Bangkok (VNA) – Sitting off Thailand’s eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui in Surat Thani province has been attractive to visitors not only for its bone-white sandy beaches, fabulous resorts, and energetic beach towns and villages, but also for various cooking classes.
Responding to the government’s policy to promote gastronomy soft power, resorts, hotels, and yoga centres on the popular resort island have arranged cooking classes, giving visitors an insight into the local cuisine such as yam kung, som tam, pad krapao, and many vegetarian dishes. This is a fascinating experience for foreign travellers, particularly those from Europe and America.
As the high season approaches for the Gulf of Thailand, tourism operators in the locality are projecting growth driven by European visitors, while urging extended operating hours for the airport to add 20 more daily flights, which would increase the number of tourists by 10-20%.
Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, president of the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, said the island expects a full recovery during the high season, attributed to the full resumption of flights at Samui airport.
He said the top source markets include Germany, the UK, France, and Australia, while foreign tourists are staying longer as the visa extension of up to 60 days was passed for 93 countries.
With additional flights to nearby Surat Thani airport as well as ferry services, Ratchaporn estimated the hotel occupancy rate would reach 80-90% in July and August, which is the peak time for the Gulf of Thailand./.
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