A Guide to Villa Marella & Koh Samui
Neighborhoods
Chaweng is not only the biggest but the most
exciting and developed town on the island.
Located on the east coast, its sandy beach is
popular for all kinds of fun activities including
banana boat riding and parasailing. Visitors
can find just about everything here within easy
enough walking distance so expect to see the
usual business setups in the neighborhood
such as dive shops, souvenir shops, internet
cafés and tour companies.
Chaweng Beach Road
Chaweng Beach RoadChaweng is not only the biggest but the most
exciting and developed town on the island.
Located on the east coast, its sandy beach is
popular for all kinds of fun activities including
banana boat riding and parasailing. Visitors
can find just about everything here within easy
enough walking distance so expect to see the
usual business setups in the neighborhood
such as dive shops, souvenir shops, internet
cafés and tour companies.
Bophut beach is a popular beach town on Samui's north coast. It sweeps down several kilometres between Big Buddha and Maenam beaches. The town built along the coast is perhaps one of the oldest places on the island, known casually as the Fisherman's Village. It runs along the middle section of the beach.
Fisherman's Village is fast gaining a reputation that stretches way beyond Samui for being the most elegant and well-preserved place on the island. Lined by old wooden Chinese shop-houses, interspaced with a few modern buildings that match the tone, it retains a distinctly Mediterranean feel. This has probably got a lot to do with the fact that it was the main French outpost on the island for many years. Mixed in among the shops are several boutiques, selling high-quality clothing and jewellery. There are also some dive shops in the area, offering scuba lessons or day dives.
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Bo Put
Bophut beach is a popular beach town on Samui's north coast. It sweeps down several kilometres between Big Buddha and Maenam beaches. The town built along the coast is perhaps one of the oldest places on the island, known casually as the Fisherman's Village. It runs along the middle section of the beach.
Fisherman's Village is fast gaining a reputation that stretches way beyond Samui for being the most elegant and well-preserved place on the island. Lined by old wooden Chinese shop-houses, interspaced with a few modern buildings that match the tone, it retains a distinctly Mediterranean feel. This has probably got a lot to do with the fact that it was the main French outpost on the island for many years. Mixed in among the shops are several boutiques, selling high-quality clothing and jewellery. There are also some dive shops in the area, offering scuba lessons or day dives.
Maenam is a quiet stretch of coast in the north of Samui that's popular with backpackers and budget travellers. Perhaps it's the excellent views of Koh Phangan that have kept Maenam as Samui's last predominantly backpacker beach. Or maybe it's the fact that many of its resorts are located at the end of long rambling pathways, affording a degree of privacy unavailable elsewhere.
Either way, Maenam is still the place to be while away for a few weeks on a low budget, staying in one of the many great value bungalows that are dotted along the beach. At the other end of the scale, Maenam also has a few dependable 5-star luxury resorts for those who want a relaxed stay with excellent facilities.
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Mae Nam
Maenam is a quiet stretch of coast in the north of Samui that's popular with backpackers and budget travellers. Perhaps it's the excellent views of Koh Phangan that have kept Maenam as Samui's last predominantly backpacker beach. Or maybe it's the fact that many of its resorts are located at the end of long rambling pathways, affording a degree of privacy unavailable elsewhere.
Either way, Maenam is still the place to be while away for a few weeks on a low budget, staying in one of the many great value bungalows that are dotted along the beach. At the other end of the scale, Maenam also has a few dependable 5-star luxury resorts for those who want a relaxed stay with excellent facilities.
Lamai Beach is Samui's second-largest resort area after Chaweng. It's quieter and less bustling than its big sister, but still with plenty of dining and shopping options, and some great spas and tourist sites to explore.
Lamai has slightly older, and often cheaper, tourist facilities than Chaweng with a laid back atmosphere, although the area is being rejuvenated. Along with the rest of Samui, there's a steady trend away from the 'cheap and cheerful' toward smarter, high-end accommodation and dining facilities in Lamai.
Had Lamai Road
Thanon Had LamaiLamai Beach is Samui's second-largest resort area after Chaweng. It's quieter and less bustling than its big sister, but still with plenty of dining and shopping options, and some great spas and tourist sites to explore.
Lamai has slightly older, and often cheaper, tourist facilities than Chaweng with a laid back atmosphere, although the area is being rejuvenated. Along with the rest of Samui, there's a steady trend away from the 'cheap and cheerful' toward smarter, high-end accommodation and dining facilities in Lamai.
Sightseeing
The Big Buddha Temple sits on a small rocky island off Koh Samui’s northeastern corner. Known locally as Wat Phra Yai, its golden, 12-metre-tall seated Buddha statue is one of the island’s most popular attractions. Set on Koh Faan, the temple is reached by a causeway that connects it to the main island. The Big Buddha, which can be seen at a distance of several kilometres, is often the first landmark people see when arriving in Koh Samui by air.
Built in 1972, the Big Buddha sculpture sits in the Mara posture, with the upward-facing palm of the left hand resting on the lap and the right hand facing down. It depicts a time during Buddha’s journey to enlightenment. He successfully subdued the temptations and dangers thrust at him by the devil-figure Mara by meditating and remaining calm. The pose is a symbol of steadfastness, purity and enlightenment.
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Big Buddha
Wat phra yaiThe Big Buddha Temple sits on a small rocky island off Koh Samui’s northeastern corner. Known locally as Wat Phra Yai, its golden, 12-metre-tall seated Buddha statue is one of the island’s most popular attractions. Set on Koh Faan, the temple is reached by a causeway that connects it to the main island. The Big Buddha, which can be seen at a distance of several kilometres, is often the first landmark people see when arriving in Koh Samui by air.
Built in 1972, the Big Buddha sculpture sits in the Mara posture, with the upward-facing palm of the left hand resting on the lap and the right hand facing down. It depicts a time during Buddha’s journey to enlightenment. He successfully subdued the temptations and dangers thrust at him by the devil-figure Mara by meditating and remaining calm. The pose is a symbol of steadfastness, purity and enlightenment.
The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It features towering limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-sand beaches, waterfalls and hidden coves and lakes to explore. The protected area of more than 100 sq km of land and sea has a rich biodiversity. Snorkelling, hiking, sea kayaking, diving, and simply relaxing are the main activities to enjoy at Ang Thong.
Most visitors arrive on a join-in day trip and by boat charter from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Simple bungalows and camping tents are available on Koh Wua Ta Lap for those who wish to stay overnight. The park headquarters hosts a simple restaurant. Even with its increasing popularity, the islands have maintained their picture-postcard appeal.
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Mu Koh Angthong National Marine Park
The Ang Thong National Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It features towering limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-sand beaches, waterfalls and hidden coves and lakes to explore. The protected area of more than 100 sq km of land and sea has a rich biodiversity. Snorkelling, hiking, sea kayaking, diving, and simply relaxing are the main activities to enjoy at Ang Thong.
Most visitors arrive on a join-in day trip and by boat charter from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Simple bungalows and camping tents are available on Koh Wua Ta Lap for those who wish to stay overnight. The park headquarters hosts a simple restaurant. Even with its increasing popularity, the islands have maintained their picture-postcard appeal.
Wat Plai Laem is a Buddhist temple compound on Samui's northeast coast, which features a striking white, 18-armed image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Close to the Big Buddha temple, Wat Plai Laem offers visitors a view into Chinese-Thai beliefs as well as some elaborate Buddhist art and architecture.
Wat Plai Laem is a living and active temple. It's where devotees come daily to pay homage to Guanyin and the Buddha, who is also depicted in a number of statues and murals around the temple. The art techniques used in its creation are centuries old and based on ancient beliefs. Adding to its feel of tranquillity, the temple is surrounded by a lake, which is teeming with fish. Visitors who make a donation to the temple are given a bag of food to feed the fish.
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Wat Plai Laem
Wat Plai Laem is a Buddhist temple compound on Samui's northeast coast, which features a striking white, 18-armed image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Close to the Big Buddha temple, Wat Plai Laem offers visitors a view into Chinese-Thai beliefs as well as some elaborate Buddhist art and architecture.
Wat Plai Laem is a living and active temple. It's where devotees come daily to pay homage to Guanyin and the Buddha, who is also depicted in a number of statues and murals around the temple. The art techniques used in its creation are centuries old and based on ancient beliefs. Adding to its feel of tranquillity, the temple is surrounded by a lake, which is teeming with fish. Visitors who make a donation to the temple are given a bag of food to feed the fish.
Na Muang Waterfalls, a majestic set of 2 cascades on Koh Samui, show that the island’s beauty is not limited to its beaches. Found about 12 km inland from Nathon Bay, the Na Muang falls are reached by taking a walking path from the entrance to the park.
The first waterfall, Na Muang 1, flows down into a pretty natural pool that provides a cool escape from the heat. About 30 minutes' walk further uphill is the smaller yet equally inviting Na Muang 2.
Namuang Waterfall
4169Na Muang Waterfalls, a majestic set of 2 cascades on Koh Samui, show that the island’s beauty is not limited to its beaches. Found about 12 km inland from Nathon Bay, the Na Muang falls are reached by taking a walking path from the entrance to the park.
The first waterfall, Na Muang 1, flows down into a pretty natural pool that provides a cool escape from the heat. About 30 minutes' walk further uphill is the smaller yet equally inviting Na Muang 2.
City/town information
Welcome to Samui; one of the coolest tropical holiday destinations on the world map. Samui is a cosmopolitan melting pot, attracting budget travelers that sometimes stay for a month or two in simple beachside bungalows as well as the mega rich, dropping by for a weekend at a luxury resort or beach villa. Koh Samui is unique among Thailand's islands in maintaining a broad appeal to everyone. This helps to foster the distinctive relaxed atmosphere that sets it apart.
Samui has a wide range of accommodation, great nightlife, action sports, and beautiful scenery. Experience first-class spas, holistic activities.
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Ko Samui
Welcome to Samui; one of the coolest tropical holiday destinations on the world map. Samui is a cosmopolitan melting pot, attracting budget travelers that sometimes stay for a month or two in simple beachside bungalows as well as the mega rich, dropping by for a weekend at a luxury resort or beach villa. Koh Samui is unique among Thailand's islands in maintaining a broad appeal to everyone. This helps to foster the distinctive relaxed atmosphere that sets it apart.
Samui has a wide range of accommodation, great nightlife, action sports, and beautiful scenery. Experience first-class spas, holistic activities.
Villa Marella
Take in the wooded coastline and blue expanse of the Gulf of Thailand from this hilltop Koh Samui mansion. Bathed in sunshine, the stylish interiors and clean, lengthy terrace that ensures guests can soak up lots of island sunshine. From its raised location, the home receives a pleasant maritime breeze, which plays amongst the branches of the young trees that punctuate the terrace.
Inside, colourful, sunburst designs help the interior pop with style, hanging alongside premium furniture as air-conditioning ensures that guests can bask in the ideal temperature. The custom billiards table, immersive home cinema and full entertainment system ensures that guests can choose the recreation that best suits their particular tastes.
Villa Marella
237 Plai Laem Soi 2Take in the wooded coastline and blue expanse of the Gulf of Thailand from this hilltop Koh Samui mansion. Bathed in sunshine, the stylish interiors and clean, lengthy terrace that ensures guests can soak up lots of island sunshine. From its raised location, the home receives a pleasant maritime breeze, which plays amongst the branches of the young trees that punctuate the terrace.
Inside, colourful, sunburst designs help the interior pop with style, hanging alongside premium furniture as air-conditioning ensures that guests can bask in the ideal temperature. The custom billiards table, immersive home cinema and full entertainment system ensures that guests can choose the recreation that best suits their particular tastes.
Villa Marella Private Massage Experience
Royal Thai ฿1,000
Oil ฿1,100
Foot ฿1,000
Back & Shoulder ฿1,100
Aromatherapy ฿1,200
Aloe Vera ฿1,200
Coconut Oil ฿1,200
Sunburn Soothing Treatment ฿1,300
Cucumber Hydrating Mask Facial ฿1,300
Collagen Mask Facial ฿1,400
Ancient Siamese ฿1,000
Lymphatic Drainage ฿1,500
Deep Tissue Body ฿1500
Anti-stress Back & Shoulder ฿1500
Relaxing Foot ฿1,500
Deep Thai with Oil ฿1500
Facial & Body Aromatherapy ฿1700
Facial & Body Thai ฿1700
Hot Compress Massage ฿1700
The above rates are for a 1 hour massage. You are invited to request longer.
A professional massage table is available and can be placed anywhere within Villa Marella for your pleasure and privacy. Please ask your Villa Manager to arrange for you at your convenience.
Villa Marella
237 Plai Laem Soi 2Villa Marella Private Massage Experience
Royal Thai ฿1,000
Oil ฿1,100
Foot ฿1,000
Back & Shoulder ฿1,100
Aromatherapy ฿1,200
Aloe Vera ฿1,200
Coconut Oil ฿1,200
Sunburn Soothing Treatment ฿1,300
Cucumber Hydrating Mask Facial ฿1,300
Collagen Mask Facial ฿1,400
Ancient Siamese ฿1,000
Lymphatic Drainage ฿1,500
Deep Tissue Body ฿1500
Anti-stress Back & Shoulder ฿1500
Relaxing Foot ฿1,500
Deep Thai with Oil ฿1500
Facial & Body Aromatherapy ฿1700
Facial & Body Thai ฿1700
Hot Compress Massage ฿1700
The above rates are for a 1 hour massage. You are invited to request longer.
A professional massage table is available and can be placed anywhere within Villa Marella for your pleasure and privacy. Please ask your Villa Manager to arrange for you at your convenience.
Villa Marella Pre-Stocking Service. At Villa Marella prior to your check-in we can shop on your behalf. Select from a number of retailers on the island and return the completed shopping list and all will be waiting for you upon your arrival at Villa Marella
Villa Marella
237 Plai Laem Soi 2Villa Marella Pre-Stocking Service. At Villa Marella prior to your check-in we can shop on your behalf. Select from a number of retailers on the island and return the completed shopping list and all will be waiting for you upon your arrival at Villa Marella
Consejos para la ciudad
Costumbres y cultura
Carry Small Change
Samui is relatively inexpensive, unless you
plan to enjoy all your shopping, dining and
nightlife inside a hotel or upscale shopping
malls. Sooner or later, you will find out that
taxi drivers, food vendors and shop keepers
don’t have change for your big bills. So, save
a few headaches and make sure that you
break the 1000 baht notes into a few 100s and
small coins. The 5 and 10 baht coins usually
come in handy when taking a taxi or
songtheaw truck, the island’s answer to a bus
system.
Cómo moverse
Taxi Tips
Samui offers good choices of transport.
However, follow these tips and your journey
needn’t be temper fraying: (1) Book only with
reputable tour companies because their
vehicles have full insurance. (2) Insist your taxi
driver switch his meter on. If he refuses, do
bargain and agree on a price prior to getting
in. (3) Finally, make sure you leave nothing
behind. There’s nothing worse than watching
your gaily coloured taxi whiz off, carrying with
it your valuables.
Reserva antes de ir
The Weather
Koh Samui has a tropical monsoon climate. Humidity is high and temperatures average around 28°C and the one thing you will rarely feel is cold. The island offers world-class
diving sites with optimum conditions between March and August. The hottest time is between March and April (avg. 30° C plus).
September till November sees the heaviest
rainfall and the weather can be unpredictable.
Best time to go: December to February, for
cooler temperatures, little rain, calm seas, and
light winds
Cómo moverse
SIM Card and Dialling Prefixes
Prepaid SIM cards are available for purchase at most convenience stores (you will find 7-Elevens and Family Marts everywhere) as well as the service operators’ shops – DTAC, AIS and TRUE – located inside shopping malls. You will need to take your passport with you. To make a call to a landline within Samui, dial 077 then the six digit number. Making a call outside Samui requires a three digit area code, starting with 0, the area code, then the six digit number. Calls between mobile phones require the three digit prefix (08x)/09x), followed by the seven digit subscriber number.
Cómo moverse
Getting Around
Samui’s only public transport are the colorful ‘song-teows’ – converted pickup trucks that ‘run’ 24 hours. You should negotiate fares before boarding. The cheapest and fastest way to get around is by motorbike taxi. Metered taxis are also available but at present, it’s a miracle if they turn the meter on for you therefore to bargain and agree on a price beforehand is a must.