Al's Laemson Koh Samui - holiday package

Al's Laemson Resort Swimming Pool

Al's Laemson is located at the very north of Chaweng beach in a picturesque little bay overlooking Matlang Island.

The resort comprises 79 generously sized villas set in spacious gardens. The large infinity pool is a perfect place to relax with a cocktail. Matlang Island can be walked to at low tide. 

• Peaceful bungalow resort for couples or families.
• Quiet beach location and just 10 minutes walk to Chaweng centre.
• Beach side pool and pool bar, sun loungers on the beach and around the pool. Beach front restaurant. Guest parking is available. A free shuttle service runs to Chaweng centre.
• WIFI available for a small extra charge.

Restaurant

Deluxe Villa

Tranquil location by the sea. Large, modern beach villas. Walking distance to downtown Chaweng. A good base for day trips around Samui island.

Enjoy your holidays at Al's Laemson Koh Samui starting from

3,750 Thai Baht per person

Three days two nights

Inclusive of private return airport transfers (Koh Samui airport), two nights accommodation twin sharing in a Deluxe Villa with breakfast, tax.

Single supplement 3,750 Thai Baht

For more information please visit Al's Laemson

We last visited Al's Laemson in June 2013

For more information about Koh Samui please see our travel guide

If you have been to this hotel please leave your comment.

Weather in Phuket, Thailand in June 2013

June took us into summer with biggest moon of the year and high tides, also as usual for the month the strong wind blew from South West bringing rain, big waves and floods.

Surely best month for surf lovers, to see how weather was day by day see our posts here below:

Surfer at Kata Beach

June 2013

• 28, 29 and 30 June 2013
• 27 June 2013
• 26 June 2013
• 25 June 2013
• 24 June 2013
• 23 June 2013
• 22 June 2013
• 21 June 2013
• 20 June 2013
• 19 June 2013 
• 18 June 2013 
• 17 June 2013
• 15 and 16 June 2013
• 14 June 2013
• 13 June 2013
• 12 June 2013
• 11 June 2013
• 9 and 10 June 2013
• 8 June 2013
• 7 June 2013
• 6 June 2013
• 5 June 2013
• 4 June 2013 
• 3 June 2013
• 2 June 2013
• 1 June 2013 

For more about weather in Phuket all see Easy Day Thailand weather reports

Phuket weather end of June 2013 - 28-29 and 30 June

We have decided to make this update for last week end of June all in once reason is that there are no news about the weather.

Kamala beach during Summer

Weather is now great with sunshine, calm sea  and weak wind that make days great and not too hot. Temperature are high as normal during summer, all activities are possible, don't forget to rest and enjoy holidays too.

Footprints on sand at Kamala Beach

If like something different for the evening then Phuket Town is the place, specially during week ends, pubs and restaurants where can blend with Phuket people life. Best guide about places in Phuket is our friend Jamie's Blog.

But lets also see how was then June in Phuket, looking back during the month we started with variable weather first week of June,  then we had the mid month heavy rains with floods, until wind became stronger and wiped clouds away and was the preparation for this great end of month that will bring us into July that usually offers very good sea and weather conditions.

Phuket weather in June - sun raise

Al's Resort Koh Samui - holidays package

Al's Resort Garden Courtyard

The great thing about Al's Resort is it's beach front location in Chaweng beach. It's also close to the best bars and restaurants that Chaweng beach has to offer. It's an ideal resort if you want to be where the action is. The simple rooms are good value for such a central location.

The attached Chonlamark restaurant and pool bar offer fabulous views over the ocean.

• Beach resort for anyone who wants to be in the heart of Chaweng beach
• Close to everywhere including the beach, restaurants, shops, nightlife and a supermarket.
• Beach side pool and pool bar, sun loungers on the beach and around the pool. Guest parking is available.
• WIFI is available for a small extra charge.

Al's Resort Swimming Pool

Deluxe Room

Beach front location ideal for singles or couples looking to relax on the beach by day and enjoy Chaweng's bars and restaurants by night.

Enjoy your holidays at Al's Resort Koh Samui starting from

3,150 Thai Baht per person

Three days two nights

Inclusive of private return airport transfers (Koh Samui airport), two nights accommodation in twin or double sharing Deluxe Garden room with breakfast, tax.

Single supplement 3,150 Thai Baht

For more information please visit Al's Resort

We last visited Al's Resort in June 2013

For more information about Koh Samui please see our travel guide

Al's Resort Beach front restaurant

Chaweng Beach

Villa Deluxe

If you have been to this hotel please leave your comment.

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Phuket Charter Boats

Are you interested in going for a pleasure cruise or a snorkelling or diving trip but want to avoid crowded boats and reefs, well there is an answer, charter your own boat and set your own itinerary.
Here at Easy Day Thailand we have a whole range of boats to suit different size groups with different comfort levels.

You want a fun day out hopping from island to island, the luxury day cruiser Cherry Pie is ideal for a small family or group of friends to tour Phang Nga bay or Island hop along the coast of Phuket, for a larger group of up to 8 people we have the Tarn Tawan a 47 ft Sport Cruiser which can accommodate a small group for overnight trips as well as day tours.

Tarn Tawan

For an adrenaline fuelled day you could spend the day hopping between the islands on Phang Nga Bay in The Dolphin – a high speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat), in effect this is a giant jet ski for up to 10 people with an expert captain at the helm – all the thrills of high speed turns and wave hopping with the comfort blanket of experience and expertise.

The Dolphin

You want to Cruise the Andaman, maybe go snorkelling or diving in The Similan Islands?
We have a number of fast and comfortable pleasure cruisers such as the Chom Tawan, Adamo and Maikhao Dream that allow you to travel in style and luxury, also great for small parties with excellent barbecue and cooking facilities.

MV Sai Mai

Not into speed but want comfort? Then our Liveaboard / Day Cruise boat The MV Sai Mai is perfect. She can accommodate 6 guests comfortably on overnight trips and up to 12 guests on day charters. Slow but spacious and comfortable the Sai Mai is perfect for sightseeing, snorkelling or diving trips for single days or an overnight trip. For longer trips she sleeps 6 people in comfortable en-suite cabins, with plenty of high quality Thai and western food coming from our compact kitchen thanks to the skills of our super cook. A fantastic and different way to see sights such as Phi Phi's Maya bay – about the only way you'll get to see the bay without row upon row of speedboats parked on the beach.

Having a Party? How about a mobile party venue, the catamaran Shangani happily accommodates up to 25 people or for a bigger celebration the Schooner Jabu will entertain 50 people in luxury cruising the islands as you celebrate your special occasion.

Interested in a Fishing charter? We have a specialist game fishing and trolling boat available with a highly experienced crew, only a few members of your family are interested in fishing, no problem the boat also doubles as a snorkelling boat, come into the islands from the fishing grounds, moor up on one of the buoys close to the reef and have a relaxing lunch interspersed with snorkelling or swimming adventures.

Interested in a charter but not sure what type of boat to choose, we're happy to help, let us know what you want to do and we'll marry your needs to the boats and present you with options

More on tours inThailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Phuket Weather 27 June 2013

A cloudy day without rain and during afternoon sunshine. No wind and more humidity.

Sunbath at Patong Beach on 27 June 2013

Now is a great time to enjoy the sea and any activity combined with best offers Phuket hotels.

Panoramic View on 27 June 2013

Phuket Weather 26 June 2013

A calm day with sunshine and some clouds, no wind and overall all normal situation for the incoming month of July. Late afternoon saw some clouds but no rain all day, now without wind will feel more the heat and humidity.

Patong Beach in front Loma Park

Wind is down since few three days now so waves are very small and gently splash on the beach during low tide at sunset. So everyone take a moment to relax and enjoy the view.

Patong Beach low tide

If you are in Patong and like to see some local life then at sunset go to Loma Park where many people like to chill out , have a light dinner and children play at the park.

Sunset at Patong Beach - Phuket

Al's Laemson Resort Koh Samui - Inspection Report

I stayed at Al's Laemson resort in June 2013 as part of our on going process to check the standard of the hotels that we offer. To be honest, I didn't warm to this resort. That's partly because I was staying  there by myself and the resort was virtually empty of other guests. Al's Laemson is a resort more suited to couples than solo travelers. This resort gets very good reviews on Trip Advisor.

Al's Laemson Resort swimming pool

Al's Laemson has a good swimming pool and a nice spacious setting that winds down to the beach. The beach restaurant is cool and fresh. The design of the rooms seemed somewhat clinical to me and the layout of the stand alone bungalows was a bit odd with the verandas all facing in towards each other. Inside the rooms the facilities were fine, everything was spotlessly clean and the rooms are certainly big. The veranda of my bungalow was huge but as it got the sun nearly all day long was usually too hot to sit out on. I personally didn't like the styling of the bungalows, others may like the minimalist style.

Al's Laemson Resort is located in the north east of Koh Samui. It's actually on the north part of Chaweng beach but it feels like a different place altogether. It takes 10-15 minutes to walk into Chaweng centre, or a free shuttle is available several times per day. It's a picturesque little bay that is nice to stroll on but it's too shallow for swimming.

Watch this space over the coming weeks as we will be adding more Koh Samui resorts to our Easy Day Thailand Selected Resort recommendations in Koh Samui.

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Phuket Weather 25 June 2013

A great for surfing at Kata Beach specially when is high tide, during this week also the biggest full moon of the year, is making waves perfects.

Surfer at Kata beach during high tide

The high tide is at the moment around Noon but will move day by day to the afternoon, by end of the months tide will be less high as we will be in half moon.

Surfing at Kata Beach Phuket

With this Moon we also saw change in weather conditions and now wind is very weak and sky is clear, the sea will calm down taking us into July that normally for Phuket is a very good month with conditions close to those in the winter, with little rain and flat sea.

Kata Beach Phuket

Great for diving with clear water, less divers and can enjoy special offers from hotels, two years ago in July we have spotted often Whale Sharks between Phuket and Phi Phi island.

Whale Shark close to M/V Sai Mai - Phuket July 2011

Join us on M/V Sai Mai in Phuket

Ban Raya meeting point - how to get there

If you are staying at Ban Raya Resort or going on our very popular Premium Racha Island Tour you will probably be picked up from your Phuket hotel and transferred to Chalong Bay where the transfer speedboat will be waiting for you at the beach.

If you have your own transport however you will need to meet your guide at the meeting point. This is how to get there.

Coming from Phuket Town on Chao Fah East Road:

Turn left off Chao Fah East Road at Soi Sukee. The turning is opposite a TMB Bank. There is a sign for the Captain Hook Bar.

View Larger Map

Follow the road until almost the end. You will pass Agli Amici pizza restaurant on your left then you'll see a big sign for Rak Talay Travel and a smaller sign for Ban Raya meeting point. (Note that the signs are new and do not appear on Google Street view).

Ban Raya day trip meeting point with car parking available

Coming from Chalong Circle:

Take the road from Chalong circle (that's Chalong roundabout for native English speakers and Hayaek Chalong in Thai) to the pier. It is sign posted Chalong Tourist pier. From Rawai Beach direction it's the fourth exit, from Kata direction it's the third exit and from Chao Fah West road it's the second exit.

Follow the road almost to the end. You'll pass a few dive shops and bars. Turn left at the car park (just after the 7Eleven on your left and Pier 42 hotel on the right). If you reach Kaneang@pier restaurant you've gone a bit too far. If you feel water around your feet you have driven into the sea ;)

Follow the road that bears right then left until you are driving along the promenade. Pass the Tamarind bar, then Jimmy's lighthouse restaurant on your left. Turn left at the end of the road and you will see the Suda restaurant and meeting point ahead of you.  

Congratulations you have reached your destination. Park your car, enjoy the trip to Racha Yai :)

View Larger Map

Suda Restaurant, Chalong

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Al's Resort Koh Samui Inspection Report

I stayed at Al's Resort in the first week of June 2013 as part of a Koh Samui hotels inspection trip. My opinion of the resort is a bit mixed and whether it's suitable for you will depend on what part of Koh Samui you want to stay in. Basically it's all about location, location, location.

Al's Resort Courtyard

For many people, the best thing about Al's Resort will be that it's in the centre of Chaweng, right on the beach and close to the best bars and restaurants. If you want to be near to the action then this resort will suit you. It's a short stumble along the beach to get back to your room if you've spent all night at the Ark bar. It's also conveniently close to Top's supermarket, very handy for stocking up on bits and pieces.

Chaweng Beach June 2013

The resort itself is only ok, nothing fancy. I can imagine that it was nice when it was newly built but like a lot of resorts that I've seen in this Chaweng beach section of Samui it looks slightly dated, particularly the old fitted furniture and the bathrooms. I stayed in one of the older Deluxe Garden rooms and in fairness I was there just before high season started. I did see several men busy with paint brushes giving the place a spruce up. 

For the location and the price it's hard to complain about Al's Resort though. It's what you get in this part of Chaweng beach for around US$100 per night. If you want to be slap bang on Koh Samui's most popular beach and only pay 3,000-4,000 baht per night for a room you have to compromise a bit. (If you are happy to be a little out from the centre of Chaweng we can recommend other resorts that offer you more for your baht). 

Al's Resort Swimming pool

Al's Resort Restaurant

The resort's beach side swimming pool looked ok although I never saw anyone in it, the sea was flat and calm and was much more inviting to me. The resort restaurant is an ugly concrete and glass building designed to look like a boat's hull, they should really lose it altogether and just build a nice breezy beach restaurant out of bamboo. Breakfast was the usual buffet style, neither good nor bad but plenty of it. WIFI was available at the resort but there was an extra charge. I always think that's a bit mean but there are free internet terminals for guest use in reception. The hotel staff seemed friendly and they gave me a free lift to my next resort when I checked out.

Deluxe Room

We inspect the resorts that we offer on a regular basis to verify that they are up to standard. So to summarize,  I'm happy to keep Al's Resort on our list of Easy Day Selected Resorts because of the location which will be ideal for some people. If you want to be in the heart of Chaweng then for the money Al's Resort is a decent choice. If you prefer to stay a bit further out of Chaweng then we can recommend other resorts that offer better rooms at a similar price.

For more information or to book please visit Al's Resort
More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Phuket Weather 24 June 2013

A beautiful sunny day, wind almost down to zero, still the big waves come from open sea specially during high tide, that today was around noon.

Nai Harn Beach -24 June 2013

But can see from the panoramic view point between Nai Harn Beach and Karon beach how the horizon has changed and now the sky is clear with incredible visibility.

View of Kata and Karon - 24 June 2013

And at late afternoon was time for low tide and sea at Patong Beach was flat and calm, letting everyone enjoy a great day on holiday.

Low tide at Patong Beach

Reviews - Erin M.

Erin & Stephen enjoyed their Racha Yai Island Day Trip and some private hotel transfers:

"Hi Francesco,

Thanks for organising everything for us for our recent trip, we loved the snorkelling and the transfers were very comfortable! it rained a bit too much though!! haha

As previously mentioned, we are getting married in Thailand next yr, in Khao Lak, and will be putting our invites together shortly to send out to our guests.

I have been really happy with the service you have provided me with, and was wondering if you would offer a competitive rate for transfers so that I can recommend your company on my wedding invites?

Return trips and 1-way from Airport - Khao Lak.

I am expecting 50-60 people to attend, and if you were to offer the most competitive price, I would only recommend your company.


Look forward to hearing back from you Francesco :)"

Crystal clear water and nice coral reef at Racha Yai Island 

Varinda Garden Resort Koh Samui - holidays package

Back to Nature

The Varinda Garden Resort is located on the hillside to the south of Lamai beach on Samui Island, Thailand. It is two minutes walk to Lamai beach as well as Lamai restaurants, shops and beer bars.

This quirky family run boutique resort is set within natural gardens and each room has it's own unique style. It's quiet, peaceful and very friendly. There are excellent views over Lamai bay from the restaurant and swimming pool areas.

• Boutique resort. Suitable for couples or families who want somewhere quieter than Chaweng beach.
• Away from the crowds but just 2 minutes walk to the beach. Great views over the bay. 
• Swimming pool, kids pool, restaurant and spa. Rooms have satellite tv. 
• WIFI is available in the rooms for a small extra charge. 

The Gardens

Deluxe Room

A lovely natural garden setting full of wild flowers and unusual ornaments. Friendly, family run boutique resort. Only a few minutes walk to the beautiful Lamai beach.

Enjoy your holidays at Varinda Garden Resort starting from just 

3,350 Baht per person

3 days 2 nights

Inclusive of: 2 nights twin sharing accommodation in a superior room, breakfast, private airport transfers (Samui airport or Pier), tax and insurance.

Valid from 16 July till 15 September 2013

Single supplement: 3,350 Baht

For information and booking don't hesitate to ask Easy Day Thailand team

We last visited this resort in June 2013: Easy Day inspection report

Restaurant with sea view

For more information or to book please visit Varinda Garden Resort

82/3 Moo 3, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84310 Thailand

If you have stayed at this hotel please leave a comment.

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Phuketweather 23 June 2013

Today the update is directly from the sea, all morning blue sky and just a breeze, however on the way to Racha Yai big swell from south west. Sea was flat around the islands south of Phuket.

On the way to Racha Yai this morning

At Racha Yai Island great weather and if you like to enjoy beach and sea then the best is book few nights on this beautiful islands, just 15 miles south of Phuket. The island east side is sheltered from wind and waves making the place ideal for a relaxing holiday, no traffic and confusion.

Massage on the beach - Racha Yai Island

Lunch Pic Nic style at Racha Yai Island

Can enjoy great snorkeling and diving straight from the shore, there few restaurants to enjoy dinner directly on the beach and couple of bars if like to sit and have a beer. Surely no night life.....Just Relax.

Ao Leuk - Racha Island on 23 June 2013

Best way to enjoy the island is with at least an overnight stay, as between 10:00 and 14:30 a lot of day trippers are coming here to enjoy the beautiful sea, but then the island go back to quiet life as usual. Stay at Ban Raja Resort and Spa is surely best choice.

Ban Raja - Racha Yai Island - park and restaurant

Or do an overnight trip on boat to really discover the place specially if like to dive.

Boat Charter in Phuket

And back to Chalong pier a wonderful full Moon was there to show the way

Full moon - Chalong Bay - 23 June 2013