Chiang Mai Shopping Markets

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Are you going on holiday to Chiang Mai? If yes, the accommodation you choose will have a deep impact on your budget and also the type of experience you have. If you are looking for an affordable accommodation option that provides you great value for money and offers more privacy, space and informal environs – in fact a home away from home – you can consider staying in Chiang Mai villas.

Set amidst beautiful surroundings these Chiang Mai villas provide you easy access to the main attractions of the city including dining, nightlife, activities and shopping. Chiang Mai’s colourful handicrafts are an attraction in themselves and you would definitely wish to buy souvenirs to remind you of your memorable visit to the country. Here we have mentioned some the best markets in Chiang Mai to do your shopping.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

This is probably the most famous bazaar in Chiang Mai for shopping. You will find an eclectic array of goods for sale at this market, with everything from traditional handicrafts to electronics to clothing on sale. Located on the Chang Klan road between Thapae and Loy Kroh roads, the night bazaar opens for business daily at about 6pm and stays open until 11pm. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is actually a three storey building with all the shops and stalls inside it. But the people have set up stalls that surround the building for hundreds of meters in all directions.

Anusarn Night Market

The Anusarn Night Market is somewhat smaller than the main night bazaar but it has its share of interesting things to offer. This market is probably the best place to come to if you are interested in buying traditional handicrafts of the northern hill tribe people. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll get a great chance to meet the hill people.

Warowot Market in Chiang Mai

Located on the Wichayanon and Changmoi roads in the centre of the city, the Warowot Market opens every day from 7 am until 4 pm. This market is the largest indoor market in Chiang Mai and is famous primarily for its Thai produced clothes. So if are you have souvenir shopping in mind, this is the market to head to.

Sankampaeng Road

The road is actually a 9km strip of road where most of the factories in Chiang Mai are located and have retail outlets. You can buy anything from pottery to clothing though this place is very popular with people shopping for furniture.

Old Town Market

The shops lining all the roads here offer a great range of products. There are many jewellery shops, many of which can make custom made jewellery if you give them the details. The Nantawan Arcade, located slightly west of the Old Town in Chiang Mai is a good place to go if you wish to shop for antiques.

Once you have had your fill of shopping, return to the comfort of your Chiang Mai holiday home and have an exciting time browsing through all that you have purchased!

Hua Hin Activities

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If you are planning for an exciting seaside holiday, Hua Hin in Thailand can be a great choice. One of the famous towns in Thailand, it is very well known for its long stretching beaches, luxury Hua Hin villas and breathtaking beauty of nature. This beautiful holiday spot offers you an abundance of recreational and relaxation experiences close to nature.

Hua Hin has lots of fun activities to offer apart from spending lazy days on the beach resting and recuperating. Though best known for the famous peaceful beach dotted with luxury and comfortable Hua Hin villas, the place can keep you entertained with other activities as well.

If you love nature, you can visit the La-U-forest which treasures wildlife, lush greenery, and mind blowing waterfalls. You can sense what real adventure is by gliding and canoeing from two waterfalls with a total of 11 leaps. The surrounding areas have pineapple groves, the unique cultivation that reflects actual lifestyle of the forest inhabitants.  Very near to that, you will find the Takieb Mountain which encloses the pristine forest where you can peep and feed monkeys or even enjoy an elephant riding trip.

If you are an art lover, you can visit the royal palaces that date back to the reign of King Rama VI. Hua Hin has much more to offer to folks who like fun in the city with athletic activities. Back into the downtown near to the Hua Hin villas, the athletic hearts may find answers to their tastes. You may hit the track with Go-Kart, put away the stress in a standard golf course, wage a war in a paintball field, or let yourself go in a water sport just to celebrate your visit to this seaside town.

Takieb Mountain is also famous for speed games like jet skiing. For a different view of the sea and to enjoy the clear blue water, you can also try hovering with a kite-board. The thrill you will feel has to be experienced to be imagined.

After a long day packed with energetic activities, you may wish to relax on an imperial-style couch and enjoy with your family and friends. If you still have some energy to use up, you can invest it in a bowling game which is famous in Hua Hin. Otherwise, the best option is to head back to your Hua Hin holiday home and get some sleep.  Don’t you think you need some energy for another exciting day to come?

Chiang Mai villas travel guide: Adventure activities in Chiang Mai

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Chiang Mai, a land of colourful hill tribes and misty mountains, is a playground for adventure seekers, a haven for the nature enthusiasts and a delight for the shoppers. An affordable destination in the Oriental East, Chiang Mai attracts a fair share of visitors and to cater to their accommodation needs, the town provides a fair share of Chiang Mai villas for all tastes and budgets.

Go beyond the Thai massages, cooking courses and the lively nightlife, and you will find that Chiang Mai has plenty to offer in terms of adventure sports, both on land and in water.

Located 700km north of Bangkok in a scenic valley on the banks of the Ping River, Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. The landscape offers plenty of opportunities for some great outdoor fun. So set base in your Chiang Mai holiday homes and get set for some great fun activities. Listed here are just some of the few activities you may wish to try out.

Motorcycling: Motorcycle touring is a great way to appreciate the rugged landscape. A great trip out of Chiang Mai is up and over Doi Suthep. The ride will take you up to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and beyond the mountain to the reservoir. The less experienced motorcyclists can opt for motor-scooter touring till as far as Mae Hong Son.

Rafting: Many tour operator companies offer river rafting trips down the Maetang River. During the dry season (Jan-Feb) water levels are relatively low with only grade 2-3 rapids, but during the rainy season (Jun-Oct) higher water levels make for a more exciting grade 4-5 trip. The trip can also be combined with elephant riding, mountain biking or ATV driving.

Rainforest Canopy Walk: This is an activity you would normally associate with Central America but they are fast gaining popularity in Thailand also. These tours are a great way to appreciate the rich bio-diversity. You can opt for zipline tours that take through the 1500 year old rainforest high above the forest floor. The ziplines connect lookout platforms, lowering stations and sky bridges, making the experience a full zipline canopy tour. There are two locations for these tours, one located in the mountains outside of Chiang Mai, the other one hour from both Bangkok and Pattaya in Chonburi.

Boat trip: Get a feel of the Chiang Mai city and its layout by taking a boat trip on the Ping River.

Rock Climbing:  Approximately 35 miles east of Chiang Mai lies Crazy Horse Buttress, a 60-meter, orange- and black monolith jutting out of the green Mae On farming valley. The place has more than 130 bolted routes, which makes it an ideal destination for beginners and experienced climbers alike. You can spend multiple days exploring the crags and the magnificent caves of the region.

Mountain Biking: Just west of Chiang Mai is the beautiful Doi Suthep National Park, its summit at 1650m, 1300m above the valley floor. Tour operators run daily downhill trips and nature cross country rides.

After all that outdoor fun, nothing can feel better than returning to the comfort of your own Chiang Mai villas to put up your legs, download your photos on your laptop, or view your videos on the DVD or even upload them on social media to share with your friends! And all the while, the cook treats you to a sumptuous meal to round off the day.

Chiang Mai villa guide: Attractions in Chiang Mai City

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Chiang Mai is fast becoming a serious contender on the tourist circuit in Thailand. The city is home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites while the scenic mountains beckon the adventure seekers. Add to the attractions the warm Thai hospitality and you have an ideal destination for a memorable Oriental experience. Make your stay in the city all the more special by setting base in Chiang Mai villas, combining eastern splendour with all modern facilities for a personalized, comfortable stay.

Chiang Mai is located 700km north of Bangkok in a scenic valley on the banks of the Ping River, Chiang Ma. The city was founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. It is liberally peppered with religious and historic monuments, making it a world-class sightseeing destination. Chiang Mai is a city where the old and the new co-exist peacefully and flawlessly. The conservation rules restrict any high-rise construction within 93 metres of a temple, the Ping River and city walls.

Despite being steeped in history and a rich culture, it is still a thriving, cosmopolitan city. It is defined by its 600 year old moat that is surrounded by fractional walls signifying the boundaries of the Old City. Most of the three hundred plus temples exist within the walls of the city and reflect Chiang Mai’s fascinating history. Chiang Mai has its own distinct culture, a unique dialect, cuisine, architecture and style of dress.

Here are some of the temples and attractions within the city that are worth visiting. Your Chiang Mai villa staff will be happy to assist with you the tours and transfers to the places of interest.

Wat Chedi Luang: The temple was built in 1391, during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 8th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty. The Wat Chedi Luang’s massive chedi (pagoda), measuring 44 meters (144 feet) in width and 86 meters (282 feet) in length, is a distinctive feature of the Chiang Mai skyline. The chedi and was the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred cultural treasure. A special pulley system allows visitors to leave offerings and prayers atop the chedi.

What Phan Tao: The What Phan Tao, which means “Monastery of a Thousand Kilns”, in reference to the numerous Buddha images within its walls, is located directly adjacent to Wat Chedi Luang. The temple has a viharn, which is one of the few remaining all wood structures in Chaing Mai.

Wat Suan Dok: Located beyond the walls of the old city, the Wat Suan Dok dates back to the 14th century. Built by the King of Lanna on the grounds of his pleasure garden, this temple was originally intended to serve as a retreat for a revered monk from Sukothai. The place with spectacular vistas is a wonderful venue for photography.

Chiang Mai City Arts and Museum: This is a multi-media museum which features a range of media from video, scale models, enlarged photos, wall murals and text in Thai and English. Built in 1924, the museum is housed in the Provincial Hall of Chiang Mai which reflects stunning example of post-colonial Thai architecture.

Museum of Insects and Natural Wonders: The museum is run by Manop Rattanarithikul, an eccentric entomology enthusiast and his wife Rampa, a PhD in the field. Manop, nicknamed “The Mosquito Man” has been studying and collecting insects for most of his life and he and his wife have travelled the world studying and working with bugs. They founded the museum together in 2002. The exhibits include massive beetles to almost invisible little gnats. About 422 species of dead Thai mosquitoes are stored in a glass case.

There much to see and do in and around Chiang Mai city. The staff of the Chiang Mai villas will be happy to advice you on what to see and do, be it popular attractions or off-the-beaten path attractions.

Phuket villas versus a stay in a hotel

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If you are planning a visit to Phuket in Thailand, choosing the right accommodation would definitely be a priority. While hotel may be the first thing to strike the mind, you may also wish to consider a stay in Phuket villas.

Phuket villas are holiday homes – they are actually your home away from home and in this lies the advantage of staying in these private Phuket holiday villas. These villas offer more privacy, more space and complete informal environs – something that only a home can provide you. Today, holidays are as much about connecting with your loved ones as they are about exploring new places. You want that something extra, something special, something which is your own, something that allows you to leave behind the rigours of a routine and just let go. And this is something that your own private space can provide.

A stay in a Phuket holiday home means you don’t have to dress up formally to dine in a restaurant or plan your meals around restaurant timings. Your time is your own, your pace is your own and your rules are your own. If it is a midnight snack you desire, just pop into the full-kitchen, pick up something from the refrigerator, or if you feel like doing something crazy, perhaps cook yourself a Thai speciality at an unearthly hour.

Phuket is well-known for its beaches. In fact, the beaches are one of the major attractions of the island not to forget the exciting nightlife. There are plenty of beachfront Phuket villas set amidst beautiful tropical settings with brilliant sea views and gentle breezes to sooth your nerves.

A stay in a beachfront Phuket villa means that you can wake up to the music of the waves washing ashore, spend the afternoon in the balcony/terrace enjoying the views of the sea and beyond, stroll by the beach in the evening, and then return to your Phuket villa to enjoy a meal under the starlit sky near the swimming pool or in your own dining room. Phuket villas are staffed with housekeeper and cook so you don’t have to bother with the everyday necessities. Your day and time is your own to laze away on the beach or enjoy the various water sports on offer.

Now if you are traveling with family or friends, it is highly unlikely that you will get rooms next to each other. Even if you do, you may find it a bit cramped to gather together in a single room to share the special moments of the day gone by.

Also, in terms of costs, add together the cost of booking several rooms and you will find that renting a Phuket villa with all modern amenities is much cheaper. In fact, there are many visitors who stay in Phuket for a month or over and for them, these Phuket villas come as a blessing.

A stay in a hotel would mean that you have to eat out all the time during your stay. This will not only be hard on your stomach but will also mean a considerable drain on your budget. If you stay in a Phuket villa, you can prepare your own meal and eat what you like, when you like. As already mentioned, most Phuket villas have a cook which means you don’t have to bother with the cooking if you don’t wish to. Eating in your own Phuket villa will be cheaper – also if you wish you can try your hand at any of the sumptuous Thai dishes and considerably add to your cooking skills.

Phuket villas are available as stand-alone units and in resorts. Most of them are serviced by concierge to assist you with everything during your stay. Therefore, a stay in Phuket villas means you get the best of the facilities of a home and a hotel. When you can get both in Phuket villas why stay in a hotel?

Experience best of Thailand holiday in Hua Hin villas

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If you are planning for a beach holiday with your family, Hua Hin, this beautiful beach town in Thailand is a great choice. Famous for the Thai royalty, white sandy beaches, luxury Hua Hin villas and stupendous scenic beauty, Hua Hin has been a covetous weekend destination for travelers all around the world.

The beaches here are simply spectacular. The 4 KM long main beach, with a white sandy strip, has shallow depths and mild currents where kids will love to swim and it’s safe too! For accommodation, you can opt for any of the Hua Hin villas that are situated right on the beaches. They provide equivalent facilities that you can expect from 5 star establishments in a major tourist destination.

These Hua Hin Villas will give you a sense of space accompanied by luxury and comfort in natural green tropical surroundings. They reflect the old tradition of the place blended with contemporary design. There are outdoor swimming pools with additional hot water tubs where you and your loved ones can enjoy refreshing swims on those hot summer days. Besides, these Hua Hin villas have decking area, sun beds and Jacuzzi for you to relax as well. The lounge areas have large comfortable sofas for you to relax on, or if you wish to connect with the world, you can use the free in-villa Wi-Fi for your notebook. There are lobby bars which offer healthy smoothies and coffees, which can refresh you after a long tiring day!

A fully equipped functional kitchenette is at your disposal as is the spacious dining area for any room service meals you like. Other than that you also get the facilities of libraries with books and DVD’s, fitness centers, games area, raised balcony areas, table tennis and golf court, washing terrace & maid service. Some Hua Hin villas in resorts also have luxurious spa where professionals to help you rejuvenate and relax.

The restaurants inside the Hua Hin villas resort offer you a wide spread of traditional Thai cuisine as well as different international dishes. A wide range of seafood cooked in various styles will be delicious and will surely satisfy your taste buds! The attentive and friendly staff is always be present to help you for any of your needs.

Hua Hin has always been the favorite destination for holidays for all travelers worldwide due to its panoramic natural beauty. Especially when you stay in these exotic Hua Hin holiday homes, you will experience the best of Thailand vacation and would like to come back over and again!

 

Enjoy a perfect Thai holiday in Hua Hin villas

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Have you ever been to Hua Hin for a holiday? If not, then you have not witnessed one of Thailand’s most beautiful small towns- Hua Hin. Nature has shrouded this place with marvelous natural beauty. With a number of beaches, luxury Hua Hin villasthe Royal Thai legacy, as well as other attractions, Hua Hin is one of the most visited tourist spots in Southeast Asia.

If you are a beach lover, then you are bound to be impressed by the pristine white beaches. The main Hua Hin beach has now become very popular and can be crowded during peak season. You can hire deck chairs and tables and indulge yourself in Thai massage.

If you are wondering where to stay then be assured, there are plenty of accommodation options available along the long stretch of the beach, ranging from small to mid-budget to luxury Hua Hin villas. For ultimate comfort and luxury, you can opt for those beach villas which offer all facilities that you can expect in a 5 star accommodation.

The Hua Hin villas are mostly situated on stunning luxury hillside areas with panoramic views of the ocean. You can enjoy the lush green vegetation as well as cooling sea breezes. They are designed with a perfect blend of the old tradition and the contemporary modern design, meant for couples of all age.

Some Hua Hin villas are situated in resorts, which means that you can rent your own individual villa and also take advantage of common facilities like restaurants, gym, clubs etc. Otherwise, you can also book stand-alone Hua Hin villas where you can live like locals amidst locals and get a first-hand experience of their lifestyle and culture.

Luxury Hu Hin beach villas provide you exciting views of the sea and beyond. You can lounge in a chair in your balcony or terrace and enjoy the sounds of the waves hitting the shore. Alternatively, you can relax in a hammock on the beach, reading your favourite book or simply enjoying the scene.

Even with the water right at your doorstep, Hua Hin villas have their own swimming pools complete with lounges, deck chairs and dining facilities. In the evenings, you can dine under the stars with the cool breezes forming a perfect backdrop.

The beaches in Hua Hin are lined with restaurants and eateries where you can try out the delicious Thai cuisine. And just in case you miss the familiar back home food, there are many restaurants serving international cuisine and chances are you will find something to suit your taste buds. The plus point in staying in Hua Hin villas is that you don’t have to dine out through out the duration of your stay. You can prepare your meals in the full-kitchen or have the cook prepare them for you.

Hua Hin villas range from self-catering units with basic yet comfortable facilities to the luxury villas complete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi and full entertainment facilities including TV, DVD/CD players, indoor games, books, and Internet. So if there is that one day when you don’t wish to venture out, you can stay right in and spend quality time with your loved ones.

Hua Hin villas are well connected to all places of tourist interest. The staff can help you arrange tours and transfers. You can also set base in the Hua Hin villas and explore neighbouring islands and places.

Hua Hin – The perfect destination for a villa holiday

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Planning for a wonderful and exciting holiday with your family? May be you would like to consider Hua Hin – one of the famous tourist resort in Thailand. Its tranquil surroundings will put you miles away from the hustle bustle of city life and allow you to enjoy nature in peace. It is well-endowed with some great beaches, luxury Hua Hin villas and breathtaking natural beauty.

Hua Hin has a tropical climate with occasional rain. Most of the beaches are long and wide, usually with shallow depths and mild currents. So, they are quite safe for your entire family, especially kids. Fine white sand, Hua Hin villas and many water sports opportunities contribute to the distinctive ambience of the island. You can get countless accommodation options ranging from small to mid-budget to 5 star luxury villas Hua Hin villas.

Most of these holiday homes are situated right on the beach and come with all the facilities that you would expect from 5 star establishments in a major tourist destination. Luxury Hua Hin villas have private swimming pools, luxury spa to pamper as well as rejuvenate you with professional excellence. Villas located in resorts also have common facilities such as fitness centres, games room, personal chefs, chauffeur-driven vehicles and friendly staff to help you 24/7!

Holidays are incomplete without good food especially if you are a gourmet. The Hua Hin villas cooks are well trained to offer all types of cuisine of your choice as well as the traditional Thai dishes to tickle your taste buds.

Also, there are plenty of restaurants on the beach that offer delectable authentic Thai seafood. In the evening, the winding roads with a great variety of shops make for a great stroll for the shoppers. It is not only the villas that make Hua Hin the perfect place for holiday with your family there are other attractions as well! The royal palaces which exhibit the royal grandeur that Thailand is connected to is a must see.

Buddhism has a great impact on Thailand, so you can find temples in abundance there – the main being the centrally located Wat Hua Hin (or Wat Ampharam) and Wat Bor Fai towards the north. In addition to these, you can also witness natural attractions like isolated beaches, caves, mangrove swamps, waterfalls, mountain vistas and a variety of wild life.

With all these charming factors, Hua Hin remains a magical place of dreams. You will surely be overwhelmed by the great white sandy beaches and Thai hospitality. The holidays spent on the luxurious Hua Hin holiday homes with your family will be an unforgettable lifetime experience for you.

Stay in Koh Samui villas for a unique holiday experience

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For an exciting and luxurious holiday with your family or friends, you can plan a visit to Koh Samui, the third largest island in Thailand. You can set base in the spacious and stunning Koh Samui villas found on the island. These villas are situated near exotic beaches, tropical gardens, and beautiful natural settings.

Luxury Koh Samui holiday homes give you everything that you can expect during your holiday. Most of these villas are situated on the beaches and so you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea and beyond. All these villas are extremely spacious and accommodate families or large group of friends.

Alternatively, if you are planning a honeymoon trip, you can opt for a single-room luxurious Koh Samui holiday homes also. These villas feature clear water swimming pools, superb tropical gardens, and modern kitchen with private chefs, and large dining areas. Some of them even have libraries with huge collection of books so that you can relax and read away the hours if you don’t wish to venture out. The bar areas possess good collection of wines and other drinks.

Almost all Koh Samui villas have luxury lounges for pre-dinner drinks, sunset bars and pool tables for ultimate comforts for the guests. For tech-savvy guests the Koh Samui villas provide high speed internet connection on the lounge as well and wireless broadband connection in the rooms. The in-villa spa rooms have professionals to pamper you during the stay.

Some Koh Samui holiday homes are designed to exhibit a perfect blend of modern features with classic Thai flavor. Rooms are furnished and equipped to very standards, with all sophisticated mood lighting systems. The garden and the deck area facing the beach make an ideal entertainment area for large parties. Koh Samui villas are secured and are provided with a 24/7 concierge service which takes care of all the requirements of the customers. Deck tables and chairs are available with umbrellas, the beach and toys for children and snorkeling equipment to keep them engaged while you enjoy your vacation.

Koh Samui is the best choice when it comes to have fun during holidays! You cannot resist the exotic beauty of the island which is surrounded with lush vegetation as well as mature coconut and tropical trees. That is why this island is the favorite holiday destination for travelers all around the world.

A visit to Koh Samui gives comfort and relaxation in truly unique and exceptional surroundings and makes your holiday the experience of a lifetime! Set base in Koh Samui villas – these are your home away from home and are within easy distance of attractions and you can easily rent your own car and travel around to the places of interest.

 

Koh Samui villas guide to adventure sports on the island

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If you are a sports lover and love a bit of adventure sports to spice up your holidays, Koh Samui is the ideal place for you. This island is frequently visited by tourists not only for its panoramic landscape but also because it provides ample scope for various adventure sports both on land and in water. To cater to the needs of the tourists looking for some privacy and space, the island also offers a complete range of Koh Samui villas for all budgets, group sizes and taste.

These adventure sports are very popular among the tourists who come to the island from all over the world. Existing adventure sports like skiing, trekking, water diving, mountain biking etc are good choices. You can even ask your Koh Samui villa staff to make all the arrangements. Something usual like bird watching, which is to get a bird’s eye view of the jungle, is very popular among the tourists. There are tours available that take you to tree houses in a harness attached to a cable suspended high above the trees. Needless to say, these trips are exciting and the views from the tree tops are simply spectacular.

Elephant trekking, which is sitting on an elephant and wandering through a jungle with all its associated sounds and with nature as the backdrop, will definitely excite you. You can also opt for a ride on a bicycle with no lights at night or enjoy a very exciting mountain biking or rock climbing trip if you want to do something unusual.

Samui highlands also have options for windsurfing and jungle safari with experienced guides teaching you the secrets of rainforest. You can challenge yourself on the back of All Terrain Vehicle or fly through the air with Sky Fox Cable Ride. Or maybe you would like to learn something about Thai Boxing and take back a skill to last a lifetime.

Samui bungee jumping is the most exciting activity you can do. The jump from a height of 50 meters is sure to give you the ultimate adrenalin rush. The jump is adventurous and safe because professionals are there to help you to provide you the basic lessons before you actually take the jump.

If you like water-based action, kite-boarding is a good option. It is a combination of windsurfing with stunt kite flying for people who like some serious speed and excitement. A simple exciting adventure sport in Koh Samui can be renting a boat and exploring the stunning coastline with your partner or with your family and friends. Trips include professionals accompanying you with bare essentials like jackets, mobile phones, GPS with great tips on what to do and see!

So next time you plan your holiday, come to Koh Samui, for the exotic beaches  stay at luxury Koh Samui holiday homes, and above all the fun and excitement that is in store for you.