Every year on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, Thailand including Koh Samui, celebrates the magical and visual wonder of the Loi Krathong Festival.

“Loi" means ‘to float’ and "Krathong" is a raft about a hand-span in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk that is decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks amongst other items.

The Krathongs are then launched in to a lake, river or sea, with one's own nail clippings, hair and sometimes money - whereby the act of floating away the candle raft is symbolic of letting go of all one's grudges, anger and defilements, so that the Krathong owner can start life afresh on a better foot.

The festival is believed have orginated an ancient practice of paying respect to the spirit of the waters. Today it is simply a time to have fun. This visual spectacular is something to behold alongside the fireworks, lantern releases and general celebration on the night.

This year, Loi Krathong falls on the 10th November and Samui Beach Village will have Krathongs available for every guest at Samui Beach Village and those dining with us, or enjoying our Clubhouse facilities to enjoy and engage in the age-old practice and celebrations. Please join us on the evening of the 12th November and participate in this wonderous evening at our Clubhouse Pool to collect your Krathong.

In collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Association of Koh Samui (TAKS) and the Samui Municipal -  Bangkok Airways recently held the Samui Island Marathon 2011 to compete for HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Cup with a prize of over3 million baht which is the highest record in Thailand’s marathon’s history!

With rainy season during June through to October, there are far fewer tourists on the island of Koh Samui and these months are packed full of events to entice more visitors.

The event was held on 18 September 2011 on Koh Samui with the start and finish points set on the northern point of the island at Nathon Pier. Everyone as welcome to participate with different categories to suit young, old, the athletic and those who are not so!

Full Marathon (42,195km), Half Marathon (21,1km), Quarter Marathon (10,55km), Samui Student Marathon (5km) and Fun Run (2km).

Samui Beach Village’s own Guest Relations Manager, Fiona Cottrell chose the challenge of the Quarter Marathon and completed with ease and came 1st in her age group! All at Samui Beach Village are very proud of her achievement and congratulate her for her efforts!

Samui Beach Village is located on the south-east coast of Koh Samui and welcomed any participating athletes to enjoy our spa center, tennis courts, swimming pool and fitness center at our Samui Beach Village Clubhouse.