Best beaches in Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is one of Thailand's largest island, and also popular for its beachgoers looking for long stretches of white sand and clear water stretching to the horizon. The island is reachable by ferry from the mainland, and there’s also an international airport that receives regional flights from large urban centers like Bangkok.

Lipa Noi

Lipa Noi’s proximity to the island’s ferry port makes it a great choice for visitors who want to hit the beach without wasting valuable time traveling all over the island needlessly. Lipa Noi is one of the islands best swimming beaches due to its white sand and the lack of underwater dangers, like jagged chunks of rock and coral found on some of the island’s other beaches. The water is shallow and increases very gradually, making it possible for an adult to stand with their head above water more than 100 meters out.

Lipa Noi is home to some of the island’s most popular seafood restaurants. Likewise, the lodging options run the full range to fit nearly every travel budget. The waterfront sports a few ritzy seaside villas, but there are inexpensive bungalows available that are just a hop, skip, and jump from the beach too.

Silver Beach

Characterized by the majestic boulders jutting from its aquamarine water and stretches of ruggedly beautiful beaches reminiscent of Tom Hanks’ island sanctuary in Castaway, Silver Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll likely ever see no matter where your travels do. By the size, Silver Beach is one of the smallest islands and it’s also home to a few of the island’s original resorts that have been catering to foreign travelers for decades.

Crystal Bay Beach Resort and Silver Beach Resort are a few of the most popular, sporting private stretches of beach that are typically reserved for their guests, but rumor has it that it’s really a public beach and that they just post the no trespassing signs to keep the riff-raff out.

Snorkeling is particularly fun in the clear, boulder-strewn waters, and depending on the tide, you’re likely to see a variety of fish and marine crustaceans.

Bophut Beach

Known for its alluring Fisherman’s Village, exotic local markets, and swanky, comfortable seaside resorts and restaurants, Bophut Beach has a little something for everyone. Bophut Beach is a narrow arc filled with white sand and framed by majestic clusters of palm trees. For those interested in doing some cultural sightseeing, the Big Buddha Temple just inland is a magnificent place that’s well worth the trip, especially for those who’ve never seen a real-life Buddhist Temple up close and personally.

Dining and lodging options abound, and unlike many other nearby beaches, there’s plenty to see and do to fill your time if you can only stand laying on the beach for an hour or two at a time.

Taling Ngam

Due mainly to its proximity to the Anthong Marine National Park, Taling Ngam is one of the cleanest and most picturesque of all of Koh Samui’s beaches, and it probably won’t be overdeveloped anytime soon. It’s located on the island’s southwest corner nearest to the mainland, making it a convenient option for those who’d rather get their fill of quality beach time instead of exploring.

Taling Ngam’s remoteness is its greatest asset for many visitors, but for those who prefer to be close to town, it’s probably not a good choice. Nathon is the largest nearby town and is about 20 minutes away by taxi, and Chaweng is about an hour.

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Things to know before visiting Nepal

Nepal is largely a very conservative and traditional society. It has deep cultural roots in Buddhism, Hinduism and a complicated tribal and caste system. As a result, there are many customs and taboos that you should try our best to observe. Many of the following guidelines would come under a general banner of polite subtlety and respect.

Do not mess with them yaks

You are bound to come across several yaks acting as caravans for locals in the alpine regions. These yaks are also called Bos Grunniens. Make sure to steer clear of their paths as they can be rather hostile at the slightest hint of intimidation. This can be attributed to them having weak hearing and visual abilities. They more than make up for that with a weight of 400 kg, heavy and strong enough to take on even bigger animals than themselves. So if you come across some yaks on your way, step aside and let them pass by.

Hand etiquette

Most Nepalis, especially Hindus, consider the left hand to be unclean. You should always therefore shake hands, offer and receive with the right hand. This is generally a good idea quite apart from the cultural aspect as the left is the one they will have used for nasty jobs like those immediately before exiting the long drop. An additional mark of respect or gratitude is shown by touching the right elbow with the left hand whilst giving or receiving with the right.

Do not carry equipment by fake labels

Another important thing to not do is to be tempted by cheap prices and as a result, carry or use defective equipment or gear when going to treks through the mountains of the Himalayan ranges. Along with carrying probiotics, it is also incredibly important to carry with you. May it will be trekking shoes, walking sticks, sweaters, windcheaters, thermals, etc. Do not be fooled by cheap prices, instead buy products by certified brands and labels. The defective products may look exactly like the original ones but these ultimately prove their worth when they fail the test of austere weather and terrain conditions.

Environmental and social issues in Nepal

Nepal is a developing nation that can struggle to keep up with the influx of tourists. Be aware of the waste you create while on your trek. Try to unwrap new kit and supplies while at home, where it can be properly disposed of. Also, filter your water instead of buying disposable plastic bottles. There is no way for disposable plastic bottles to be recycled in Nepal and the tourism industry accounts for millions of plastic waste each year.

Do not trash the trail. Pack out your trash, or dispose of it in provided waste bins. If you really want to do your part, pick up a few items of trash that you spot along your way. A little goes a long way in protecting a high alpine environment. Try to be conscious of purchasing items with a lot of packaging. Also, do not ever put trash in the teahouse stoves.

Shopping and souvenir

Nepal is paradise for the shopaholic. Unique, handmade products are always the best kind of souvenir for your family and friends.

Shopping can be very rewarding and exciting in Kathmandu. There are plenty of street vendors that sell interesting gifts, as well as large commercial areas with malls. Nepal has some particularly popular areas for shopping in its major cities

Learning Nepalese languages

Local languages give you excitement during your visit to Nepal. Learning a few words and local dialogue will help you communicate with the locals and help you understand their languages and lifestyles. As travelers, you will find the locals are the most informative people when traveling around in Nepal.

Read more: 10 best places to visit in Nepal

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Top 5 classic Singaporean street foods

Singapore may be among the world’s smallest countries, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with an astonishing culinary variety. Here are 5 street food items that shouldn’t be missed.

Frog porridge

Don’t be put off by the name – frog porridge is one of the cleanest dishes you’ll ever eat, and far from a tourist-baiting piece of grotesquery. Frogs are marinated in soy, spring onions and wine, with spicy chili and milder ginger variations common. Cooked well, the frog meat is succulent, sweet and unbelievably delicate. Rumors that it tastes just like chicken may be exaggerated, but there are some similarities. The porridge that accompanies it is gloopy yet light. It often comes with a green onion sauce in most hawker stalls.

Hainanese chicken rice

Hainanese chicken rice is one of the most popular Singaporean dishes and often considered as one of their national dishes by locals and foreigners. Although it’s just a simple combination of boiled chicken, paired with flavorful rice and sauce, this Hainanese influenced dish, ranks as one of the most popular and beloved dishes to eat in Singapore.

Bak kut teh

Bak kut teh, literally means "meat bone tea", is a Chinese soup that is one of those most-wanted dishes in Singapore. This dish consists of meaty pork ribs simmered in a complex broth of herbs and spices. This dish is usually coupled with tea in the belief that tea will help dissolve a large amount of fat in the soup.

Curry laksa

If you try only one dish in Singapore, make it laksa. The hallmark of Peranakan cuisine, which melds Malay and Chinese influences, laksa is a creamy coconut sauce filled with vermicelli noodles and fried bean curd. Slices of fish, shrimp and cockles are added for a hearty yet healthy meal. Like fish head curry, it can be enjoyed in a tamarind-filled asam variant which adds shredded mackerel and pieces of mangosteen.

Satay

Listed at number 14 on the World’s 50 most delicious foods, compiled by CNNGo in 2011, satay is a must-try dish in Singapore. The satay dish includes skewers of grilled meat, sliced cucumbers, sliced onions, pressed rice cakes, served with thick, sweet, and hot peanut sauce on the side.

See more: 5 best places to eat Hainanese chicken rice in Singapore

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