Showing all posts tagged "Koh Samui Resort"
How to Hop Over to Koh Tao for Diving and Snorkeling
How to plan an unforgettable snorkelling adventure in Koh Samui
Koh Samui has been a beloved backpacker destination since the roaring 1970s. As for snorkelling, the seas around Koh Samui are scattered with effervescent sea creatures. Let’s talk about tips and tricks to enjoying a snorkelling holiday in Koh Samui.
Image via Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
Where to stay in Koh Samui on a snorkelling holiday?
Find a Koh Samui family resort that caters specifically for snorkelling. Resorts like the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort offer snorkelling facilities to guests on a daily basis. You need to consider accessibility to snorkelling spots, gear and other amenities before you book your resort. Always book accommodation well in advance. You’ll avoid hefty fees and have more time to plan your snorkelling days.
Why do you need high-quality snorkelling gear for a better experience?
A leaky mask spells disaster. If you can spare the luggage space, bring your own gear. But, since that is not always practical, ask the resort to rent high-quality gear. You can get a snorkelling guide at your resort to help you with the fitting. You should be able to keep the mask on by just inhaling through your nose. Make sure you don’t set the band too tight. If you fail to set the band properly, you run the risk of a painful squeeze from water pressure once you enter the water. Also, opt for a snorkel with a dry valve to protect your face against splashes. A purge valve after the mouthpiece helps you get rid of water that sometimes leaks inside.
Why do you need fins to snorkel in Koh Samui?
Fins help you save energy as you dive in the salty depths. If you need to swim against the current, fins come in handy. Ideally, your fins should fit snugly along your feet without being too tight. Feet tend to shrink a little when your feet get cold and wet. A good rule of thumb is to walk backwards when you’ve got your fins on. This is how pros enter the water when they go snorkelling. And, you know what? They do look a little funny, but they don’t stumble.
How to find the right places to snorkel?
Diving into seawater willy-nilly is not going to help you find the right spot to see marine life. You need to ask the resort or the locals (when diving elsewhere). You need to check if the diving site’s structure is right. A good snorkelling site should be either a reef or have rocks or outcroppings along with a sandy bottom to make a thriving space for sea life. Always, take a snorkelling partner and keep an eye out for change in currents.
Why do you need to learn to clear your mask before snorkelling?
There is a very low-tech trick to make sure your mask doesn’t fog up while diving. Before you jump in the water, spit on the lens, wipe off the saliva and then dip the mask in water for a rinse.The other pro trick is to avoid putting on your mask too soon before a dive. If water gets inside your mask while you snorkel, learn to tilt your head back a little, and blow a stream of air through your nose. This breaks the bottom seal, and gets rid of water. Always, wear your mask on your neck when treading water. If you put it on your forehead, a sudden wave may knock it out.
Pro tips for snorkelling
· Move slowly, and steer clear of splashing around. Stealthy is the best approach to catch glimpses of marine creatures.
· When you see something interesting, remain still and observe (Don’t pursue)
· Use your legs to propel forward
· If you can, interlock your fingers in front of you to restrict movement
· Most importantly, lather up with reef safe sunburn before you dive in. Koh Samui is blessed with sunshine, and the rays burn – even beneath the cool waters.
Posted on October 1st, 2023
How to Get to Koh Samui from Bangkok – A vacation filled with adventure and fun
The tropical beauty of Koh Samui attracts millions of people every single year. This is not so surprising as the island is one of the most beautiful tropical destinations in the world. The island is also steeped in culture fostered by the many golden temples and historical sites. Most visitors come to Koh Samui to enjoy its gorgeous beaches, but the island also offers plenty of water sports centred around places like Ang Thong National Marine Park.
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Location
The island is located at a distance of 700 metres from Bangkok. Getting here can be tricky and requires you to change your transportation several times. However, if you’ve decided to stay at a Koh Samui resort the likes of Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, for example, you can get the hotel to arrange transport for you. But it’s better to have an insight into the Koh Samui transportation network.
By plane
To get here fast without having to change your transportation several times along the way, choose to fly to Koh Samui from Bangkok; this way, you’ll get to the island directly. A few years back, Bangkok Air was the only airline offering flights to Koh Samui, which meant that flights were expensive. But over the last few years, several other airlines have decided to offer flights to Koh Samui. You cannot expect first-class treatment – flights are basic, and you’ll be offered some refreshments along with entertainment, but this should be okay as the journey is short. To bring down the cost, you can travel to Surat Thani by flight and take a ferry from there. Airlines like Nok Air Fly and Air Asia offer inexpensive transportation compared to airlines that fly directly to the island of Koh Samui. Note that taking the ferry will mean staying on route for two more hours; it can be more than two hours if you have to wait. But the ferry will offer you spectacular views of the island. If you decide to travel between December and February, know that flights sell out quickly and the rates go up; the solution would be to book your flight in advance.
By bus and ferry
The bus and ferry combination is another transport option you have. You can take the bus from Khaosan Road. The bus is air-conditioned and spacious with sleeper seats. You’ll travel through the night for a few hours and be transferred to a ferry. The ferry ride will be accompanied by the gorgeous vistas of the island.
By train and ferry
If you’ve decided not to fly to the island, every transportation method you choose will include a ferry or a boat. The combination of train and ferry is an excellent way to get to the island. You can take the daytime train; however, a night train is much more comfortable and fun. If you choose first-class, you’ll be offered a two-person cabin for privacy. Second-class entails a comfortable open carriage with sleeper seats. The trains sell food as well, most of which is Thai food. If you want something easy to eat, you need to bring your own snacks. Once you’ve arrived at the destination, you’ll have to take a shuttle bus to the pier. From the pier, you’ll take the ferry to get to the island. To travel by water, you have two options: a high-speed catamaran and a regular 90-minute ferry ride. A ferry ride is a great option if you want to take in the sights, but a catamaran will get you to Koh Samui in half the time. To make things easier for yourself, you should consider paying for a package that would guarantee you a seat on the train and a good spot on the ferry. But keep in mind that the entire trip will take nearly 17 hours, if not more.
Posted on August 25th, 2022