Koh Samui, also known as Samui, is Thailand's one of the most idyllic islands, located in the Gulf of Thailand. Situated about 85 km east of Surat Thani and about 700 km south of Bangkok, Koh Samui is the largest island on the Gulf of Siam and third largest island in Thailand, other two being Phuket and Ko Chang. Sometimes Koh Samui is also referred to as Coconut Island because of its countless number of coconut palms, harvesting more than two million coconuts per month.
Koh Samui's prime attraction is undoubtedly its serene environment blessed with mountainous jungle terrains, luxuriant tropical ferns, swaying coconut palms, long stretch of pristine white sandy beaches, granite boulders, clear blue water, superb waterfalls, and sparkling ponds. Hence, it is no wonder why foreigners, particularly from Europe, flock here year-round.
One of the most popular among the Koh Samui's attractions is Wua Ta Lap, which has to its credit a stunning cave. Perhaps the most prominent attraction of Koh Samui is Pra Yai or the Big Buddha - a 12 mt high golden statue which is proudly placed at the northern point of the island. This astounding image is visible even from several kilometers away. Located at the southern part of the island, Na Thian Butterfly Garden is another popular attraction, providing opportunities to observe numerous species of butterflies. A well-maintained garden, bee house, and a Thai style house are also attached to the garden.
There are also some interesting destinations in the area, such as, Hin Ta Hin Yai, which are two renowned granite stones that stand out among numerous other rock formations along the coastline. These two rocks, literally meaning Grandfather and Grandmother are believed to be the origin of the Mui people. Landmarks also include the Samui Aquarium with a variety of tropical fish and marine fauna. Other worth visiting destinations in the area are Thale Nai, encircled by mountains; the statue Garden featuring an array of Buddhist and Hindu Statues; and Tham Bua Bok.
In addition, Samui is much famed for its incredible beaches such as Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and Maenam Beach, each of them providing options to enjoy a range of activities such as fishing, boat chartering, and sailing. Further, Samui boasts of some stunning water falls like Namuang. Koh Samui is home to some of the best diving sites in Thailand, with a range of spectacular islets such as Koh Mad Lang, Koh Som, and Koh Taopun.
However, Koh Samui's enormous range of activities is more than diving and fishing. For instance, Koh Samui provides excellent options for bowling, with more than ten pin bowling. For shooting enthusiast, superb facilities are available to enhance your shooting skills at the Shooting Gallery, consisting of a variety of guns with live ammunition.
Some superb options are also available for adventurers in the form of Bungy Jumping in Chaweng. Equally fabulous is Samui's nightlife, with a range of happening beach bars, cabaret bars, rocking, and pubs. If you are looking for something different during your Koh Samui vacation, then spectacle a Muay Thai (Thai boxing) match or take a Thai cooking lesson under the guidance of some renowned Thai cooks. Likewise, take an elephant trekking for a unique experience.
A lot number of other choices are also available, such as Treasure Island Adventure Golf Course and a tennis court facility as well as a go kart facility. For weary travelers, a plethora of spa facilities are available to get pampered and relaxed. Majority of the high-end resorts and hotels render a range of massages and herbal treatments.
From elegant bungalows and sea view villas to beachfront resorts and world-class hotels, accommodation options are aplenty in Samui. Many of them provide top-class facilities including air-conditioned rooms coupled with en-suite bathrooms, lounge, kitchen, and dining room.
Facilities cover barbeque area, baby sitting service, and car rental. Further, majority of the villas and apartments offer maid service, apart from facilities such as superb swimming pools and complimentary airport transfers. Besides, there are also some fantastic options available for budget conscious travelers. Above all, most of them provide some kind of discounts for booking rooms in advance.
With these attractions and umpteen options to choose from, Koh Samui is unquestionably a luxury destination in Thailand!
If you mention gourmet food, most likely two countries come to mind: France and Italy. But if you take a step back, you'll discover that much of the French traditions have their origins in Tuscany, from when the Firenze chefs followed the French court of Caterina de?Medici in the 1500s. Tuscan cooking has a deceptively simple quality to it, based on purity and the natural taste of ingredients, rather than trying to mask the flavours with seasonings and sauces like in other cultures. Gourmets in Tuscany are in for a real treat, but what can they expect to sample while abroad?
The varied geography of Tuscany contributes to the flavours you can expect to enjoy. The area mixes mountains, villages, cities and sea-coasts. Near the sea, you predictably can enjoy a huge selection of seafood, the highlight of which is Cacciucco ? a famous soup with a flavour that varies depending on the catch of the day. Elsewhere in the region, you'll find local meats grilled over open fires. One of the best known dishes in Tuscan cooking is Bistecca Fiorentina, perfectly done T-bone steak served with a splash of olive oil. With the Tuscan hills home to pheasant, rabbit, partridge and wild boar, game has also played an important part in Tuscany's gourmet cuisine throughout the years, if you manage to grow tired of farmed meats, and the warm Mediterranean weather if of course perfect for vegetables to grow and develop a rich, full flavour. Many of them have had such a strong growth that they can be delicious eaten raw, or steamed and drizzled with olive oil and a little garlic, but to me the best way to enjoy these luscious legumes is a local method called ?saltare?. Saltaring involves steaming the vegetables, and then saut?ing them in olive oil, chili peppers and garlic.
Of course, herbs and spices are a huge part of Tuscany's gourmet cooking, and once again the varied local terrain means that aromatic herbs can be sourced locally with very little trouble. Rosemary and sage are favourites in Tuscany's food and both can be found in abundance in the local hills. Alongside all the ingredients-waiting-to-happen you will see as you explore the Tuscany hills, you will notice an abundance of olive trees. The olive oil from these is considered too good to be used for frying, and is more commonly used as a condiment ? drizzled over meat, vegetables and the local salt-free bread.
Said salt-free bread (it was believed that bread kept its freshness better without) is best accompanied with the pecorino cheese ? a sheepsmilk cheese with a variety of age-dependent flavours, perfect to conclude a gourmet Tuscany meal.
You may have noticed the complete absence of pasta from this list of Tuscany's food, and that's no mistake. It's not actually an integral part of the Tuscan dining experience, but occasionally fresh pasta does sneak onto the menu. Pappardelle topped with meat or tomato bases sources will be on some menus if you miss the staple, and Pici ? hand rolled small pasta made from flour and water ? is quite common throughout the south of the region.
The wines are well worth an article in their own right, but to be brief, the Chianti proves a big draw to people looking to take luxury holidays in Tuscany. First invented back in 1860, nowadays bottles are distributed across the world from the region. Chianti Classico is only bottled in the area between Florence and Sienna and each bottle shows the growers? logo: a black cockerel against a gold backdrop.
The food of Tuscany still manages to set the standards of Italian cuisine. At times Tuscan cooking appears basic, but behind that lies a real love of food and wine, using only fresh local ingredients. If you're looking to experience the authentic food of Italy, you could do much worse than a luxury holiday in Tuscany!
Both Dan Wallace & Antonio Cresce are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dan Wallace has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Travel, Travel and Leisure and The Beach Resort. MyAsianVilla.com provides accommodation options in various locations around Thailand and features some of the most beautiful villas available. Book your vacation today at. Dan Wallace's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.
Antonio Cresce has sinced written about articles on various topics from Sicily Vacation, Spa and Travel and Leisure. Antonio Cresce is the Italy Specialist for Key2Holidays, a travel company that can help each individual customer plan their own perfect. Antonio Cresce's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.