March / April 2018

CASTAWAYS Blue Stars Kayaking offers stunning daytrips to Samui’s very own archipelago.

TOTAL IMMERSION

Art of Life is the quintessential French seafood restaurant on Samui.

A Warm Welcome

Editor

Graeme Malley graeme@siammap.com

Graphic Designer Preeda Tuajob - Pui

Photographer

Akaphon Phongninlaarphon - Don

Feature Writer Rob De Wet

Feature Writer Dimitri Waring

Feature Writer Karan Ladd

Webmaster

Seksak Kerdkanno - Klauy

Sales & Marketing Director Nipawan Chuaysagul - Ning 0 898 783 891

ning@siammap.com

Financial Director

Kasper Bjørk kasper@siammap.com

Managing Director Henrik Bjørk henrik@siammap.com

Samui’s not just about its fabulous palm-fringed beaches that are lapped by the warm turquoise waters.

There’s much, much more. And that includes a wealth of Buddhist temples revealing the cultural side of the island. Then we have a myriad of adventurous activities available, including scuba-diving, island-hopping, sailing and even bungy-jumping. Of course, if you’re after more of a sedate Samui experience, there are many world-class spas on Samui offering everything from a basic Thai massage to sumptuous all-in packages with floral baths, Jacuzzis, scrubs and wraps, aromatherapy treatments and a whole lot more. The shopaholics amongst you won’t be disappointed either, with bargaining opportunities galore. And when it comes to restaurants, forget any preconceived ideas you may have had that all you’ll get here is a bowl of tom yam gung or a plate of fried rice. Finally, we have the nightlife. And with numerous bars, nightclubs and other entertainment venues, Samui really does offer a total tropical holiday experience.

So, what with all the amazing things to do and see whilst you’re here, you’re sure to have a great time whenever you come. But if you’re here during the Songkran celebrations for the Thai New Year on the 13th April, you’ll have a totally unforgettable experience, as you’ll be involved in the world’s biggest water fight – whether you like it or not!

Siam Map Company Ltd.

52/6 Samui Ring Road, Moo 3 Bo Phut, Koh Samui, 84320, Thailand Tel: 0 7742 2201 Fax: 0 7741 3523 E-mail: info@siammap.com www.siammap.com

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Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permision from Siam Map Company Ltd. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this publication, Siam Map Company Ltd. assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

Siam Map Company Ltd. 2018

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1 & 2 Bedroom Villas starting from 2,490THB

Escape to Boujis Boutique Resort, an intimate cliffside retreat of 14 luxury villas with unparalleled ocean views of Chaweng.

Located Cliffside between Chaweng & Lamai - call 077 448 544

Mediterranean Cuisine Amidst a panoramic dreamscape that overlooks the pristine Crystal Bay, The Cliff warmly invites you to a truly unforgettable dining experience on Koh Samui.

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017 2014

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"Thailand's Best Restaurants" 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2017

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Choeng Mon

CONTENTS

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Koh Cascades

58 Tropical Treats

The best of Samui’s waterfalls.

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Castaways Blue Stars Kayaking offers stunning daytrips to Samui’s very own archipelago.

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38

Total Immersion

64 Expat Living

70

Taste Without Waste

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The Thai New Year of Songkran is about a lot more than just water fights.

52 Shore Thing Coast Beach Club & Bistro at Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui wows with its extraordinary Sunday Brunch.

The Pull To Please

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Frog With A View We take a look at why Dr Frogs’ superb restaurant continues to excel!

What’s In A Spa? 104

Under The Moon The next best thing to flying – going scuba diving under the surface of Samui’s sea!

Just Around The Corner One of Samui’s most luxurious resorts is just a little way from Chaweng – Nora Buri Resort & Spa!

Free-Fall Fun Samui Bungy Jump guarantees thrills – enough to make you want to repeat the experience!

Come home to real Italian flavours at Prego.

Spa can mean a lot of different things – here’s what to look out for.

Getting It Right Just follow a few simple steps and Thai etiquette is easy to master.

The basics of ‘real-life’ living on Koh Samui – Part One.

Art of Life is the quintessential French seafood restaurant on Samui.

Wet, Wetter, Wettest!

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Samui has its fair share of delicious fruit farmed right here on the island.

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort succeeds in becoming increasingly green.

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Help Is At Hand Samui Elephant Sanctuary gives suffering animals a brand new life.

BEACHFRONT DINING & COCKTAILS RockPool at Kanda Residences is a spectacular beachfront restaurant and bar situated just five minutes from Chaweng

For reservations or more information call +66 77 234 500 www.rockpoolsamui.com Facebook: rockpool.kohsamui

Daily high tea from 12pm and happy hour with buy one get one free on selected drinks from 5pm until 7pm.

Island Insight An overall guide to Samui’s towns, villages, beaches and hotspots.

Samui is an idyllic tropical paradise. A blend of traditional Thai hospitality and remote island life has joined hands with modern traveller expectations. But the towns, villages and interior are home to much more than just luxury resorts, restaurants, bars and retail shops. And whilst the main beaches are recognised as some of the best in the world, there are also secluded coves and magical hideaways around many corners – if you know where to look. And this quick guide will point you in the right direction.

Chaweng

Chaweng’s main beach is five kilometres in length and is lined with 5-star luxury resorts, boutique hotels, budget accommodation and great oceanfront restaurants.

Behind the resorts, the Chaweng Beach Road is filled with restaurants, bars, spas, shops, street stalls and mobile food vendors. The lake sits to the rear of them and is a wonderful place for an early morning walk or jog. Near the southern end of the lake is the Soi Reggae entertainment area which also has two Muay Thai boxing stadiums, a temple guarded by carved monkeys and the huge Laem Din market complex. All manner of fresh produce is delivered here every day and the adjoining Dow Seafood market is a hive of activity from the early hours.

Lamai

Samui’s second most popular beach is around four kilometres long and the waters are perfect for swimming. There’s plenty of choice in accommodation, restaurants, bars, spas and health resorts. It also has a free Muay Thai event every Saturday and just off the Beach Road there’s a children’s water park. Wat Lamai is home to a cultural centre and museum that houses artifacts of Samui life before the advent of tourism. On Sundays there’s a ‘Walking Street’ along part of the Beach Road.

And just outside of Lamai town on the ring-road is the famous Hin Ta-Hin Yai rock formations that has dozens of small local Thai restaurants around it.

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Mae Nam

Nestled on the northern shores of the island, Mae Nam Beach stretches for several kilometres and overlooks the neighbouring island of Koh Pha-Ngan. High-end resorts and beach bungalows are dotted along the coast and many visitors love it for its peacefulness, soft golden sands and wonderful views. It has seven side streets that meander into the mountains: from Soi 1 you can follow the road over the mountains all the way to Lamai; Soi 4 has a ‘Walking Street’ every Thursday from mid-afternoon and also houses an ornate Chinese temple overlooking the beach and a large Buddhist temple set a few hundred metres back from the ringroad; Soi 5 has a tree-top canopy adventure theme park a few kilometres into the hills; there’s a buffalo fighting stadium a couple of hundred metres off the main road between Soi 5 and Soi 6; an early morning market is also in Soi 6; an evening market near to Soi 7; and the world-class Santiburi Golf Course in the hills above Soi 7. There’re dozens of bars and restaurants in Mae Nam, many of which are on side roads that lead down to the ocean. And at the western end of the beach the Lomprayah ferry takes passengers to the neighbouring islands several times a day.

NathoN

This is the island’s main administrative centre and the major ferry port for boats to and from the mainland. There’re some hotels but it’s more a town you would visit for an afternoon rather than stay in. Beside the terminal, there’s a local food market every day from mid-afternoon until late in the evening. Along what is known as the ‘middle road’ there’re old teak shop-houses and small businesses and a ‘Walking Street’ on Saturdays. And on the one-way road that goes through the town there’re dozens of shops and restaurants. Just off the main road there’s an ornate Chinese temple and garden in Soi 4. And near the far end there’s a renowned open-air duck restaurant – just follow the crowds around lunchtime.

Bo Phut

Bo Phut is best known for Fisherman’s Village. It’s a single narrow street that still has authentic wooden houses that Samui folk have lived in for generations. Parts of it have been modernized but it’s still awash with local foods, international restaurants, bars, shops and market stalls. It becomes one huge ‘Walking Street’ every Friday and you’ll find lots of local delicacies that few other restaurants have. Along with small hotels, there’re several 5-star luxury resorts at the far end and the beach curves around a large bay that also overlooks Koh Pha-Ngan.

And small speedboats leave from the village pier heading for the Full Moon parties that take place there every month.

Big Buddha and Plai Laem

The magnificent golden Big Buddha statue that watches over the island from the north-east corner of Samui is one of the first things you see as you fly into Samui Airport. Built on a tiny island (Koh Farn) with a connecting causeway, it’s the most iconic image of the island. Many Thais pray at the temple so dressing and acting appropriately is expected when you enter the site. There’re some very good Thai restaurants and small stores around the temple. It also affords some beautiful views and along the road from it you’ll see another large Buddha image at Wat Plai Laem. Half-way along the road between the temples is a side road that cuts through to Choeng Mon. Down this road there’s access to some quiet secluded beaches, although some of them are through resorts.

Choeng Mon

Choeng Mon lies just 15 minutes or so from the middle of Chaweng but it seems like worlds away. There’s a small town that the road runs through with a couple of dozen restaurants and bars. The beach is a favourite for many locals as it’s quiet, picturesque and safe for swimming most of the year round. There’s every class of accommodation with some old-style beach bungalows at one end. And they all overlook the tiny deserted island of Koh Farn Noi which you can walk out to if the tide is low.

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Bang Rak

In between Fisherman’s Village and Big Buddha is where you’ll find Bang Rak. There’s a few very good resorts and some private villas for rent along the beachfront that stretches around for several kilometres and has stunning views.

Bars and restaurants line the main street and there’re two piers. The one nearest to Big Buddha has daily ferries to Koh Pha-Ngan, Koh Tao and on to the mainland port of Chumpon, from which a VIP bus takes passengers to Hua Hin and on to Bangkok. Start to finish, it’s a 12-hour journey with about half of it on the boat.

Just beside the ferry terminal in Bang Rak is one of the busiest fish markets on the island. Local fishermen drop their catches here and the place is bustling with people all day long. At the other end of town there’s a short-cut into Chaweng on a road called Soi Bond Kai (which the locals refer to as the ‘Ghost Road’).

Taling Ngam and Lipa Noi

The south-west part of the island is known as the ‘Virgin Coast’. It’s largely unspoiled with lots of secluded bays, although most of the shoreline tends to be rocky. The west coast overlooks the famous ‘five islands’ and some of the closer islands of the Angthong National Marine Park (which is a perfect getaway for a day’s boat trip excursion). In this part of the island there’re some hotels, private villas for rent, up-market and local restaurants and several temples of note, including two that house a mummified monk. A second car ferry terminal is located in Lipa Noi and, like the one in Nathon, boats to and from Donsak on the mainland arrive and depart every hour from 5:00 am until 6:00 pm (check for details). And inland on the island’s main ring-road there’re several large waterfall sites and a safari park with elephant trekking, animal shows and adventure tours. Further along, next to the Ford and Mazda dealers is a new Butterfly and Insect Kingdom Park.

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Hua Thanon

This predominately muslim village is home to the descendants of some of the island’s earliest settlers. There’s still a thriving fishing fleet and fish market and a natural coastline that’s survived the ravages of time. Just after the village (coming from Lamai) you can turn off the ring-road to the left and signs will direct you to the nearby Tiger Zoo, Aquarium and Sea-life Show, the Butterfly Farm, the Snake Farm and the local Rum Distillery.

Thong Krut

With its brightly coloured fishing boats and backdrop of small islands to the one side, and coconut plantations to the other, Thong Krut is a picturesque little village.

Located in the southwest corner of the island, this is where you’ll come if you’re after a long-tail boat to take you to the nearby islands of Koh Tan and Koh Matsum.

Lining the shore you’ll find a selection of simple restaurants offering Thai food, and particularly good seafood, as well as tour operators offering trips to the islands.

The Interior

Samui predominately consists of hills, mountains and coconut plantations. And few visitors make the time to appreciate its hidden beauty. One way to do so is to take the turning into Mae Nam Soi 1. A new road has recently been constructed that goes over the mountains all the way to Lamai. The drive is only about 20-25 minutes over 15 kilometres with a couple of stopping off areas that offer fabulous views. Another way to really get the full picture of Samui is from Tar Nim’s Magic Garden at the top of one of the island’s highest peaks. Built during a 25-year period by a local farmer the stone statues in the garden were sculpted by hand and sit over 2,000 feet above the beaches below.

KOH CASCADES The best of Samui’s waterfalls.

Samui’s beaches duly amaze. Driving around the ring-road, people gaze out towards the sea, rather than inland towards the hills. They want to glimpse the sea, and hopefully come across one of the well-known beaches, or perhaps discover a more obscure one, all of their own.

Samui is after all a beach destination, and a world-famous one at that.

But if you were to ask a Thai where they might go for a dip, you might be surprised to hear that their favourite swimming spot isn’t a beach but a waterfall. Why’s that? Especially when guide books and all their digital counterparts are singing the praises of the shores, whilst the waterfalls are definitely in second place?

There are some good reasons, one of the most popular being that most beaches are extremely hot, and offer relatively little in the way of shade.

Waterfalls, however, are usually densely integrated in a landscape of trees, bushes and foliage. The sun gets a look in, but through a dappled

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veil of greenery. Close-by, but never obtrusively so, you’ll find carts and vendors selling food at low prices. And last but not least, access is usually easy – you don’t have to walk through the grounds of a hotel to get to waterfalls.

It’s not an exhaustive list by any means, but here’s a round-up of Samui’s most interesting waterfalls, all of which have pools that you can swim about and splash in.

Hin Lad One of the island’s most popular waterfalls, it is just a few kilometres south of Nathon. Simply called Hin Lad, it’s both quiet and beautiful.

Park up where the road ends and you’ll find a monastery (definitely worth exploring) and the first of a series of pools. This is a popular spot

for swimming and whiling away a few hours. But there’s a lot more to it than just a placid pool. Hike up through the jungle and you’ll come to more pools. The walk, which is about two kilometres, requires good shoes and a certain amount of concentration – the path is quite rocky, so you’ll need to actually stop if you want to look at something. The path weaves through trees and you can glimpse rushing torrents beneath you at times. It’s well-worth the climb; by the time you’re finished you’ll be in the mysterious interior of the island, a green and silent world of its own.

Take a well-earned dip in the pools along the way.

Lad Wanorn A few kilometres on from Hin Lad, Lad Wanorn waterfall is much smaller, and is the place to come if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax – there are generally very few people around. Water flows down a rocky

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incline into some small pools, so it’s not dramatic but is scenic enough to warrant a visit. Soak up the atmosphere, but no need to spend longer than half an hour here.

Namuang The two Namuang waterfalls are both highly recommended. They’re off the ring-road in the southern part of the island, some 12 kilometres south of Nathon.

The first waterfall, known as Namuang 1, has water cascading down into a big pool, and is easily accessible. Just take the paved path from the car park which will take you straight to the nearby falls.

Namuang 2 is much further up the same hill and is surrounded by a safari park (admission free). The walk is part road and part track, but also includes some wooden walkways. It’s quite a hard walk if you’re coming the whole way from the other waterfall, but is a fun and rewarding experience. Get ready for some amazing views at times, and the experience of simply being surrounded by so much jungle. Once you’ve made it to the waterfall, you’ll be pleased you came; water plunges 80 metres down into a pool. Some great swimming is to be had here, but as with all waterfalls, caution is advised. Namuang makes for a great morning or afternoon out.

Khun Si A great place to visit, but you’ll need nerves of steel. It’s situated off the mountain road that links Maenam and Lamai. It’s very steep at times and 18 l www.samuiholiday.com

difficult driving whether you’re in a car or on a scooter. It’s incredibly scenic, but you won’t be able to take your eyes off the road. At the highest spot, a very rutted dirt track leads to the falls – easier by bike than by car. Follow the track to the end, and walk down to the falls (the walk back is of course a lot more taxing). The falls aren’t very big, but you’ll probably have them to yourself. Just getting here will give you a real sense of adventure. The falls by the way gained international notoriety last year when a visitor, travelling alone, fell down badly injuring himself. Unable to move, he was eventually rescued after some days when a local person spotted a bike some way off and wondered what had happened to the owner. Most residents on the island have yet to make it out to Khun Si; with it’s beautiful but tricky reputation, it’s not one everyone’s list of places to go. But put it on yours if you have a real sense of adventure.

Samui’s waterfalls deserve to be better known – they’re definitely beautiful and always worth visiting. Just make sure of a few obvious points: if the weather’s been dry for a while, enquire if the waterfalls are likely to have water. And even more important, exercise care and caution. Remember to take mosquito spray, sun-tan lotion, good footwear and plenty of water. Rocks can be skating-rink slippery and pools may have hidden rocks. Think twice before taking young children with you.

Dimitri Waring

CASTAWAYS Blue Stars Kayaking offers stunning daytrips to Samui’s very own archipelago.

You may have seen a glittering collection of islands just off the west coast, all different shapes and sizes, cut into mysterious outlines by forces of nature. From the shore they’re eye-catching, but too far away to really make out any details. Blue Stars Kayaking specializes in extraordinary day trips, taking you out there so you can experience these beautiful gems for yourself.

Why go when you’re already on an island known for its beauty? The archipelago turns out to be one of the most picturesque places in the region. It’s also utterly different from Samui. The 40 or so off-islands are so spectacular that they’ve been granted government protection, and are known collectively as the Angthong National Marine Park. There’s been very little development out on any of these islands, beyond extremely sparse settlement on one of them, along with the park’s headquarters on another. That’s about it. No hotels, shops, restaurants or bars - just untouched beauty.

So far, so idyllic. The islands are postcard perfect: extraordinary white sand beaches, tiny bays, and clusters of rock awaiting your discovery.

Once they were unreachable; only local people with fishing boats ever went out here until a few entrepreneurs decided to put them on the map.

Blue Stars is one of the foremost companies that did so, and have been running trips out here since 1997. The islands haven’t changed much in that time, but over the years Blue Stars has added more and more value to the service they offer. Thanks to them, it couldn’t be any easier to get there. Better still, everything’s done safely and no corners are cut.

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The day starts when you’re picked up from your hotel or villa and driven down to the port, where you embark on the boat that’ll be your home on the water for the day. It’s 23 metres long and is fully-equipped with a huge sundeck complete with beanbags and mattresses and covered seating downstairs. The journey out to the park takes under two hours, time in which you can enjoy the light breakfast of croissants, fresh fruit and tea and coffee. Soon you’re slipping through the islands. No matter what kind of camera you have, you’ll net some amazing shots of karst islets with rocks and vegetation, all secret worlds of their own, and of course there are those amazing beaches.

The kayaks by the way are for two people, but the Blue Stars team can accommodate just about every kind of combination – so no worries if you come, say as a couple with two children. There’s naturally safety insurance, life jackets (you have to wear one by law) and everything’s been thought out. Cold drinks and water are freely available throughout the day.

The captain is incredibly seasoned, and depending on factors such as weather, tides and so on, he chooses where to stop off. You’ll start with a session of kayaking, whereby you get to see the beauty of the islands close-up. With the immediate backdrop of amazing rock formations, overhangs and again the beautifully clear waters that characterize the park, Blue Stars is normally the only company visiting this far north location. After returning to the boat you can swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters.

After seeing the islands it’ll be time to head for home. On the way back to Samui, there’s a snack served and if time permits, a quick swim somewhere along the way. You’ll arrive back at the port where you’ll be taken back to your accommodation, arriving just after 5:00 pm.

By now you’ll be hungry, but no worries as the crew will have been preparing a delicious Thai-style buffet (no fiery spices, though!) which you can enjoy while you head south to your next destination of Koh Mae Ko, and more kayaking along the spectacular coastline with its amazing rock overhangs. You’ll then land on an island that’s unique in the archipelago; you can go and see one of the region’s most surprising natural beauties, an emerald green crater lake, surrounded by plunging cliffs.

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Alternating kayaking, swimming and snorkelling with time on the boat is one of the best ways to spend an indolent yet incredibly satisfying day.

It’ll definitely be a highlight of your holiday.

A visit to the park is certainly one of the most memorable day trips you could take in Thailand. Blue Stars Kayaking organizes everything for you, and does it in style. Just remember to take essentials such as sunscreen and clothing suitable for a day out in the hot sun. With Blue Stars you’ll be in safe hands, free to enjoy the remarkable adventure that lies before you.

Dimitri Waring

_____________________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7730 0615. www.bluestars.info

AS FEATURED IN

AS FEATURED ON

C HIL L DIFFERENT

6pm - 9pm President’s Seafood BBQ

Reservations: 077 458 100

/ BeachRepublic

TOTAL IMMERSION Art of Life is the quintessential French seafood restaurant on Samui.

Even though it’s packed out with eateries and restaurants, the dining scene in Fisherman’s Village in Bophut has reached new heights with the opening of the curiously named Art of Life, a dedicated seafood restaurant serving an appreciative clientele. Situated in the very heart of the village, at the main junction by the sea, many people simply stumble across it.

Art of Life is located in one of the original Chinese-style shop houses that are still to be found here, though are gradually becoming a rarity. This one has been lovingly refurbished, and is now an open-sided dining room that faces out onto the two roads that meet here. The setting makes Art of Life a convivial place to be, and certainly good for people watching. That doesn’t detract in the least from what’s going on inside – everyone enjoying the various seafood treats that are on offer, thanks to Chef Christophe Scali, who hails from France, where he trained in a seafood restaurant in Marseille.

Chef Scali has brought with him some of the great dishes that you’d expect to find in the south of France and you can savour them all here. As such the restaurant is unique, both on the island and doubtlessly far further afield; nobody prior to this had thought to establish a French-style seafood restaurant (there are no concessions to meat eaters, but here nobody seems to mind at all). He’s put together a menu that’s bound to please anyone who enjoys seafood, and there are additional items posted on blackboards around the dining room. There’s little on the menu that you wouldn’t find outside France, but for starters you can, however, try Japanese-style tuna tartare or a Thai mixed seafood salad.

Whatever you choose, there’s a great delicacy to each of the dishes. For example, either for starters or mains, you could try octopus salad with French dressing or pan-fried squid and shrimp, cooked in garlic butter and parsley.

Other mains include fish of the day or salmon cooked on one side with caramelised bok choy, citrus butter and asparagus. There are also two pasta linguini as well, continuing the Mediterranean theme.

As could be expected, there’s a bouillabaisse, in this case Chef Scali’s own take; it’s a delicious rendering of the popular dish and is utterly moreish. www.samuiholiday.com l 33

There are also sardines from the Mediterranean – most of the food is imported from there – and plenty of oysters. You can sample just one oyster, or six, or a dozen if sharing. You’ll find the ever-popular Fine de Claire, Marennes d’Oleron, Fines de David Herve, as well as Harty Oysters from Ireland. You can also opt for crab, shrimp, clams, king prawn, whelks, periwinkles and mussels. That’s already quite a line-up, but if you want a combination that’s bound to please, then you should opt for one of the four platters. They’re ideal for two people to share, and arrive at your table beautifully but simply presented.

Mention has to be made of the desserts: lemon pie, chocolate caramel tart and a mango dish that is a Thai-style treat. Choose any one – they’re all good – and finish with the delicious whole Saint Marcellin cheese, another unexpected find here on Samui.

Despite just opening recently, Art of Life is doing well for itself, and is already highly popular. There’s an upstairs dining room too, in case the restaurant becomes really busy. People are welcome to linger, which is exactly what they tend to do, there’s no rush here at all. Much like in France, the idea is that eating is something to be savoured, and at Art of Life, you’ll certainly enjoy the fare that Chef Scali prepares. Open daily from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm, this is definitely the place to come if you want a great seafood experience. If you’re coming by car take the first turning to the left as you head into the village from the traffic lights and head for the car park, located in the first street to the left. Laurent Hartounian, the owner and manager, will reimburse you the 40 baht parking fee.

With the combination of a very professional chef, excellent food and drink and a relaxed vibe, Art of Life is surely set to go from strength to strength. Bon appétit!

Dimitri Waring

____________________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 803 191 924. www.artoflifesamui.com 34 l www.samuiholiday.com

HAND-MADE JEWELRY MADE TO ORDER. GOLD, SILVER, LEATHER, PRECIOUS AND SEMI PRECIOUS STONES. TWO LOCATIONS IN CHAWENG: 1ST: CHAWENG BEACH ROAD, PHONE: +(66)0 7742 2594 2ND: CENTRAL FESTIVAL SAMUI 2ND FLOOR, PHONE: +(66)0 7796 3811 WWW.THAILAND-JEWELRY.COM Nature Art Gallery Central Festival Samui CHAWENG BEACH ROAD

The Cutting Edge Paul’s Fashion Paul’s Fashion is the longest-running bespoke

tailor on Samui, having been established since 2005. For men and women, from formal business suits to cocktail wear, in summer or winter fabrics, in quality cashmere or satin, silk, chiffon or pure cotton, we can custom-fit you with anything that you can think of.

You pay nothing if you are not fully satisfied.

But this has never happened!

Still not sure? Then spend time with us on TripAdvisor. There are no problems, no complaints – not even one negative comment – just praise and congratulations.

With 40 full-time pattern-cutters and machinists, we get things done fast if necessary! The first step is for you to choose the style and the fabric in our shop and for us to take your exact measurements. The next stage is the fitting.

Two or three fittings may be required to obtain the perfect fit, and this can be done wherever is most convenient for you, either at our shop or at your hotel.

We will only be happy when you are completely satisfied!

We keep your pattern, measurements, and details on computer for four years.

We’ve got an established mail-order system – if you want another suit, shirt or dress, then we’ll make it and mail it to you anywhere in the world, recorded delivery, at cost price.

95% of our first-time customers come back again on their next holiday here. And every one of our established customers orders at least one more item by email and mail-order – that’s how reliable we are.

Listen to what people say.

Be safe. Be smart.

With Paul’s Fashion!

2016 & 2017

CERTIFICATE of

EXCELLENCE

Free Pick-up Service, Please Call Mr.Paul : +66 (0) 84 627 3812 E-mail: info@ks.paulsfashion-samui.com I www.ks.paulsfashion-samui.com Chaweng Beach Road, opp. Mc Donald’s next to Baan Samui Resort

TASTE WITHOUT WASTE Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort succeeds in becoming increasingly green.

Famed for its enormous lush gardens, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort isn’t just green when it comes to foliage. Word’s getting round that the resort is picking up pace – if not setting it – for being eco-friendly, especially when it comes to food. More than just aiming to cut down on kitchen and restaurant waste, the resort is getting creative when it comes to helping the environment. To this end, a couple of months ago, General Manager, Lutz Mueller and his team introduced some unexpected new guests to the resort: bees.

Bees? They hardly seem to go hand in hand with sustainability, but they’re an endangered species. They have a lot to cope with, and the

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bee population in many parts of the world could do with some help. And to help them is to help ourselves - bees pollinate fruit and vegetables, without which humankind will be in severe trouble.

The bees at Anantara Bophut, a special stingless variety that live in hives in the gardens, also provide honey, which the restaurant, Full Moon, uses in various recipes. Says David Eldridge, the resort’s new executive chef, “We are now using honey that our bees make and incorporate it in our à la carte menus and for breakfast. It’s very tasty and guests appreciate it.

This is one of the ways that we’re ensuring that the resort is as green as possible.”

Other steps are in the planning or have already been implemented. For example, the throwaway straws that most hotels use are no longer in use at Anantara Bophut. Insubstantial and flimsy as they look, such straws are incredibly tough when it comes to bio-degrading. And that’s precisely why Anantara Bophut no longer uses them, but instead ones that will quickly break down once they become part of the garbage.

A small step, maybe, but it’s one in the right direction and with enough initiatives like this, it’s possible to make progress with keeping the earth healthy. The teams at Anantara Bophut are constantly looking for new ways to improve sustainability and as a chef, David is naturally

concerned to be as ecologically friendly as possible. This used not to be something that many restauranteurs gave much thought to, but nowadays it’s of increasing concern that food wastage in kitchens is kept to a minimum.

David comes from South Africa, and joined the Anantara group in 2014, working first in their resort in Layan, Phuket before heading to Anantara Hoi An Resort in Vietnam, in 2016, before transferring to Anantara Bophut, here on Samui. He brings with him considerable experience; he’s an expert in molecular gastronomy and has also worked in the Maldives, Tanzania, UAE and the Seychelles. He brings with

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him considerable savvy when it comes to cooking and preparing for Anantara’s amazing special events. The team here regularly put on wine nights, when guests can enjoy sumptuous menus that are specially paired with the wines. These evenings attract not just in-house guests, but also many people from outside.

But back to sustainability. At Full Moon, Anantara Bophut’s main restaurant, David is offering dishes that are put together, where possible, from local ingredients. Thailand offers great products across the board, whether it’s fruit, vegetables or meats. Anantara believe in tracking down the best, and give priority to top-quality national foodstuffs. Fruit and vegetables come from island producers and even from Anantara’s own gardens. For example, there’s the 300g Lime & Herb Marinated Free Range Pork Cutlet, which features green pea crushed potatoes, charred corn, squash spaghetti and mushroom jus. Guests also enjoy a free-range spatchcock chicken with all the trimmings. It’s marinated for a full day

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and night in order for it to be as tasty as possible. It’s fired in a tandoor and then smoked in apple wood before being brought to the table for carving. As it’s a sustainable product, guests need to reserve it a day in advance. That way, it’s sure that it won’t go to waste.

With Full Moon and Anantara Bophut both committed to sustainability, guests can expect to see more and more touches that are green. This is important everywhere, but especially on a small island where resources are limited in any case. If food is to be savoured at its finest then sustainable solutions need to be found and implemented by everyone.

Dimitri Waring _______________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7742 8300. www.anantara.com

WET, WETTER, WETTEST! The Thai New Year of Songkran is about a lot more than just water fights.

Ask someone what celebrating the New Year in America means, and what’ll come to mind is ‘Times Square’. Ask them the same thing about Beijing and the answer will probably be ‘dragons and firecrackers’. But get them to sum up the Thai New Year and the immediate response will be – ‘the biggest water fight in the world’.

But that’s a bit like asking someone what kind of car they drive and getting the answer, ‘a red one’. Yes, indeed, looking at the surface of it all, it’s one huge all-day water fight involving the old, the young, foreigners and locals, the police and bankers in shirts and ties. On the road, up the side streets, using buckets and hosepipes and water pistols and even giant fluorescent plastic water cannons. But in reality it’s all about something quite different, and the way it is today has a great deal to do with the huge influx of foreigners – but all of that will be explained in just a moment!

Although the Thai New Year was officially changed from its traditional date way back in 1888, to correspond with the celebrations in the Western World, the Thais are nothing if not a fun loving nation. And so today, they enjoy celebrating not only the Western New Year and the Chinese New Year, but also their own centuries-old ceremonies of Songkran, every year in April – they’re probably the only country to be able to let it rip three times a year!

On the surface of things, today it would seem to a casual observer to be just that – a big water fight. And it has to be said that every year,

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hundreds of thousands of visitors to Thailand plan their annual holidays to be here just for this event. Yet the origins of Songkran, and the part that water plays in it, are all about a much gentler and more symbolic sentiment completely.

You have to keep in mind that Thailand was traditionally (and still is, with a large percentage of its population being farmers) an agricultural nation, that was tied to the cycles of sun and rain, growing seasons and harvests. And, although few tourists are aware of this, the rainy season varies according to the location – it’s different in the farming north from that which we experience in Samui and the southern region of Thailand.

In the rural north and north-east, April is the time of the year, when the rice harvest has already been gathered, and it’s the hottest and driest period (Samui, being so much further south, this happens several months later.) The original celebrations began as an expression of universal rejoicing for the harvested crops. It was a time of new beginnings and fresh starts, as the sun began to move towards a cooler season at the vernal equinox.

The traditional celebration of Songkran emerged from this as a four-day festival of prescribed ritual and thanksgiving, in which water played only a tiny part – on the very last day. And this was when ‘Wan Paak Bpee’, which is a formal acknowledgment of respect for the elderly, came into play. People from each household in the village would tour around, in groups or individually, to bend a knee and sprinkle a few drops of the scarce and life-giving water on the hands and faces of the elders of the village – a gesture which has somehow now mutated into the wild and often frenzied excesses we see expressed on the streets today.

There’s a conservative element in Thai society that is quick to blame foreign influences for the many changes in the Thai way of life. But they are right about one thing: it was foreign visitors to Thailand that brought about the on-the-street-water-fight mayhem we enjoy today.

Young foreign tourists, travellers, students and exchange teachers began to splash water about on the streets, sometime in the late ’80s. Thai youngsters (and the not-so-young, too) delighted in this break-away from tradition, and it took hold in Chiang Mai in the north and in Pattaya,

Welcome to Sa-ard’s Watersports Center on Koh Samui. Where everyday can be an aquatic adventure – above and below the crystal clear blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Join us and discover what r eally makes these islands so very special.

Our brand new catamaran Fountaine Pajot Belize 43 “Kindred Spirit” can comfortably take 15 people on a day trip and sleep 6 people on over-night excursions.

The starboard hull has a double stateroom with ensuite bathroom and living area. There are also two double state rooms in the port hull with a shared bathroom. You’ll also find a large galley and a living area with CD/DVD player and a 28 inch colour TV. All the cabins and living areas are fully air-conditioned.

Sa-ard’s Watersports Center also offers Private Speedboat tours to the beaches and snorkeling destinations of the surrounding islands.

south of Bangkok. And soon every city was following-on, taking their water-fun out onto the streets, in processions of trucks filled with water vats and along the road with hosepipes and buckets.

And so be prepared!

On Samui it lasts for just one day (unlike Chiang Mai where they carry on for six!). Small plastic or zip-lock bags are a must, keeping money, documents and your phone safe and dry. And maybe another bag for a change of clothes. Head for any busy main road, preferably near a bar or 7-11 where ‘refreshment’ is available! Have fun but stay safe. It only happens once a year and it’s absolutely not to be missed!

Rob De Wet

Manager and Skipper is Sa-ard, one of Thailand’s most celebrated windsurfers. He took part in the Olympics 1984 in Los Angeles and 1992 in Barcelona, was a long time member of the Thai National Windsurfing Team, has been Asian Champion and 5 times Gold Medal Winner in the South East Asian Games. You simply could not be in better hands!

SHORE THING Coast Beach Club & Bistro at Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui wows with its extraordinary Sunday Brunch.

What better way to spend the languid afternoon hours than over a delicious brunch? And one that is a chance not just to enjoy a brilliant line-up of treats, but an amazingly picturesque setting. Coast Beach Club & Bistro exceeds expectations when it comes to brunch, and has acquired a name for doing so.

It has to be said that brunch has had a bad press in certain parts of the world, with a good few celebrities dissing it as a tepid and ambiguous non-meal, but on Samui it’s entirely different. Here it’s a real feast, with holidaymakers and island residents expecting across-the-board delights as well as all the drinks to go with them. Coast Beach Club & Bistro has managed to raise the bar still further.

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For a start, there’s a staggering variety of food on offer, so much so that before you grab a plate and start making your choices, it’s worth spending a few minutes walking around and checking out the entire set-up. There’s more to be had than you think, and if you don’t take a thorough look you may find yourself missing out on some items. There are various displays both indoors and outdoors. There’s even an entire baked goods section, all of its own, in a special room. Here you’ll find delicious breads of several different kinds, ideal for the main courses or simply for the starters. They’re also great for the cheeses and cold cuts that Coast Beach Club & Bistro specializes in; you’ll find many delicatessen items that are usually only found in Europe. Maybe this is one of the draws for the expatriates who come here on a Sunday - a hankering for the luxuries they’ve left behind in their home countries.

Start with the very wide-ranging salad items which also include olives, nuts, pickles and preserved treats, along with a range of dressings. You’ll also find plenty of other starters including sushi and salmon. Naturally, there are soups too, and there’s quite enough to guarantee that you may be full up before you even start on the rest of this feast.

An entire cooking station is devoted to Italian pasta, while a wood-fired oven effortlessly dispenses pizza - simply place your order and your food will be ready very quickly. Seafood abounds, with freshly-caught fish from local waters and imports from elsewhere. Check out the mussels and tiger prawns. For meats, a tempting array of chicken, lamb, pork and beef awaits, again grilled to perfection. A wide range of sauces including béarnaise, mint, apple, red wine and mushroom are there to

go with these dishes, as well as plenty of vegetables and side dishes.

Finally, to round off, you’ll be offered a wonderful selection of desserts, and there’s plenty of fresh fruit as well as tea and coffee.

Drinks abound, and whether you’re in the mood for soft drinks or for beer, wine or cocktails there’s a full range on offer. As an added attraction, there’s an aperitif station featuring Bloody Marys along with all the condiments.

But there’s a lot more to Coast Beach Club & Bistro than just food and drink; this is after all not a city brunch taking place inside an enclosed room. Here, the setting is every bit as good as the food and drink. It is situated right on the beach, and basically consists of a very large deck

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with different seating areas, all of which overlook the sea and the very beautiful gardens of the resort itself. The vibe is a kind of cross between a garden party and a day out on the beach. In other words, it’s great fun, and appeals to all sorts of different people. Children love to come here and will spend as much time on the beach as they will on the deck. The brunch experience goes way beyond food and drink and is an enjoyable occasion no matter what your age. You’ll probably want to come back again, and if you do you can be sure there are plenty of other options for you to choose; it’s impossible to exhaust them all in a single sitting, no matter how hungry you arrive here. Simply remember to phone ahead to reserve your place as it’s a very popular occasion, running from 12:00 noon until 4:00 pm, every Sunday.

For a brunch that goes well beyond the ordinary, let Coast Beach Club & Bistro spoil you with its standout fare and setting, and be prepared to linger on long after dessert!

Dimitri Waring

____________________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7723 0500. www.coast-beach-club.com

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KOH SAMUI

THA CHARITY MIDNIGHT RUN SATURDAY MARCH 24 th 2018

WELCOME TO THE KOH SAMUI THA CHARITY MIDNIGHT RUN JOIN US FOR 5 KM OR 10 KM FUN RUN! The cost of participation is 500 Baht for a single entry or 1000 Baht inclusive of the Grand Raffle Participation (win a Scoopy 1 motorbike) or 1500 Baht if registered on the race day for the 5 km or 10 km Run. Registration and payment can be made at Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa, Bophut beach (tel: 077 430 345) from March 1st until March 20th. Runners may register onsite at the Reggae Pub on the race day from 2pm until 6pm. Start & finish line will be from the Reggae Pub in Chaweng Beach.

Contact Details For all information about the Midnight Run, please check out www.samuimidnightrun.com For all queries please contact info@samuimidnightrun.com Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa, Bophut beach (tel: 077 430 345)

www.samuimidnightrun.com

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TROPICAL TREATS Samui has its fair share of delicious fruit farmed right here on the island.

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Think of a tropical holiday and a picture emerges of white sandy beaches, balmy oceans, palm trees swaying in the breeze and bright tropical fruit in abundance. Now while some fruits that require a winter season, such as apples and peaches, don’t do well in a tropical climate, there are many more interesting varieties to choose from.

Part of travelling to a new place means trying new experiences and new foods. So while you’re here, be sure to try the sometimes strange-looking fruits at the market. It’s so cheap, you may as well give it a go – you never know, it could just be your new addiction!

The most obvious fruit farmed on Samui has to be the versatile coconut.

Even though the palm tree has become synonymous as a symbol of Samui, it was only fairly recently that the coconut became the largest export from the island. Although there were always coconuts, over the years, Samui farmers gradually turned the island into a substantial coconut plantation.

Every month, Samui supplies Bangkok with over two million coconuts. These are harvested from the approximately three million trees that grow on the island, each of which produces around 70 coconuts per year. That’s a lot of nuts! The legacy of the islands early coconut farmers is still apparent today as Samui proudly boasts more varieties of coconuts than anywhere else in the world. There’s nothing more refreshing, or no better hangover cure than an ice-cold ‘maprao’, lid cut open, and soft white flesh to scoop out after drinking the coconut water. Coconut milk, made from crushing the flesh and juice, is used at the base for all Thai curries, as well as some soups, blending well with spices and the heat of chillies. And coconut is used for substance and flavour in most Thai sweets and desserts.

The very first communities to settle here on Samui lived nearly always by the coast, but then later they started to plant crops inland, which flourished in the tropical warm climate. The farming of tropical fruit became a prime export industry for the local community, and even today Samui is renowned throughout Thailand for succulent tropical fruits such as ‘langsat’, a small fruit, with a sweet, white translucent centre, and also that much talked about fruit, the durian.

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Durian, known as the ‘king of all fruits’, is grown in abundance here on Samui. The island has gained a reputation for growing some of the best durian in the country – but, it’s a controversial fruit, and most people feel quite strongly about it, either loving it and defending it fiercely, or hating it and gagging at the thought. Why would someone hate a fruit, you ask?

Well, it has a rather unusual odour, difficult to describe, but one that is so peculiar that it’s banned from most hotels and airlines. But, those that love it become addicted to its rich, creamy flesh. The fruit is extremely rich and nutritious, although it shouldn’t be consumed with alcohol as this can cause the body to overheat. It can also raise blood pressure, so shouldn’t be consumed if you have a heart condition.

We chatted to local durian farmer, Khun Durong Ratanarak, about his experience farming this giant fruit on Samui. He was born on Samui, and his farm is in the mountains of Maenam on 12 acres of land, where he not only grows the king of fruit, but also rubber trees, which the entire province of Surat Thani is well known for.

Khun Durong explains that the methods of farming durian have remained similar over the years, and luckily due to his elevated mountain position, his farm is not affected by the floods that sometimes occur during the monsoon season. However, rain can affect the flowering time of the durian trees if it rains out of season, and he also needs to closely watch the trees for signs of aphid and other insect infestations. Durian is a seasonal fruit and on Samui it’s harvested in March – so keep your eyes open for it in the shops and markets at the moment … or just follow your nose! Although he supplies some durian to the markets of Samui, most is bought by middlemen from Chumphon, on the mainland.

Durian and coconuts are not the only fruit grown on Samui, and most locals, even if they’re not farmers, will have at least a banana tree growing in their garden. And here, you’ll find endless varieties of banana, so try them all, as their flavours and textures are quite different.

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Rather than playing it safe by having a slice of tangy pineapple or juicy watermelon (as lovely as these are), try something that you perhaps can’t get back home. Why not try some fragrant papaya or perhaps a sweet rambutan, with its soft white flesh hidden behind a crazy hairstyle of red and green tendrils. And on Samui you’ll also find mangosteen growing, with its hard purple shell revealing a soft white centre of delicious segments. Driving around you’ll notice trees with crispy rose apples, sapodilla, tamarind, guavas, pomelo and an abundance of mango trees too. And the list goes on and on depending on the season. In short, Samui is blessed with an amazing selection of delicious fruit for locals and visitors to enjoy, so make the most of it, and try the fruit fresh from the trees or market, in a refreshing smoothie, or perhaps a spicy papaya salad or a dessert of mango and sticky rice.

Rosanne Turner

EXPAT

LIVING The basics of ‘real-life’ living on Koh Samui – Part One.

Living on a tropical island is a dream for many people. Imagine being able to swim in the warm ocean water, relax with a book on a pristine beach, take out a kayak, go hillwalking amidst the tropical vegetation. Or simply watch the coconut trees sway in the breeze whilst chatting with friends over a sundowner or two. Yes, you can do all that, and the infrastructure is slowly improving, with better roads, shopping, restaurants entertainment and sports facilities all within a stone’s throw of other major Asian cities. But what’s the nitty gritty low down of actually living here? And is it that easy?

The answers can be very different depending on your current life situation.

Are you single or in a relationship? Do you have children? Are they of school age? Will you need to work to support yourself financially or are you retired with a steady income? What sort of accommodation would you be happy with, and how about getting around the island? Let’s break down the basics.

Accommodation. Koh Samui is developing fast. It seems a new villa, condominium or resort is opening almost every day! There is definitely no shortage, but it is no longer a cheap destination. Tourists visit in abundance, and Samui now has a firm footing as a luxury destination. You can still find simple bungalows for rent, but those near the beach are heavily sought after, and some are very basic, possibly without a proper kitchen. At the other end of the scale, you can buy or rent beautiful luxury villa’s up in the hills with sea views and private pools, surrounded by mother nature’s finest tropical landscape. Anything is possible, just wallet dependent!

If you buy a property, you can always rent it out so it can be a good investment. But you must do your due diligence and get full legal advice before committing. And whereabouts on Samui do you want to live? Amid the bars, restaurants and shopping mecca of Chaweng? Or the quieter southwest? Most of the services and amenities are located in the north, with the biggest working expat communities Bangrak, Plai Laem, Choeng Mon, Bophut, Maenam and the outer areas of Chaweng. These areas are close to schools and shopping centres. Retirees often choose the less developed, and sometimes cheaper areas of Lipa Noi, Bang Po, Laem Set and Taling Ngam. It’s a good idea to rent somewhere first and see if it ticks all your boxes.

Work. If you arrive to take up a job offer, then your company will prepare all the necessary paperwork required to get your visa and work permit. Most foreigners tend to be involved with tourism and hospitality, property development or teaching, but it is possible to set up your own business. A lawyer or accountant can advise you on setting up your own company, including the costs, legalities and work permits. Before you rush into opening a business, spend some time getting to understand the island, the fluctuating high and low seasons, especially if your business will depend on tourists for income. Check out any hidden costs and complete some genuine market research.

If you plan to teach English, your chances are greatly enhanced if you have a TEFL certificate and if you come from an English-speaking country. The Ministry of Education in Thailand states that you must originate from a native English speaking country, or you will need to complete a test to prove your English competency. This involves travelling to Bangkok to do a TOEIC test to apply for a teacher’s license.

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Visas. If you intend staying in Thailand for an extended period of time, then you’ll need more than a tourist visa. Your options are: Non-immigrant business visa (Non-B) - The only visa with which a person can legally work, and there’s quite an amount of paperwork involved. If you are employed, your company will sort this out. If you are setting up your own company, you will need a lawyer or accountant to help with all the necessary documents. If you are already in Thailand, you will need to visit a Thai consulate in a neighbouring country to get your visa. Depending on your type of employment you may also need to leave the country every 90 days and stamp back in.

Non-immigrant Ordinary visa (Non-O) - Can be in several forms; dependent, marriage, retirement or education visa. If your spouse or grown-up children work in Thailand, or your children are at school here, then it’s possible to stay on a dependent visa. Marriage visas are applicable for those married to a Thai national, and conditions apply. For a retirement visa, you’ll need www.samuiholiday.com l 67

to show a certain amount of money in your bank account or prove that you receive a monthly income such as a pension. Learning to speak Thai at a recognised language school is a popular way to stay in Thailand on an education visa. The school can assist in preparing the paperwork.

Most lawyers and accountants on Samui are visa experts and will assist with preparing any paperwork required. Note that you are not legally allowed to work or even volunteer in Thailand without a work permit.

Laws are constantly changing and getting stricter, and you risk being deported if you are caught breaking them. Keep up to date by reading the visa requirements on the Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa page: www.mfa.go.th/main/en/home.

There are companies that will drive you to consulates in Malaysia for a visa (visa run) or to the border and back (border bounce) or you can organise it yourself. Do not overstay your visa or entry stamp, strict enforcements are being applied. You can extend your visa at the Immigration office in Maenam at a cost, but much better to stay organised.

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Transport. You can rent a motorbike or car if you have a licence from any country, but beware of other road users, they will definitely not be adhering to the road rules that you are used to at home. Also look out for dogs, chickens or children just dashing across the roads! The statistics of road accidents and fatalities on Samui do not make pleasant reading.

Thai law and common sense requires that you wear a helmet on a motorbike! Foreigners can buy a motorbike or car. If you need a sizeable loan you may need a Thai person to stand as surety. There is no official public transport on the island, but red vans called Songthaews (meaning two rows) run around the island. Just flag one down and pay the fixed price fare, although you will have to negotiate the cost in the evening.

They have random schedules; you will just have to wait on the roadside for whenever one decides to come past. Taxi scooters are also available as are yellow taxi cabs, the cabs are the most expensive way to get around. After six months, you should get a Thai drivers licence. You will have to go to the Department of Transport in Nathon. Check ahead as various copies of paperwork are required and the requirements are

different depending on which licence you currently have or if you don’t have one at all.

Health. If you are employed by a company, then you may have health insurance as part of your package. Check the conditions, many are just for accident related cases and some will exclude things such as motorbike accidents. Major insurance companies have offices here, but speak with other expats and see what insurance they are using.

There are a number of very good insurance agents working here. Samui has several private hospitals of international standard as well as the government hospital in Nathon. They are well-equipped to deal with accidents, illness and trauma. Some even have plastic surgeons if you fancy a new look for your new Samui life! For some services, such as an MRI, you may need to go to the mainland, either to Suratthani or Bangkok. For simple illnesses and things like dressing changes, there are a number of clinics dotted around the island which will be a cheaper option.

Many medications are available at one of the many pharmacies on the island. Most are open well into the evening. Some medicines such as antibiotics can be dispensed without a prescription, and are substantially cheaper than at the hospitals. There are many dentists and opticians on the island, mainly located in shopping areas.

Nurseries and Schools. Samui has a good choice of private and international schools and nurseries. The main ones are Samui Tiny Steps Nursery and Preschool, ISS, Panyadee, SCL and Oonrak. You can arrange to visit all the schools and then make your decision from there.

As a rule of thumb, choose the school with the best facilities you can afford.

Part two, in our next issue, will focus on shopping, dining, entertainment and sport.

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THE PULL TO PLEASE Come home to real Italian flavours at Prego.

Handily located on the beach road in north Chaweng, Prego first opened its doors in 2003, but definitely likes to innovate; the restaurant had a complete makeover recently, and sports a bright, new look. It’s inspired by Italy’s rich cultural heritage, but is a lot more than rustic Italian decor; at Prego’s heart is an abiding passion for authentic cuisine.

Authentic Italian flavours are what Prego’s all about. You’ll find them here, faithfully recreated by executive chef, Marco Boscaini. He’s a friendly, approachable figure, and he and his staff will accommodate your every wish. And adding to the appeal of the restaurant, you’ll find that it’s an entirely welcoming place – you’ll definitely feel at home here.

On the menu, certain dishes are variously marked as chef’s recommendations, vegetarian dishes and guests’ favourites. But you’ll probably need no guidance as most of the dishes are well-known favourites. Which isn’t to say that the tastes are all run-of-the-mill - they’re not. The food at Prego is filled with flavour and utterly scrumptious. This is thanks to Marco being very careful to get exactly the right ingredients and prepare them in traditional ways. You may well find that your taste buds, even if well used to Italian cuisine, will perk up while enjoying the food at Prego. Everything is authentic, right down to the refurbished pizza oven which Marco uses not only for mouth-watering pizzas, but also for a whole plethora of baked goods.

It’s very hard with the excellent menu to single out a few choices. Start with any of the Prego antipasti – there are over a dozen and they’re all

exquisite. Be careful not to order too much as portions at the restaurant are definitely on the generous side. Try the amazing burrata fresco – one enormous portion of fresh burrata cheese along with diced cherry tomatoes in a delicious marinade. Parma ham and melon may be a standby in other restaurants, but at Prego they’re to be savoured as a timeless classic.

One of the favourite dishes to try at Prego is their risotto gamberi, a fine rendering of the classic prawn dish thanks to the very fresh ingredients and carnaroli rice from Piedmont – it’s deliciously satisfying and very moreish. Another dish that’s filled with great tastes is the Pici, consisting of hand-rolled pasta, Chianti-flavoured beef ragu and pecorino.

If you enjoy meat for a main course, then opt for the costolette di agnello, or oven-baked lamb chops, flavoured herbs, grilled tomato and some of the best ever sautéed spinach. Fish lovers will also find plenty with baked filet of salmon and pan-roasted sea bass and a sumptuous seafood platter.

Desserts may come last on the menu, but they’re certainly not the least in Prego’s extensive repertoire. Particularly recommended is the tiramisu – big enough for two people to share – or the delicious affogato with its subtle blend of espresso, amaretto and fior di latte ice-cream.

Prego goes many an extra mile to please its guests. For example, if you look at the menu, in the lower right hand corner, you’ll see a rather modest footnote stating, ‘Gluten-free menu and vegan cheeses available’.

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It’s just a few words but it’s not an idle remark. Marco can make a whole three-course meal in this way – it’s incredibly satisfying for diners with intolerances to be able to find this, and many are surprised to find their options catered for so totally and so professionally.

Chef Marco is happy to put on all sorts of gatherings including parties, corporate events and of course wedding receptions. It doesn’t matter if your party is small in number or if it consists of scores of people. The restaurant, for a start is very large – it has seating for just under 200 people at any one time. In addition, a second air-con room has just been completed. The two rooms are completely separate and each can accommodate 45 diners. The fact that the rooms are glassed in means that guests can arrange for live entertainment or at the very least, select their own music to be played.

Both young and older children are welcome, and you need have no worries about bringing them. The restaurant is much like one back at home in Italy, the type where friends and family like to gather. This is exactly how things should be, according to the management – not stuffy at all, but convivial and relaxed.

Prego has been drawing residents and holidaymakers alike with its flair for Italian cuisine, ensuring that diners enjoy a state-of-the-art setting melded with a wonderfully friendly vibe. It’s a perfect place to come and dine in laid-back luxury without breaking the budget.

Dimitri Waring

_________________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7730 0317. www.prego-samui.com

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An exclusive luxury development of private pool villas with panoramic sea views in the prime North East of Koh Samui, just minutes from the island’s most popular beaches and entertainment areas.

Designed by David McCormick of Msystem, the renowned international architect recently crowned ‘Best luxury Residential Architecture Firm - South East Asia’, each villa provides the perfect blend of “contemporary tropical living”. Each villa is also designed to meet the dual requirements as a luxury vacation residence and successful luxury villa rental property.

Sunbathe on the expansive terrace, take a cool dip in the infinity pool, relax in the integrated Jacuzzi and dine under the stars. Breathe fresh air, get away from it all and escape from the city in style.

Just 2 villas left for sale at this award-winning development.

SALES: 0629 899 887 / 0856 920 550 I INFO@THERIDGESAMUI.COM I WWW.THERIDGESAMUI.COM

WHAT’S IN A SPA?

Spa can mean a lot of different things – here’s what to look out for.

Like most other things, spas have gone through a lot of different evolutions. A couple of generations ago, most town spas were all about manicures, pedicures, body hair removal and sunbeds (that last one never caught on here on Samui!). And then, gradually, the idea of pampering started to spread, and different sorts of massages appeared, along with rejuvenating and beautifying treatments.

As far as most European towns are concerned, and unlike the USA, the (media-promoted) idea of lifestyle and fitness didn’t raise its head until somewhere in the mid ’90s – up until that time a gym was where men went to find punch bags and sparring partners. But the ’90s was the era of healthy living. And it was in that last decade of the 20th century that ‘spa’ took on a whole different set of implications.

Of course, there were places – following alongside the legendary hippie trail towards India and Nepal, Morocco, and then Southeast Asia – that had always sidestepped the practical, and leaned towards the esoteric. Spas which explored alternative therapies, healing, fasting and cleansing . . . those which today tend to be dubbed ‘New Age’, for want of a better label. Places where breathing lessons ran side-by-side with the re-harmonising of chakras and crystal therapy. These not only still exist, but have become far more general-user friendly.

Today, the word spa conjures images that range from beauty treatments through to spiritual refinement, and visits which run from a couple of hours to several weeks. All of which, in their various forms, you’ll be able to find on Samui.

In a nutshell, there are two sorts of spa; day spas and residential. And two broad types of program; physical and spiritual – although the boundaries of these have now begun to blur together, with many day spars also offering holistic, ayurvedic or healing treatments of one kind or another. And this is an area where you, as a customer need to take a little care: it’s not unknown to see reflexology on the program, and then find it being offered by unskilled local practitioners who believe this to be the same as foot massage.

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The number of spas on Samui has increased exponentially in the last decade, with just about every self-respecting 4-star-and-upwards resort now housing its own dedicated spa – no doubt there’s one in your own resort.

It’s just not possible in this one story to summarise all the outstanding spas on Samui (and there are many). Indeed, if we start to mention just one or two, then there’s another 20 sitting alongside protesting ‘what about us!’

But suffice it to say there are one or two simple guidelines.

But spas are like cooking classes. The temptation is to have a go ‘in house’, where you have already got to know the chef or the nice lady in charge of the spa. But it all depends on how determined you are about learning to cook Thai food (or, indeed, about what you want from a spa). If you’re really serious then it’s probably better to look around at what’s on offer elsewhere around the island.

If you are looking for straightforward beauty treatments, then all Thai spas have an excellent reputation in this regard; head for the nearest one which looks attractive and has an idyllic setting.

Fortunately there’s one excellent little guide to all of this, and it goes into detail with a dozen or more well-established and reputable spas of different kinds here on Samui. Additionally there are also articles on yoga, reiki, ayurvedic medicine, naturopathy, reflexology and associated spa cuisine. You can find it (free) in quality hotels, out on the streets in selected bookstands, and also you can pick up a copy at Bangkok Airways lounges at Bangkok airport. Its name is the ‘Samui Spa Guide’, and a link to it is listed at the end of this article.

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But if you’re more interested in rejuvenating therapies, or something more spiritual, then it’s probably best to consider some careful research. Samui probably has some of the finest spas – of all sorts and together in one place – anywhere in the world: it’s just a question of finding out ‘what’s in a spa’!

Rob De Wet

_____________________________________________________________ www.siamspaguide.com

JUST AROUND THE CORNER

One of Samui’s most luxurious resorts is just a little way from Chaweng – Nora Buri Resort & Spa!

Samui now has so many good hotels, it’s hard to know where they all are. Or, indeed, which of their fine facilities they’re keen to share.

Things have changed – not so long ago many of the 5-star places kept themselves private. But this sort of old-style ‘exclusiveness’ has faded away. Today everyone’s keen for your custom, and outside guests are more than welcome. And one of Samui’s best-known resorts, Nora Buri Resort & Spa, is one of these.

Many of the national chain-resorts are managed under the umbrella of big multinational groups. But Nora is something of a Samui legend in that’s it’s not only hugely successful, but it’s also been ‘made on Samui’.

This family-owned group began with the large and luxurious Nora Beach in Chaweng. And then it expanded over the next several years, adding a budget hotel and a town hotel, before establishing the jewel in the group’s crown, the opulent 5-star Nora Buri, just north of Chaweng, on the road to Choeng Mon. It’s actually in two parts: the obvious one being the huge spread of gardens and grounds rising up the hill from a long frontage along the road outside. But what’s not immediately obvious is that directly across the road, and running down to the beach, is the section that contains the signature restaurants, and another group of rooms and suites around a central pool that borders on the sand.

And it’s here that you’ll first notice one of Samui’s landmarks, the awardwinning ‘The Barge’ restaurant. Actually, The Barge isn’t ‘a restaurant’ – there are two of them here. The top floor contains the resort’s signature Thai restaurant, Rice Barge. This is where you’ll find yourself as you enter the building.

It’s undoubtedly the most dramatic of the floors, as it’s the place where you’ll be most fully-able to appreciate the impressive architecture, with the hand-sculpted dark woods and the spiralling roof-space. The enclosed walkway alongside leads into the adjoining open-sided dining terrace, and to the steps which lead down onto the lower level and the pool – and the adjoining all-day-restaurant.

The area around the pool and lower restaurant has been designed to accommodate the lavish spread of outside tables and servers that are laid-out once a week. This is when Nora Buri and The Barge feature their famous buffet evening – the ‘Walk Around the Barge’. This is one 84 l www.samuiholiday.com

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all-you-can-eat buffet barbecue that is really worth visiting. Groups of serving tables, weighed down with cold cuts, plates of all the different seafood, and gleaming stainless-steel servers for the hot dishes, are cleanly lit by spotlights from above, while the contented guests enjoy a softer and more intimate illumination on small platforms and terraces that run onto the sand. There’s a live band, plus an exciting Pong Lang Thai dance show. And, unlike some other places, the price is just 1,299 baht – and this is a 5-star beach buffet, with the quality of service and attention to match!

But it’s over on the other side and up the hill where you’ll find all the amenities and facilities that put Nora Buri firmly into the luxury bracket. The view is superb, the layout intriguing and there are 46 pool villas, 98 deluxe villas and two presidential suites to choose from. There are two big, layered infinity pools, together with another restaurant, Manora, a snack bar, a tapas bar, a spa, a fitness centre and a conference suite that includes a business centre. It’s all very impressive.

With all these facilities, not to mention the extensive landscaping, it’s hardly surprising that Nora Buri has also established something of a niche for itself in the completive business of wedding hosting and management. Not only are there packages which include accommodation, but also there’s a whole range of options and choices, including makeup and hair styling, floral décor, photography, catering and entertainment, which will be personally tailored to your requirements. Full details are on their website at the end of this article.

One other unique feature is that, with the Nora Group owning four interrelated hotels from budget to 5-star, there’s always the option for family or friends to be accommodated for longer periods in one of the downtown link hotels, and scheduled with complementary shuttle buses (a 10-minute run) to move to and from the wedding celebrations at Nora Buri.

So, whether you want to take advantage of one of the best barbecue buffet evenings around, or are thinking of diving in head over heels to tie the matrimonial knot, there a whole lot to explore and enjoy just around the corner from Chaweng – at Nora Buri Resort & Spa!

Rob De Wet

_______________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7791 3555. www.noraburiresort.com www.noraweddings.com

GETTING IT RIGHT Just follow a few simple steps and Thai etiquette is easy to master.

Seen on the ferry to the mainland, a man slumped in a seat, his bare feet propped up on the seat in front of him. And in a restaurant, two drunks yell at the staff for more beer. Meanwhile on a local beach, a woman shows off her new breast implants. They’re all on holiday, and on holiday you can let yourself go a little (or even a lot), right?

It’s a deeply obvious yardstick: if you wouldn’t do it at home, then don’t do it in Thailand. Many visitors and, alas, a number of foreign residents too, don’t bother to think along these lines. Or perhaps they’re relying on the famed tolerance of their hosts. Who knows?

The first rule of Thai etiquette is simply this: follow accepted, universal standards of behaviour. Enough said. The rest is barely any trickier.

Here’s a brief guide to etiquette concerning the most important facets of Thai culture.

The Royal Family Always show the greatest respect to members of the Royal Family by doing as all Thais do: make no disrespectful comments about them, either in spoken or written form (think Facebook and other social media); treat any object that carries their image or photograph with respect, especially money, portraits or displays. The same goes for the Thai flag or any symbol that’s associated with the country or the Royal Family. If you’re at the cinema, stand during the royal anthem.

Appearance and Body Language Thais never wear dirty, unkempt clothing, and neither should you.

If you’re visiting a bank or government office, look clean and wellpresented.

On the beach, nudity isn’t allowed and neither is going topless if you’re a woman. When leaving the beach, put on casual clothing (and nothing see-through). It’s quite amazing the number of people who blithely visit supermarkets wearing Speedos and bikinis. Don’t be them! If you go around half-naked, Thai people will think you are incredibly vulgar. Not just them. Other westerners will also find it rude, and may well not be so polite about it.

It’s also rude to sit pointing your feet at anyone. So be careful even when sitting on that chair waiting for your number to come up at the bank. Similarly, it’s still good manners to take off your shoes in shops – but all that’s slowly changing so you have to ask the proprietor what they’d prefer you to do. They’ll make it quite clear. Go into someone’s house or a temple and the shoes must always be taken off.

Table Manners In restaurants, it’s polite to eat with your spoon. The fork is merely used to guide the food onto the spoon. If eating Chinese-style food of any kind, you’ll probably be offered chopsticks. If you don’t know how to use them it’s fine to request a spoon and fork. But whatever you do, don’t point at people using chopsticks.

This pales into insignificance compared to the way you treat the staff.

Be friendly to them rather than snapping out your orders. Staff work long hours for little money. Be patient with them, especially if their English isn’t so good. Your tip will go a long way, should you wish to give one. Don’t get familiar with staff – “Darling, you’re looking lovely tonight!” And don’t be loud in restaurants.

Temples The main rule is to dress appropriately for going to a place of worship.

That means no shorts or sleeveless tops for either men or women. Try to avoid baring any skin apart from head, face, arms and feet. Most temples have some sort of clothing that they will loan you. Make sure you take your shoes off before going into virtually any temple building.

Do not act loudly, impolitely or disrespectfully. In addition, women aren’t allowed to touch monks or vice versa.

All Buddha images are sacred. Don’t therefore have your picture taken in front of one. Neither should you climb over religious statues, even if they are ruined. (By the way, if you export a Buddha statue you’ll need a special licence to clear customs.)

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Alas, when in Rome, don’t necessarily do as the Romans do. It has to be said that many Thais and foreign residents do not follow the religious precepts: Buddha images should not be used as trivial decoration; they are for devotional purposes. Drives are being made to ban the use of Buddha images and statues in bars and restaurants and other places where they simply do not belong.

Attitude Thai etiquette seamlessly melds with Thai philosophy in the idea of ‘jai yen’, meaning ‘cool heart’. Keeping your heart cool means thinking and behaving in a calm, relaxed fashion. This is what most Thais try to do. Of course, not even they succeed all the time – but the concept is a prized one in Thai culture. Therefore, try your hardest not to lose your temper, shout at people, or even appear irritated. Shout at someone if they’re in danger or are a long way off and you need to attract their attention – but not because you’re getting angry. Even if you’re justified, it’ll just make you look bad in their eyes.

Follow the above precepts and you’ll have a more enjoyable time in Thailand. Your hosts will go to considerable efforts to help you throughout your holiday. Every single one of them will have, alas, seen disrespect in ways both big and small. Try to make their day easier for them, rather than give them a new shock-horror story to go home with. (“Guess what I saw today ...”) They certainly don’t deserve any disrespect.

Dimitri Waring

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FREE-FALL FUN Samui Bungy Jump guarantees thrills – enough to make you want to repeat the experience!

Sensational and highly addictive, bungy jumping has been on Samui for years now, expertly run by the folks at Samui Bungy Jump, conveniently located in the heart of Chaweng right by the lake close to the famous Reggae Pub. But you don’t need to make your own way there as there’s a complimentary round trip transfer available from most areas, and you can be picked up at your hotel or villa. You can jump any time between 10:30 am and 6:00 pm daily.

What happens once you arrive? Your heart may already be pumping a little faster, but first you get to watch a short instructional video, and meet the owner, Mike Thomas, who will answer any questions you might have.

Next, you’re hauled up in a cage to the top of a very, very high crane.

To say that the view from there is awesome is an understatement – you can see out over the whole of Chaweng. The jump is situated over a large pool, but once you’re at the top of the crane, it looks surprisingly

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small. It’s obviously going to be a scary moment – after all, it’s a typically human fear, falling from a great height!

When you’re ready, you simply fall forwards, plunging head first down to the pool. It’s a total rush, and you’ll be amazed by the sheer exhilaration of it. And, of course, after your initial dive, the elastic in the bungy rope will pull you back up again. Many people vow to bungy jump just the one time, as a kind of bucketlist experience, others will be back for more. Some people come every time they’re on Samui, others start sampling other jumps elsewhere. Many people like the idea of gravity-defying pursuits, but actually doing it is more fun than you could possibly imagine.

The height of the jump is 50 metres, and there’s the option of a water dip. You can also have the option of getting a go-pro strapped to your chest so you can keep the memory of jump – and also the proof that you actually did it. This costs just an extra 300 baht for the USB stick. However, if you have your own go-pro camera, then just bring this – totally free, of course.

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It’s only natural to question the safety aspect. Says Mike, “Bungy jumping is very safe, as long as all safety aspects are rigorously checked. We’ve never had any accidents, and we’ve been open since 2001. As long as you are healthy and in good shape then it’s perfectly safe. Obviously there are some conditions that mean you definitely shouldn’t go bungy jumping. For example, if you have pre-existing problems with neck, back, knees and so on. Likewise, if you have joints that easily dislocate, or have epilepsy or are pregnant, don’t go.”

Asked who signs up for bungy jumping, Mike says, “We have all sorts of people; they come from all walks of life and from every nation. The age group varies. We regularly have 12 or 13 year olds jumping, but there are a surprising number of older people. The minimum weight has to be 40 kg and the maximum 100 kg. We have two people who check your weight when you arrive – we need to make sure you’re within limits, even though the rope we use can withstand a lot more weight.”

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Mike says that he’s never met anyone who’s not enjoyed bungy jumping, once they’ve done it. Many want to repeat the thrill and this is factored in to the pricing. For the first jump, it’s 1,500 baht and then if you jump again during your holiday, then it’s 1,000 baht each time. After jumping, you’ll also get a free beer or other drink. To get an idea of what it’s like to jump, check out their website, where there are films showing people jumping. Even just watching is exciting!

Insane as it might seem to launch yourself off into the air from a great height, once you’ve done it, nothing else can really compare.

Dimitri Waring _______________________________________ For further information, telephone 0 7741 4252. www.samuibungy.com

B a r g e & Te r r a c e

Fine Beachside Dining at The Rice Barge & Terrace Authentic Thai Cuisine Daily A La Carte and Thai Set Dinner No visit to Samui is complete until you have dined at The Rice Barge & Terrace

Rice Barge & Terrace Nora Buri's Signature Restaurant Chaweng North For Reservation Tel: 0 7791 3555 E-mail: ricebarge@noraburiresort.com www.noraburiresort.com

Nora Buri's Restaurant Chaweng North For Reservation Tel: 0 7791 3555 E-mail: ricebarge@noraburiresort.com www.noraburiresort.com

FROG WITH A VIEW We take a look at why Dr Frogs’ superb restaurant continues to excel!

You’ve got to look hard to find the best. And when it comes to a restaurant, that means more than just fabulous food. It needs a great location and top-notch service, too. And then, if the décor and the overall ambiance are just right, it might stand a chance of success.

Many venues have started like this. But Dr Frogs, perched high on the road between Chaweng and Lamai, not only had all this from the start, but has gone on to set standards for others over the course of its awardwinning career.

Dr Frogs is conveniently situated on the first of the hills after Impiana Resort, next to the famous Samui lookout that shares the same incredible views. The first thing you’ll spot is the plentiful off-road parking at the front. But as you make your way inside, that stunning seascape will blow all other thoughts right out of your head. You can see the entire bay of Chaweng laid out below, all the way up to the northernmost point, and the island of Koh Matlang. And at night it’s even more impressive, as the lights from the entire sweep of Chaweng shimmer across the water.

And, once inside, you’ll realise that the layout has been designed to maximise this impact. There’s a really cosy L-shaped bar and lounge

KAYAKING Explore the caves and beaches of the Angthong National Marine Park Offices located behind Bondi Pub in central Chaweng and on Chaweng Lake Road opposite Lake View For reservations please call 0 7730 0615 or 0 878 866 097

www.bluestars.info

area, edging down onto a terrace which is roofed, but open at the sides, and alongside this there’s another, similar deck. There’s lots of warm glowing teak, glorious green and red accents which play-off against this, and discreet mellow lighting everywhere.

The menu here is ‘True Italian Fare’ and Thai, due to the presence of their internationally-renowned Executive Chef, Massimo Marianni. He’s a cheerful and outgoing man, and is often to be seen in the dining room, mingling with restaurant patrons. His culinary repertoire runs from classical to contemporary cuisine, with quite a few specialised dishes of his own included for good measure. One of the reasons that the fare here is so popular with our Italian visitors is that chef Massimo imports many of the hardto-find ingredients that gives his cooking such an authentic taste – meats, sausages and cold-cuts, herbs, spices, cheeses and much more.

The à la carte menu is extensive, and it’s not always easy to decide from its many options. The pasta is freshly made, and the ‘Crespelle al Salmone Affumicato’ with its ricotta and smoked

salmon crêpes, pink besciamella and Laotian parsley is a popular choice. But with Samui being an island, the selection of seafood dishes is what most people come for – in particular the lobster thermidor, which is oven-baked in tarragon cream sauce with shallots and parmesan and served on a bed of lettuce.

Needless to say, the ‘turf’ side of the menu features only the very best of imported meats, with the 120-day grain-fed Black Angus Australian fillet steak representing the level of quality that diners have come to expect.

The lamb tenderloin is herb-roasted and served with a red wine sauce.

And you’ll also be pleased to see that there are various children’s options and portions scattered throughout these offerings.

The staff is friendly and outgoing (this is the Land of Smiles, after all) and are extremely well-trained and attentive, managing to be always at hand, yet never obtrusive, and their level of English is on a par with that which you’d expect at a top hotel. It’s also comforting to know that if you have any queries about your wine – there’s an excellent selection of New World and Classics, plus one of the largest choice of house wines around – then expert help is readily at hand.

But there’s another thing that’s worth pointing out. Right next door there’s a small, charming and very individual villa resort by the name of Boujis Boutique Resort. Boujis has its own swimming pool and 14 villas, all of which share the same amazing view as Dr Frogs. Most villas have a big sun balcony overlooking the bay. They come complete with a kitchenette

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(fridge, microwave and tea/coffee making equipment) plus a living area with Netflix. The Boujis experience is complimented by a liaison with Dr Frogs that means that there’s not only 20% off the restaurant prices, but that you can also dial for room service, too.

This has proven to be a popular pairing when it comes to another thing Samui is well-known for; wedding groups. The villas can accommodate up to 40 guests. There are arrangements to cater for parties of this size, and the management is similarly experienced when it comes to hosting the rehearsal dinner, bachelor or bachelorette dinners, and meals on the day of the big event.

Dr Frogs opens at 7:00 am, with the kitchen closing late, depending on the needs of the guests. Enquiries or reservations (recommended for that outside deck!) are at the number below.

Rob De Wet

______________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 7744 8505. www.drfrogs.com www.boujissamui.com

UNDER THE MOON The next best thing to flying – going scuba diving under the surface of Samui’s sea!

Ever since Man first gazed up at the stars, he’s longed to be able to soar freely into the sky. This is now possible, of course. But piloting your own light aircraft is beyond most people’s means. Whereas the alternative, ‘flying’ under the surface of the sea, is not.

Scuba opens the door to an underwater kingdom, providing a far wider range of experiences and sensations than snorkelling ever can.

It’s an out-of-body sensation: a Zen-like experience as you glide through the water, listening to your heartbeat and watching your breath taking shapes with the bubbles. Fortunately it’s really easy to find an introduction to this just about everywhere on the island.

There are starter courses which simply let you get the hang of things – usually a day-trip out to one of the islands. There’s no theory involved: you’ll do a couple of shallow-water dives, have lunch thrown in, and after a pleasant trip head back again. Although, if correctly documented, this will count as one of your dives to qualify for a recognised dive certification.

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For this you need to get yourself on a basic course which expands your experience, and shows you how to set-up and use the equipment. It won’t take up a lot of your time – usually over a period of three or four days.

During this time you’ll have successfully completed four dives out at sea, under controlled conditions. Note that there are several training agencies, the main ones being the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and Scuba Schools International (SSI). The information here relates to the morecommonly-found PADI. You’ll start off this Open Water Diver certificate (OWD) in a swimming pool (but not if you’ve completed an introductory course as above) usually with a couple of other beginners and a qualified instructor. This will cover the basics and last up to an hour. And then it’ll be followed up by time in the classroom, covering the theory of what you’ve been doing. There are eligibility conditions: you don’t actually need to be able to swim to experience and learn to use the equipment, although some schools are stricter about this than others. But to qualify for the OWD you’ll need to prove you can swim at least 200 metres and also tread water for 10 minutes.

Also, age can sometimes be a concern, and some schools won’t accept novices over a certain age. Likewise if you have any health issues, such as asthma or heart problems or show signs of being a heavy smoker! But once you’ve satisfied the requirements and obtained your OWD, it’ll qualify you to dive anywhere in the world with a dive partner or a professional, up to a depth of 18 meters (60 feet). And then, if you wish, you can go on to the Advanced Open Water Diver training (AOWD), refining these skills and allowing you to explore a broader variety of diving techniques and experiences, to a maximum depth of 30 metres (100 ft.).

Of course, if you’re already at this stage, you don’t need to know this. Nor do you need to be told that you can progress on to being a Divemaster, a Master Scuba Diver, or even on to technical specialisations or rescue.

There are many dive schools on Samui, and your best bet is to spend time online, checking TripAdvisor or Facebook to find one which seems to suit you. Read the criticisms carefully: the most-common one is that the groups are too large. The smaller schools don’t own their own boats but have contracts with local boatmen. This obviously increases costs and the usual way to offset this is to cram as many students as possible into the boat. For the same reason, be careful with anyone advertising lower dive or training prices: the chances are they’re similarly cutting corners to remain competitive with the bigger companies and attract custom.

However, if this is all new to you, then it might come as a surprise to find out that the best dive spots are quite a long way from Samui. Closer to

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Koh Tao you’ll find outstanding dive locations such as Sail Rock, Twins, Chumpon Pinnacle or Shark Island – now you’ll understand why some of the less-reputable outfits try to cut the costs of getting you there!

Prices vary from one company to another, and also quite often according to the season. But as a general rule of thumb, expect to pay around 6,000 baht for the one-day introduction to scuba, and more for the longer and more-detailed PADI certified OWC, probably between 18,000 and 20,000 baht. But, having successfully qualified, you’ll be totally ‘under the moon’!

Rob De Wet

EXPERIENCE SIGNATURE CHAR GRILL DINING AT ITS BEST. Dining on an al fresco deck on the west end of Fisherman's Village, overlooking our charming Lily Pond garden and shoreline infinity pool. Savour fresh seafood and tender meats grilled to perfection, enhanced by tableside preparations and expert salt guru seasonings.

Every day for lunch and dinner 12.00 noon – 10.30 pm For reservations or more information, please contact our Guest Service Centre at +66 77 428 300 or email bophutsamui@anantara.com.

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com

Full Moon

Fisherman’s Village

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort 99/9 Moo 1, Bophut Bay, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320 Thailand T +66 (0) 77 428 300-9 F +66 (0) 77 428 310 E bophutsamui@anantara.com

HELP IS AT HAND Samui Elephant Sanctuary gives suffering animals a brand new life.

For many visitors, coming to Thailand means enjoying the tropical flora and fauna and seeing sights that they wouldn’t otherwise see back at home.

Elephants are part of this. Indigenous to the country, they’ve been here for thousands of years, and are part of the culture. At the same time, many aren’t to be found roaming the forests at liberty but are captives, working for human owners. People hold different views about this, but what everyone can agree on is the fact a lot of elephants need help due to maltreatment. That’s why there are various organizations in Thailand that are there specifically to help elephants in distress.

You’ll find elephant sanctuaries up and down the country. And, right at the beginning of this year, Samui Elephant Sanctuary opened its doors to look after elephants on the island that are in distress. With every month that passes, the sanctuary is evolving thanks to its founder, Khun Wittaya Salangam, and his staff.

Khun Wittaya says, “At the moment we have five elephants at Samui Elephant Sanctuary. Cartoon, Kham San & Sri Nin (all aged between 50 - 60 years old) who are from Koh Samui. Then we have two much younger elephants who are best friends Nong Pech (six years old) and Moloair (nine years old).

They’re both from Surin province.”

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Up until coming to the sanctuary, all these elephants lived out horrific existences; now they have new lives which they obviously enjoy.

When you’re at the sanctuary, you’ll see them basking in the waters of their large swimming pool and playing with each, other or just being affectionate. Naturally, their medical needs are looked after too; elephants who come to the sanctuary can expect to receive treatment for injuries and also for chronic conditions. Elephants in Thailand work in the logging industry, beg for food on hot streets and are used as entertainment in circuses as well as for rides. For some, their owners can be extraordinary cruel; widespread animal abuse is reported and is well-documented. More and more people are questioning the fact that elephants have to work at all.

behaviour, especially the way in which they inter-react with each other.

Because of this, guests aren’t allowed to frolic with them in the swimming pool – this is standard in some other places. It goes without saying that there are no rides allowed. But you’re encouraged to feed the elephants and observe them. They tend to make up their own minds how they want to spend each day, and so guests are asked to abide by their decisions.

As you can see, this isn’t a regimented place where guests follow a set routine. It’s instead a very relaxed program complete with an introduction to the work that Khun Wittaya is doing. The elephants are treated in their new home with great dignity. He says, “We work with our herd using positive reinforcement through food and we turn our backs on the traditional use of the bull hook and cruel training techniques.”

The sanctuary is open to the public, and exactly as you’d expect, it’s not the kind of place where hundreds of people flock to every day, as this would be stressful for the elephants. It’s an oasis of calm, not a zoo with crowds rotating through areas where they can glimpse animals in pens and cages. Guests can expect to get some insight into elephants’ natural

If you would like to visit, you will be made extremely welcome, but you’ll definitely need to book ahead as visits are by prior appointment only.

The sanctuary stresses that they can’t accept guests simply turning up at the gates. Once you have booked, you’ll be able to go on a three-hour tour. They’re run twice daily: the first is from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon,

114 l www.samuiholiday.com

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and the second is from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The cost is 3,000 baht for three hours, inclusive of lunch/dinner, transport, drinking water, a guided tour by an English-speaking guide and an unlimited amount of bananas to feed the elephants.

Tel: 0 7742 1342, 0 7742 1185, 081 970 9632, 081 396 0023 Fax: 0 7742 1185 Email: asiatravel_international@yahoo.com For Taxi: ร้านตั้งอยู่ที่ถนนหน้าทอน

Simply the best

The sanctuary is supported by Save Elephant Foundation, a Thai non–profit organization that operates an approach using local community outreach, rescue and rehabilitation programs and educational operations. If you would like to see elephants being treated as elephants, and not beasts of burden, then this is definitely one place to go. Meanwhile, all over the world in places where they live, elephants need your help and support.

Dimitri Waring

_______________________________________________________ For reservations or further information, telephone 0 952 698 343 Facebook: samuielephantsanctuary

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T H E

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