General Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

CURRENCY

The currency used in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB).
In January 2014 the current exchange rates were:

$1 Australian = 29 Thai Baht
$1 New Zealand = 26 Thai Baht
1 British Pound = 54 Thai Baht
$1 US = 32 Thai Baht

For updated rates check out
www.xe.com


GETTING THERE

Koh Samui is an island located on the east side of the Malay Peninsula in the south of Thailand.  There is an airport on the island, but it does not receive any direct flights from outside of Asia.  Therefore to get there, a stop over will be needed in either, Bangkok, Phuket island, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, with a connecting flight over to Koh Samui.

Airlines who fly there  from Australia and New Zealand include, Jetstar, Malaysian, Singapore, Qantas, Thai, Air NZ, and more.
Good websites to check:

www.webjet.com
www.expedia.com
www.skyscanner.net
 
(January is the high season in Thailand and like anywhere, flights can get expensive the later you try to book, so we recommend booking as early as possible.)


GETTING AROUND

FROM / TO THE AIRPORT - Transfers to/from the airport and your accommodation can be arranged by many of the resorts/hotels.  If yours doesn't, there will be shared shuttle vans at the airport that usually have fixed prices to certain areas on the island.  Otherwise there are taxi's but they don't usually have fixed prices and they wont use meters either, so negotiate prices before using them. Prices to Chaweng from the airport should be around 300 - 500 baht.

WHILE STAYING -

• The easiest and most cost effective way to get around the island is on a scooter.  They can be rented between 200-400THB per day depending on what area you are staying in, and the place you rent them from. (Resorts are usually a bit more expensive than some shops in the towns, but are obviously more convenient to pick up and drop off at your door step).   You can fit 2 adults on 1 scooter, and you don't need a bike license to rent or ride them, but it can be dangerous as the driving in Thailand is quite crazy, so it is recommended to only use them if you have ridden before.  (Also always wear a helmet, even though locals don't, as police sometimes pull over tourists for not wearing one.  Also many travel insurances will not cover you on bikes/scooters and if they do, they will not payout if you are injured and not wearing a helmet, so check your policy before renting)
• There are TukTuks (ute's with canopy's on the back which you sit under) circling the island which you can wave down on the side of the road.  There are no set times, and no real set prices, and they will only drop you as close to the place you want to go which is on the main route, and will cram as many people into the vehicle as possible. Short distances are usually 100 THB per person but can go up to 500THB for longer.
• Taxi's.  Taxis can be found anywhere at any time.  They will be private and will take you to exactly where you want to go, but they will be the most expensive option.  Always negotiate and agree on a price before going anywhere in a taxi. For example, a minimum fare will be 200-300 THB and getting from one side of the island to the other will set you back around 800 - 1000THB. You can also hire a taxi driver for an entire day for around 2000 THB.

ACCOMMODATION

Every type of accommodation you could want can be found on the island, from cheap guesthouses, to 5 star resorts and everything in between.
Prices range from $30 - $70 for budget private rooms, $70 - $140 mid range and $140 + for the decent resorts.
We recommend checking out the following websites:

www.booking.com
www.agoda.com
www.hostelbookers.com
www.hostelworld.com

We will be staying at the Nora Buri resort. They have offered discounts at this resort, and their sister resort, Nora Beach (5 min away from each other) for all of our wedding guests. If you are bringing children, Nora Beach would be the better one to choose because of the layout. Please note that they will not allow children to stay in private pool villas for safety reasons. Anybody staying at either resort should be able to visit guests and use the main pool at both locations.

Discounted Rates listed below (you can see photos of the room types on their website) :

Nora Buri Resort

Deluxe Hillside (1 King or 2 Single) - 5,280 Baht
Deluxe Hillside Seaview (1 King or 2 Single) - 6,480 Baht
Pool Villa Hillside Seaview (1 King Bed) - 11,760 Baht
Pool Villa Beachside (1 King Bed) - 13,680
Pool Villa Beachside Seaview (1 King Bed) - 14,400 Baht
Pool Villa Beachfront Seaview (1 King Bed) - 15,120 Baht

Nora Beach Resort

Superior (Double, Single or Twin) - 4,800 Baht
Nora Villa (Double, Single or Twin) - 6,480 Baht
Nora Ocean Villa (Double or Single) - 7,920 Baht
Nora Tropical Suite (Single & Double) - 8,400 Baht
Pool Villa Suite (Single & Double) - 11,760 Baht
Beachfront Pool Villa Suite (Single & Double) - 13,680 Baht

Conditions:

Above rates are only for wedding group booking direct to the hotel ONLY

Above rates are per night, per room/villa

Inclusive of daily breakfast for 2 persons

Above rates are net price inclusive of Tax and Service Charge

Extra Bed (Deluxe Rooms) at Baht 1,500.- per night with 1 Breakfast

Extra Bed (Pool Villas) at Baht 2,000.- per night with 1 Breakfast

Cancellation prior arrival 30 days before is subject to one night charge

Cancellation prior arrival 14 days before is subject to 50% total amount of accommodation

A 30% deposit is require for the Accommodation once Reservation has confirmed/provide reference reservation number

To guarantee a booking, credit card details are required

Check-In Time: 2pm

Check-Out Time: 12noon

 

Family Plan
Children under 12 years old occupying in the same room with adult(s) by sharing an existing bed is free of charge.
The maximum number of person in one room is 3 persons (3 adults / 2 adults + 1 child / 1 adult + 2 child).
If require an extra bed for child, the charge of 850 THB per night for an extra bed will be applied. Extra bed price is included breakfast.
Compulsory breakfast for child at 350 THB per child per day will be applied for child sharing room with adult(s) by using an existing bed.

Bridal Party Guests Benefits:

1. 50% OFF round trip transfer Airport-Nora-Airport

2. Welcome healthy drink upon check in.

3. Welcome tropical fruits on arrival date.

4. Get 20% discount on spa treatment at Anodas Spa except Special Promotion on the month

5. Welcome Dinner discount dine-in 25% OFF

Please contact michelle@noraresorts.com to book, stating that you are coming to "Andrew & Kats Wedding" in order to get the discount.

BABYSITTING


We understand a number of our guests have children, and will be bringing them to Thailand.  We would prefer that children aren't present at the wedding however, if needed, having them at the ceremony is ok.
Alternatively a babysitting service is available at most of the resorts and some hotels.  Nora beach offers there service for 350 THB per hour per child, (approx. $10-$12) This can be booked with the resort within a day or two of the wedding. 


EATING / DRINKING

There is a big selection of restaurants around the island, and most will have a selection of Thai and Asian dishes along with a number of western dishes.  Asian food will always be cheaper and usually a lot quicker to arrive at the table.  They also have a wide choice of drinks, including water, soft drinks, beers, cocktails, smoothies, shakes, etc.
Food and drinks at resorts are close to normal prices back in Australia and New Zealand.  Meals ranging from $10-$30 and around $3 for soft drinks through to $12 for cocktails and wine.
Outside of resorts the prices drop dramatically.  Meals can be as cheap as $3 for Thai food such as Pad Thai and $2 for soft drinks and beers. (Wine will generally be expensive in all places.)

There are also supermarkets and plenty of 7eleven's or mini markets were you can buy snacks, drinks or food to make your own meals with.


WEATHER

On average most rain falls during the months of November (269mm) and October (254mm).
February and March are usually the driest months, with January the third. (Rainfall in January 46mm, February 11mm and in March 25mm).
Daily average temperatures in Koh Samui range from 25.3°C to 28.1°C. Peak temperatures usually occur in  March & April.
Average temperatures decline in December to 25.3°C and in January to 25.5°C, however at any time, temperature during the day can get up to the mid 30's sometimes even 40°C.
You shouldn't need jackets or long pants at all but it's always best to be prepared.


THINGS TO DO

If lounging by the pool getting served cocktails, or soaking up the sun on the beach gets a bit tiresome, there are many activities on the island to keep you busy.
There is an abundance of shops and markets around the island with a high percentage around Chawang beach.  Shops that have price tags will usually be fixed but any shops or markets stalls without price tags, prices can be haggled over.  What ever price they first say, many times you will be able to get it for about half that if you negotiate well or buy more than one item.
Some other activities available are, mini, regular and soccer/football golf, shooting range, massage/spa's, cooking classes, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, wind surfing, jet skiing, water skiing, fishing.
Some attractions you may want to visit can include the Big Budda, temples & waterfalls. 
You can also take a day trip via boat to some other islands including, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Koh Phangan holds the famous Full Moon Party's and Koh Tao is known for its incredible diving. You can sit your Diving PADI cert here for cheap.