Improved weather draws tourists back to Koh Samui beaches
Late last week, Koh Samui’s Chaweng Beach was thronged with holidaymakers basking in the warm rays of the sun. The scene was a reminder that the inclement weather which had battered South Thailand since the New Year was passing over.
Western and Asian tourists alike were lazing on the beach and more than a few were paddling in the surf. The sea was still a little choppy and there were not too many people swimming farther out in the sea.
Restaurateurs, masseurs and snack vendors all said they were happy to see the back of the unseasonable rainfall as it was bad for business. January is not usually a wet month in Southern Thailand as the rainy season generally ends a couple of months beforehand.
The storms caused widespread disruption to public transport. The main through line for trains from Bangkok to the south was flooded near Hua Hin and services suspended for more than two days. Flash floods washed away bridges on the southern highway and caused huge traffic tailbacks.
The 12GO ASIA travel team says transport options between Bangkok, the south and the border with Malaysia are back to normal. 12GO ASIA is the easiest choice when sourcing tickets for travel to locations such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Phuket and Krabi.
Municipal authorities in Cambodia’s Kompong Thom Province say the recent UNESCO designation of a temple complex has led to a surge in visitor numbers. UNESCO added the province’s temples of Sambor Prei Kuk to the World Heritage Site list on 8 July.
Thailand’s one and only drum making village is preparing to stage an annual festival dedicated to showcasing the percussion instrument. The Ang Thong International Drum Festival will take place between the 26 and 30 July at locations in the province’s Ekkarat Sub-district.
Transport authorities in Hanoi say numerous tourists have taken advantage of the city’s new transportation option for sightseeing. The bright red double-decker bus looks as though it could have been plucked from the streets of London and even has the same open upper deck as the sightseeing buses there.
