As the hot summer sun happily stretched out it’s golden rays, I found myself on Thai Airways flight TG 285 from Bangkok bound for Koh Samui (Koh is Thai for island). An island hot spot for local and international tourists known equally for its white sandy beaches as well as for its outstanding native wildlife. Unbeknownst to me as well as many others, Koh Samui, Thailand’s third largest island, has long been on the map – literally; appearing on Chinese maps dated back to 1687. However, it was pretty much a self-sufficient community, isolated from the mainland, until the latter part of the 20th century. It was during the 1970’s when it was discovered by backpackers who were looking for a total escape from everyday city life. Today, Samui’s economic growth is largely dependent on the tourism industry, proof of which is the existence of an International Airport on the island, making it truly accessible from Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, and other nearby countries in Southeast Asia.

The Samui airport was itself a pleasant surprise, with its open air tropical style and resort feel, allowing the visitors to take in the warm breeze flowing throughout the place. It was the complete opposite of a stuffy air conditioned airport building that would stick out like a sore thumb on a tropical island. Instead it blended in perfectly, giving those on holiday a taste of what was yet to come.

The island of Samui is divided into a number of different areas or beaches, each beach practically a town of its own. Chaweng Beach, the largest and most popular with tourists, is well known for its seven kilometer stretch of powdery white sand and blue waters. Its generous length allows many resorts and hotels along the beach to each boast of a fantastic beach front view. Chaweng is considered the liveliest area of the island since this is where most of the action is found. A trip along the main street proves that Samui Island definitely caters to an extremely diverse set of tourists who have unique needs and wants from a tropical holiday. Don’t think that just because you are in a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand that there is absolutely no access to shopping. Despite the flurry of esta-blishments in the area, the Chaweng beach itself remains quite private and peaceful since it is only accessible through the different resorts, therefore providing a relaxing retreat from the busy streets. It’s a whole world away from the hustle and bustle of the town. I found Chaweng very ideal, specifi-cally because I wanted the best of both worlds – quiet time by the beach with just the sun to interact with during the day, and a lively nightlife filled with scrumptious meals and a little bar hopping. Nevertheless, there are other parts of Samui Island that are worth exploring as well.

Try visiting the more popular tourist attractions on the island: the famous Grandmother and Grandfather rocks in Lamai Beach reknown for their strange shapes, and the 12 meter high Big Buddha at Ban Bang Rak. If you seek a little bit more than surf, sea and sand, visit Paradise Park Farm. Situated on the highest point of the island, it is located in a carefully preserved lush forest and is the ideal place to take your family. You can take a hike while enjoying the panoramic views provided by the mountain or enjoy the same sights from the park’s infinity pool. You can also ask a guide about feeding some of the colorful animals that make the park their home. A trip to Paradise Park Farm will definitely be something children and adults alike will truly enjoy.

For an authentic and action-packed Thai experience catch a Muay Thai match at the Chaweng Stadium. Muay Thai, is the country’s national sport and is considered one of the most precarious forms of martial art. However, the traditional rituals performed by the players are rather dance-like, therefore adding to the entertainment value of the sport.

Samui is not only famous for its beaches, party atmosphere and wildlife, but also for the growing num-ber of health centers and spas found in the island. Almost every hotel or resort has a spa or health-care center that offers a myriad of services from facials to foot refl exology and traditional or moder-nized Thai massages. Whatever style you desire, you are sure to fi nd a Spa in Samui that caters to your needs.

With so many things to do at Koh Samui, I found myself so busy with activities, yet I still left the island feeling rejuvenated. My short trip to the island was so much more than a one dimensional tropical vaca-tion which would usually consist of sun bathing, eating, and sun bathing again. The place defi nitely ex-ceeded my expectations and I’m glad to have discovered a new island retreat that I will surely go back to in the future.

ROYAL ORCHID HOLIDAYS IN SAMUI

THAI operates twice-daily flights from Bangkok to Samui. Royal Orchid Holidays invites you to make the most of this island paradise, with a selection of packages tailored to suit your needs. If time is of the essence, opt for the Samui Island Stay over, which stars from just two days and one night accommo-dation, plus breakfast, at the hotel, as well as airport meetings service and transfer. The Samui Island Extension offers from two night’s accommodation with breakfast, airport meeting services and trans-fers as well, as well as a half day island tour that will take you to beautiful water falls and some of the islands pristine beaches. For a pampering treat, opt for either the Samui Spa with Imperial Samui/Boat House or the Samui Spa with Chaweng Regent, which includes a selection of spa treatments as well as two nights’ accommodation with breakfast, airport meetings and transfers. If romance is on the agenda, Royal Orchid Holidays presents the Romantic Getaway package specilally tailored for honey-mooners – that includes round trip transfer to the hotel of your choice, three night’s accommodation and romantic candlelit dinner for two.

For more information, please contact Thai Airways tel. no. (02) 812 4812 or any travel agents.