THE LOCATION: Just off the ring road and close to the spectacular Namuang Waterfalls lies this recently completed 3 bed, 2 floor villa with a private pool, a large walled garden & plenty of parking.
The location of this spacious villa is its prized asset, facing the mountains with only two other developed plots in the small cul de sac, some 10 kilometres from the quiet white sands of the natural beach at Lipa Noi.
Unlike the development of other parts of this idyllic tropical island, the southern region has retained all of its green & natural beauty. Not surprisingly, it has been listed as one of the ‘1000 Places To See Before You Die'.
KOH SAMUI: The island of Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 35 km northeast of Surat Thani town (9°N, 100°E), 700km South of Bangkok & a 1 hour plane ride away.
It is the most significant Island in the Mu Koh Samui Archipelago. The island measures some 25 km at its widest point. It is surrounded by about sixty other islands, which together compose the Ang Thong Marine National Park (Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park) and include many other popular tourist destinations, including, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan.
Ko Samui is known for it's abundant natural resources, white sandy beaches, turquoise water, coral reefs and coconut trees.
All areas of the island are easily accessible from the villa for those who wish to explore the colourful local culture, temples, natural geographical features & multitude of quiet, picturesque beaches that encircle the island.
HISTORY & ECONOMY: Until the late 20th century, Ko Samui was a self-sufficient community, having little connection with the mainland. The island was without roads until the early 70s, and the 15km journey across the island could involve a whole-day trek through mountainous jungles.
Historically the island's economy was based on subsistence agriculture & fishing, with coconuts as the main cash crop. Backpackers’ came across Samui in the 70’s and tourism started to become an economic factor. Samui still exports coconut & rubber but tourism is the dominant industry now, with the island's transport links facilitating exploration of other islands in the area.
Though tourism has been popular for a while, only recently has Samui truly developed into a “Boutique Island”, due to the arrival of both Thai & International investors.
EDUCATION & HEALTHCARE: There are many well-known hotel brands on Koh Samui including , Le Meridien, Amari, Four Seasons, Conrad and the list continues to grow. Koh Samui is constantly striving to improve its infrastructure and build on its facilities to maintain the island as a destination of choice for its visitors without losing its island charm.
The medical healthcare in Thailand is renowned for its high standards and hi-tech equipment. There are four international private hospitals on Samui: Samui International Hospital on the Beach Road in North Chaweng; Thai International off the Lake Road in Chaweng; Bandon Hospital on the Ring Road; and Bangkok Samui Hospital in Chaweng Noi. The Government Hospital is in Nathon. Bangkok Hospital Samui is generally regarded as the best equipped and staffed, as it is part of a Nationwide chain of high-end hospitals.
SHOPPING: Shopping on the island ranges from the open-air markets to the small boutique shops, each providing something different and at a good price. There are 3 main superstores Makro, Big C & Tesco, all sell Thai & Western food brands as well as electronics & home wares.
The islands main shopping areas are in Chaweng, Lamai & Nathon. However, there are also still many shops, markets & malls that are well worth visiting throughout Samui. It is in Nathon where you can expect to pick up the best deals whereas Chaweng probably has the most choice of outlets, with everything from a thriving night market to supermarkets, international designer stores & just about everything in between. Lamai Beach offers shoppers something different again, as it is here where you will find a fabulous selection of quirky boutiques & small independent shops.
CLIMATE: The Samui climate is tropical – providing warm temperatures all year round & spasmodic refreshing downpours of rain.
From December through March temperatures hover around 30°C & there is a light breeze (December tends to have more rain). The hottest months are April through to June (especially April, where temperatures can easily reach 40°C) - the humidity is at its highest, yet late afternoon downpours & spectacular thunderstorms help clear the air. July to September has plenty of guaranteed sunshine, there are tropical storms but they pass very quickly & keep the temperature & humidity in check. October & November are the monsoon months but they can be unpredictable (heavy rain & days on end of sunshine are equally likely). Temperatures tend to be lower, 23-28°C at this time.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS: To read some more about some of the local attractions & activities (and for full information on the villa, including a virtual tour, image gallery & full printable information, visit the dedicated villa website at www.namuangvilla.co.uk
