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CREST & FLAG |
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National Day December 5
(King's birthday) |
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CURRENCY |
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Currency Baht |
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Currency Converter |
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VISA |
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Most travellers don't need a visa and can stay up to 30 days. To be sure
check with the Thai embassy in your country. Don't forget to check what
the immigration stamps in your passport. |
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DID-INTERNET-GMT |
DID 001
Country Code (66 )
Area Code 76
Internet ( th
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GMT +7 |
ELECTRICITY |
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220-240V 50HZ |
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Moon
over Chaweng beach |
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HOTELS |
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FACTS &
DATA |
Currency:
Thai Baht
Location: Gulf of Thailand
Area:
247 sqkm
Temperature:
29-34°C
Population:
aproximate 50.000
People:
Thai
Language: Thai
Religion:
mainly Buddhism
Major industries: tourism
Health risks:
Good healthcare
Time:
GMT + 8
Electricity: 220-240V
Weights & measures:
Metric
Road traffic:
Left side
Public transport:
good
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PUBLICATIONS |
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NEWSPAPERS | |
English | |
The Nation | |
Bangkok Post | | |
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Police: Tourist Police 421 281
Emergency 1699
Fire 1155 Rescue 421 444 Hospitals: Samui 421 230 Chaweng 230 048 International Hospital 422 272 Official: Immigration Office 421 069 |
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Like other parts of
Thailand life goes back 1500 years. Some Chinese maps had Samui on it. It
has been a fishing and coconut island. Since the 1970's the backpackers
came and now tourism in big scale has changed the landscape. |
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Koh Samui has a couple of temples and some
very sunny island and beaches ideal for diving and scuba diving. A
popular activity is to rent a bike or a jeep and explore the island
yourself. Na Muang waterfalls, the "sex organ like" rocks of Hin Yaay
and Hin Ta. At night you can go to Chaweng Beach Road dine at some of
the better eateries and later on to some of the many night bars.
NOTE Not all are females in case you wonder. |
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A staircase leads to
the 12m tall Big Buddha which is the most prominent landmark of Koh Samui. |
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The
beaches are ideal for sun bathing or just stroll a long the beach. Bars
along the beaches offer cold drinks to chill you down. |
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Transvestite shows are a part of Thai
cultural entertainment not to be missed. If you think they are women,
look again. But they are more beautiful than women. |
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Nature has created the "sex organ like"
the rocks of Hin Yaay
and Hin Ta. The story however tells that a shipwreck flush an elderly
couple ashore and there you have them. |
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The variety of Thai food is tremendous and the influence from the neighbouring countries can be seen and tasted everywhere. Fresh ingredients are a must. Wok cooking guarantees that food wont be overcooked.
Most dishes contain vegetables, fruits and a range of local spices.
Thailand is famous for its seafood. Due to it’s two long coastlines along the southern peninsula, on the Gulf of Thailand and on the Indian Ocean, fishing boats bring in crabs, fish, rock lobsters, giant prawns, scallops, shrimps and squids. All these are often simply steamed, grilled or prepared in various curries.
Thai food is normally associated with chilli
,. Many restaurants however will be happy to use less if you so wish. Following this advise you should try some of the typical Thai dishes, such as thom yam gung
a lemon grass flavoured (sourish) seafood soup. Gaeng khiew wan gai
, a green curry with beef or chicken. The Thai cuisine has a lot of delicious salads as starters consisting of salad, vegetable, fruit mostly chopped into small pieces and mixed with lemon or sweet and sour flavours together with either chicken, fish, shrimps or beef and . |
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Thailand has its own beers called SINGHA, KLOSTER
and CHAN. You should as well try the various fruit juices. |
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On
Chaweng Beach Road you have
quite few bars. some with girls, some look like girls all out for your
money one way or the other. |
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Fishing Boats |
SHOPPING |
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Samuis only town is called Nathorn. You find most administrative offices
here, ATM machines in case you need some cash and shops and stalls
selling local products and handicrafts. There are as well a couple of
restaurants, the fishmarket and the immigration office to extend your
visa. The ferry terminal to the mainland is here as well. |
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Ferry to mainland |
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MOVING AROUND |
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The easiest way is to
take a taxi if available. They are small vans and cost 20-50 baht
depending on the destination. Night fares are higher. Check the price
before leaving. Another option is to rent a motorbike, jeep or car. Be
careful they are often not in perfect condition and with the "no rule"
traffic you might run into trouble. You are always guilty if you cause
an accident. |
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Beach food vendor |
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HOLIDAYS |
There are plenty of holidays in Thailand. The Royal
family is celebrated extensively. As some vary from year to year check the
calendar. |
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1 JAN New Years Day, |
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13 APR Sonkran Day, 1 MAY Labor Day |
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12 AUG Queen's Birthday and mother's day |
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10 OCT End of Buddhist Lent, 5 DEC
King's Birthday and father's day, 25 DEC Xmas Day |
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