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Koh Samui - must visit when visiting Thailand

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand in the South China Sea, about 90 km east of Surat Thani and roughly 750 km south of the capital city, Bangkok.

Occupying an area of about 250 square kilometers, Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand, after the Ko Chang and Phuket islands. Koh Samui is actually an Amphoe or district of Surat Thani province, and has been categorized into seven sub districts or tambon, such as, Angthong, Bophut, Lipa Noi, Maenam, Maret, Namuang, and Taling Nam.

Situated in the Gulf of Siam and surrounded by more than 50 islands, Koh Samui is also sometimes referred to as the Coconut Island because its harvest of more than two million coconuts every month. The destination is truly a tropical retreat, with beautiful white sandy beaches, azure-blue sea, lush green forested hills, unique limestone and granite formations, and picturesque coves and bays, and above all, little traffic and presence of warm as well as amicable people.

Hence, it is not a wonder why people from across the world, especially westerners, flock to this tranquil destination year-round. Much of the glory of the island lies in its magnificent shoreline, bestowed with long curve of palm fringed white sandy beaches with turquoise waters. Most prominent among the beaches in the area is Chaweng Beach, which is one of the busiest in the area. A variety of beachside cafes, disco bars, and cocktail bars, can be seen here.

Another popular beach in the area is Lamai Beach, which is packed with an array of restaurants as well as entertainment centers. It is less crowded when compared to Chaweng, and hence a stroll along this beach is truly soothing and comfortable. For those seeking tranquility and peace, then Maenam Beach would be the best, which is an ideal venue for backpackers as well as well-heeled.

This beach area is home to some of the best deluxe resorts and hotels in the region. A great place to chill out, Bophut is also a great beach in the area, which is a home to a serene fishermen's village filled with relaxed eateries, trendy boutiques, and ancient wooden homes Other popular beaches in the area are Big Buddha Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, and Lipa Noi Beach. Each of the beaches in the area provides opportunities to enjoy an array of activities such as diving, snorkeling, swimming, and sea canoeing.

Aside beaches as well as its activities, things to see and do in Koh Samui are truly limitless. In other words, Koh Samui has something for everyone. For nature lovers, nothing would be better than a visit to Na Tian Butterfly Garden, where you can see a large array of different species of vividly colored lepidopterans. Also, found here are a bee house and an insect museum with some rare species of insects.

Likewise, for animal lovers, some best options are available in the form of Crocodile Farm, where you can see crocodile species like Caimans and saltwater crocodiles; Samui Aquarium and Zoo, featuring scores of fish varieties as well as specialties like Asian tigers, sea hawks, and parrots; and Snake Farm, which is home to some rare as well as most poisonous snakes in Asia.

If you are interested in sightseeing, then Koh Samui provides a multitude of refreshing attractions. Just few among them are Big Buddha, the most renowned landmark in the island and whose centerpiece is a 12 meters high golden image of Lord Buddha in sitting posture that can be seen from several miles away. Hin Ta Hin Yai, stunning rocks which are also known as Grandfather and Grandmother rocks and are believed to be the origin of the Mui race; Magic Statue Garden, an incredible garden located deep in the forest and which can be reached by journeying through steep cliffs and forested rivers and hills; and Overlap Stone, which is quite challenging to reach this impressive boulders.

Not to miss attractions in Koh Samui also include temples in the area such as Hainan Temple, Hin Lad Waterfall Temple, Laem Sor Pagoda, and Pagoda Khao Chedi. In addition, things to see in Koh Samui also cover Buffalo fighting, Monkey Show, and traditional Thai Boxing. Well-linked by water, land, and air, Koh Samui renders its visitors superb accommodation options, ranging from stunning beachside villas and bungalows to upscale resorts and hotels.

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2011 Calender of Malaysia

Malaysia Year 2011 Public Holidays

01/Jan - New Year's Day
10/Jan - Awal Muhram
07-08/Feb - Chinese New Year
20/Mar - Prophet Mohd's Birthday
01/May - Labour Day
19/May - Wesak Day
07/Jun - Agong / King's Birthday
31/Aug - National/Merdeka Day
01-02/Oct - Hari Raya Puasa
27/Oct - Deepavali
08/Dec - Hari Raya Haji
25/Dec - Christmas Day
29/Dec - Awal Muharam

Malaysia School Term Holidays 2011

1st Mid Term Break = 08/Mar-16/Mar
2nd Mid Term Break = 24/May-08/Jun
3rd Mid Term Break = 16/Aug-24/Aug
Year End Break = 15/Nov-04/Jan/2011

Singapore School Term Holidays 2011

Semester 1 Term 1 Break = 08/Mar-16/Mar
Semester 1 Term 2 Break = 24/May-22/Jun
Semester 2 Term 1 Break = 30/Aug-07/Sep
Semester 2 Term 2 Break = 15/Nov-31/Dec

If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column. To ensure that you don't miss any valuable travel tips to Malaysia, make sure you subscribed to our newsletter feed for FREE.

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Christmas in Hanoi

Christmas in Hanoi is familiar, but also strange.

Believe it or not, it was the Vietnamese version of Wham’s Last Christmas that first got me into the yuletide spirit this year.

There I was, sitting in a hotel lobby with my sister who was visiting, and we both looked at each other wide-eyed. We were watching dozens of parents and their excited children, milling around a Styrofoam Santa’s workshop, posing with his elves.

The wintry ambience was created courtesy of snow-in-a-can and wispy white cotton. We simply couldn’t resist joining in the chorus – in English, of course.

Christians make up 8% of the population, and Christmas is one of the four important festivals in the Vietnamese calendar – the others being the Buddha’s birthday, Tet (or the Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

However, Christmas seems to be a big deal. Those who have witnessed celebrations in the more Catholic Ho Chi Minh City claim that the Hanoi version pales in comparison. I personally think it’s remarkable how many non-Christians celebrate the season with their Christian countrymen.
It says more than some countries that constantly trumpet their supposed religious tolerance, yet behave otherwise.

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MAS offers First Class services at business class price

Malaysia Airlines, one of only five carriers in the world with a five star ranking, is offering a complimentary first class upgrade to business class travelers flying to Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and other destinations in Southeast and South Asia. Effective immediately, full-fare business passengers may upgrade to first class, subject to seat availability, on long-haul flights originating in Los Angeles. Tickets are valid for one year from date of outbound travel.

First class travel aboard Malaysia Airlines is the ultimate in luxury and hospitality. Newly designed cabins feature high tech seats with a massage feature and convert to comfortable, flat-bed sleeping pods. A large wooden dining table and buddy seat, allows passengers to dine together. Dining is รก la carte and served whenever the passenger desires. An array of ethnic and continental menu items is available and a must-try is the airline's award-winning signature dish, grilled satay with a spicy peanut sauce. Fine china and Italian glassware, and an extensive wine and spirits offering, make dining a pleasure. Modern in-flight entertainment features audio and video on demand, with 350 options viewed on a 15-inch LCD touch screen. Mood lighting in the cabin, automatic window shades and an extra large lavatory with full-length mirror are just some of the features available for first-class passengers.

Business First tickets may be purchased by calling the Malaysia Airlines Premiere Desk at 888-627-8477 or through a travel agent. For more details log onto http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/main_US.aspx

Sample roundtrip fares for Business First tickets from Los Angeles (LAX):

$4,730 Business Class Taipei
$6,800 Business Class Kuala Lumpur or Singapore

Details:

Offer is good anytime, based on availability. Valid only on Malaysia Airlines flights and applies on sectors where there are first and business class cabins (long-haul sectors). Unlimited stopovers are allowed on route, where applicable. Children and infant discounts apply. Can be used for one-way or round-trip journeys. Travel must originate from Los Angeles. Commissionable to travel agents at five percent. Booking class is "A." Other restrictions may apply.

If you need further information on this topic, please leave in the comment. I will revert back in the same comment column. To ensure that you don't miss any valuable travel tips to Malaysia, make sure you subscribed to our newsletter feed for FREE.

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