SAMUI HOTELS
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POLICE TELEPHONE NUMBERS Marine Police Tourist Police Police Emergency Nathon Big Buddha Chaweng Lamai Maenam Bophut Hua Thanon Taling Ngam Samui Recue Fire department
077 411 245 1155 191 or 106 077 421 095-8 077 425 071 077 422 067 077 424 068 077 425 070 077 422 067 077 424 069 077 423 009 077 421 444 106 or 199
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Samui Immigration Bangkok Samui Hospital Bandon Hospital Thai International Hospital Raja Ferry Seatran Ferry Airport Samui Airport Bangkok
077 421 069 077 429 500 077 245 236-9 077 245 721-6 077 414 400 077 426 000 077 425 012 02 535 1111
LOST OR STOLEN CREDIT CARD
Master Card /Visa 02 299 1990 Reservation Center 1771 Samui Chaweng Office 077 422 512-9 Samui Airport office 077 245 600 www.bangkokair.com Managing Director Frederic Soulas Asst. Managing Director Wanatsanan Pimwongsa | nong@optim-samui.com Sales Manager Olga Apostol | sales@optim-samui.com Tel: 086 900 7323 Graphic Design Leader Worawut Timwon Chanita Kasetpongsan Webmaster Rhei Q. Triunfo Cover Photo Ang Thong National Marine Park DESIGN & PUBLISHED
1/33 Moo 6 Tambon Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand 84320 Tel/Fax: 077 484 962, 081 894 3250
WWW.OPTIM-SAMUI.COM
SAMUI SPA 06 ERANDA HERBAL SPA The Spa With a view
SUMMARY
14 Inter Continental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort ‘Buddachard Bliss’ And ‘Seasonal Inspiration Facial’
SAMUI HOTELS 08 IMPIANA RESORT
The new ‘place to be’ in Koh Samui
16 W RETREAT
Life done right. Start the day with a workout at SWEAT® or dip at WET® before unwinding with a local therapy at AWAY® Spa. Then, light up the evening with signature cocktails at W Lounge and dinner at our onsite restaurants Namu and Kitchen Table.
48 Inter Continental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort The place to be at sunset
SHOPPING 22 The Nature Art Gallery
Aside from the incredible handmade jewelry, gold, silver, precious and semi precious stones you will find there, the gallery it self is beautifully designed and filled with the healing power of crystals and stones.
26 SAMUI LAPIDARY Fine jewelry
Samui Lapidary is one of the jewelry companies listed in the shopping section of the Koh Samui Directory, which is the comprehensive business guide to Koh Samui, Thailand.
DINING EXPERIENCE 12 RED SNAPPER RESTAURANT & BAR Mediterranean Fusion
20 ZAZEN BOUTIQUE RESORT & SPA All about the sea at le salon de ti at zazen boutique resort & spa 50 AKARYN SAMUI RESORT & SPA Meet two of the chefs at the fabulous akaryn
SIGHT SEEING 18 CHANTARA JUNK BOAT
Originally constructed with beautiful teak wood, the junk chantarathwas put into service in burma near the end of the 20 century.
EVENTS 31 THE 2013 KOH SAMUI REGATTA 34 IMPIANA RESORT 40 AKARYN Weekly Calendar 42 SAMUI LATIN & JAZZ WEEK Jazz festival 46 W RETREAT Presents B&F HAPPENINGS
KOH SAMUI & KOH PHANGAN 52 welcome to samui
Exploring wat big buddha, Beaches, Temples, Sight seeing
59 Welcome Koh phangan 66 Koh samui map 72 Koh phangan map
SAMUI SPA
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ERANDA HERBAL SPA ON KOH SAMUI Our spa is set in more than 7,000 sqm2 of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens with cascading waterfalls and a stream winding its way down from its high perch over Northern Chaweng. Eranda Herbal Spa has the relaxing and soothing ambience you would expect from a high quality spa facility with the taste of luxury and exclusivity for an ultimate pampering experience.
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SAMUI HOTELS Impiana the new ‘place to be’ in Koh Samui
The Impiana Resort in Chaweng Noi is the ideal place to relax and unwind. The Impaina Resorts’ food and beverage department is under the direction of new F&B manager, Andreas Gewitsch, who’s goal is to quickly place the resort on “the place to be” list of Koh Samui. Andreas has a long history in hospitality and has gained experience in his native Germany, the USA, Phuket and in several top resorts in Koh Samui. Andreas started out in the front office but soon realized that being in a reception did not give him the kind of personal experience he wanted to share with hotel guests and quickly moved into F&B which gave him the opportunity to get to know his clients, spend time with them and recommend cuisine. As well as a passion for entertaining hotel guests, Andreas wants to provide a haven for island residents and has thrown the doors of the Impiana open to non-resident guests. In order to create the kind of environment he would like to relax in Andreas is proud to announce that the Impiana will be the first hotel in Koh Samui to have a floating bar directly in front of the resort. The bar will be located a short paddle of about 20 meters into the sea and will provide 9 x 3 meters of floating bar space with comfortable seating cubes and bean bags. The bar will have some fabulous lighting effects as well as fire lanterns and will be serving ice cold drinks into the evening. As well as the floating bar there is another great reason for non-resident guests to indulge in some Impiana hospitality, incredibly a resort that is by no means pricey and has three happy hours, noon until 2pm,
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5 – 7pm and 9-11pm. during which times if you buy one drink you get your second one free! Andreas is also adding some entertainment into the mix with six theme nights a week. Monday’s will play host to a Classical Thai Night with a Thai buffet with special selected dishes from all around Thailand. On Tuesday’s you can enjoy Catch of the Day as the Impiana serves up fantastic grilled fresh seafood selections served with grilled vegetables. Tuesday is night also features live music. On Wednesday the theme is Steamboat Dining on the Beach when you are invited to enjoy one of Thailand’s most authentic social dining experiences with the sand between your toes. Choose from a large range of fresh seafood, meats and vegetables and then cook it yourself! On Thursday you will have the opportunity to Go Healthy with a fabulous Vegetarian Buffet, this is your time to treat your body to a vegetarian buffet dinner with a fabulous selection of healthy salads, vegetarian dishes and much more. On Friday its Beach BBQ time with a sumptuous BBQ buffet and fresh salad bar. On Saturday’s you can tantalize your taste buds with Surf and Turf night when imported Australian Beef Fillet and Grilled Rock Lobster over bed of mashed potatoes are served to the sounds of live music and, on Sunday, your original Sunday Roast is back with mashed or roasted potatoes, gravy, salad bar, sauces and our delicious chicken! And……….. the final bit of exciting news, although watch this space, is that the Impiana is planning to launch a signature Chinese restaurant!
RESTAURANT
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DINING EXPERIENCE
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RED SNAPPER
RESTAURANT & BAR MEDITERRANEAN FUSION
For a premier dining and entertainment experience, stop by Red Snapper Restaurant & Bar on the northern section of Chaweng Beach Road. As part of a stellar night out, sample Chef Sébastien Meunier’s Mediterranean Fusion menu and the Red Snapper signature cocktails created by Mixologist Joseph Boroski while listening to the cool sounds of our Acoustic 101 band.
Red Snapper is open daily from 05.00 pm to 01.00 am with live music every night except Sunday. A WORD FROM THE CHEF Dedicated to Mediterranean Fusion for the past 9 years, we continue to evolve the dining experience embracing the trend toward greater choice by developing menus that fully allow for truly memorable dining experiences. With a passion for fresh local ingredients, my team and I are guided not only by the Asian flavors that we so cherish but also inspirations from my native Southern France. We are all passionate advocates for freshness and seasonality, varying menus to take full advantage of the bountiful produce from our handpicked local suppliers. Whether you select one of our Mediterranean Fusion dishes or our char grilled items, my team of talented chefs is here to satisfy any special requests or accommodate dietary restrictions. Enjoy your evening with us and the rest of your stay on our beautiful island, a place that I am proud to call home.
Dine in a spacious air-conditioned and non-smoking area with clean, modern lines, various water-features and an elaborate glass cellar or dine al fresco with the hum of Chaweng Beach Road as a background. Relax on comfy sofas set around splashes of bright multicolored, backlit wall panels and soak up the music while munching on a selection from the gourmet bar snack menu. A contemporary cosmopolitan atmosphere that is both cozy and sophisticated and a management team and staff that provides an impeccable personalized service all help to make Red Snapper an island Bon Appétit! destination for both visitors and Seb locals.
SAMUI SPA Spa Specials
‘BUDDACHARD BLISS’ AND ‘SEASONAL INSPIRATION FACIAL’ From The Enchanting Baan Thai Spa at InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort
(Asia, June 18, 2013) – Rejoice in the joy of spring with two seasonal spa treatments from the exceptional Baan Thai Spa at InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort. The ‘Buddhachard Bliss Treatment’ is a comprehensive half-day spa package, comprising of 210 minute reinvigorating body treatment that promotes deep relaxation while restoring vigor and health to your body. ‘Seasonal Inspiration Facial’ a restorative facial treatment from Sothy’s is a 90 minute treatment which utilizes the purest ingredients from each season’s harvest to harmonize the skin with essential elements. For spring, the main ingredient used for this facial treatment is derived from melon, designed to enhance the skin’s radiance and tone to reveal the skin’s optimum softness and clarity. Both treatments are available from 1 July – 31 August, 2013. Baan Thai Spa is located at the resort’s stunning cliff-top location at 120-metres high surrounded by nature and its verdant landscape and offer unparalleled views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Guests may choose from a wide array of therapeutic treatments and luxurious services for unadulterated relaxation. Open from 10am to 9pm daily. For further details on the spa and its services, please refer to www.samui.intercontinental.com/spa-wellness Tel. +66 (0) 77429100
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SAMUI HOTELS
WOOBA®
WOOBA® DJ Session As the day turns into night, crank up your evening with the DJ’s cool sounds. Every day from 6:00 - 11.00 pm. 5/25 - come with your gang of 5 or more on Tuesday night from 5:25-11.00 pm. and enjoy the creative cocktails, nibbles, DJ’s mixes and enjoy 25% off your beverage bill (exclusive of Champagne and wine) Mo-Hee-Toe Madness Energize yourself with the vibe of our DJ’s cool sounds while snacking on some innovative WOOBA® nibbles. Every Thursday from 7:00 - 11.00 pm. at THB 999 net/person for free flow Mo-Hee-Toes Iced Long Friday Friday night out @ WOOBA® as our talented mixologists will be shaking and stirring W styled Long Island Iced Teas at an irresistible price of THB 299 net from 7:00-11.00 pm. Check out all 4 super cool flavors!
THE KITCHEN TABLE
Inside the Kitchen Thai food Lover? Experience your own customized 4 courses Thai sharing menu in the heart of the kitchen. It’s hot and loud but it’s the ultimate insider access to food from the wok to your plate. Monday – Friday at THB 3,500 net per person inclusive of wine pairing. (maximum 4 persons with a 24 hour notice period) WOW Cooking Class Get behind the scenes and have a one-on-one cooking session with one of our chef’s and learn how to prepare food, W style. Monday – Friday at THB 3,800 net per person or 7,400 net per couple (24 hour notice period). Bubble Up On Sunday’s 6.30 am – 2:00 pm – More than a breakfast, but not quite a brunch, it’s Sunday at The W Retreat Koh Samui. THB 3,000 net per person of 2 hours free flow Chandon or Chandon Rosé, or THB 5,000 net person of 2 hours free flow Veuve (Applicable for staying guests under rates without breakfast and non-staying guests) THB 1,700 net per person of 2 hours free flow Chandon or Chandon Rosé, or THB 3,700 net person of 2 hours free flow Veuve (Applicable for staying guests under rates with breakfast) Island residents- THB 3,000 net per person of 2 hours free flow Chandon or Chandon Rosé, or THB 5,000 net person of 2 hours free flow Veuve
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W RETREAT Koh Samui SIP
Sunset Wowtini Watch the sunset over Maenam and order one martini cocktail so you can get another one for free! A moment you can’t miss! Sunday - Friday from 4:30 – 6:30 pm and Saturday from 3:30 – 6:30 pm. Beach Bar-B-Q Reloaded Experience the next level of beach Bar-B-Q. Lounge at our Sip bar, enjoy eclectic, modern BBQ cuisine and old school favorites while taking in our DJ’s house rhythms’. Every Saturday from 12:30 – 4:00 pm.
NAMU
Cooking with Chef SK Get an insider access to art of preparing Sushi, Sashimi and other Japanese favorites side by side with Chef Sin Keun Choi. Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 – 6:00 pm for THB 4,200 net per person: 2 hours one on one cooking class Dinner for two with VIP seating at our sushi counter enjoying the food you have prepared during class Certificate and photos with Chef SK One bottle of Sake (300 ML) –per person **maximum 4 people per class **24 hour notice required Dining Under the Stars Imagine your private romantic dinner at the W Beach just the two of you; a candlelit setting with a six or seven course Japanese-inspired menu with wine and sake artfully paired with each dish. THB 12,000 net/couple for a 6-course menu THB 15,000 net/couple for a 7-course menu with a bottle of sake or house wine For more information and reservations, please contact 0 (66) 77 091 5999 or email to bf.wkohsamui@whotels.com
SIGHT SEEING
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Originally constructed with beautiful teak wood, The Junk Chantara was put into service in Burma near the end of the 20th century. The Chantara sails inside the Gulf of Thailand. Generally, it travels around Koh Samui, to places such as Angthong Marine Park, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. The Chantara is a traditional “junk” boat, 25m long and 7m wide, built
completely of teak and furnished with all the modern conveniences that one could wish. The Chantara has a main cabin that can pose as either a lounge, or a double cabin with an ensuite bathroom. The Chantara also has 3 double cabins with private bathrooms. All rooms have air-conditioning. It can comfortably accommodate 8-10 people for a one week cruise, however, for a single day trip, the maximum capacity is 50 people. The boat has a kitchen, a bar, and a dining room with a large table that can seat 12 people easily. The sun beds are copious with 75m2 of deck and are arranged with mattresses and traditional Thai cushions.
Excursion around Koh Phangan
The Chantara will take you on an adventure to discover the beautiful landscape around Koh Phangan, the neighboring island of Koh Samui. You can explore the colorful underwater world of Koh ma with its stunningly clear water, corals filled seabed, aboundant sea anemones, and all varieties of tropical fish. The Chantara stops on Thong Nai Pan beach where customers will be offered to enjoy water sports (jet ski, buoy, kayak, water ski,wakeboard), massage or simply relax on this secluded bay. Nearing the end of the journey, “adventurers” will be able to admire Koh Phangan’s rugged coastline, stunning coves, and deserted beaches while returning to Koh Samui.
W W W . J ON Q U E - CHAN T ARA . CO M
DINING EXPERIENCE
ZAZEN
BOUTIQUE RESORT & SPA
All About The Sea at Le Salon de Ti at Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa Zazen Boutique Resort and Spa is proud to present a new fine dining experience. All About the Sea. The Zazen resort is set in beautiful surroundings and is fast becoming one of the islands favorite venues for fine dining. Le Salon de Ti is a first floor salon with spectacular views across Bophut Bay. When you enter the salon you are immediately transported to another world, one of Venetian Chandeliers, Louis XVI style furniture and a majestic fireplace that blends perfectly with a state-of-the-art open kitchen. The venue has elegance, style and glamour and yet it retains a homely atmosphere. As the sun sets this culinary temple comes alive and opens its doors to an intimate gathering of twelve gourmets who will enjoy a culinary experience like no other thanks to Zazen’s executive chef, Stephane Courtin. Stephane is originally from the South of France, an area that still forms the base of his cuisine today. Here he found his passion for cooking that led him to study with Michelin Star Chefs, Jean-Claude Fabre and Eric Cellier whom awakened his passion for fine dining. Stephane decided to broaden his horizons in both Vietnam and Thailand where he discovered the flavors of Asia. Stephane strives to work with only the freshest of ingredients and his classical French cuisine is now increasingly influenced by local products and savors. The All About the Sea experience will give you the opportunity to experience the freshest fish and seafood that Stephane and his team receive daily from local fishermen whose catch comes from the Gulf of Thailand.
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Stephane has expressed his interpretation of the sea in Le Salon de Ti with his five course Delica-seas menu and his Sea-gnature Menu that includes an upscale seafood platter and a traditional ‘Bouillabaisse’ fisherman’s soup. To compliment your cuisine you have the opportunity to pair your meal with selected wines from Zazen’s award winning underground cellar and finish in style in The Rouge Lounge with fine smoke from the Humidor. All About the Sea is an experience not to be missed and is the ideal way to enjoy a celebration, host a private party or enjoy a business dinner with a refined touch in a tropical location. The All About the Sea culinary extravaganza begins with duo scallops and fried foie gras on vinaigrette ‘Gourmande’, followed by salmon, oysters and seabass tartare with fresh herbs and jelly seawater then grilled mackerel fillet on cardamom escabeche with bell pepper confit and chorizo, followed by red mullet stuffed with blue crab and supreme lime, crustacean juice with Tonka spice and cantaloupe melon finished off by a spectacular desert Emotion Desir.
The Sea-gnatures Le plateau dishes include a Chef’s seafood arrangement of Fine de Claire oyster, clam, Bouchot mussel and blue crab served with rye bread, butter, vinegar and an assortment of sauces. La foile des lobsters – half rock lobsters roasted with turmeric and ginger, slipper lobster grilled with rosemary and pink pepper served with Bayaldi Provencal vegetables. Bouillabaisse – A French Fisherman’s soup with saffron, crouton and aioli sauce, grilled monk fish cheek, red mullet and scallop and chocolate tube, iced mascarpone cream, tasty ganache and coffee cream. This incredible experience is available from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 6pm until 10pm. Booking is highly recommended for reservations contact 077 425 085 or 0872 817 276 or fb@samuizazen.com
SHOPPING
The Nature Art Gallery in Chaweng is well worth a visit for many reasons. Aside from the incredible handmade jewelry, gold, silver, precious and semi precious stones you will find there, the gallery it self is beautifully designed and filled with the healing power of crystals and stones. For the past ten years Micha and his partner, Shai, have been sharing their love of stones with the residents and visitors to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The Nature Art Gallery create custom made jewelry from stones such as fossilized ivory, the tusk of the prehistoric wooly mammoth that became extinct over 10,000 years ago, found in the Arctic circle, Opal, Sugilite, Larimar (Pectolite) that represents peace and clarity and emits energy of healing and love of humanity and the earth and Moldavite the product of a meteor collision with the earth nearly fifteen million years. These green gems are among the rarest minerals on earth and have been prized by humans for thousands of years and are, to this day, given as gifts to royalty. Stones have powers can lift you, heal you, clear auras, improve memory, open chakras and provide many health benefits. Not only will you feel this effect as soon as you come into contact with the treasures to be found in the Nature Art Gallery, you will be inspired by their beauty. In one visit you will see what Micha, Shai and Hari, who comes from a long line of jewelers in Nepal, and who’s family created unique jewelry for the Nepalese King, are creating. If you are feeling creative why not take in a workshop and learn to make your own jewelry with master silversmiths and create a work of art for yourself or give a beautiful, personal and unique gift to a friend. The gallery is open from 10am until midnight daily and can be found at the exit of the Tops Supermarket complex.
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THAI COOKING CLASS
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SAMUI HOTELS
W RETREAT Koh Samui
SAMUI HOTELS
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EVENTS
The 2013 Koh Samui Regatta took place from May 25 to June 1. One of Asia’s biggest regattas and the final of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix, this event attracted some of the best yachts in Asia and hoards of spectators. The week saw great sailing, great parties and many events that contributed to an incredible week in Koh Samui. Day one started out with a steady 10-14 knot breeze and blue skies. Jelik, skippered by Frank Pong, won the first race, their closest rival in size, Antipodes, came in fifth. Pong held form going on to win the second and third race, an excellent start to the Regatta. On day two Frank Pong enjoyed winds of up to 18 knots and relatively flat seas, as he and his crew took the first win of the day. Geoff Hill’s, Antipodes, had some top sailors onboard that included Matt Humphries, who has an impressive five Whitbreads/VORs, Fastnets and Sydney Hobarts under his belt. Together the crew found form and won the second race, however, a protest for a pre-start incident disqualified
them giving Frank Pong and his team the second win of the day. On day three the racing continued off the Centara Grand Beach Resort. However a drop in wind strength mixed the pack. Frank Pong and his crew struggled in the first race and came in fifth and Antipodes took the win by just two seconds. In race two Pong and his crew enjoyed the improving winds and their sixth win from seven starts. After some tough racing day four was a Lay Day that gave all the participants some much needed time off to explore and enjoy their surroundings, while preparing for two more days of sailing and of course the lavish presentation awards. Day four of racing saw another double for Frank Pong and his crew onboard Jelik with line honors and the handicap win in Race 1. PRO Ross Chisholm changed the course for Race two to the Samui Course and this change certainly mixed up the results and Pong slipped into fifth place with the glory going to Antipodes, but despite the loss
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The 2013 Koh Samui Regatta OVERALL SERIES RESULTS: Pong could not long be caught in the 2013 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship. ON the final day Samui provided 10 knots of breeze, blue skies and calm seas. Pong, despite having the race wrapped up, was full of energy and ready to go. Jelik took the final race and won on the two nautical mile winward/leeward course and was crowned class winner and also the 2012/2013 Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship Skipper (Pong) and Yacht (Jelik) of the year. Sam Chan’s Freefire was placed second, the Royal Malaysian Navy entry Miri Marina Uranus skippered by Mohamad Razil Mansor took third place. The 2013 Samui Regatta was organized by Regattas Asia and many sailors announced it as the best racing in Asia with some of the highest quality competitions and racing on-thewater seen at any regatta in Asia. The week finished with the awards presentation and high hopes for next year’s events.
IRC Zero
1st Jelik, Frank Pong (13) 2nd Freefire, Sam Chan (21) 3rd Katsu, Ben Copley (29)
IRC One
1st Foxy Lady 6, Bill Bremner (24) 2nd Elektra, Marcel Liedts (22) 3rd Walawala 2, Steve Manning (23.5)
IRC Two
1st Ichi Ban, Matt Allen (8) 2nd El Coyote, Gary Baguley (16) 3rd Free Wind, Nicholas Smith (29)
Bareboat/ Cruising
1st Free Wind, Nicholas Smith (10) 2nd Moon Shadow, Mick Grover (21) 3rd Sansiri, Patinyakorn Buranrom (22)
Multihull
1st Miss Saigon, David Liddell (12) 2nd Sweet Chariot, Henry Kaye (18) 3rd Crazy Horse, Team Kunta/ Zanzen (29)
SAMUI HOTELS
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EVENTS
Monday “Classic Thai Night ” live Thai Dance Show Thai buffet with special selected dishes from all around Thailand
Tuesday
“Catch of the Day”
Great grilled fresh seafood selection served with grilled vegetables and Live Music
Wednesday “Steamboat Dining on the Beach”
Live Chinese Acrobat
Enjoy one of Thailand’s most authentic social dining experiences right on the beach. Choose from a large range of fresh seafood, meats and vegetables all cooked by you”
Thursday
“Go Healthy!! Vegetarian Buffet”
Treat your body to our vegetarian buffet dinner with our GREAT HEALTHY selection of salads, vegetarian dishes and much more”
Friday
“Beach BBQ” Live Fire Show
“All you can Eat” BBQ buffet on the beach with fresh salad bar
Saturday
“Surf and Turf”
Imported Australian Beef Fillet and Grilled Rock Lobster over bed of mashed potatoes and Live Music
Sunday
“Sunday Roast Buffet Dinner”
Your original Sunday Roast is back with mashed or roasted potatoes, homemade gravy, salad bar, sauces and our delicious chicken!
Live Band Daily
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SAMUI HOTELS
restaurants
ZAZEN BOUTIQUE RESORT & SPA
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RESTAURANT
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EVENTS
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JAZZ FESTIVAL
SAMUI LATIN & JAZZ WEEK 29 Sept. - 5 Oct. 2013 VENUES
Fair House Villas & Spa Rocky’s Boutique Resort The Library The Passage Samui Centara Grand Beach Resort Main Stage at Amari Palm Reef
Tickets can be booked at the venues, via the website or at info@samuilatinandjazzweek.com The Samui Latin and Jazz Week is presented by the Koh Samui Municipality. All proceeds of the event will be donated to the Green Island Foundation. W W W. S A M U I L AT I N A N D J A Z Z W E E K . C O M
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RESTAURANT
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EVENTS
W RETREAT KOH SAMUI CHEF & FRIENDS
Are you a food lover? Then become friends with W Culinary Team. Experience a widerange of our favorite dishes from the heart of the kitchen. Monday -Friday @The Kitchen Table THB 3,500 nettper person inclusiveof wine (maximum 6 persons) Advancereservations required.
DINING UNDER THE STARS Imagine your private romantic dinner at the W Beach just the two of you, a candlelit setting with six or seven course Japanese-inspired menu with wine and sake artfully paired with each dish. Daily from 6:00PM onwards •THB 12,000nett/couple for a 6-course menu •THB 15,000nett/couple for a 7-course menu with a bottle of sake or house wine Please book one day in advance.
HOT OVER THE COALS Just because you’re getting too comfy in your room doesn’t mean you don’t get to indulge. Just a buzz brings our epicurean offerings to your door step. Daily from 6:00PM onwards BBQ Menu Options; •Under the Sea Experience THB 5,300 •Carnivorous Temptations THB 5,300 •Ocean + Earth Tasting THB 7,900 Please book one day in advance.
SUNSET WOWTINI
Watch the sunset over the Maenam Bay. Listen to tunes from our resident DJ. Order one martini cocktail and get another one for free. A moment you can’t miss! @ SIP, Beach Bar Sunday -Friday from 4:30 –6:30PM
WOW COOKING CLASS
Get behind the scene and have a session with one of our chef’s and get to know how to prepare food, W style. Monday – Friday @ The Kitchen Table THB 3,500 nett/person inclusive of; •Cooking Class with Chefs •Luncheon with the Chefs •Certificate 1-day advance reservations required.
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Presents
B&F HAPPENINGS WOOBAR DJ SESSION
Mix/Mingle/Meet/Make Merry You can do it all… and more! As the day turns into night, spice up your evening with the cool sounds from DJ Tuck. @ WOOBAR Monday-Friday from 6:00-10.00PM
SIP DJ SESSION Cool yourself down from beach heat with chill out tunes from DJ Tuck at our beach bar while sipping our signature Wowtinis. @ SIP, beach bar Monday-Friday from 12:30-4.00PM
MO-HEE-TOE MADNESS MAGNIFIED
Mix/Mingle/Flirt/Sip Charge yourself to the vibe of our DJ’s cool sounds. Let the fire dance captivate you as the night sky explode @ WOO BAR Every Friday from 6:00-9.00PM Magnified @ very first Friday of the month THB 888 nett/person for free flow Mo-Hee-Toes
BEACH BAR-B-Q RELOADED
Experience the next level of beach Bar-B-Q. Lounge at our beach front bar, savor a wide variety of grilled items, sip your favorite cocktails and listen to our DJ’s eclectic sound. @ SIP, beach bar Every Saturday from 12:30-4:00PM
BUBBLY BREAKFAST
It’s not a brunch but more than a breakfast! Bubble it up with Chandon or Chandon Rose being poured at your table. @ The Kitchen Table Every Sunday from 6:30AM –1:00PM •THB 2,500 nett/person inclusive of half bottle of Moët & Chandon
Remark: Applicable for staying guests under rates with breakfast
•THB 5,000 nett/person inclusive of half bottle of Veuve Clicquot
Remark: Applicable for staying guests under rates without breakfast and non-staying guests.
COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE
Stephane Duchenne, the GM of the InterContinental Koh Samui, is proud to invite non-resident guests and the residents of Koh Samui to enjoy an experience like no other
THE PLACE TO BE AT SUNSET. Stephane Duchenne, the GM of the InterContinental Koh Samui, is proud to invite non-resident guests and the residents of Koh Samui to enjoy an experience like no other, one that was once only reserved for hotel guests. Mauritius born Stephane Duchenne arrived in Koh Samui in April 2013 where he took the role of GM at the InterContinental resort. The Intercontinental is a beautiful resort that nestles into the cliffs amid 22 acres of landscaped tropical gardens in Baan Taling Ngam. Before his arrival in Koh Samui Stephane was told that here he would experience the best sunsets in the world, but he was not convinced. His travels around the world have afforded him
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the opportunity to enjoy many sunsets and he wondered what set the location of the InterContinental apart from the others. When he arrived at the recently renovated and rejuvenated resort it did not take him long to find out just what it is that that makes that difference. From the elevated position of the Air Bar Stephane was transported to a whole new environment and moments he will never forget. The Air Bar is not just a bar, and the sunset here is not just a sunset, it is an experience of beauty and tranquility. One of the key ingredients is the unique design of the bar from where the views over the mainland, five islands and the marine park are spectacular, and give the term ‘uninterrupted views’ a whole new meaning. The Air bar is undoubtedly ‘The place to be’ as night falls in Samui. The bar is perched on a cliff and appears to float above the Gulf of Thailand. There is no better place to enjoy signatures cocktails, put together by a top mixologoist such as the Futrakombrei , a heady combination of Stolichnaya Vodka and homemade snakefruit and peppercorn sprayed with healthy and balancing rice wine vinegar, chilled and served in a martini glass or the Framboise French 75 that contains homemade raspberry/honey/cherry-brandy pearls that are added to an aristocratic French 75 of Hennessy VSOP and Bombay Sapphire gin, freshly squeezed lemon, honey and champagne that can be enjoyed accompanied by a unique selection of tapas and sushi dishes created by Michelin trained chef Luke. To add to the ambiance the bar has a resident DJ who fills this unique environment with ambient tunes as you watch the sun go down. There 180 degree views can be enjoyed from comfortable seating around the bar or around the swimming pool. The sunset experience at the Air Bar can be preceded by a trip by private speedboat to the Five Islands where you can learn about the bird’s nests that are harvested there for export to China. After the sun goes down you have the opportunity to complete your InterContinetal experience by dining in the fabulous Amber Restaurant. The Air Bar is open from 5.00pm – 12.00am daily. Parking can be found at the entrance to the InterContinental and the bar is reached by a complimentary buggy service. The Reservation is required.
DINING EXPERIENCE
MEET TWO OF THE CHEFS
AT THE FABULOUS AKARYN RESORT
The Akaryn resort nestles in Hanuman Bay in Choeng Mon on the north shore of Koh Samui. The idyllic location and innovative design of this stunning resort that sits on half a kilometer of dazzling white sand, makes it one of the most romantic spots on the island. The Akaryn team have created what they call intuitive luxury and while you are there you can only agree with their claim that they know what you want almost before you do. The Akaryn resort, as well as fabulous accommodation, has fabulous dining opportunities. The Ochos restaurant is managed by Luxembourg born Chef, Christoph Lindner. Christoph, a passionate meat lover, has spent seven years in Thailand, and showed off his culinary skills in both Phuket and Bangkok before he decided to tantalize Samui’s taste buds. Christoph has a simple philosophy when it comes to food, keep the menu simple, choose the best cuts of meat, cook it to perfection, be generous in your portions, excel in presentation and keep your prices real. Christoph and his assistant are doing just that. He tells us his presentation is simple, not a circus on a place. Christoph loves the concept of sharing and many of the dishes on his menus are designed for two. One of the house favorites is Chateaubriand – 500gm of Australian Premium grass- fed beef for two people. Along with this dish you can order from a menu that includes dishes such as potato puree with black truffle paste, sautéed mixed mushrooms and ratatouille. Add to that something from the liquids menu such as truffle, mushroom, thyme and beef jus, or
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classic béarnaise sauce and you have yourself a feast, especially if you add a spoon of any one of his seven different mustards. Christoph is fanatical about food being fresh and for this reason he only serves fish on Fridays and Saturdays just after it has been caught and advertise on the resorts Facebook page s to what he will be serving. Ochos is beautifully located next to an ornamental pond, has indoor and outdoor dining and is open from 6-30 pm until 10-30pm and closed on Sundays. Also weaving his culinary magic at Akaryn is Andrea Brunello, from Venice, who proudly runs the newly named Mare Mare Italian restaurant. This ocean front restaurant, with both indoor and outdoor dining, has 68 different pizza’s on the menu that are all cooked to perfection in the wood fired pizza oven that Andrea built himself with skills he picked up from watching craftsmen back in Italy. It is hard to imagine not being able to find the topping combination you love on the menu but if it is not there all you have to do is ask. The Pizza menu features Truffle pizzas and pizzas with a twist such as Pizza Lasagna and Pizza rolls. There are other exciting dishes on the menu too such as Buratina Pugliese della Murgia, Prosciutto di Parma e Rucola, Truffle Risotto ai Funghi Porcini e Salsiccia con semi di Fionocchietto and Grigliata Mista di Mare con Aragostelle, Prawns, Calamari, White Snapper, and Parmesan’s Gratinated Scallops! Andrea imports all his ingredients from Italy for a truly authentic Italian dining experience.
KOH SAMUI Welcome to Samui
Koh Samui was discovered by backpackers in the early 1970 and has been transformed into what is today, a new Caribbean of Asia. Gifted with rich variety of unspoiled beaches and inundated with unending rows of palms, it is acclaimed as an island paradise, capes and coves add beauty to the breathtaking sites where visitors can enjoy the generally quiet atmosphere. With the development of infrastructure, an increasing number of travelers were attracted to the island. Samui’s concrete ring road was finished in 1973 by the order of the government. Passing beautiful beaches around the island and connecting sub-district areas, the road facilitated tourism.
Photo By: Orasri To-In
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Exploring Wat Big Buddha The Big Buddha temple is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks on Samui with its 12 meter high Buddha that has been sitting, majestically, on a tall platform overlooking Koh Samui since 1972. This, one of the islands most visited temples, is on a small island, reached by a causeway, on the north east shore of the island. The Buddha can be seen from several kilometers away as well as by plane on arrival to the island. The Buddha alone makes the temple worth a visit, but as well as a great photo opportunity and superb views of the north of the island at the top of the platform the Buddha sits on, there are many other great reasons to spend a few hours at the temple. The grounds of the temple are home to a bustling market that offers a myriad of shopping opportunities. On the large end of the scale you can buy giant wooden elephants and nuts and bolts aliens in the market from several stores that have shipping facilities. Other stalls have a range of beautiful Buddha’s and Buddha masks that make excellent souvenirs as well as home decorations. There is an art gallery with hand painted unique and reproduction art works, local handy craft shops, handmade shoe and handbag shops, and a couple of dozen shops selling cool cotton summer clothes and a wide variety of T-shirts as well as childrens’ attire. The OTOP - One Tambon One Product shop has an excellent range of herbs, spa products, honey, natural latex, ginseng, teas and fruit pastes. If you are not in the mood for shopping then head to the Dr Fish shop and spend half an hour having the dead skin removed from your feet by tiny, hungry, fish, or, perhaps, go and put 5baht into a fortune telling slot machine. There is one machine for every day of the week. It is a good idea to pick the one that represents the day you were born. The machine will work its magic and give you a number that corresponds one of the fortunes you can read underneath the machine. If you would prefer a more personal reading then head on over to the English speaking fortune teller who has a shop next to the large car parking area. If looking into the future is not your idea of fun then you can ask one of the monks to give you a blessing or buy a brick that will be used to build extensions to the temple and mark it with your name. The Big Buddha temple is a great place to get something to eat too. Thai and Italian restaurants overlook the bay and if ice cream is your thing you are not going to be disappointed. There is an ice cream shop at the entrance to the temple market that sells the most incredible Swizz ice cream. The sign says that it’s probably the best ice cream on Samui which could very well be true. It is probably the most expensive come to that but worth every penny! Remember to dress respectfully when visiting the temple, remove your shoes before climbing the staircase to the Big Buddha and watch out, the steps can be quite slippery.
BEACHES F3 Chaweng
Chaweng is the longest and most famous one with very smooth sand and clear water. With plenty of restaurants, discotheques, bars and shops it is the main tourist center and nightlife area. Most hotels and resorts are located here.
F5 Lamai
Lamai is the second largest tourist center. The beach is a little bit more rough and the water is deeper. It’s an excellent location for swimming and has a well-known nightlife. Lamai can be discovered by walking as the area is not as large as Chaweng. Hinta Hinyai is at the southern end of Lamai and famous for its strangely shaped rock formations.
E2 Bophut
Bophut consists of the Fisherman’s Village and the beaches west of it. The beach at the village is small and not so suitable for swimming as there are many tour and diving boats going from here to other islands. At the village you will find many restaurants and shops as well as cafes and bars.
D2 Maenam
Maenam is located in the north of Samui with smooth sand and good swimming preferences. Maenam beach is perfect for families with small children as the water is shallow and there is no noise from nightlife or traffic
G1 Choengmon
*Coded Samui Map Location
Choengmon are located in the North-East of Samui. These are the more quiet areas offering many private villas and houses as well as all levels of hotels and resorts. These places are perfect for relaxing but within 10 minutes you can reach the bustling area of Chaweng for entertainment and shopping.
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TEMPLES
F2 Wat Phra Yai And Big Buddha
This temple is the home of Koh Samui’s most famous landmark the Big Buddha. Most Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue at some point during their holiday. Visible from several kilometers away and even from the air when arriving on or leaving the island, the 12 meter tall golden image stands proud. At the base of the structure, several shops and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Phra Yai is in the Northeast of Samui on route 4171 near the airport.
C7 The Leam Sor Chedi In the grounds of Wat Laem Sor, this ornately designed Chedi (Pagoda) sits at the rocky water’s edge. Covered in countless small yellow tiles, it appears golden when viewed from a short distance. It’s at the far South of the island off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the track with a sign that reads “Waikiki Bungalows”, and It’s at the end of that.
F5 Wat Lamai
Wat Lamai Temple is not only the main temple of Lamai but is also home to a small cultural museum featuring artifacts from Samui’s past. and a cultural hall where the locals meet for weddings, funerals and other social activities.
*Coded Samui Map Location
D6 Kunaram Temple - Mummified Monk
The body of Samui’s most famous mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng, is on display here in a specially constructed building. When he died more than 20 years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any major decay. Wat Khunaram is on the 4169 ring-road between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.
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Buddha’s Footprint D6
There are actually four foot-prints here, superimposed one on another. Each one is artistically en-graved. They are housed in a modest shrine 150 steps up a steep hill, which also offers a great view across the plains to the mountains opposite, and to the sea over the tree tops. Buddha’s Footprint is not signposted but can be found by going up a concrete slope on the left, two kilometers West of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on the 4170 road.
Wat Sila Ngu E6
Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the golden chedi facing the temple’s entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local travelling shows and even visiting TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds here for their performances. Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometer South of Hin-Ta Hin-Yai on the beach side of the road.
Wat Kiri Wongkaram B5
The mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam can be viewed here in a glass case. He was placed in it upon his death 25 years ago and his body is still in remarkably good condition. The temple can be located by following the 4170 road South from Ban Saket and then turning right between tow giant elephant statues. It is a further kilometer along this road on the right hand side.
Wat Plai Laem G1
Wat Plai Laem is located in the north of Samui on road 4171 from Big Buddha to Choeng Mon Beach. The temple is famous for the hundreds of big fish enjoying their live in the lake of the temple and waiting to be fed (Food for the fish is available at the temple for a small donation of 10 Baht per pack). Wat Plai Laem is one of the most colorful temple on Samui and features an 18 arms strong Buddha statue set in the middle of the lake.
SIGHT SEEING
Sight Seeing Ang Thong
National Marine Park
Ang Thong National Marine Park is made up of 42 islands featuring lime stone massifs, tropical rainforests and deserted beaches. This fascinating group of islands, within sight of Koh Samui to the north and west, is geographically different from the other islands in the region. The Ang Thong islands rise from the sea as dramatic walls of rock soaring hundreds of metres high. Besides the many small coves and beautiful beaches, erosion has shaped some interesting formations. Particular features are Koh Mae (a beautiful beach) and Thale Nai (an emerald saltwater lake) both found on Koh Mae.
KOH PHANGAN
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Koh Phangan
WHERE IS KOH PANGAN?
Koh Pangan is located in Jangwat(province)Suratthani in the Southern Gulf of Thailand and is part of the group of island that make up the Samui Archipelago; a group of over 40 islands fashioned in granite from age old igneous formations. The province capital is also called Suratthani and acts as the main overland transport hub for the islands. Koh Pangan is 70kms from the mainland and approximately 12kms away from Koh Samui which acts as the main air link to Koh Pangan.
HISTORY AND FACTS
Koh Pangan has always been a beautiful and spiritual place for the Thai people.It has been visited by no less than four Kings of Thailand; with the Great Rama V coming over 10 times, leaving his royal seal engraved on a rock at Thaan Sadet Waterfall; and the current King Bhumidol following in his footsteps. The island was uninhabited until about 600 years ago when passing monks realized its tranquility and spiritual importance and settled in Wat Phu Khao Noi just outside Thongsala. It is Thailand fifth biggest island and has an area of 167km2 ,thus over 90% of Pangan is unspoilt tropical forest; and due to its granite structure, there are several small mountains where its possible to trek and even camp. There is an abundance of wildlife from monkeys to birds of paradise and then there is the amazing underwater world that sorrounds Koh Pangan, with over 10kms of vibrant coral and 20 local dive sites. And if you have any energy after that, there is the nightlife that the island became internationally famous for, with the globally renowned Full Moon Party and weekly outdoor events in jungle and beachfront venues, not forgetting the daily session that goes off in Haad Rin.
ECO-TOURISM
Koh Pangan has been officially designated as zone for eco-tourism, so if you are planning to visit make sure that you join in. There are plenty of activities such as doing a local trek upthe hughest mountain or beach shopping along the east coast-check out the trekking section at page 110. For those that need a bit more speed pick up a mountain bike for around 100 Baht per day.
MONEY
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If you have plastic or travelers cheques, there are plenty of places to get cash ;the main towns of Thongsala and Haad Rin have the best selection of exchange booths and banks, who all offer similar rates. Most towns have ATMs and there are few 7-11s , supermarkets and resorts with them.
CONTRACTOR
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SAMUI HOTELS
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SIGHT SEEING
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SAMUI MAP
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SAMUI MAP
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SAMUI MAP
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PHANGAN MAP
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PHANGAN MAP
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