One of the best things about Thailand, of course, is the food. If you want to have more than a passing knowledge of classic Thai dishes, you can learn how to cook them yourself. A culinary institute and several hotels offer demonstrations and hands on practical experience in Thai ingredients and cooking techniques. Introductory courses can take as few as three hours while more intensive courses can last up to a week or two. 
For more information contact: Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts (SITCA) - Tel: 413-172 
Health Oasis Resort - Tel: 420-124

Koh Samui is covered in a number of areas with fantastic dense jungle. The biodiversity of these areas make a trip inland well worth tearing yourself away from the beach for a day. Many places can be reached by jeep and/or a short hike. Most travel agents will have information about and pictures of the various tours and can book a reservation for you. 

Diving is one of the most popular activities on Samui and the surrounding islands, because going beneath the waves reveals a whole new world. If you are experienced or not, have your own equipment or not, you can find a dive school and tour to suit your tastes. See Watersports and Diving section for more information.

If you prefer to see the trees without the help of motors, you can go on an elephant trek. While elephants are not native to Samui, there appearance on the island is actually a good sign. Because Thailand’s remaining natural forests are now protected, elephants are no longer employed in their traditional logging work, and so have plenty of free time to work with visitors. Despite their huge size, elephants are incredibly sure footed, even on steep and narrow trails. And the world just looks more amazing from 3 metres up on the back of an elephant. Standard trips last a half hour, but longer trips can be requested. For more informtion, call Island Safari. Tel: 230-709, 230-567

Whatever your budget, you can treat yourself to a bit of decadence. Roving beach masseurs, healing centers and upscale spas offer Thai and oil massges, herbal saunas and other treats for your head to toes self. Check out the Healthy Living section for redommended facilities.

If you desire more than the average adrenaline rush, you have a number of options. You can head to Samui Shooting Sport on the main road between Bophut and Chaweng, to safely use rifles and handguns. You can shoot your friends with paintballs at Samui Paintball, near the Samui International Hospital. You can head to Lamai to shoot up into the air compliments of the Jungle Bungy Catapult. Or you can head to Samui Go Kart between Mae Nam and Bho Put to shoot around their track.

You can glide across the water’s surface near Samui’s shores or around the cave studded islands of Angthong National Marine Park. Sea Kayaks are very stable and easy to use. A number of hotels in Chaweng rent kayaks or Blue Stars Kayaking can arrange a full day tour complete with guides and kayaks in the marine park. Call Blue Stars for more information tel: 230-497.

The Hash House Harriers has been described alternately as runners with a drinking problem, or drinkers with a running problem.Either way, they gather every other Saturday (December 2, 16 and 30) to run. They meet at Tradewinds Cottages in Chaweng at 3:30, and the Red Fox Bar in Lamai at 4pm. From there they head to a different location on the island each time for some running fun and some seriously entertaining company. Call John at Tradewinds, tel: 230-602 or Danny, tel: 01-892-2489 for more information.

The Playroom is the perfect place for kids to meet other kids while they play with the endless variety of toys games and videos available. Adults are always on hand between noon and midnight to make sure kids are safe and have fun while their parents have some fun of their own. Located on South Chaweng Beach Road. Tel: 230-626 

Before kids hit the big links they may want to try their hand at mini golf. Treasure Island has 18 colorful holes in Chaweng behind the Islander restaurant and Gringos Tex-Mex Cantina. 

Health Oasis Resort also offers a child and family friendly environment. Their Healing Child Center offers everything from informal supervised play time, to more formal Yoga, Reiki, computer and English classes. Call Mel at tel: 420-124 to tailor activities to suit your needs.

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