Khao Hua Jook Pagoda and Viewpoint
by austarman
This Pagoda and temple is impressive but the 360 degree view of Chaweng,the airport and surronding area is quite spectacular.
You can see a hell of a lot if Samui from up here. Watching the Bangkok Airways planes take off and land from this viewpoint is worth a look as it is such a busy little airport and you can see them fly directly over the Big Buddha and out to sea.
From here you can also see Lake Chaweng, Chaweng Beach and the mountains around Lamai.
A great viewpoint and an interesting temple and pagoda.
Good luck if you are on a small bike!
Mine made it up there but only just. ;-)
SIDS (Samui International Diving School)
by ratherton
The leading scuba dive operation is SIDS. They have a number of locations around Samui and also have close links with other dive operations (I’m not really sure of the business arrangements, possibly some sort of franchise). The Wave Runner is the main dive boat SIDS operates and I have to say that it’s probably the best run dive boat I’ve ever been on. Tours start early so breakfast is provided. There are plenty of ‘dry’ areas for students and there is also a shop on board selling sweets, drinks and t-shirts. Dive sites are quite a way out so it’s normally a long day 9+ hours minimum but they do show a film on the way back. For the long trips to Koh Tao, SIDS run a daily speedboat trip but I never got to go on this.
Back on land, SIDS also has a number of shops around the island. The largest in Chaweng offers a good range of gear at very reasonable prices. Most importantly, when problems arise, the staff get them sorted out to the customers satisfaction with the minimum of fuse. SIDS are a PADI 5* centre and are well deserved of that accolade. You can bring your own gear or you rent everything you need from SIDS. It's up to you
Live Rock Lovers
by jamiesamui about Full Circle Bar
The Full Circle bar is an area for those of us who like to sit back and listen to some good old fashioned live rock.I stumbled on this place 1 night on the way to the green mango and I am glad I did.The band is a standard 5 piece rock band with a selection of songs from the late 60`s till today.Obviously being Thai the band struggle with some songs but the majority are done very well.The music cranks up about 9.30 and finishes at midnight when a D.J takes over till 2am. none
Thailand's American Embassy
by ATXtraveler about McDonald's
One of the things that need little to no explanation is the site of a McDonald's. Almost assuredly, I will receive several complaints about tourists who do not believe that they should endorse advertising for a large multi-national. There will also surely be complaints from someone that says, well you should not consider this a tip because everyone knows McDonalds. For those of you... click to the next tip.
This particular McDonald's was unique for me, because of the Thai language sign that was in front. I found it rather interesting, because most of the time, there will be English, with a second domestic language sign next to it.
We enjoyed a good local food lunch, but did take advantage of a 4.50 baht ice cream cone!
Tiger Zoo and Aquarium
by austarman
This place is much more than just a Tiger show,it's a bird show,aquarium,resort,beach and a fun way to spend a few hours while in Samui.
There is a great resort here called the Samui Orchid resort with pools and a nice beach.
There is also a very large and interesting aquarium where you can go down under the water level and look at all the fish close up.
They will even allow you to feed the Turtles if you want.
The Tiger show itself is about 1pm each day and quite good but not very long, although the bird show that preceeds it is very well done and a lot of fun.
The audience and in particular children are urged to participate in the bird show.
All up it is well worth the money and time for a great day out.
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The Viewpoint and me
Butterfly Garden
Street food
Bee House in Butterfly garden
