Hi, I'm Jane Guthrie, the Product Director for the Travel Mall website. My position is sourcing new products for our clients and fortunately for me, experiencing them first hand. With the extraordinary technology of the internet we can now give you access to our vast database of product on Thailand. Whilst we are proud to have built up a database of thousands of products we understand that not everyone has the time to wade through all these choices and that is why I have put together this section. I have had the opportunity to visit the majority of destinations that our clients wish to see and enjoyed some really fantastic experiences along the way. Let me share the highlights with you and help make planning your holiday a little easier.

Like most people, I would imagine white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and crystal clear blue water. After stepping off the plane in Koh Samui I didn't have to imagine any longer, I was in the tropical paradise most people dream of.

Just one hour by plane south of bustling Bangkok, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, is the tiny island of Koh Samui. By European standards I found Samui to be largely unspoilt by modern day tourism. Sure there are a couple of pockets of commercialism mainly in the form of shops but many tourists enjoy a bit of bargain hunting and there are some good buys to be found. The island is only 21kms at its widest point and 25kms long so it is easy to see most of it by car.

The main stretch of beach is Chaweng which is only 15mins south from the airport and here you will find the majority of hotels, restaurants and shops. The beach itself is beautiful and the water clear and calm most of the year. Being the most popular tourist area, the beach is naturally busy with each hotel having sun lounges neatly displayed in rows. The wonderful thing about Koh Samui hotels is no matter what standard you choose they are all right on the beach and low rise. Eventhough Chaweng is busy by Koh Samui standards there is no comparison to the crowds you find during summer in the South of France or Spain for example. For most people who like to be where it is all happening, Chaweng is a great choice of location. Within walking distance of your hotel you can dine out at a different restaurant every night, browse through the local shops, hunt down the best rate of exchange at the money changers, use the many internet cafes or indulge in a massage. Another great asset of Koh Samui are the local Thai people. You will find them a very gentle, gracious race who welcome tourists warmly. You will not experience any harassment to buy and a smile is always waiting to be returned. For those of you who have travelled to other parts of Asia and been fed up with the constant stream of hawkers on the beach and harassment in the street, Chaweng is a pleasant surprise.

The best time to visit is during the hot and dry season from February to late June. From July to October it can be raining on and off but still very pleasant. From October to January there are strong winds and most beaches are not safe for swimming.

As I mentioned earlier there are many, many hotels in Koh Samui but here are my recommendations

3 Star
Situated at North Chaweng Beach, accommodation is in quaint, native style, thatched-roofed bungalows. All are equipped with the mod cons of air-conditioning, fridge and fully stocked mini bar along with a large balcony to sit and sip your drinks on. The resort itself is set on 10 acres of lush gardens leading onto the beach. There are only 53 bungalows so the atmosphere is serene and private. I found this location to be one of the best in Chaweng because the stretch of beach is nice and secluded eventhough you are only a stone's throw from the centre.

4 Star
The best beach location in the centre of Chaweng. All rooms are air-conditioned and have balconies overlooking the gardens. The seafood restaurant overlooks the beach and evening dining is outside by the pool.

4.5 Star
For anyone familiar with the Amari Group the name speaks for itself. The Thai style buildings and bungalows are set amidst coconut palms and have their own private terraces. The rooms have all the amenities you would expect such as fully stocked bar and satellite TV. The resort itself is right on the beach with the restaurant and pool area having wonderful views over the water. The accommodation is set back in the tropical gardens where it is quiet and secluded.

If you're looking for a quiet, secluded pristine beach holiday then 15mins north of Chaweng you will find the street stalls thin out and the vegetation thicken as you arrive at Choeng Mon. Here you are still close enough to Chaweng to pop down for dinner or a shopping spree yet far enough away to feel like you are on your own private island.

4 Star
This is a very intimate boutique hotel with one of the most beautiful beach frontages on the island. The open air restaurant overlooks the water in this picturesque bay. The rooms have all the usual 4 star facilities including air-conditioning, mini bars and satellite TV but no balconies.

So named because of the authentic teak rice barges that have been converted into two storey accommodation. Each Boat House is superior suite style but if you prefer more conventional accommodation there are also hotel style rooms available. The resort is large with 2 swimming pools and sprawling manicured gardens. The beach is also private and pristine.

5 Star
Scattered on the side of the cliff are luxurious villas with their own private spa baths on the the balcony! Arguably one of the most deluxe resorts on the island with an imposing position perched high up on the hill with dramatic views out to sea. There is also a very private beach and magnificent swimming pool. Rooms and villas are spread out to ensure maximum privacy.

A little further on from Choeng Mon Beach is Maenam Beach (about 10mins by car from Choeng Mon or 25mins from Chaweng). This beach is absolutely beautiful but certain parts can disappear with high tides and rough seas. It is important to choose a resort that has a fairly wide beach so you can enjoy it even at high tide.

3.5 Star
This is a very relaxed and friendly resort with one of the best secluded beaches on Samui. The rooms have all the modern conveniences with a wonderful outlook over the pool and tropical gardens. The restaurants are right on the beach so you won't experience better sea views and The Italian restaraunt is renowned as one of the finest on Samui. Only a short taxi ride to the action of Chaweng if you can tear yourself away from your deck chair and palm tree.

3 Star
Accommodation is in individual free standing bungalows which give the feeling of being in a Thai Village. There are bungalows which have beach views and these should be requested at the time of booking. The bungalows are air conditioned and the resort has an excellent beach with the bar and restaurant overlooking the ocean. Some minor renovations would improve the standard but the charm is in the relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. This would be an excellent choice for families especially with small children. The beach is a good width and should be enjoyed most of the year.

5 Star
Well now we have reached my favourite of all resorts on Koh Samui! This is definitely my recommended deluxe holiday experience. The rooms and bungalows are set in exquisite gardens with meandering pathways separating each to give privacy and easy access to the sensational beach. The outdoor restaurant is at the waters edge and you can sip your cocktail watching the sun go down with your feet in the sand. Room facilities include private video and CD player as well a movie and music library. Santiburi is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World. The beach is fairly wide and should be enjoyed most of the year.

One of my favourite pastimes! Where do I start? Thai food is my absolute, all time favourite so I was in gourmet heaven for my entire stay. I have serious doubts that you could have a bad meal in Koh Samui and there are lots to choose from at varying prices. There are 2 restaurants however that I feel compelled to recommend to everyone who visits.

Poppies - South Chaweng
Make sure you book so you can get a table right by the beach. The decor is elegant yet relaxed and people tend to dress more smartly for dinner here although dress shorts for men are not out of place. Savour the menu while sipping on a cocktail such as a Mai Tai served in a whole pineapple. The emphasis is on seafood naturally, but there is loads to choose from and you can have it as mild or spicy as you like. Most evenings there is entertainment but it is stylish and won't interrupt a romantic candlelit dinner. The prices are a little more expensive than the street side restaurants but you won't need to mortgage your house or sell your first born.

Big Johns - Lipa Noi
Big Johns is an institution in Koh Samui and known for its sunsets as much as its food. Located on the opposite side of the island to Chaweng but only a 30min drive. If you don't have your own transport then they can arrange for a return taxi at a cost of THB500 per vehicle. Make sure you get there about 20mins before sunset and have plenty of film with you. My beverage recommendation whilst watching the sun slip down is definitely the Margaritas. You can follow with an early dinner and the seafood is outstanding. The atmosphere is very relaxed and casual with most tables outside by the ocean. It can be quite windy on this side of the island but always balmy.

The local transport is cheap and plentiful around Chaweng. The vehicles are brightly painted and passengers sit in the back on padded bench seats (no seatbelts). As these vehicles are not metered prices vary with each journey and driver eventhough the distance appears to be the same! You should never expect to pay more than a couple of dollars anywhere between North and South Chaweng.

Motor Bikes - as the guide book puts it 'the most dangerous activity' on Koh Samui. The roads are potholed and the traffic rules are dubious so I wouldn't recommend this mode of transport eventhough you will see many tourists hiring bikes.

Car Hire - there are jeeps available at reasonable rates and this is a far safer way to explore the island. Rental companies are not mainstream and as I mentioned the road rules are chaotic so make sure you check the condition of the vehicle and agree any damage before you drive away. Insurance conditions should also be fully agreed so you know how much you are liable for in the event of damage.

It is a must for Samui visitors, especially the first visitors. What to see is: Chaweng area - view point, where you see whole length of the main beach from top-view, beautiful! - Lamai area - Grandma and Grandpa Rock, the Phallic Rock - monkeys pluck coconuts - Namuang Waterfall - and shopping at the main town before a visit to Big Buddha then back to your hotel.

On Samui, the monkey undoubtedly qualifies as man's best friend. This isn't surprising, since for centuries the people here have used monkeys to do the hardest part of the work climbing the trees to pick ripe nuts on their coconut plantations. Until the advent of tourism, coconuts represented the main industry here, so these industrious little animals were greatly prized. The monkey theatre offers shows in which the monkeys display their dexterity, and not just at picking coconuts. Look for the theatre on the main road behind Bophut village.

Watching all kind of marine life generally requires you to go snorkeling, be a diver and move around the surrounding islands. But, if you're not one for getting wet just visit Samui Aquarium. This Aquarium has been fascinating visitors with their marvelous collection of tropical marine life such as sharks, tropical fish and innumerable other colorful species of aquatic creatures, including turtles which are displayed in vast tanks that line either side of a 120metre long cave-like tunnel. Each tank also houses multi-colored coral, rocks and sea forests, adding to the realism of the exhibition.

Visiting a butterfly farm is a great way of getting up close to some beautiful creatures that one would otherwise only ever see as a flash of vivid color against green forest. The butterflies on the Samui farm flit about naturally amid tropical foliage, but they can't completely escape from view. Besides observing at close range some of the region's most beautiful butterflies, you can witness the breeding cycle of some species that are raised on the spot. The farm is set up on a hillside overlooking the ocean on the southeast corner of the island and makes for a pleasant short outing.

Big Buddha Beach is to the east of Bophut and takes its name from the twelve metre tall statue sitting out on an islet connected to Samui by causeway. This is part of the Koh Fan temple, which is the focal point of this area; there is no town, although there are plenty of little shops and restaurants around the temple. The beach itself is very quiet and peaceful and the waters are calm.

If you are one for shopping and picking up a few bargins, Koh Samui has three major areas, these are Nathon market, Chaweng market and Lamai market. Many kinds of retail goods from all over Thailand are available to make sure that you enjoy great shopping on Samui. Thai silks and handicrafts, or you could have a wardrobe tailor made for you. These are just three examples of Thai goods and services which have become internationally famous.

There is great snorkelling and diving at several surrounding islands like Koh Taen and Koh Matsum with are only about 30mins from Koh Samui or Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan which are 3 hours away. Most of the dive shops on Koh Samui offer day or extended tours to these islands but make sure you choose and accredited PADI operator if you intend to dive.

Another popular boat excursion departs from Bophut pier and includes a steep but very worthwhile climb of Wau Ta Lap hill on the island of Koh Wua Taleb. From here you will get breathtaking views of the 42 islands which make up the Ang Thong National Marine Park, bought to fame in Alex Garlands book "The Beach" and the subsequent movie of the same name starring Leonardo di Caprio.