Ban Raya meeting point - how to get there

If you are staying at Ban Raya Resort or going on our very popular Premium Racha Island Tour you will probably be picked up from your Phuket hotel and transferred to Chalong Bay where the transfer speedboat will be waiting for you at the beach.

If you have your own transport however you will need to meet your guide at the meeting point. This is how to get there.

Coming from Phuket Town on Chao Fah East Road:

Turn left off Chao Fah East Road at Soi Sukee. The turning is opposite a TMB Bank. There is a sign for the Captain Hook Bar.

View Larger Map

Follow the road until almost the end. You will pass Agli Amici pizza restaurant on your left then you'll see a big sign for Rak Talay Travel and a smaller sign for Ban Raya meeting point. (Note that the signs are new and do not appear on Google Street view).

Ban Raya day trip meeting point with car parking available

Coming from Chalong Circle:

Take the road from Chalong circle (that's Chalong roundabout for native English speakers and Hayaek Chalong in Thai) to the pier. It is sign posted Chalong Tourist pier. From Rawai Beach direction it's the fourth exit, from Kata direction it's the third exit and from Chao Fah West road it's the second exit.

Follow the road almost to the end. You'll pass a few dive shops and bars. Turn left at the car park (just after the 7Eleven on your left and Pier 42 hotel on the right). If you reach Kaneang@pier restaurant you've gone a bit too far. If you feel water around your feet you have driven into the sea ;)

Follow the road that bears right then left until you are driving along the promenade. Pass the Tamarind bar, then Jimmy's lighthouse restaurant on your left. Turn left at the end of the road and you will see the Suda restaurant and meeting point ahead of you.  

Congratulations you have reached your destination. Park your car, enjoy the trip to Raya Island :)

View Larger Map

Suda Restaurant, Chalong

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Al's Resort Koh Samui Inspection Report

I stayed at Al's Resort in the first week of June 2013 as part of a Koh Samui hotels inspection trip. My opinion of the resort is a bit mixed and whether it's suitable for you will depend on what part of Koh Samui you want to stay in. Basically it's all about location, location, location.

Al's Resort Courtyard

For many people, the best thing about Al's Resort will be that it's in the centre of Chaweng, right on the beach and close to the best bars and restaurants. If you want to be near to the action then this resort will suit you. It's a short stumble along the beach to get back to your room if you've spent all night at the Ark bar. It's also conveniently close to Top's supermarket, very handy for stocking up on bits and pieces.

Chaweng Beach June 2013

The resort itself is only ok, nothing fancy. I can imagine that it was nice when it was newly built but like a lot of resorts that I've seen in this Chaweng beach section of Samui it looks slightly dated, particularly the old fitted furniture and the bathrooms. I stayed in one of the older Deluxe Garden rooms and in fairness I was there just before high season started. I did see several men busy with paint brushes giving the place a spruce up. 

For the location and the price it's hard to complain about Al's Resort though. It's what you get in this part of Chaweng beach for around US$100 per night. If you want to be slap bang on Koh Samui's most popular beach and only pay 3,000-4,000 baht per night for a room you have to compromise a bit. (If you are happy to be a little out from the centre of Chaweng we can recommend other resorts that offer you more for your baht). 

Al's Resort Swimming pool

Al's Resort Restaurant

The resort's beach side swimming pool looked ok although I never saw anyone in it, the sea was flat and calm and was much more inviting to me. The resort restaurant is an ugly concrete and glass building designed to look like a boat's hull, they should really lose it altogether and just build a nice breezy beach restaurant out of bamboo. Breakfast was the usual buffet style, neither good nor bad but plenty of it. WIFI was available at the resort but there was an extra charge. I always think that's a bit mean but there are free internet terminals for guest use in reception. The hotel staff seemed friendly and they gave me a free lift to my next resort when I checked out.

Deluxe Room

We inspect the resorts that we offer on a regular basis to verify that they are up to standard. So to summarize,  I'm happy to keep Al's Resort on our list of Easy Day Selected Resorts because of the location which will be ideal for some people. If you want to be in the heart of Chaweng then for the money Al's Resort is a decent choice. If you prefer to stay a bit further out of Chaweng then we can recommend other resorts that offer better rooms at a similar price.

For more information or to book please visit Al's Resort
More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Phuket Weather 24 June 2013

A beautiful sunny day, wind almost down to zero, still the big waves come from open sea specially during high tide, that today was around noon.

Nai Harn Beach -24 June 2013

But can see from the panoramic view point between Nai Harn Beach and Karon beach how the horizon has changed and now the sky is clear with incredible visibility.

View of Kata and Karon - 24 June 2013

And at late afternoon was time for low tide and sea at Patong Beach was flat and calm, letting everyone enjoy a great day on holiday.

Low tide at Patong Beach

Reviews - Erin M.

Erin & Stephen enjoyed their Racha Yai Island Day Trip and some private hotel transfers:

"Hi Francesco,

Thanks for organising everything for us for our recent trip, we loved the snorkelling and the transfers were very comfortable! it rained a bit too much though!! haha

As previously mentioned, we are getting married in Thailand next yr, in Khao Lak, and will be putting our invites together shortly to send out to our guests.

I have been really happy with the service you have provided me with, and was wondering if you would offer a competitive rate for transfers so that I can recommend your company on my wedding invites?

Return trips and 1-way from Airport - Khao Lak.

I am expecting 50-60 people to attend, and if you were to offer the most competitive price, I would only recommend your company.


Look forward to hearing back from you Francesco :)"

Crystal clear water and nice coral reef at Racha Yai Island 

Varinda Garden Resort Koh Samui - holidays package

Back to Nature

The Varinda Garden Resort is located on the hillside to the south of Lamai Beach on Samui Island, Thailand. It is two minutes walk to Lamai beach as well as Lamai restaurants, shops and beer bars.

This quirky family run boutique resort is set within natural gardens and each room has it's own unique style. It's quiet, peaceful and very friendly. There are excellent views over Lamai bay from the restaurant and swimming pool areas.

• Boutique resort. Suitable for couples or families who want somewhere quieter than Chaweng beach.
• Away from the crowds but just 2 minutes walk to the beach. Great views over the bay. 
• Swimming pool, kids pool, restaurant and spa. Rooms have satellite tv. 
• WIFI is available in the rooms for a small extra charge. 

The Gardens

Deluxe Room

A lovely natural garden setting full of wild flowers and unusual ornaments. Friendly, family run boutique resort. Only a few minutes walk to the beautiful Lamai beach.

Enjoy your holidays at Varinda Garden Resort

More details here...

Inclusive of: 2 nights twin sharing accommodation in a superior room, breakfast, private airport transfers (Samui airport or Pier), tax and insurance.

Single supplement: 3,350 Baht

For information and booking don't hesitate to ask Easy Day Thailand team

We last visited this resort in June 2013: Easy Day inspection report

Restaurant with sea view

For more information or to book please visit Varinda Garden Resort

82/3 Moo 3, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84310 Thailand

If you have stayed at this hotel please leave a comment.

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Phuketweather 23 June 2013

Today the update is directly from the sea, all morning blue sky and just a breeze, however on the way to Racha Yai big swell from south west. Sea was flat around the islands south of Phuket.

On the way to Racha Yai this morning

At Racha Yai Island great weather and if you like to enjoy beach and sea then the best is book few nights on this beautiful islands, just 15 miles south of Phuket. The island east side is sheltered from wind and waves making the place ideal for a relaxing holiday, no traffic and confusion.

Massage on the beach - Racha Yai Island

Lunch Pic Nic style at Racha Yai Island

Can enjoy great snorkeling and diving straight from the shore, there few restaurants to enjoy dinner directly on the beach and couple of bars if like to sit and have a beer. Surely no night life.....Just Relax.

Ao Leuk - Racha Island on 23 June 2013

Best way to enjoy the island is with at least an overnight stay, as between 10:00 and 14:30 a lot of day trippers are coming here to enjoy the beautiful sea, but then the island go back to quiet life as usual. Stay at Ban Raja Resort and Spa is surely best choice.

Ban Raja - Racha Yai Island - park and restaurant

Or do an overnight trip on boat to really discover the place specially if like to dive.

Boat Charter in Phuket

And back to Chalong pier a wonderful full Moon was there to show the way

Full moon - Chalong Bay - 23 June 2013