Fun in the Sun on Koh Samui

The Story Behind the Boat Suites

Staying in Boat Suite at The Imperial Boat House Hotel is a unique experience for visitors to Koh Samui. You have to see these barges, smell the wood and stand on the teak planks to believe that these were once fully functional river barges that operated along the River of Kings, Thailand’s famous Chao Phraya.

The Kingdom of Siam was once synonymous with the spice trade and mentioned in many travel reports such as the accounts of the explorer Marco Polo. Ocean and rivers were the principal transport routes in those days, and in the capital the network of  canals and waterways was so expansive, that Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East. At that time teak wood was abundant in Thailand  and the wood has many qualities, it was the natural choice construction material for rice barges, a tradition which carried on until recent times.

Thirty-four of these working boats then made an unusual journey. Alongside larger support vessels these historic barges sailed across the Gulf of Thailand to the island of Samui where they took residence at The Imperial Boat House Hotel. Never having sailed on the ocean before, the waves and the seawater took their toll on these precious boats, and painstaking restoration was required. First the hull and external structures had to be refurbished, then the barges’ interior space could be converted into luxury suites.

The boathouse barges at The Imperial Boat House Hotel are the only ones of their kind in the world.  These have become a great attraction with their rich heritage and their natural wooden construction.  The chronicle of the barges, traditions and history are interwoven with the unique experience of staying in these suites. Creaking sounds of the wood, caused by changes in temperature and humidity, may be heard in the stillness of the night. A scent of wood and rice hints to the endeavor of years of transporting rice to various destinations along the River of Kings, tales and odors ingrained into the teak wood of the barge. Each rice barge is a porthole to a bygone era, the scents and sounds telling their tale. The tenant of the rice barge should not be troubled or frightened by these rare occurrences - quite the opposite - the guest of a boat suite will appreciate the unrivaled, heightened experience of staying on a historic barge at The Imperial Boat House Hotel on beautiful Koh Samui.

The White House Hotel Koh Samui is located at a peaceful bay with white, powdery sand. A place considered by many to be the most romantic beach on the island. The White House Hotel is offering privacy and seclusion for complete relaxation.

At the White House Koh Samui every guest is a president. It is a small, sophisticated hotel and the order of the day is relaxation in elegant and tropical surroundings.  The White House captures the essence of the tropical island as it used to be. An idyllic getaway with Thai warmth and hospitality in traditional Thai-style houses, set amidst lush foliage and pristine white sands. You can feel right at home at the White House.

Beachfront hotel with 35 deluxe rooms, villas and villa suites at Lamai Beach on Koh Samui.

Characteristic: Samui Jasmine Resort is a recently completed small boutique resort with a truly magnificent beach. Only a few steps from the shopping and entertainment center in Lamai.

Hotel pictures: www.samuiwave.com/samui/samuijasmine/

Room sizes: Deluxe rooms 30 square meters, deluxe villa suites 38 square meters, junior villa suite 65 square meters.

In-room amenities: Air-conditioning, satellite TV, personal safe, international direct dial telephone, mini-bar, tea & coffee-making facilities, hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, sun umbrella, beach bag.

Hotel facilities and services: Swimming pool, children’s pool, poolside restaurant, massage, foot massage, tour desk, currency exchange.

Restaurants: Jasmine Coffee House is open from 06.00 am to midnight. The poolside restaurant serves Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Western food with scenic views over Lamai Beach from all tables. Every evening steak and seafood barbecues on the beach.

Swimming pool: Infinity edge swimming pool and children’s pool.

Current room rates (2006): e.g. Deluxe garden view room 2,500 Baht per night during low season and 3,500 Baht per night during high season. Deluxe villa 3,500 Baht per night during low season and 4,500 Baht per night during high season.  More room choices and travel dates to be found on the hotel rate table.

Banana Fan Sea Resort Koh Samui is centrally located directly on Chaweng Beach just a few steps from the main shopping and dining venues. The location, the comfort and hospitality at reasonable price levels make this hotel a great destination for an enjoyable family holiday. Banana Fan Sea Resort has a large swimming pool, Jacuzzi and children pool.

The rooms at Banana Fan Sea Samui are bungalow style accommodations and all have individual terraces and or private balconies.

Baitong Restaurant is  an open-air, beachfront restaurant for breakfast (buffet), lunch and dinner, including Thai favorite dishes. Terrace Beach Bar adjacent to Baitong Restaurant serves light meals, refreshments, cocktails and wine.

Samui Peninsula Spa & Resort is set on 8-acre of coastal land area (25-rai) at Koh Samui’s northeast shoreline. The resort is composed of  twenty elegant Thai-design Villas with private pools. In addition there are 55 apartments and three communal pools in between coconut trees and dense green vegetation for an atmosphere of tropical lushness

The luxury resort combines traditional Thai building methods with modern-day luxury and amenities. They create a harmony that ensures your holiday at Samui Peninsula will be the experience of a lifetime-and one that you will want to repeat.

The tensions of modern life seem remote as you relax under the shade of a coconut tree at the edge of a white, sandy beach.