Kayaking day trip from Koh Samui to Angthong Marine Park

Last month I was in Koh Samui and while there I went on an excellent day tour to the Angthong Marine National Park. I am happy to recommend this tour to anyone interested in a high quality tour from Koh Samui. There are several different tours running daily from Koh Samui, most of them are speedboat tours and they are a good way to see Angthong. The tour that I went on, though, was a slow boat tour that focused on kayaking around the islands and caves of Angthong. 

Kayaking in Angthong Marine Park

The boat took a leisurely 90 minutes to reach Angthong where we moored in the north of the marine park. On the journey we had breakfast and our guide briefed us on the day's itinerary. There were about 30 guests on board, a mix of nationalities. About half the passengers were German speakers so we were divided in to team English speakers and team Deutsche speakers.  In the morning the German speaking group would kayak first while the English speakers snorkeled and in the afternoon roles would be reversed. 

The snorkeling was ok but nothing to write home about. The water is not as clear as Koh Tao although the reefs look healthy. The corals were also very shallow and a few people returned to the boat with cuts and scrapes. I would recommend Koh Tao above Angthong for a snorkeling day trip. 

Kayaking in Angthong Marine Park

The kayaking on the other hand was very nice, the rock ledges, tunnels and caverns are beautiful. Kayaking was done in pairs, as I was travelling solo I was coupled with Jasmine from the US of A. We chatted away pleasantly as we got to grips with our paddling. She took the front and me the back so most of my photos feature the back of her head :) Our group of kayaks followed our kayaking guide like ducklings following mother duck. By the time we were back on board it was lunchtime. 

Lunch was served as we cruised south through the park to the Emerald lake. I was amazed as we traveled through the park how few other boats there were around. This must be one of the most beautiful places in the World and no one is there to see it. I was there just before Koh Samui's high season so I'm sure it gets busier but still, compared with tourist numbers in Phuket it's very quiet. Our tour guide told us that he makes a special effort to avoid the other tour boats. Because it's quite a small operation they have the flexibility to change the itinerary as required. For example we arrived at the Emerald Lake just as the morning tours were leaving but before the afternoon tours arrived so we got to the top view point alone.

The Emerald lake

When we arrived back down at the beach after visiting the lake we found that our kayaks were waiting for us on the beach and the boat had moved off further south so we paddled off down the coast to meet up with it there. By the time we were back at the boat it was 3pm and time to head back to Koh Samui. Some people sun bathed, other slept or chatted among themselves. All in all a very pleasant day.

kayaks in Angthong marine park

Relaxing on the cruise home

For more information about Koh Samui tours and things to do please see out website: Koh Samui Tours

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Day trip from Samui to Koh Tao - inspection June 2013

As part of Easy Day's policy to try all of the tours that we offer to you, I recently did a day trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. There are two options for this day trip. One is to travel by speedboat and the other is to go with the big boat. Both tours have exactly the same itinerary in Koh Tao, the difference is just the method of transportation. I went on the big boat tour which transports guests to Koh Nang Yuan by fast catamaran ferry then transfers them to a snorkeling boat at Koh Nang Yuan. 

Japanese Gardens beach reef, Koh Nangyuan

Most people choose the speedboat tour option for several reasons. It is slightly cheaper at 2,100 baht instead of 2,500 baht for the big boat tour. The speedboat is faster to get there, taking 1.5 hrs instead of 2 hours on the big boat. Because it's faster the speedboat tour starts one hour later so you get a bit longer to lay in bed in the morning. 

Comfortable ferry to Koh Tao

But if you don't mind an early start in the morning there are some good reasons for choosing the big boat tour. One reason is that the big boat is much more comfortable than a speedboat, especially if the sea is a bit choppy. Even small waves can make a speedboat trip jarring and the sea is rarely flat calm around Samui. The big boat rides through waves comfortably. On the big boat you have the choice of sitting on a comfy chair in the air conditioned main deck, or in the open air on the upper decks. You can move around, chat, take some refreshments and visit the bathroom. There is also a VIP saloon which you can pay 100 baht extra for if you want an even comfier seat. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is prone to motion sickness. When I asked my guide the difference between the big boat tour and the speed boat tour she told me that they were basically the same except that more people are sick on the speedboats ;)

Koh Tao snorkeling boat

My day started with pick up from my resort in Lamai beach at 6.45am. Breakfast wasn't being served at my resort that early but when I got to the boat check-in 30 minutes later there was breakfast available which consisted of ham and cheese sandwiches, coffee and a banana. I checked in and was given a wrist band to distinguish me from the ferry passengers who would be taking the same boat to Koh Tao. I also collected a mask and snorkel, two complimentary drinks vouchers and filled in the free insurance form. 

The boat departed the pier at 8am. It made a stop at Koh Phangnan pier to collect some more passengers and finally reached Koh Nang Yuan island at 10am where it dropped off us day trippers and headed on to Koh Tao. We were immediately herded on to the snorkeling boat which then moved off and around to Lighthouse reef, Koh Tao. 

Easy to get on and off the snorkeling boat

The boat that is used as the platform for snorkeling in Koh Tao is also a big, stable vessel. It has a big rear platform and ladders for easy entry and exit from the water. It's ideal for inexperienced snorkelers who can just stay close the boat or play with the floats that the staff put in the water near the boat. The snorkeling guides are excellent at helping people who have never snorkeled before. They can also tell the more experienced snorkelers where to go to see the bigger fish. I would recommend this trip to inexperienced snorkelers or anyone with children. There are fresh water showers on board the snorkeling boat. There are life jackets of all sizes. The masks and snorkels provided are good quality.

On the day that I was aboard there were about 20 other snorkelers, most of them Thai or Chinese nationality. The boat wasn't crowded, it could have taken a lot more people. The Thai guides gave briefings in Thai but also in English. Their English was excellent. There was also a friendly Yorkshire lass on the boat as the English guide.

Floatation aids for inexperienced snorkelers

Once at the reef we were free to snorkel and swim for about 1.45 hrs. Life jackets were provided for anyone who needed them. In the water it was easy to swim a short distance from the boat and be alone, away from the other snorkelers. The upper deck of the boat was basically a big sun deck with deck chairs lined along it. It was also a great place to jump in to the water. 

I was very impressed with the clarity of the water around Koh Tao, as well as the healthiness of the coral and the abundance of fish. I have previously scuba dived at Koh Tao and can say that I saw more while snorkeling than I did when diving.

Lighthouse bay, Koh Tao

At midday the boat took us back to Koh Nang Yuan Island where a very tasty buffet lunch was served. The island was full of tourists from other tours as well but that didn't take away from the beauty of the setting for me. After lunch I made the 5 minute hike up to the view point and took a few photos then headed to the beach. 

Koh Nang Yuan buffet lunch

5 minutes walk up to the view point

View from the view point

The snorkeling just off the beach is excellent, may be the best beach snorkeling in Thailand? At first I wasn't sure which beach to snorkel from but a guide pointed me towards the Japanese Gardens reef. The tour guides walk around the beach all afternoon helping anyone who needs it and taking photos, they are very friendly and helpful. 

Koh Nang Yuan Beach

At 2.30pm they called us back to the boat for transfer back to Koh Samui. I was back at my resort by 5.30pm. Over all it was an excellent day trip that I would recommend.

For more Samui tours please visit our website here: Koh Samui Tours

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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.

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.

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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

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

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

Varinda Garden Resort Koh Samui Inspection Report

I stayed at the Varinda Garden Resort in early June 2013. This small Thai family owned and run resort is located on the hillside at the southern end of Lamai beach. It's about two minutes walk from the beach and from Lamai centre where bars, restaurants and shops can be found.

I arrived in the evening as the sun was setting and immediately liked the place. The friendly greeting from the owner and the secret garden setting, full of quirky ornaments, provided a relaxed and welcoming vibe. There is nothing formulaic about Varinda resort, it hasn't been designed by numbers, it feels like it's been grown with love. Every room is unique, each painted multiple different colours that blend with the natural setting. The style will appeal to old hippies, wannabe eco warriors or anyone else who hates the idea of staying in just another identikit resort.

The gardens are full of quirky ornaments

My room was a Deluxe double room with separate living room and bedroom, both of which had large teak doors opening onto the balcony. It had a very nice view of Lamai bay which had me asking myself, why is this resort called Varinda Garden Resort and not Varinda Lovely Sea View Resort. I later realised that my room (number 39 if you want to request it) is the only one with a seaview, all the others are in a garden setting. 

Each room is individually styled

The best sea view is actually from the resort restaurant, a cool and breezy room with a rustic ambiance. Breakfast was included in the room price and if I hadn't been so busy doing all kinds adventurous stuff on  Samui day tours which picked me up at the crack of dawn each day I could have happily whiled away an hour there over coffee and croissants. Although the menu sounded delicious I never did eat dinner at the resort, choosing instead to eat in Lamai centre which has plenty of local eateries to choose from.

The swimming pool also overlooks Lamai bay. It's a small pool but does have a slide which you might fancy trying after a few cocktails.

Sea view swimming pool

The resort location will not suit everyone because it's not on the beach front and access to the beach, as well local restaurants and bars, is down some rather rickety steps. It's not ideal for pensioners with dodgy hips, it's certainly not wheelchair friendly. 

In summary, the Varinda Garden resort is an idiosyncratic resort. Not luxurious and not directly on the beach but full of unique character run by a charming local family who will make you feel very welcome. We are  happy to offer it as one of our Easy Day Thailand selected resorts.

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com