Ko Samui
Ko Samui, where beautiful white sand beaches, clear warm water, and lush tropical gardens abound, is just a short 80 minute flight from Bangkok. Different types of food can be found on this small island, from cheap street eats to fancy Thai/European dishes served in lavish settings. A large selection of Thai restaurants will also keep vegetarians satisfied. When in Samui, start off a culinary tour with some local Thai food, and then move on to Royal Thai cuisine. The cuisines of Japan, Italy, Germany, India, Switzerland, France, Sweden, and Mexico are also represented on the island due to the influx of international restaurateurs. If you want to dine like the locals, try eating at one of the outdoor markets where you can find some of Samui's most authentic (and spicy!) Thai food. These are popular spots for locals to relax after work and the food is hot, tasty, and cheap. Sampling local produce is also a must when in Samui since a huge selection of exotic fruits are available such as mangosteen, pomelo, custard apples, rose apples, sapodilla, and tamarind. any other fruits, both familiar and unfamiliar, are available on the island depending on the season. Don't be afraid to do a little experimenting!
Recipes
HotelsAn excellent choice in resorts is the Santiburi Dusit, a deluxe beachfront establishment set in 23 garden acres at the northern end of the island. The 73 accommodations consist of individually decorated bungalows with terraces. Interiors are done with attractive Southeast Asian motifs. On-site facilities include a pool, two tennis courts, a driving range, scuba diving, and a fitness center. Doubles from about $250. 12/12 Moo 1, Tambol Mae Nam. Tel: 66‑77‑425‑031. www.samui‑hotels.com/santiburi Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, set on a hill overlooking a private bay and beach, is an attractive property that affords considerable privacy along with its 73 comfortable accommodations. Guest rooms are located in a main building and cottages, in some of which the natural rock formation under the floor extends up into the room. Tennis court and free‑form seawater pool. Doubles from about $250. 84 Moo 5, Tambol Bophut. Tel: 66‑77‑425‑015. www.thaihotels.com. Chaweng Regent Beach Resort is located in the heart of Chaweng town, steps from a beautiful, four-mile white sand beach on the north‑east coast of the island. The resort's 145 rooms are arranged in low-rise buildings and Thai-style wooden cottages, each with a private terrace overlooking pools, small lakes and landscaped gardens. Doubles from about $200. 155/4 Chaweng Beach 66-77-422-389. www.samui‑hotels.com/chawengrb.
RestaurantsLom Talay offers a large menu of authentic Thai creations in a room that looks out over Ang Thong Marine National Park. Seafood, including fresh sea bass, red snapper, deep‑sea garoupa, lobster, crab and squid are featured, all gathered daily from local fishing villages. Dinner for two, with beer, about $30. Royal Meridien Hotel. Baan Taling Ngam, Tel: 66-77-429-100. The Palm Grove Restaurant has a sensational rock lobster tail salad served with avocado and hot and sour bell peppers with a yellow mango dressing. Pan‑fried sea bass accompanied by spiced tomato salsa and a Modena, Italy balsamic syrup. Presentation is impressive. Dinner for two, without beverage, about $40. At Central Samui Beach Resort. Tel: 66-77-230-500. Sala Thai is highly regarded for traditional dishes such as deep-fried minced prawns in a spring roll wrapper, steamed scallops in red curry served in a banana bowl, orange curry of papaya and king fish, nd much more. There's also a well‑considered vegetarian selection, an excellent wine list and an unusual range of herb-flavored ice creams. Santiburi Dusit Resort. Tel: 66-77- 425 031. Hotel and restaurant recommendations courtesy of Passport Newsletter: www.passportnewsletter.com. Subscription required.
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