[ARCHIVE to 2017] Conrad Koh Samui {THA}
#1216
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Germany
Programs: HHonors Diamond
Posts: 7
I will be staying at this resort from March 21st to March 27th.
Anyone else staying during that period?
Anyone else staying during that period?
#1217
Join Date: Jul 2003
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Starwood Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Delta Platinum
Posts: 2,188
While this seems off topic to me even, the wiki includes Mr. Samui's information for taxi and possible tour. I'm curious what the experience has been of his "two-hour tour."
It is our first visit to Koh Samui and would like to get a feel outside of the resort but not sure how much there is to actually see from a cab ride.
It is our first visit to Koh Samui and would like to get a feel outside of the resort but not sure how much there is to actually see from a cab ride.
#1218
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: BUF
Programs: SPG Plt, HHonors Gold, UA Gold, PC Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 880
While this seems off topic to me even, the wiki includes Mr. Samui's information for taxi and possible tour. I'm curious what the experience has been of his "two-hour tour."
It is our first visit to Koh Samui and would like to get a feel outside of the resort but not sure how much there is to actually see from a cab ride.
It is our first visit to Koh Samui and would like to get a feel outside of the resort but not sure how much there is to actually see from a cab ride.
Anyhow, you get a really neat look into thai culture, feel free to ask him anything - his story, his view on island life, his take on the thai protests, etc. can't say enough about what a nice guy he is
#1219
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: 10^7 mm from Ȱ
Programs: Hyatt D/HHonors D/ SPG P/ Marriott P/ IHG P/ UA 1K/ AA EXP/ DL D
Posts: 1,976
It's worth it. I did a five hour tour with him and it was one of the highlights of the trip. Mr. samui is an extremely interesting and genuinely good guys, and you get to see a lot of the islands highlights - temples, waterfalls, Buddhist statues, famous rock formations, authentic markets. He will make the tour what you want it. We ask for some authentic street food, and he didn't disappoint.
Anyhow, you get a really neat look into thai culture, feel free to ask him anything - his story, his view on island life, his take on the thai protests, etc. can't say enough about what a nice guy he is
Anyhow, you get a really neat look into thai culture, feel free to ask him anything - his story, his view on island life, his take on the thai protests, etc. can't say enough about what a nice guy he is
The above-mentioned sightseeing spots are interesting, but somehow pedestrian, as I've been to this kind of routine many times. Nonetheless, if Thai culture is something new to you, I would still recommend the tour.
What I was deeply impressed are the super cheap Thai massage shop and authentic Thai restaurant he recommended.
#1220
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Brooklyn, NY, United States
Programs: AA, BA, UA, Spirit, Delta, PC Plat, SPG Gold, HHonors Diamond, Club Carlson Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,735
For what it's worth, I did not find any of the non-resort restaurant Thai food any better than the 40 thai places within 2 miles of our home here. We are lucky that we have tons of Thai around here, but most are fairly ubiquitous and I found the KS places to be the same. If you like usually fare Thai food, there is tons of it and in much more beautiful surroundings than back home---but the zen food experience just wasn't there (at least for us).
Enjoy the views!
Enjoy the views!
#1221
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Brooklyn, NY, United States
Programs: AA, BA, UA, Spirit, Delta, PC Plat, SPG Gold, HHonors Diamond, Club Carlson Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,735
My January Conrad and Samui Trip Report. How often can you say that something lives up to the hype? This place really does.
#1223
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Million Miler; UA-1K; Hilton Lifetime Diamond; Marriott Lifetime Platinum; SPG Platinum
Posts: 49
A few questions hopefully someone can answer:
1) Can anyone tell me if the Tesco takes credit cards or is it cash only?
2) Is there an ATM at Conrad Koh Samui?
3) If the hotel exchanges USD to THB, does anyone know the rate - was it competitive?
1) Can anyone tell me if the Tesco takes credit cards or is it cash only?
2) Is there an ATM at Conrad Koh Samui?
3) If the hotel exchanges USD to THB, does anyone know the rate - was it competitive?
#1224
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New York, NY
Programs: IHG Spire Ambassador, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 453
A few questions hopefully someone can answer:
1) Can anyone tell me if the Tesco takes credit cards or is it cash only?
Takes credit cards, but two of my cc's (both US-issues, both with chip) did NOT work. It was probably a fluke, but I'd have cash on hand to be safe. FYI, Tesco nor most other shops won't sell alcohol between certain hours. Search upthread for exact times.
2) Is there an ATM at Conrad Koh Samui?
Not that I recall.
3) If the hotel exchanges USD to THB, does anyone know the rate - was it competitive?
1) Can anyone tell me if the Tesco takes credit cards or is it cash only?
Takes credit cards, but two of my cc's (both US-issues, both with chip) did NOT work. It was probably a fluke, but I'd have cash on hand to be safe. FYI, Tesco nor most other shops won't sell alcohol between certain hours. Search upthread for exact times.
2) Is there an ATM at Conrad Koh Samui?
Not that I recall.
3) If the hotel exchanges USD to THB, does anyone know the rate - was it competitive?
Have fun. The place is amazing.
#1225
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 34
I could also use some insight. I'm wondering if there is an atm in either BKK or USM that is associated with a major intl or Thai bank hat would allow for a fair forex rate when withdrawing cash?
#1226
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: WAS
Programs: AA PLT, Honors Diamond, Global Entry
Posts: 477
Anybody here this weekend? Noticed some folks from my TG F NRT-BKK flight in the breakfast area earlier.
In the Samui airport, near the taxi pickup/meeting area, there is a long line of ATMs associated with Thai banks. I used the ATM of the Siam Commercial Bank - Thailand's largest bank - to withdraw THB via my Bank of America debit card. The rate was 32.49 THB per USD, which is fair, but the ATM charged a steep 150 THB fee. Also, I could only figure out how to withdraw in the amounts of 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; and 10,000 THB.
In the Samui airport, near the taxi pickup/meeting area, there is a long line of ATMs associated with Thai banks. I used the ATM of the Siam Commercial Bank - Thailand's largest bank - to withdraw THB via my Bank of America debit card. The rate was 32.49 THB per USD, which is fair, but the ATM charged a steep 150 THB fee. Also, I could only figure out how to withdraw in the amounts of 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; and 10,000 THB.
#1227
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,103
There are at least 2-4 FTers at the property as of breakfast time today, if point bookings and breakfast inclusion are any indication. Is one of them the Asian guy with a taller European-looking significant other? There's a French speaking family but they aren't FTers. There's an American father
-son family at least that is there too. Presumably you with the boy? The guy I know there is leaving the place tonight or tomorrow early with his SO.
-son family at least that is there too. Presumably you with the boy? The guy I know there is leaving the place tonight or tomorrow early with his SO.
#1228
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: WAS
Programs: AA PLT, Honors Diamond, Global Entry
Posts: 477
The cash and points option here is really an amazing use of HHonors points. I couldn't resist extending my stay by a night - having originally booked 2 nights with certificates - for 32,000 points and ~$170 (including fees). It seems this property opens up rooms for cash and points fairly late in the game, so I'm fortunate I was able to score some the extra night.
#1229
Join Date: May 2012
Location: AMS
Programs: BA KL LH Hilton Marriott
Posts: 1,226
I wonder if anybody actually ever pays the cash price at this hotel ...
#1230
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: HAJ
Programs: Lufthansa FTL, HHonors Gold, Le Club Accorhotels Platinum
Posts: 677