Friday, November 15, 2013

STYLISH DESTINATIONS - KOH SAMUI

By Eva Fydrych

An Island of Coconut Trees

Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine (Click to enlarge)



KOH SAMUI, THAILAND - The second largest island in Thailand, Koh Samui, has a distinctive relaxed atmosphere that sets it apart from other places. It is a cosmopolitan melting pot maintaining a broad appeal to everyone - from the wealthy travellers to those on a tight budget. Koh Samui has rich natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and over 3 million coconut palms.

It is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket, with an area of 228.7 km2 and a population of over 63,000 attracting 1.5 million tourists per year. Just 25 kilometres long and 21 kilometres wide, Koh Samui is very easy to get around.



Photo courtesy of Lonely Planet


SPA TREATMENTS

In the recent years, Koh Samui has become a popular beauty and health destination. The island now boasts of having many superb spas that can truly be referred to as ‘world-class’. From aromatic steam baths through to herbal body-masques, these health retreats offer the utmost in rejuvenating body/beauty treatments – all in total luxury and comfort. In fact, Koh Samui is fast becoming known as the health centre of the region.

DINING

The island has an excellent choice of dining options ranging from local food stalls to luxury restaurants. From delicious Thai food to international five-star cuisine, these days the island caters to every tasteCoconut milk, made from crushing the flesh and juice, is used as a base for Thai curries, as well as some soups, blending well with spices and the heat of chillies.



W Retreat Koh Samui (Photo courtesy of Starwood Hotels)

Bar Ice Samui (Photo courtesy of Bar Ice)


ATTRACTIONS

Since opening its doors in March 2008, Bar Ice Samui has gained a reputation as the friendliest and quirkiest bar on Koh Samui. Today, it is still the island’s most unique attraction. With an ambient temperature of minus seven degrees Celsius, Bar Ice is Samui’s ultimate chill-out destination, and offers an exhilarating atmosphere and an antidote to the hot and humid, outdoor temperature. A truly unforgettable experience, the walls, bar, sculptures and seats are made entirely of ice.

The 900 square foot bar resonates with music throughout the night, from relaxing tunes and beats early on, to the latest vibes and sounds into the early hours. The entire space is backlit by an atmospheric LED lighting system that provides the full colour spectrum. From ghostly blues and vivid greens to fiery reds and stimulating oranges, Bar Ice takes on a new mood with every colour change.

Another not to miss attraction is the Magic Garden, an unusual collection of statues amid lush jungle surroundingslocated at the top of Pom Mountain. A Samuian fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk, started to build the garden in 1976 when he was 77 years old. The views from the gardens and on the road leading up to it are spectacular, with many stops to enjoy the island panorama along the way.



Magic Garden (Photo courtesy of Amazing Thailand Holidays)

Magic Garden (Photo courtesy of Amazing Thailand Holidays)


SHOPPING

There are several shopping options in Koh Samui. You'll find Thai everyday goods in Nathon, a huge variety of merchandise in Chaweng and original little boutiques in Lamai.

There are a number of skilled tailors and dressmakers, who can sew a perfect fitting suit or dress of your choice. You can also find several sport shops, beauty shops, clothing and fashion boutiques, as well as a good number of souvenir shops offering Thai traditional handicrafts such as Thai silk, lacquer ware or oil paintings. Don't forget to bargain, especially in privately owned stores and at local markets. Enjoy your stay!



Photo Diary

Napasai Resort, Mae Nam Beach  (Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)

Phalarn Inn Resort, Mae Nam Beach

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Delicious pancakes at Phalarn Inn Resort, Mae Nam Beach

Eva Fydrych at John's Garden Restaurant (Skirt by Verve Avenue)

John's Garden Restaurant, Mae Nam Beach

Thai fried rice at the beach restaurant in Mae Nam

Fashion Boutique in Chaweng

Jewellery boutique in Chaweng

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Local textiles, Mae Nam Beach

Boutique in Chaweng

Reggae beach bar

Chinese temple

Napasai Resort, Mae Nam Beach

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Entrance to John's Garden Restaurant, Mae Nam Beach

Phalarn Inn Resort, Mae Nam Beach

Phalarn Inn Resort, Mae Nam Beach

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine

Fashion boutique in Chaweng

Street stall in Chaweng

Street stall in Chaweng

Street stall in Chaweng

Street stall in Chaweng

Photos by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine


*NO PART OF THIS SITE, OR ANY OF THE CONTENT CONTAINED HEREIN, MAY BE USED OR REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER(S). © 2013 Fashion Studio. All rights reserved.  


Eva Fydrych at the Chinese Temple, Mae Nam Village


Read more about Thailand:



No comments:

Post a Comment