Frequently Asked Questions

Transport

How do I get to Koh Samui?
How do I hire a Jeep or car?
Where is the nearest petrol station?
How do I use taxis?

Advice

How do I get advice for my holiday needs?
Where are the nearest ATM's?
Where is a Bank or Bureau de change?

Eating and Drinking

Can I drink the tap water?
Where can I buy groceries?
Is there milk available?
Where do I eat?
What type of drinks are there in Samui?

Laundry

Where is the local laundry?

Etiquette

Do I take my shoes off?
Do I have to tip?
What clothes do I wear when entering a temple?

What to do

Where are the best place's to buy clothes?
How do I arrange a tour?
How do I arrange to play golf?
I want to go to a health spa?
Where do I go for night time entertainment?

Medical Needs

Where is the nearest chemist?
Where is the nearest hospital?
What precautions should I take when visiting Samui?

Children

Can I arrange for a Cot / High chair / Baby sitter?
Are there baby care products available?

Security

Does the villa have a safe?
Is the area safe?

How do I use taxis?

Transport

How do I get to Koh Samui?

Bangkok Airways operate frequent flights to Samui from Bangkok. They also operate direct flights from Hongkong and Singapore. On line bookings can be made on www.bangkokair.com and the UK agent contact number is 01293 596626. You can also take the train, coach or fly from Bangkok to the port of Surathani on the mainland, and get the ferry across to Samui.

How do I hire a Jeep or car?

The Coconut office at the entrance to Coconut Grove can arrange a jeep for you. They are cheap, but always have a look around the vehicle. They can also put you in touch with the International car hire companies.

Where is the nearest petrol station?

Turn left out of Coconut Grove, the petrol station is a short drive away, located on the right hand side of the road. Petrol stations are all around the Island.

How do I use taxis?

Taxis are all around Samui. They don't normally use the meter, so agree the fare before setting off. For the more adventurous, converted pick up trucks serve as local buses. They have the destination on the side of the vehicle in English and have a set charge.

^ back to top

Advice

How do I get advice for my holiday needs?

The staff of Coconut land are available 7 days a week in office hours. Free maps and details of attraction Samui are also available in the office, and most places around the Island.

Money

Where are the nearest ATM's?

ATM's are located all around the Island and take all major cards. The exchange rates are reasonable.

Where is a Bank or Bureau de change?

They are located in the larger towns and tourist areas. Nathon has the main Bank branches. Your passport / Identification may be required for foreign currency exchange transactions.

^ back to top

Eating and drinking

Can I drink the tap water?

The water for Coconut Grove comes from a well, and should not be used for drinking. Bottled water is available from the shop across the road.

Where can I buy groceries?

There are small shops around Coconut Grove which provide basic groceries. A traditional fresh food market is in the main town of Nathon. A UK style TESCO's is on the road to Chaweng beach.

Is there milk available?

Fresh pasteurised milk is available. If you like your English breakfast tea, bring some with you.

Where do I eat?

The choice of restaurants is endless and also reflects the nationality of the visitors to the Island. Seafood is especially good in Samui. Around the villa are several good restaurants, which can be reached on foot. Pick up a free copy of the Samui Dinning guide www.siamdiningguide.com for recommended restaurants. The Fisher man's village at Bo Phut has an interesting range of restaurants

What type of drinks are there in Samui?

All the international soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits are available. Local beer ranges from European taste "Singa" to a Thai taste "Chang". The local spirt is called Meekong or Sang Som (Thai Whisky). This can be bought as a "Sang Som set" which is a half bottle of whisky, 2 cokes and a bucket of ice - Ideal for sundowners.

^ back to top

Laundry

Where is the local laundry?

A laundry is close to Coconut Grove. The service is efficient and cheap.

Etiquette

Do I take my shoes off?

It is tradition to remove your shoes before entering a house, and shops. Many places do not follow this tradition but it worth watching out for.

Do I have to tip?

Small tips are welcome, but check if a service charge is included, often in larger restaurants.

What clothes do I wear when entering a temple?

Modest clothing is required. If you are not sure just ask someone for advice.

^ back to top

What to do

Where are the best place's to buy clothes?

The tourist areas such as Chaweng are filled with traders. The main town of Nathon is worth looking as the prices can be cheaper. Don't forget to barter, and the more you buy the more discount can be gained.

How do I arrange a tour?

Samui has many attractions to visit. Such as Elephant and Horse riding, Aquarium, Bird / Tiger / Snake and Monkey show's, Garden's such as the butterfly and secret gardens, Waterfalls, Water sports, Boat trips, Go carts, Quad bikes, Bungee jumping. Plus the many temples on the Island. The Coconut Land office is happy to advise you and make arrangements for you.

How do I arrange to play golf?

The Coconut Land office will make arrangements for you at the Santiburi championship golf course www.santiburi.com

I want to go to a health spa?

Samui has many health Spa's. Pick up a free copy of the Samui Health and Spa guide www.santiburi.com

Where do I go for night time entertainment?

Chaweng is famous for its night life. For families, many of the restaurants have cultural shows while you dine, such as Big John Seafood restaurant.

^ back to top

Medical Needs

Where is the nearest chemist?

Chemists are Nathon and Mae Nam. They can be recognised by a green cross on a white sign. Most of the towns have chemists, with Watson's an international chain.

Where is the nearest hospital?

Samui Hospital is through Nathon on the West side of the Island. Samui International Hospital in on the road to Chaweng beach on the East side of the Island.

What precautions should I take when visiting Samui?

Samui is a Far Eastern Tropical Island. If you have any health concerns you should talk to your doctor. Sun protection is important and insect repellent useful..

^ back to top

Children

Can I arrange for a Cot / High chair / Baby sitter?

Yes, at the time of booking, arrangements can be made.

Are there baby care products available?

A full range of products are available especially in the town of Nathon and TESCO's supermarket.

Security

Does the villa have a safe?

Yes

Is the area safe?

Samui is a safe location, with the local people very welcoming. Every day normal common sense supports you well. There is a night time security guard at Coconut Grove.