Holidays in Thailand 2011

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, just East of Angthong National Marine Park. Ko Samui's reputation is well earned. On the negative side - if your looking for quiet beach bungalows on tranquil tropical beaches - it's getting harder to find these types as Ko Samui continually moves more upmarket.
So if you demand culinary excellence and seclusion, the only real option is to rent a vehicle - whether that's a motorbike for the more youthful visitors who don't mind taking a few risks on their Koh Samui vacation or a more conservative vehicle such as a 4WD Toyota. This will enable you to fully explore this island and escape the rather overcrowded areas of Chaweng and Lamai.
So where to go? Well I found Laem Yai beach - situated on the very north west tip of the island to offer a fantastic balance of high end resorts and beautiful natural scenery.
Laem Yai beach is situated about 4km north of the municipal capital Natorn. It is home to 3 luxury resorts, The Four Seasons, Samui, Mai Samui and The Passage Samui. The Four Seasons as you would expect is the creme de la creme 5 star affair that this brand is renowned for. But both The Passage and Mai Samui offer excellent menu's and gorgeous architecture for those who are seeking value for their hard earned money.
The Passage Samui target's specifically couples seeking a romantic setting for their honeymoon or anniversary escape.? The surroundings are truly amazing - the best sunset views on the island; spectacular skies, breathtaking walks along the ocean and crystal clear seas ensure you and your partner's memories will last long after you've departed this piece of paradise.
The staff at The Passage are very friendly but occasionally the staff have some issues speaking English, the management assure me they are addressing this but it can be frustrating at times.
Mai Samui, is another four star resort just north from The Passage, this resort is a little more sanitized and has a more corporate feel. This resort benefits from a gym and even a squash court for the fitness fanatic who needs to maintain his regime even when he's away from home. The prices are a little more than at The Passage but it's still well worth a visit to see which is more your 'cup of tea'.
For those seeking a more economical escape around Laem Yai beach - take a walk north along the beach towards the point and you'll find a couple of small Thai restaurants that will be happy to offer you fine Thai cuisine at very good prices.
Enjoy your trip