| A favorite spot on Koh Samui |
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| Written by Julius Sanidad |
| Thursday, 21 August 2008 18:27 |
 KOH Samui could be as close to paradise as one can find, judging from the great number of visitors, both Thai and foreigners, the island hosts. Blessed with good climate and clean air, it is an ideal place for leisure activities like picnics, sightseeing, golfing, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and a host of other activities.There's definitely so much to do in this beautiful island! Surely, there are numerous good places to explore, but my favorite is the Lamai area. Although a lot of establishments have located here, I still consider it secluded, picturesque and romantic compared with other parts of the island. For me, Lamai harbors the nicest-looking beaches on the island. The blue-green water gives Lamai a more tranquil and natural atmosphere, perfect for swimming, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling and simply relaxing as you watch the surrounding magnificent vistas. For those who enjoy playing in the waves, be warned that there is no reef protecting this bay, so the sea is a little rougher. Places of interest include wellness and meditation centers, dive shops and a Thai- boxing school, which all can be found on the main beach road. If you want to know more about the kind of life the earlier Thai people had, the old monastery, which includes a local museum (Ban Lamai Cultural Hall), is worth a visit. This museum, the open-air market close to it and the picturesque village scenes add to Lamai's charm. A good place to start your adventure is the path beyond the beach road. Here you'll find coconut plantations as well as trails leading into the island's interior. Of course, you should not miss the famous Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, which are the favorite spot among Thai and foreign tourists. Farther south on the beach side of the main road is Wat Silangu, one of two golden pagodas on the island. Providing excellent photo opportunities, its shimmering exterior stands out beautifully against the deep-blue tropical sky. Not only the refreshing beach and captivating vistas make Lamai exceptional but also the attractive nightlife. Here you find a number of must-visit bars and restaurants. They offer delectable cuisines accompanied by cool sounds from live bands, as cool as the place Lamai. For the subdued tourists, they will surely have a good time! Try the spa retreats; the relatively inexpensive pampering will alleviate the stress and fatigue that have accumulated since your last vacation. Afterwards, relax or take a stroll on Lamai's peaceful sands. For families, there are some nice resorts with plenty of activities for the kids. I recommend the Jungle Park Resort. The kids will love it! Several hotels are situated near secluded coves giving them a jungle-like setting. The atmosphere makes them perfect romantic hideaways. Enjoy, then, the wonders of Lamai; while it's smaller than other areas of Koh Samui, it has so much to discover and to take delight in. Most of all, it is a tranquil refuge for people who seek subdued pleasures. |
| Last Updated on Friday, 22 August 2008 14:50 |
