A highlight of the final evening was the presentation by renowned yachting scribe, Captain Marty of Asian Yachting of the 2011/2012 awards for the Asian Grand Prix Yachting Champion.  The coveted blue jacket was donned this time around by Hong King’s Neil Pryde, as the Skipper of the Year, while his entry, “HiFi” was crowned Yacht of the Year.  These accolades are based on the skippers and/or boats’ aggregate performances over a year of Asian regattas.

The Centara Grand Beach Resort was the focal point during the week’s sailing fest, with numerous beach-side social/prize giving events every evening, at the appropriately-named Regatta Tavern.  The opening gamut at Zico’s, the Centara’s Brazilian Grill and Bar, was presided over by Suthep Thaugsuban, member of the House of Representatives and Chalorsak, Vanichatoen, Deputy Governor of Surtthani Province, adding official credence to the event which was totally supported by the private sector of Samui.

The whole island was behind the Regatta, and co-founder of the event, John Stall, with wife Bang, opened the Trade Winds for a splendid party and the Beach Republic held the other “off-location” events.

Another highlight of the prize-giving was the “Dijeree Doo” competition whereby so many tried their hand (rather, mouth) to play this indigenous (Aboriginal) artifact.  Many called for Darwin native, Capt Marty, to show how it is done.  But, alas, he was out of breath!

General Manager of the Centara Grand, Danny McCafferty, entered the fray, regaling the sailors, supporters and, especially the press, with his love and experience of sailing.  “I won my ‘wings’”, said Danny, at the opening party, “My total sailing experience was gained on the ferry across from Nakhorn Si Tammarat to Samui.”

The Regatta was superbly managed by the new team of Simon James as race director and Kae Wattana as event director – new, inasmuch as they only had three months to organize the big event.  They have followed regattas up and down the Kingdom for years.

Aussie Ross Chisolm controlled the racing and the usual suspects appeared as the jury: Mark Pryke, Tom Sheppard and RAdm. Prasart Sribhadung.  Ocean Marina very kindly supplied the official start boat.

While “Hooligan” took the initial Regatta title, it was the maxi (90 ft.) “Genuine Risk” (Geoff Hill) which took line honours, in all 10 races of the “racing class” (IRC Zero), regarded as a record performance.

In the strong winds which prevailed on the last race day, one craft, which must remain anonymous, blew the spinnaker which sent a female crew overboard.  “The skipper went back for her”, said one sailor, while another cynical, hard-bitten veteran growled: “Of course; it was not his wife overboard, was it!”

As usual, with such a wide range of craft and wildly-varying ambient conditions, there were many mishaps, some broken gear and a young crew member knocked out.  But – also as usual – the staff of Samui’s Thai International Hospital were ever-alert.

The 2012 Samui Regatta was organised by leading regatta services provider, Regattas Asia, with strong support from Samui businesses and staff, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the International Sailing Federation.

Prasert Jitmung, the Koh Samui District Chief Officer, was delighted with the Regatta and wished all to come back for the 12th edition, to be sailed from 24 May to 01 June, 2013.

Text provided by “Pattaya Mail”

THE FIRST four months of 2012 threw up several interesting outbound travel trends in Singapore, with ZUJI Singapore registering a significant increase in flight and hotel bookings to destinations that were further afield.

Koh Samui saw a 25 per cent (year-on-year) jump in demand, while Hokkaido (+ 40 per cent) and the Maldives (+ 60 per cent) were also popular. European destinations were especially hot, with Paris (+ 30 per cent), London: (+ 40 per cent) and Barcelona (+ 200 per cent) receiving the bulk of the heightened interest.

According to ZUJI Singapore, outbound travellers were picking Koh Samui for short getaways in place of the usual destinations such as Bali, Phuket and Langkawi.

In addition, the growing number of affordable flight options, even if it requires a stopover, meant exotic and far-flung destinations such as Hokkaido and the Maldives had become more accessible.

Travellers were also switching their choice of destination to regions where they enjoy a significant advantage in terms of currency exchange. Europe is seeing a surge in demand due to ongoing instability in financial markets and its plummeting currency.

In terms of forward bookings, ZUJI Singapore reported that travel sentiment for Europe was high over the upcoming summer season, while bookings to Hokkaido over the winter season were already pouring in.

Text Provided By “TTG Asia”

The move aims to end the airport monopoly on the island and would provide a boost to the local economy and property market.  If you’re thinking of buying property in Thailand, this new airport could increase tourism and therefore rental potential.  It may also make it easier for you to reach your overseas home.  Keep reading to learn more.

Existing airport’s facilities too limited to cope with tourist demand

The existing Samui airport is not ready for expansion due to its close proximity to residential areas and has received complaints about its high airport fees.  There are also limits in place to the number of flights to control noise pollution.

Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan said the new airport construction plan is aimed at promoting price competition and ending the monopoly on the airport service in the resort island.  Increasing tourist numbers are also putting intense pressure on the limited airport facilities.

Samui Airport is privately owned and operated by Bangkok Airways who operate most flights to and from the island are operated by Bangkok Airways. Thai Airways international began flights to Samui in February 2008.

A source at the Department of Civil Aviation said that there were both supporters and opponents of the project.  A new airport would end the monopoly and help drive the region’s tourism levels and local economy.  However, opponents of the scheme are concerned that temples and communities close to the airport would be affected by noise pollution.

“A new airport on Koh Samui would certainly provide a boost to the local property market.  Making it easier to reach the island would attract foreign buyers looking for a sound overseas investment.”

An article for Property Report pointed out build quality is a major consideration, while attractive pricing for overseas purchasers is an increasing trend.

Tourist arrivals in Thailand have improved significantly this year, the publication added, with popular destinations performing particularly well.

The Thai real estate market has received a boost from this growth, with some of the new projects under construction designed to cater for “a more sophisticated international clientele”.

A recent post on The Phuket Insider highlighted the growing level of development on some of the country’s lesser known islands, such as Koh Kood, Koh Chang and Koh Mak.

Many of these properties are being sold for their “investment yield and lifestyle”, the news provider noted, adding the main reason why these markets have yet to grow significantly is the poor transport links from the mainland.

Article Provided By “Propertyshowrooms.com”

Thailand’s top resort destinations have enjoyed a significant return to form this year with tourist arrivals in destinations like Koh Samui and Phuket reaching and even exceeding pre-global financial crisis levels.

Tourism is also driving property sector growth with new projects coming online, some of them carefully designed to match not only an increase in demand, but also a more sophisticated international clientele.

Experienced developers such as Kalara International Properties, based on Koh Samui, have been quick to respond the the market’s changing dynamics, focusing on quality, but with pricing structures that lean attractively towards foreign buyers. The company’s low rise condominium projects have enjoyed particularly strong take up, with developments like Code, a collection of 40 contemporary suites set on a hillside overlooking the island’s unspilt north coast, selling out well before completion with buyers enjoying an impressive 100 per cent return on their investment within a year.

Code recently launched as a stylish boutique resort with an appealing onsite restaurant and spa, plus a range of personalised service options for holiday guests. The combination of chic contemporary design, condominium facilities such as western kitchens, and resort services, is proving particularly popular with independently minded travellers, and by offering the suites for short term stays, owners also enjoy strong opportunities for yields.

“My background is in development and I have always had faith in the fundamentals in Thailand,” says Carl Lamb, founder and managing director of Kalara International Properties “Our approach has always been to focus on the strong points like build quality, keeping things small but at the same time offering our buyers and guests accommodation that far exceeds their expectations.”

Such carefully tailored approaches to development are what originally inspired Koh Samui’s boutique image. As Thailand’s resort market matures, positive growth is fast returning to both the tourism and property markets and a more measured approach to development offers visitors and investors an attractive blend of leading edge facilities and appealing lifestyle choices.

Article Taken From “Property-Report.com”

Indonesia earthquake rocked the region and the paradise
islands, yet one island was not threatened by the possible tsunami warning. Koh
Samui is the safest island in the region and the only island Tsunami cannot
reach since it is located within the Gulf of Thailand, and thus protected from
the tsunamis that may again one day race across the Indian Ocean and the
Andaman Sea. The peninsula of southern Thailand and Malaysia is a barrier for
Koh Samui to the fear of Tsunami.

After the 8.6 and 8.2 magnitude earthquakes and issued
Tsunami alerts travellers and tourists flock to Koh Samui, a paradise island
Tsunami cannot reach.

Koh Samui had also not been affected by the Tsunami that
devastated many parts of Asia in December 2004 earthquake.

In light of its spectacularly azure Andaman waters with
their crystalline waters and coral reefs, rich animal and plant life, top-notch
resorts and intense Full Moon party scene, Koh Samui has set itself apart as
one of Thailand’s most popular island resort destinations. There’s plenty to do
in the towns or Samui resorts as well as outside of them. On the water,
underwater and in the mystical forests you will be amazed what Koh Samui offers
you in abundance.

The monthly Full Moon parties that take place on a
neighbouring island are an absolute must be for all full-throttle party people.
All of this together makes for a first-class holiday in one of Thailand’s most
coveted locations.

Here is why Koh Samui (Samui island in local language) is a
must see

Temple of the Big Buddha

Wat Phra Yai is Samui’s Temple of the Big Buddha, with its
signature 12 metre tall Buddha statue. Built in 1972, this iconic temple sits
on a little island that is connected to the main island by a bridge. The temple
grounds also house a centre for meditation, another draw for inspired visitors.
When visiting any temple in Thailand, it’s important to follow the standard
rules of dress and etiquette which includes wearing long pants, sleeves and
removing your shoes before entering the actual temple.

Koh samui beaches

The beaches of Samui are its greatest attraction, and each
one is known for its own specific qualities. Ao Tong Takian is also called
Silver Beach due to the glimmer of its sand and shimmering water; Lamai Beach
is a popular family destination in light of the abundant water sports and
activities; Choeng Mon offers higher-class accommodation in a remote setting
and Chaweng Beach rallies as the most popular among tourists, with its
peripheral of exciting activities like Muay Thai boxing and bungee jumping.

Thai food on Samui Island

Nothing beats an evening at a beachside restaurant where you
can enjoy a laid-back dinner right at the water’s edge. Samui’s fresh seafood
makes way for all kinds of top-notch cuisine–be it gourmet Thai food or
international fare. More authentic and highly affordable Thai food can be
hunted out on the streets from local vendors, and in the opinion of the locals
‘ the spicier the better.’

Partying and nightlife in Koh Samui

The Thai tourism industry has paved the way for a varied
nightlife that spans all the major developed districts. Clubs can be found at
Lamai Beach, with tourist-grabbing exhibitions and shows to hold your interest.
This is also the seedier side of the island with its fair share of go-go bars
and the periphery of business that comes along with it. Live bands and slightly
more upscale bars and clubs can be found at Chaweng Beach. A more laidback
scene is on Big Buddha Beach with western-style ambiance and expatriate-owned
establishments.

Full Moon parties on Samui Island are notorious

Even if they haven’t attended one, almost every visitor to
Koh Samui will hear about the notorious Full Moon parties held once a month on
neighbouring Pha Ngan Island. Locals taxi boatloads of partygoers out to this
island in preparation for the heart-pounding party that rage all night in
honour of the full moon. There’s a variety of music playing, and peddlers take
advantage of their corner on the market by selling all sorts of souvenirs, food
and other ingestible at exorbitant prices. The popularity of the Monthly Full
Moon Parties have led to the addition of further weekend parties to mark less
memorable phases of the lunar cycle.

Koh Samui Waterfalls

There are several waterfalls on Samui that many tourists
choose to visit. Na Muang Fall 1 flows over a very tall cliff and spills into a
rocky pool; while it isn’t great for swimming, it makes for wonderful scenery.
Its counter, Na Muang Fall 2, is located nearby and is easily accessed by
groups of elephant riders and trekkers. Another option is to head to Hin Lat
Fall, which is a great place to enjoy a cool, freshwater plunge for a change of
pace from swimming in the ocean.

Diving and underwater life in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a world-class diving destination and the
fabulous offshore coral reefs pose a great opportunity for all skill levels.
Beginners can enrol in accredited training courses at many dive shops in Bo
Phut, Chaweng and Lamai. More skilled divers prefer diving at Sail Rock or Ang
Thong National Marine Park, an impressive 40-island archipelago that boasts a
pristine natural environment. The ultimate diving destination in Thailand, Koh
Tao isn’t too far away either.

Daytrip south of Koh Samui

If you seek an escape from the hectic tourism scene, you can
head to the south side of Samui island where groves of coconut trees and quiet
small fishing towns have staved off the development that has come upon the rest
of Koh Samui. It’s possible to find a secluded beach to while away some hours,
and there are also some unique temples and chedis to investigate.

Adventure sports at Samui Island

Adventure sports are an everyday pastime on Koh Samui. The
whole family will appreciate elephant rides in a jungle setting, and multiple
agencies can arrange tours. Closer to town, kids will enjoy spending some time
at the go-kart track. Samui Shooting Range is located in Chaweng, as is the
bungee jumping pavilion. The latter sits off the beach road near the Reggae
Bar.

Viewing wildlife in Koh Samui

The display of wildlife at Koh Samui ranges from insects and
butterflies at the Butterfly Farm to the raging buffalo fights scheduled at
local stadiums. There is a snake farm, crocodile farm and an aquarium all on
the main Samui island. The nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park has wild
gibbons living in lush, jungle surroundings amid quiet lagoons and limestone
cliffs.

Text From “Nationalturk.com”

APERC researchers and experts arrive on the island this week to spend the next six months conducting a study on energy use.

The idea of Koh Samui being suitable for development into a low-carbon society was welcomed by Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

For the people and businesses of Koh Samui, tax breaks may be considered for electric cars, energy saving equipment, construction of energy-saving buildings and energy-conscious waste management, among others.

Text Provided By “The Phuket News”