as Phuket and Krabi, access to best modern amenities, including free fiber optic wi-fi access in all rooms and public areas, and private comfort.

Coastal Escape has carved a quiet space away from the crowd with spaces designed with the visitor in mind. Coastal Escape has deluxe beach accommodations that offer the best in Thailand luxury villas. Each 2-bedroom villa has their own private plunge pool with a comfortable patio that offers views of the beach or the limestone cliffs of the bay.

The Place

The Place, an appropriately named corner of paradise in Koh Tao Island, has nine boutique villas with an open-plan design that integrates the great outdoors with the living space. Guests to savor the ocean views can open huge floor length sliding doors completely. Each villa has its own infinity pool and private sundeck, and a glass roof shower to complete the experience of living in nature.

Guests at The Place will appreciate the seclusion and privacy of the location. The Place also supports responsible eco-tourism and has adopted sustainable practices such as using eco-friendly products and integrating rain catchment and other green design features into the facilities.

Amatara Resort

Amatara resort, which is hidden in a quiet corner of Phuket, offer not only 5-star accommodations but also wellness amenities for guests. The resort, which overlooks the turquoise waters of Andaman Bay, has around 35 ocean villas, each with a private pool and unobstructed views of the waters. They also have a pool pavilion, which has an ensuite outdoor pool. As a wellness resort, Amatara offers several luxury packages for guests who want to relax, detoxify, or participate in a spa or weight management program during their stay.

Paradise Koh Yao

Located in a perfect secluded spot within a tropical rainforest which opens up to the waters of Phang Nga bay, Paradise offers guests one of the best in Koh Yao Noi accommodation. The resort combines comfortable amenities while embracing a tropical, shabby chic aesthetic, which takes guests away from the hustle and bustle of modern living. For those who want peace and quiet, the resort has several villas with its own pool and jacuzzi and direct access to the beach. True to the aesthetic of the resort, these accommodations blend indoor and outdoor living with an expansive living area, outdoor bar, as well as a tropical bathroom and rainshower.

The wide variety of beach villas in Thailand allows guest to choose and customize their vacation experience. Here in this part of Asia, there is a multitude of secluded corners near crystal clear ocean waters that could help you shed the stress of modern living.

About the author: Wassana Lampech currently lives in Chiang Mai. She is a girl who loves traveling, originally from the Southern part of Thailand. You can find her on Twitter or see more Thailand photos from her Instagram.

10 Best Things to in Dubai You Just Can’t Miss

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Dubai is one destination that holds a new surprise almost every time you visit it. A city of biggest world records, Dubai is a world of glitz and glamour with a unique Middle Eastern touch that makes it distinct. Dubai fascinates every single of its tourists with its undying energy, warmth and optimism. Every trip to Dubai is one of a kind experience.

Every trip to Dubai no matter how long or short must have a bucket list of a few best things to do and they must include the following 10 activities.

1. Shop, Shop, and Shop

No trip to Dubai is complete without shopping. One of the world’s biggest shopping destinations, Dubai is every shopper’s dream. If you have the will to hold back your wallet, we still guarantee, that you will splurge on shopping more than you generally do. The city has so much to offer, at such amazing prices that it’s almost impossible to hold yourself back. From the best of the world brands to the local handmade carpets, everyday shopping bonanza to the world famous Dubai Shopping Festival; shopping in Dubai is certainly one of the best things to do.

2. Experience Snow in the desert city

Go Ski Dubai. This world’s first and largest indoor ski resort beckons you for its 22500 square meters area consisting of 5 slopes of different steepness, the world’s first indoor black diamond run spanning an area of 400 meters, and various other features such as rails, boxes, kickers.  There is a snow park play area too with toboggan runs, climbing towers, icy body slides, and also an ice cave. Situated inside one of the world’s largest shopping malls- Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai boasts of real penguins and allows exclusive interaction with them as well.

3. The Grandeur of Burj Khalifa

No matter how short is your trip to Dubai, one if its main attraction that should definitely not be missed is the tallest manmade structure of the world- the mighty Burj Khalifa. This 160 storey building houses various hotels, restaurants, offices, and residential houses and boasts of an observatory deck on its 144th floor. It allows the visitors to spend 30 minutes admiring the world around and below them from literally the top of the world. The building is a modern engineering marvel and its observation deck is an experience in itself.

4. Dubai Aquarium and underwater zoo

How often do you get to see the world’s largest suspended acrylic aquarium with a 10 million liter water tank? If it sounds unbelievable, visit the Dubai Mall and see for yourself on its ground floor. The aquarium is home to over 33000 marine animals including rays, huge sharks and snakes. Continue your exploration of the marine life magic with the underwater zoo that contains over 458 marine species visible at an 180 degree view. Go through the three mesmerizing ecological zones- Living Ocean, rocky shores, and rainforest and enjoy marine life like nowhere else.

5. The Dubai Desert Safari

It is said that no trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing the Dubai Desert Safari, and rightly so, there’s hardly any other experience that clubs the best of adventure, leisure, luxury and enjoyment in one activity. Enjoy dune bashing, quad biking, overnight camping with sumptuous array of international cuisine, dance, music, entertainment and a night under the starlit sky; all of this only at the Dubai Desert Safari.

6. Explore the Souks of Dubai

The souks of Dubai are the best places to get a feel of the local culture and people. Some of the world’s best known souks like the Gold souk, the Spice and the perfume souks are in Dubai. The crammed streets with retail shops showcasing the best of their products at throw away prices, the electrifying energy that the bustling streets infects you with, the vibrancy of the place that grips you and the unbelievable bargains are best experienced than explained.

7. The feel of Old Dubai at the Bastakia Quarter

One of the most evocative areas of Dubai’s humble past, the Bastakia quarter lane instantly transports you to the Bedouin era when Dubai thrived on the basic necessities. Like a precious flower surrounded by modern skyscrapers, the historical Bastakiya district is one of the most picturesque Dubai heritage sites featuring the traditional Wind towers, and narrow pedestrianized areas.

8. The Global Village

A premier leisure, shopping and entertainment destination, Global Village hosts about 6 million visitors every year during its tenure from November till April. Located at Dubailand- presumably the world’s largest entertainment destination project, Global Village is a carnival like theme park with colossal sections of over 70 different countries showing off their nation’s best. In addition, it has dance, stage and various cultural shows and a host of entertainment options for tourists across all age groups.

9. Big Bus Tour

One of the ideal ways to see the best of Dubai tour is through the famous Big Bus Tour. With a choice of 12 recorded language translations, this open roof hop on/ hop off bus tour is the best way see Dubai’s best attractions along with an in- depth understanding of Dubai’s journey from a simple Bedouin village to a world tourist hub. Take their night tour to experience illuminated Dubai with live commentary.

10. Dubai Museum

There’s no better place to understand the rich history and sensational transformation of Dubai than the Dubai Museum located at the historic Al Fahidi fort. From the 10 minute video that kicks off as soon as you enter the museum you pass though village exhibits and the mock souq that depicts the trading of that time with craftsmen at work. Dubai Museum ends with the archeology section that displays the best findings from the excavations since the time of the city’s early settlement dating back to 4000 years.

Everything that you are able to see, feel and enjoy in Dubai is the result of its gutsy ambition, determination to make itself the best tourist destination, and the intellectual channelization of monetary resources. While the city is a cosmopolitan beehive during the day, after dark it becomes an illuminated party destination for one and all. Visit Dubai to enjoy a time of your life.

A Beginner’s Guide to Planning a Trip to Hawaii on a Budget

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A vacation to Hawaii sounds like a trip to paradise. But, figuring out a trip to Hawaii cost can make you realize that a visit to paradise doesn’t come cheap.

The state of Hawaii is divided up to seven islands and each one has its own charm. So for those new to traveling to Hawaii, figuring out where to go in Hawaii usually is the first priority. Sometimes, that can mean the best island to visit in Hawaii because transportation from one island to another can often mean a costly short plane ride or a boat trip.

If you are interested in taking in Hawaii on a budget, here are a few tips to follow.

1) Know when to take the trip

Usually the winter months are when the most take a trip to Hawaii in an effort to avoid the cold and the snow. There are times in the latter half of January and February where things may slow down. However, prices generally remain high through April.

The good news is the weather makes Hawaii almost a year-round potential destination. May through September have more affordable pricing, but the months of October and November have the best discounts.

It should be noted that humpback whale watching is at its best in February while the Aloha Festivals are in September.

2) Stick with one island at a time

When planning a trip to Hawaii, be aware of how costly it is to go island-hopping. Rather, it is better to stay on one island to keep down travel costs. Even if the price isn’t too bad, it is still a time-consuming exercise you can do without when you are trying to squeeze in as much relaxation or sight-seeing time as possible on your trip.

The six main vacation islands (the Big Island, Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai) all have their own unique charms as it is. It is far easier to save trips to other islands for later Hawaii visits. Oahu is popular because the city of Honolulu is located there. The Big Island is larger than the other islands combined and is ideal for hikers as well as its volcanic national park. Maui is known for its great beaches. Molokai has the most native culture. Those who like nature would prefer Kauai while Lanai may be preferred for those looking to relax and get away from civilization.

3) Cities are preferable for newcomers

Normally in the continental U.S., the cities are expensive and rural regions are cheaper. However, because of the state being one-bit tourism spot, cities may actually be ideal for first-time visitors to Hawaii.

On the island of Oahu, where Honolulu is located, there is public transportation that can get to most stops in lieu of a rental car. Honolulu, being the capital of the state, is ideal for finding out more information about potential hidden tourist spots. Also, being new to Hawaii, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start out with an Oahu luxury rental in regards to finding a spot to stay at during the trip.

4) Enjoy the beaches

Hawaii is world renowned for its beautiful beaches

Hawaii is renowned for its various beaches whether it is by Honolulu or elsewhere. Instead of going to various of tourist places that suck up the money, take time to relax on the beach and enjoy the weather without having to seriously dip into your wallet.

Finding the best beaches in Hawaii Big Island or even on Maui where just about any beach will do would be a wise and effective way to spend your vacation.

5) Finding place to stay

You could stay at a hotel, perhaps a hostel or looking into Hawaii luxury vacation rentals if you’re travelling with family would be a cheaper option. You can enjoy all-inclusive Hawaii vacations from wherever on the island, be it a five-star resort or a simple apartment for rent.

While it may be tougher to find guided tours from hotels. If you buy a package tour, make sure you understand general regulations in the package. Make sure the rented apartment is close to beaches and various modes of transportation. This way, you can only reserve rental cars for days when you are actually traveling around instead of relaxing on a sandy shore nearby.

10 Best Places in India To Celebrate New Year

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Flight Tickets offer on New Year, flights booking coupons, Hotels, Hotels booking coupon, New Year, New Year 2016

Another year is coming to an end. December has stepped in and within a few weeks the whole world around the globe will be welcoming the New Year. Most of you must have already started preparations to welcome New Year and must have even decided on New Year resolutions as well!

Many people love to explore new places or would love to even celebrate New Year with a great start at a new place in a grand style. So, where have you planned to celebrate your New Year this year? Check out these places in India for an awesome New Year eve this time…

Bangalore

Bangalore, which is known as the silicon valley of India is one of the best places in India to dump the past and to step into a New Year. A lot of celebrations are held every year in the city to entertain people for the New Year Eve. Pubs, Restaurants, community groups and even the city hold a lot of activities till late night on the New Year eve, so that Bangaloreans get a chance to celebrate their New Year in the most auspicious way they like. Dance, music, parties and good food are the best ways opted by any Bangalorean to welcome New Year. Do visit Bangalore this time if you want to celebrate your New Year in a rocking style!

Roam around in Bangalore safely even during nights. Stay safe by booking your rooms via Oyo Rooms. You will get premium rooms when all facilities including WiFi and free buffet breakfast.

Mumbai

Mumbai is the hub for people who have a lot of dreams and aspirations and the city had never let down anyone for the same till now. This city never sleeps and when it comes to New Year celebration, nothing is better when compared to the way Mumbaikars celebrate it. It is one of the most sorted after places by people from various parts of India to celebrate New Year. So, why not Mumbai this time?

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Andaman & Nicobar Islands is not only a perfect destination for honeymoon but, it is also a great place to welcome New Year. The place holds the credit of having not only scenic beauty but some wonderful New Year celebrations as well. Forget celebrating your New Year inside any hotel or club house. At this place, you can prefer enjoying your New Year Eve on the beaches, islands, resorts and even yachts. Cool isn’t it?

Goa

Alike Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Goa is also one of the best places to chill out this New Year. The place is already known for its night parties and clubs. So what more you need apart from loud music, full on dance on the floor, great cuisine and the booze? There is no other better way to welcome the New Year with your loved one in such a place where there is nothing except full on fun and frolic. Enjoy the beaches, full night parties, good food and lots more this New Year in Goa.

Book your flights cheaper via Yatra for the New Year celebration at the earliest.

Munnar

Munnar is again a honeymoon destination which is also known for its scenic beauty as well. And the month of December will be filled with fog and mist and so is a great choice to have a cozy New Year Eve with campfire and lots more other activities. It will be a great way to revive your romance, to ignite it for the upcoming year.

Shimla

Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India. So, you must be wondering what you will do on the New Year Eve in the midst of the snow? Exactly, you guessed it right. You can welcome the New Year in the snow. Book a cottage or a resort and then enjoy the New Year Eve in the snowfall.

McleodGanj

McleodGanj lies on the bed of the Himalayas. This is one of the most visited places by tourists especially during New Year season as the place will have both snow and rain. It is indeed a great experience. Whoever who prefer to have a snowy New Year, you should definitely head to McleodGanj.

Udaipur

Udaipur is a romantic destination indeed but, it has some great things to offer during New Year as well. The entire place is a symbol for love and all those people who love to be in a city that highlights Indian culture, Udaipur is the best choice. The whole place will be lighted and there will be amazing fireworks as well.

Kasol

Kasol is again a place good for nature loving people. Get away in the beauty of this place at this New Year for a new beginning. You can party throughout the night in the midst of the hills and the snow and can make your New Year eve the most memorable one.

Puducherry

Last but not the least, Puducherry is a great option as well to celebrate your New Year eve. A lot of events are organised by various forums and organisations to welcome New Year. So, hang out with your family at this place for some great moments to welcome the New Year that can last for a lifetime.