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Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural experiences. With its lush landscapes and crystal-clear waters, it’s a perfect destination for relaxation and adventure alike.

Travel to Ko Samui:

By Air: The most convenient way to reach Koh Samui is by flying into Samui International Airport, which is located between Bophut and Chaweng. The airport is served by several domestic and international airlines, making it accessible from major cities in Thailand and beyond.

By Land and Sea: For budget travelers, ferries from the mainland are a popular option. Regular ferries operate from Surat Thani, and you can combine bus and ferry services to reach the island. This journey can take longer but offers a scenic route to Koh Samui.

Important Landmarks to Visit

Koh Samui is home to several notable landmarks that showcase its cultural heritage and natural beauty:

• Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai): This iconic 12-meter tall golden statue is a must-visit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

• Wat Plai Laem: Known for its intricate architecture, this temple features a striking statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy.

• Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks: These unique rock formations at Lamai Beach resemble male and female genitalia, providing a quirky photo opportunity.

• Ang Thong National Marine Park: A short boat ride away, this archipelago consists of 42 islands, perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking to breathtaking viewpoints.

Popular Beaches

Koh Samui boasts a variety of beaches catering to different tastes:

• Chaweng Beach: The most famous beach on the island, known for its lively atmosphere, water sports, and vibrant nightlife.

• Lamai Beach: A slightly quieter alternative to Chaweng, offering a mix of relaxation and entertainment, ideal for families and couples.

• Bophut Beach: Known for its charming Fisherman’s Village, this area features boutique shops, restaurants, and a more laid-back vibe.

• Maenam Beach: A peaceful beach perfect for those looking to unwind, with stunning sunsets and a serene atmosphere[1][2][5].

Transportation

Getting around Koh Samui is relatively easy. Here are some options:

• Songthaews: Shared taxis that operate on fixed routes, providing an affordable way to travel around the island.

• Motorbike Rentals: A popular choice for those looking for flexibility and adventure, but it’s essential to wear helmets and drive safely.

• Car Rentals: For a more comfortable experience, renting a car can be a good option, especially for families or groups.

• Bicycles: Many resorts offer bike rentals, allowing you to explore the island at a leisurely pace.

Koh Samui offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both leisure and exploration. Whether lounging on its beautiful beaches or exploring its rich heritage, visitors are sure to create unforgettable memories on this enchanting island.

Cultural event for releasing offering to the ocean only held once a year at Tambakrejo in Blitar

Exlusive ( Special/ Private Tour)
We can explore to the crater Kelud in Kediri ( occasional )

Releasing baby turtle ( tukik ) at Serang Beach. The schedule in afternoon starting Turtle talk, look at the turtle incubation place, and the last session releasing tukik.

Nanga Parbat is the ninth highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of over 8,000 meters. It is located in the northwestern part of the Western Himalayas, between the Indus and Astor rivers.

• The climate on this mountain is very variable and unpredictable.

Sudden snowstorms, fogs and snowfalls are possible. For most of the year, the peak is practically inaccessible for climbing.

Due to the large number of fatalities among climbers attempting to conquer this peak, the mountain was nicknamed “Killer Mountain”.

👍 Millennials value experiences more than things

According to American Express Travel’s 2023 Global Travel Trends Report, Millennials spend 46% of their travel budget on experiences (the same trend seen in Generation Z). More than anyone else, millennials are focused on mental health and opportunities to relax. Hotels with spas are growing in popularity among Generation Y for quality health care.

Some 82% of Generation Z travelers and millennials say they are interested in taking vacations that have minimal impact on the environment, compared to 72% of Generation X and 64% of boomers.

Millennials carefully plan itineraries and their “agenda,” including items like “try local food” or “visit the place where a favorite TV show was filmed.”

🏨 Millennials prefer apartments over hotels

According to UK-based research firm YouGov, millennials make up nearly half of Airbnb customers in 2022 - more than Generation X and baby boomers combined.

No surprise, given that many millennials have become parents and are now traveling with children. Since 2019, Airbnb rentals have grown the most specifically among travelers with children six and under. They expect a separate bedroom for their child in an apartment. In addition, hosts often offer cribs, high chairs, and toys.

Meanwhile, many hotels are trying to reorient themselves to “family vacation”: they make themed children’s rooms and are always ready to stuff the room with everything children may need. Somewhere, on request, they will even bring a refrigerator that maintains the temperature necessary for safe storage of breast milk.

Lisbon has been named Europe’s best capital for traveling in 2024.

The Best European Capitals to Visit in 2024 ranking took into account the following factors: weekly budget, number of English speakers, safety and friendliness of the country.

Top 10 capitals:

🇵🇹 Lisbon
🇳🇱 Amsterdam
🇨🇿 Prague
🇵🇱 Warsaw
🇪🇸 Madrid
🇭🇷 Zagreb
🇬🇧 London
🇮🇹 Rome
🇨🇭 Burn
🇫🇷 Paris

Lisbon is one of the cheapest places to live - you need about €385 for a week here. The people of Lisbon are among the friendliest, just after the Spanish and Italians, and the second most English-speaking, just after the Dutch, with the exception of the British.

So what should travelers be prepared for?

The European Commission has made a number of amendments, and now there are several changes to the visa rules at once. All these adjustments should prepare tourists for the digitalization of the Schengen. Thanks to this, the upcoming procedure should be less painless. The new online platform, through which papers are submitted and digital visas are obtained, will be called EU VAP. The domain ends in Europe - eu, this is typical for all EU websites.

When will digital Schengen visas be launched?

From the launch of the platform, the EU member states have seven years to connect to the issuance of digital documents. This is the timeframe the European Commission has set for the transition to the new format. However, countries can also refuse to do so, leaving for themselves a more familiar scheme.

It is known that each digital visa will have a photo of the owner, and if necessary, the document can be printed. Also, to protect against forgery, the document will have a 2D barcode with a cryptographic signature of the authorized body of the country that issued the document.

Payment for the document is made through EU VAP payment services. However, if the tourist cannot pay for the service in this way, the fee is paid either at the consulate or at the visa center.

The platform is able to determine by itself from which country the tourist applying for a visa is applying. But there may be cases when tourists still have to go to the embassy. For example, when a visa is issued for the first time, or when a citizen gets a new passport. As for all others, the digital format will do.