Renowned the world over for its spectacular diving, friendly locals and beautiful pristine beaches, there is plenty to see both on land and water. Whether you want to explore a sunken wreck, dance the night away, or simply go sightseeing, Grand Cayman is the place to start.
Diving is the number one watersport in the Cayman Islands. There are many excellent dive operators that offer you every type of professional dive service, whether you are a beginner or a dive master, you can find what you are looking for. There are over 200 dive sites among the three islands that include a mixture of wall, wreck and reef dives. Your choices are endless. Other popular watersports include snorkelling, parasailing, board sailing, water skiing and ocean kayaking. Sportfishing is also very big in the Cayman’s.
Grand Cayman, the largest and most active of the islands, attracts 95% of the tourists. This island features over 120 dive sites, some with beach access and some by boat. One of the largest tourist attractions in the world is found here and that is Stingray City. You can swim alongside and feed swarms of stingrays in just 12 feet of water. It’s a snorkelling and scuba diving adventure that will never be forgotten!
If getting wet isn’t your thing, or maybe you’re just looking for a really unique experience; well that can be found aboard the Atlantis Submarines! Atlantis submarines offer rides aboard the 48-passenger Atlantis XI, and the Deep Explorer 1000 which takes two passengers on dives of up to 800 and 1000 feet below the ocean’s surface. The Seaworld Explorer takes 35 passengers just five feet below the ocean’s surface, and Cayman Submarines’ SEAmobile Submarine Tours also offers room for two passengers to explore underwater life at depths of up to 60 feet with a 360-degree view. Nautilus offers the 60-passenger air-conditioned Nautilus semi-submarine with a protected glass hull that cruises five feet below the sea’s surface. What a way to explore the world that lives under the sea!
To see a miracle of nature, head over to the Cayman Turtle Farm, the only one of its kind. The turtles are a protected species and there is no where else that you will see an endangered species raised so successfully for conservation. It is home to over 16 000 sea turtles that range in size from 6 ounces all the way up to 600 pounds! The farm has released close to 30 000 turtles back to their home in the wild since 1980 to help replenish the population.
While the real beauty of Grand Cayman lies under the water, it has plenty to offer on land. There has been an incredible amount of work and dedication to restore landmarks and bring the true history and beauty of this island alive. A true must see is Pedro St. James Historic Site. The birthplace of democracy and its first national landmark, you will find a historically accurate reconstruction of the 1780 Great House, formerly known as Pedro Castle, it is truly a spectacular site to see. One of the most beautiful locations in the Cayman Islands, it is a popular location for weddings and social events, with landscaped yards resembling a tropical park and an amazing view of the Caribbean. Among the many attractions located here, the main one is the 49-seat state of the art multimedia theater featuring a 20-minute video presentation on Pedro St. James and highlights 200 years of Cayman history.
There is a destination that most people who visit the Cayman’s have never heard of that should not be missed. It is Grand Cayman’s Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park featuring a visitor’s center, Heritage Garden and Floral Garden, a 2 acre lake and it is also a safe home to the endangered Grand Cayman Blue Iguana. You will see a diverse landscape of native trees and shrubs, wild orchids and epiphytes in a 65 acre park. The Park not only preserves a segment of the Caymanian landscape, but also offers a walk through time into the rich floral history of these islands and by demonstration encourages conservation and horticultural values.
As you can see, there are so many sites to see here on Grand Cayman. Others to note are a trip to the National Museum, as well as the National Trust where you can learn all about historic buildings, bird sanctuaries, wetlands reserves and nature trails on all three islands. And of course, no trip to Grand Cayman would be complete without a trip to Hell! You can go there and then come back with tales of a blackened and jagged rock formation that gives this little district in West Bay its name. Hell’s intriguing weathered rock formation is over 1 1/2 million years old and resembles the charred remains of a hell fire. Its own post office was opened in 1962 for tourists who wanted to send postcards from Hell.
The Cayman’s have the unique ability to make you feel at home as soon as you arrive, with beautifully landscaped resorts, you are sure to feel close to nature wherever you stay! If ever there was a place to live your fantasy lifestyle, the Cayman’s are it! Whether you are looking for luxury four-star hotels and condos on Seven Mile Beach, to comfortable guest houses and casual dive resorts, the islands are sure to meet your vacation needs. One of the Caribbean’s best selections of luxurious beachfront condominiums, apartments and villas are also found here.
There is so much to be found on Grand Cayman that you are sure to have the vacation of a lifetime! With unparalleled beauty, sophistication and a surprising amount of variety, whatever you choose to do, you’ll find your way – Cayman Islands Style!

When you hear the word “invest,” it’s probably in a Charles Schwab commercial while you’re flipping through tv channels , somewhere in between Animal Planet and Grey’s Anatomy. If you’re like me, susceptible to frequent family visits, perhaps you get the same old lecture from Uncle Hank time and time again… “You’re investing in that IRA/401k)/stock portfolio, aren’t you kid?”

We all know we should be investing our hard-earned money for our futures, but how do we go from not knowing where to start to watching our invested dollars grow? Some questions that might run through your mind are: What should I invest in? What sort of funds should I look into? Do I want to take risks, or am I more conservative? These questions are not the most tantalizing topic in the world, but let’s say we make them that way for just a moment!

I propose we start with what we know and love. Start with what makes us interested and excited. Imagine for a moment, that instead of getting lost in the bottomless pit of mutual funds, stocks, bonds, ticker symbols – all that mumbo jumbo – pretend that we can invest in anything we want. Yup, anything! Your favorite movie star, cartoon character, NBA player or band. For example, let’s say we have $100 to start investing with. Hey, every dollar counts and no matter how old you are, I bet you can scrape up $100 to put toward your financial future!

With our $100, let’s invest $25 into the fund of “Scarlett Johansson” (favorite actress), $25 into the fund of “Spongebob” (favorite cartoon character), $25 into the fund of “Monta Ellis” (favorite NBA star – Go Warriors!) and lastly, $25 into the fund of “Coldplay” (favorite band).

There. The hard part’s over. We’ve chosen our funds, now we sit back and watch our “funds” mature. Imagine this – every time the beautiful Scarlett makes a blocbuster and people buy tickets to see it, CHA-CHING! Money in your pocket. Every time Monta Ellis shoots a 3-pointer, look out, CHA-CHING again! What’s that, Spongebob’s on, the episode where he visits his grandma and takes Patrick the starfish with him? CHA-CHING baby! Driving in your car and happen to catch Coldplay on the radio? Score, more money in your pocket!

The idea is, if you’re clueless on how to start investing, why not put your money where your interests are? Do you like drinking soda? Do you enjoy playing video games? Are you into scuba diving? Hey, throw some money into some beverage stock, invest a little in your favorite video game company, or maybe your favorite scuba diving gear brand? Totally random subjects, but the moral of this story is that no matter what you love, no matter what your hobbies are, I bet you can find something that you are knowledgeable about and interested in. And when you are passionate about something enough to follow it, you can bet that it will be that much more fun to invest your money in too.

-this is your #8 FM Popp(News) Agent ZoyKoy

Ko Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 84 kilometers east of Surat Thani Province, or approximately 700 kilometers south of Bangkok. Known as the Coconut Island, Ko Samui is one of the most famous and popular attractions of Thailand. With an area of 247 square kilometers, Ko Samui is the third largest island of Thailand after Phuket and Ko Chang (of Trat Province). The topography of the island is that of a plain with a mountain range in the middle and 7 important streams. In addition, there is a 50-kilometer paved road that encircles the island. Moreover, the area of the island stretches to a group of 48 surrounding islets.

Despite the fast pace of development, Ko Samui has been able to maintain its charm its classical image of a tropical beach resort fringed by coconut trees. Travelers to the island can enjoy a mixed blessing of vibrant day and nightlife along side with tranquility which can easily be found across different parts of Ko Samui as the archipelago is a peaceful home for fishermen and a natural den for seagulls and other rare birds.

Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai are Ko Samuis most beautiful and most popular beaches. Both have a huge selection of accommodations suitable for every budget. Please note that room rates increase during the high season, from December to July, when Samui sparkles. The nightlife of each beach is different: Hat Chaweng is better for couples, women and families, while single men are drawn to the beer bar culture of Hat Lamai. These resorts, as well as Na Thon (Samui’s main town), have communications, exchange and car/motorcycle hire facilities. Other beaches include Hat Choeng Mon, Hat Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, the island’s major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.

Apart from its many lovely beaches and tranquil bays, Ko Samui is also noted for its high quality coconuts that grow densely everywhere. The best time to visit Ko Samui is from February to April when the sea is calm. The Southern dialect and the standard Thai language are spoken while English is widely understood in tourist areas.

From Surat Thani to Ko Samui

1.Express boat

1.1 An express ferry boat of Songserm Travel departs from Tha Thong Pier in Surat Thani at 8.00 a.m. and arrives at Na Thon Pier in Samui at 10.30 a.m. every day. For the return trip, the boat leaves Na Thon Pier at 2.00 p.m. and reaches Tha Thong at 4.30 p.m.

1.2 Express boats of Seatran Express operate three times a day between Ban Don and Ko Samui. Departure times are 7.00 a.m., 12.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. The trip takes two hours.

2. Ferry Boats of Seatran

Seatran Ferry, which can accommodate 60 cars and 400 passengers, operates several trips per day between Don Sak (Surat Thani) and Ko Samui, from 5.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The trip takes about 1.30 hours.

3. Night ferry

A slow night ferry leaves Ban Don Pier nightly at 11 p.m. and reaches Na Thon Pier at Samui around 5 a.m. (6 hours). For the return trip, the boat leaves Na Thon Pier at 9.00 p.m. and arrives at Ban Don Pier at 4.00 a.m. (7 hours).

Getting to nearby Islands from Samui

1. Ko Pha-ngan

1.1 Na Thon Pier (Ko Samui) — Thong Sala Pier (Ko Pha-ngan)

Songserm Travel Co. operates ferry boats and express boats between Na Thon Pier on Ko Samui and Thong Sala Pier on Ko Pha-ngan, four times a day. The trip takes about 45 minutes for express boats, and one hour for ordinary ferry boats.

1.2 Bo Phut (Ko Samui) — Hat Rin (Ko Pha-ngan)

There is a ferry boat leaving Bo Phut for Ko Pha-ngan twice daily at 9.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. The return trips depart Hat Rin on Ko Pha-ngan at 10.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m.

2. Ang Thong Islands

Visitors can hire a boat on Ko Samui to Ang Thong. The charge depends on the boat size and number of passengers. The trip takes 1.30 hours. It is also possible to join a full-day excursion organized by tour operators in Ko Samui.

3. Ko Tao

Boat services for Ko Tao are available at Na Thon Pier of Ko Samui.

Ko Samui – Animal Farms and Shows

Phang Ka Snake Farm

at Tambon Taling Ngam, has daily shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., 250 baht per person, Tel: 0-7742-3247.

Samui Buffalo Village

At Tambon Na Mueang, has daily shows at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., 350 baht per person, Tel: 0-7741-8680.

Butterfly Garden and Honey Farm

In the south of the island, open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 120 baht per person, Tel: 0-7742-4020-21.

Monkey Training Center

At Tambon Bo Phut, has daily shows at 10.30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., 150 baht per person, Tel: 0-7724 -5140.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo

At Ao Laem Set, opens daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 250 baht per person, Tel: 0-7742-4017-8.

Crocodile Farm

Near Na Mueang Waterfall, daily shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., 250 baht per person.

Buffalo fighting

This is an exciting bout that attracts a huge crowd, both local residents and tourists. Held monthly, it serves as a traditional festival on the island.

Monkey & Elephant Shows

At the show, it is actually possible to see how monkeys collect coconuts and present their other exceptional abilities. In addition, visitors will be impressed by the intelligence and loveliness of elephants that can perform many lovely tricks, or even play football.

On Ko Samui, the coconut island, the monkey is considered man’s best friend. Local people have used monkeys to climb up and pick the ripe coconuts for centuries. At present, monkeys are not just good at picking coconuts, they are also good at entertaining.

Snake show

A stunning show that is not suitable for a people with heart diseases. The show offers a thrilling experience especially when the poisonous reptiles are skillfully caught by a handler with bare hands. Shows feature snakes indigenous to Ko Samui as well as centipedes, scorpion and cock fighting shows.

Samui Crocodile Farm

Siam crocodiles, Caimans, Saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys and many others are gathered here for entertainment.

Samui Aquarium

Located at Laem Set Bay, the Aquarium features a wide variety of tropical fish and marine fauna.

Samui Go Kart

Looking for fast-paced action? Visit this site in Bophut, on the ring road opposite the Samui Euphoria Resort, and enjoy circling the track at over 100 kilometers. Call 077 425097 for more information.

Samui Golf & Country Club

Ko Samui offers an absolutely overwhelming experience for golfers. This par 72 course was jointly designed by Edward Theile and Pirapon Namartra. The challenge is its relentless, tumbling diversity and its degree of difficulty. The par-3s range from 155 to 214 yards, highlighted by the shortest (the audacious 6th, with a vertical drop and waterfall). The 10 par-4s are whimsical and attenuated and querulous and lengthy. The par-5s start at 458 and end at the signature 17th with 622 yards of downhill travel. The fairways are tilted and the greens are uniformly gyroscopic.

Samui Nightlife

Its never ending. Koh Samui offers spectacular evening entertainment for all ages. This includes traditional beach bars (popular with families), western-style pubs, which feature music, videos and satellite television, and free to enter nightclubs, which are more active after midnight and usually continue through the pre-dawn hours. Bars, cabarets shows and discos are mainly located in Chaweng and Lamai. Green Mango, Raggae Pub, Full Circle and Bauhaus are the main discotheques, some open until sunrise.

The most vibrant nightlife activities can be found around the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai. Resorts also provide magnificent entertainment such as dinner cabarets, where professional singers and dancers display their talents in stylish surroundings.

Samui Paintball

A non-water based activity worth trying, Samui paintball offers a unique opportunity to take a shot at families and friends without having to go to jail.

Scuba Diving

There are many scuba diving schools located around Ko Samui, offering a wide range of dive facilities. There are also tours available for snorkeling, fishing and excursions. The area of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Pha-ngan and Angthong Marine National Park are very famous dive places.

Spa experience at Samui

Samui now boasts many excellent, world-class spas set in a truly Samui ambience. From aromatic floral baths, steaming and body masque with Thai herbs, to face and body massage, reflexology, and other well-being therapy, Samui has everything that caters to your needs rejuvenating, pampering and relaxing in utmost luxury and comfort.

For more detail or recommendations, visit http://thailand-vacation-info.blogspot.com