Travel
Share our special day with us in Koh Samui
About the Destination: Koh Samui
Ko Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. It is a very safe and tourist-friendly destination. It's known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts and posh spas.
The island has a relaxing beach vibe, with amazing weather and natural landscape. December is peak season, so we recommend arranging your travel plans sooner rather than later.
Thai Currency
Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB). You can exchange cash before leaving home, or upon arrival at the airports or throughout the island at cash converters and Western Unions.
From Joya's experience, Thailand is a cash society. Most places do not accept bank cards; however most resorts, hotels, and touristy restaurants do accept them. There is usually lots of ATMs around for you to withdraw cash, but be mindful of the fees associated.
Currency Conversion
Your money will definitely go a lot further in Thailand than in western countries. To see how much your money is worth in Thailand, use this live currency converter.
About the Beach: Chaweng Beach
Chaweng Beach is where the wedding venue (Amari Koh Samui Resort) is nested upon. Chaweng Beach is the most popular beach on Koh Samui amongst tourists. It is a long, spacious beach with blue waters and an upbeat vibe featuring nearby resorts, restaurants & shopping.
Climate
The climate is tropical, sunny and warm on the island of Koh Samui. December is the best time of year to visit Koh Samui, when the weather is the most settled. It should not rain, but if rain does occur, typically it's a short shower that does not last all day. December temperatures average around 27-30°C (80-85°F). The sun sets at 6pm. December is high season, so booking early is essential.
Getting There
Guests can fly directly into Koh Samui at Samui International Airport (USM).
Alternatively, for guests with more time, who want to see more of Thailand, you can take a longer route. You can fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT). Once in Phuket, you can take a bus to Donsak (Raja Ferry Pier). From there, you can take the ferry over to Koh Samui. In total from Phuket to Koh Samui, this trip would take about 6.5 hours.
If you go with the 2nd option, we recommend securing a ticket in advance to avoid waiting around, as it will be peak travel time on the island. We recommend 12go.asia for bus and ferry tickets as they are a known and reliable vendor. We would go with this option, but since we are short on time with the wedding organization, we will be flying in directly.
Trip Advice
Below is some general travel advice for this trip. Please do your own research if required, and seek further information and advice online.
Length of Stay
If you are coming from Australia, we highly recommend staying in the area for around a week, at least, in order to get the most out of your flight cost and travel time.
If you are coming from the US, we highly recommend staying in Asia for an absolute bare minimum of 2 weeks (3 if you can) to get the most out of your flight money and travel time. We don't think it's worth the money and the travel time if you come for only a few days or a week.
Visa Advice
Thailand grants a 30-day visa-free entry on arrival to England, Australian, and USA passport holders coming in at any of their international airports. There is nothing that you need to arrange beforehand as this will be issued to you when you arrive in Thailand.
If you are traveling through other countries to get to Thailand, be sure to check if those countries require visas or not and the costs associated with their requirements.
Generally, if your time in another country is just a transfer/layover and you do not intend to leave the airport in that country, you will not need a visa or need to do anything extra. But do your own research to double check.
Travel Insurance
Don't forget your travel insurance. We strongly discourage attending without a travel insurance policy in place, especially if you have multiple flights/layovers in your itinerary, are planning to do any adventurous activities, or in case you get sick.
Assistance Booking Flights or Accomodation
We recommend booking between January - June 2024 to ensure that you get the best prices for flights and accommodation.
If you require assistance booking your flights and/or accommodation, or are unsure if you are getting the best price, please reach out to us and we will gladly assist you.
Emergency Advice
The emergency number in Thailand is 191. You will need to have roaming enabled with your mobile phone carrier, or you will need a Thai mobile phone SIM card to dial anywhere, including emergency services. You can obtain a SIM card at the airport, near the exit upon your arrival into Thailand. To enable roaming, contact your mobile phone service provider at least a day prior to your departure to ensure this is set up.
The Samui International Hospital is a 3-minute walk from the wedding location in the event that you have a health crisis. They speak English, as it is an international hospital.
* Thailand is strict with importing medication. If you need to bring perscription medication with you on the trip, please ensure that it is legal in Thailand and you have a note from your doctor stating what the medication is required for, and the medication is in it’s original packaging. Customs usually don’t care and don’t bother checking, however.
Transportation
Getting to and from the Airport
The airport is about 10 minutes away from Chaweng Beach. For getting around the island, including to and from the airport, there will be plenty of taxis or transportation booking desks outside when you exit the airport. You may also arrange a pickup with your accommodation of choice. If you are a fan of rideshare and ride hailing services such as Uber, Thailand has equivalent services with mobile apps Grab and NaviGo. Grab and NaviGo are highly reliable and your pricing is always fair and honest.
Getting Around the Island
We recommend staying on-site or in accommodation that is within walking distance to make transportation hassle-free for yourself. Thailand is very safe so if you do wish to see more of the island, there are inexpensive taxis, ride hailing apps (such as Grab or NaviGo), and tuk-tuks to take you around.
Alternatively, if you are comfortable driving in Thailand, there are numerous places to rent motorbikes or cars. If you do plan on renting a vehicle, it's best to have an International Driver's Permit for insurance purposes. We plan on renting a motorbike while we are there to see more of the island during our down time.
In Thailand, they don't ask for a license when renting a motorbike, but be mindful of your safety, the safety of others, and the property of others if choosing to do so. (Also note that travel insurance will not cover you if you get injured on a bike and the driver is not licensed!)
Accomodation
Guests will be responsible to provide and arrange their own accommodation. Due to December being high season, we highly suggest booking sooner rather than later.
We will be hosting the event and staying at Amari Koh Resort. Please see below for information on Amari Koh and other options nearby of various budgets, if you wish to stay elsewhere. Alternatively, there are a few Airbnb options on the island as well.
Group Booking Discount Details
Promotion code: JPWD2024
Booking period: On 10 Jan - 31 Mar 2024 (3 Months) You need to use the code no later than 31 Mar 2024
Stay period: On 20 Dec 2024 - 10th Jan 2025
Minimum stay: 3 Nights
Room type: All
Room rate: 15% off BAR (Best Available Rate, from the hotel website) .
Stay period: On 20 Dec 2024 - 10th Jan 2025 Minimum stay: 3 Nights Room type: All Room rate: 15% off BAR (Best Available Rate, from the hotel website)
Booking Structure
Access the hotel website: https://www.amari.com/koh-samui
Select the traveling period and minimum required for 3 nights
Enter the promotion code: JPWD2024
The website will show many packages proposed, please select the package mentioned "Special Discount for Wedding Group: "JPWD2024"
The total amount including VAT and Service Charge will be summarized on the last page and the system will automatically send it to the guest's email.
Amari Koh Samui Resort
Amari Koh Samui Resort is where the wedding will be held. This is also where we will be staying for the majority of our time in Koh Samui. This is the most convenient option for relaxation and ease when it comes to attending the event.
Amari Koh is a beautiful resort with 3 restaurants, 2 swimming pools, free wifi, beach views, numerous facilities, and services. It is located only 10 minutes from Samui International Airport.
La VIDA Samui
La VIDA Samui is a wonderful accommodation option also situated on Chaweng Beach. They have excellent reviews and prices, offering a high level of facilities and services. This is a very nice option that is slightly less pricey than the first 2 options.
As La VIDA is only a 2-minute walk from the wedding venue, it is a great option if you choose not to stay on-site at Amari Koh.
SALA Samui Chaweng
SALA Samui Chaweng is another amazing option on Chaweng Beach. It is only a 1 minute walk from the wedding venue, Amari Koh and offers a wide array of facilities and services.
The Teak Wing Hotel
The Teak Wing Hotel is a budget accommodation option that offers a pool, great service and is close to the beach. It is also walking distance (only 2 minutes) from the wedding venue.
Chill Inn Hostel
If you are a fan of staying in hostels, Chill Inn Chaweng is a great option. It is slightly further from the wedding venue, being a 9-minute walk away, but is still doable. Chill Inn has great reviews and is known to be a clean and tidy hostel with chill vibes.
Things to Do in Koh Samui
Samui Elephant Sanctuary
Samui Elephant Sanctuary offers tours that provide insights into the nature and importance of these majestic creatures. Here, visitors will be equipped with a unique opportunity to feed elephants, walk with them, and observe them as they forage, socialize and play. These elephants have all be rescued from harsh working environments in the tourism industry.
Island Hopping
If you are interested in seeing another nearby Island, you can take a ferry ride over to Ko Pha Ngan. Ko Pha Ngan is smaller in size and population than Koh Samui, but has amazing beaches and landscapes on offer. Ko Pha Ngan is a little smaller than Koh Samui, but offers nice nature during the day and big parties at night. If you are looking for one of these two things, this is a great option.
Lomprayah High Speed Ferries offers direct 30 minute boat transfers to Ko Pha Ngan. You could spend the day there exploring, hiking and snorkeling, or even spend a night or 2 there.
Waterfall Hikes
Koh Samui is home to over a dozen waterfalls. Our favorite way to explore the outdoors in a new place is with All Trails . There, you can find the best waterfall hikes on the island. Na Muang 1 and 2 Waterfalls are the most popular waterfalls to visit among tourists. However #2 is considered to be a difficult but rewarding hike.
Alternatively, you can book a tour to one of the waterfalls to go with a guide and group.
Wine and Dine
Thai food is considered to be one of the most popular cuisines in the world. Experience its authenticity throughout the island. Food and drinks are plentiful in Koh Samui and prices are an absolute bargain compared to western countries. Although, a few of the biggest touristy restaurants will cost you almost the same as it would back home. You can find not only Thai food across the island, but western food and other global cuisines as well, especially in the Chaweng Beach area.
Koh Samui is filled with palm tree-lined beaches and luscious, tropical rainforests. Below is a section of a few things to do so that you can get the most out of what the island has to offer during your free time there.
Along with these suggestions, your accommodation reception will be able to provide more suggestions. Any of our suggestions can be booked with a tour. For more flexible and affordable options, you can take yourself to these locations. Please reach out to us if you need assistance organizing any activities.
Night Markets
Fisherman's Village Night Markets operate daily from 6pm - 10pm. This market is a big street market with everything from street food to souvenirs.
Chaweng Night Markets operate on Thursday - Saturday nights from 6pm - 11pm. This market is the same as a Fisherman's Village Market, but on a smaller scale.
Both Markets are located a short walk from the hotels and resorts.
Beach and Water Activities
What better place to relax on the beach, take in the views, and partake in water activities? Koh Samui is fully surrounded by amazing beaches and pristine water. Be sure to spend some of your spare time soaking in some sun rays and going snorkeling or swimming. Some other options are jet skiing, diving, paddle boarding or boat tours. Your accommodation hosts should be able to provide you with suggestions, rental equipment or tour options.
Joya and Peter’s Schedule
Here is our trip itinerary below for you so that you have an idea of where we will be and when. This schedule is subject to slight changes, but the arrival and departure dates are fixed.
We plan on renting a motorbike and fitting in a lot of the activities that are listed above in the Things to Do Section during our free time.
Over the days of the trip, we are also hoping to spend quality time with everyone who is present and available, however this is your trip so do as you want to do.
- December 24th, 2024 - Arrive in Koh Samui, Thailand (we will be initially staying in a villa at the Evergreen Resort, just a short distance from Amari Koh Samui Resort).
- December 25th - 26th, 2024 - Have Christmas Dinner at Tree Tops Signature Dining and enjoy the island and everyone’s company.
-December 27th, 2024 - Check-In to the Amari Koh Samui Resort
- December 28th, 2024 - Wedding Ceremony and Reception
- December 29th, 2024 - Recover from the festivities and enjoy a Farewell Dinner at Pak Tai - Ritz-Carlton.
- December 30th, 2024 - Set out in the early morning as we fly from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai to start our Honeymoon.
- December 30th - January 14th, 2025 - Spend our Honeymoon time in northern Thailand (Chiang Mai and Pai). Then we will finish our Honeymoon back in the south of Thailand (Krabi).
- 14th January, 2025 - Start heading back to Perth, with a 2 night layover in Kuala Lumpur, upon the completion of our Honeymoon to recover from the traveling, then resume working and studying.
