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Shopping in Singapore is better than Paris
By CNNGO
Secret shoppers rate the prettiest, most welcoming, most customer-friendly retail streets — which is your no. 1?
Mystery shoppers suss out the surroundings to rate the appearance of luxury stores.How many shopping trips truly turn out to to be the idyllic experiences your friends promised they would be?
Presence Mystery Shopping, a Paris-based market consulting company, thinks it has found 30 places that really truly can offer shopping heaven. It has published a report ranking the welcome and service for the world’s most famous shopping streets.
“We surveyed the quality of retail service on iconic shopping streets that tourists are told they just need to visit,” says Presence Business Development Manager, Leslie Kambourian.
Over 30 main avenues were visited, and nearly 400 individual retail outlets were observed, including perfume shops, restaurants, ready-to-wear outlets and showrooms.
Orchard Road in Singapore came out in first place, Avenue de la Liberté in Luxembourg followed in second and PC Hooftstraat in Amsterdam took third spot.
The “mystery shoppers” ranked their experiences based on observations in four categories:
- Appearance (cleanliness, lighting)
- Welcome (staff greetings, courtesy, availability)
- Atmosphere (garbage cans available, open space, clean pavement)
- Contact with passers-by (friendliness, helpfulness to people passing through the store)
Got your own favorite shopping areas? Tell us about them in the comments.
World’s top 10 shopping avenues and their scores out of 100
1. Orchard Road, Singapore: 89
According to mystery shoppers, Orchard Road led with the best atmosphere because of its “wide and clean pavements and diversity of shops.”
But tourists won’t be able to sweep every shop in one day; the whopping 22 shopping malls and six department stores on the Road might wipe them out.
2. Avenue de la Liberté, Luxembourg: 85
This avenue placed first in overall appearance. “The atmosphere is perfect, there is plenty of room and everywhere is well lit,” says a mystery shopper.
If you suddenly have an urgent situation where you need to see a praline specialist, visit the Jeff de Bruges. This chocolate expert has whatever chocolates you need, spicy, soft, creamy, fruit and rich.
Jeff de Bruges, 17 Rue de la Liberté – Guéliz, 40000, +33 (0)3 87 37 15 61
3. PC Hoofstraat, Amsterdam: 83
The district of PC Hoofstraat was noted for its friendliness, retail outlets were courteous and welcoming to the people walking by the store, creating an inviting atmosphere.
But, there is always backlash with a bit of popularity. The local Dutch refer to Sports Utility Vehicles as “P.C. Hooft-tractors.” It’s a derogatory term because you can find one on every corner.
4. Bagdat Avenue, Istanbul: 83
Shoppers thought Bagdat Avenue was a winner in appearance because of its “floral areas, collective taxis and water sellers.”
If you want a traditional Turkish coffee that won’t break the budget on a high-end street, look no further than Starbucks. The American chain has properly integrated Turkish style coffee on its menu to blend in with Istanbul’s café culture.
5. Oscar Freire, Sao Paolo: 82
Brazilians are known to be among the friendliest people in the world, so it’s no wonder this street came in as the third most welcoming.
Don’t be surprised if you walk into a luxury store and find the odd “ in-store butler” who will hand you a glass of Champagne or coffee.
For a mid-shop snack, try some locally made fresh baked goods at the Casa de Paes (Bella Paulista House of Bread). The bakery offers gelato, pizzas, confectionaries and other guilt-less pleasures you grant yourself on vacation.
6. George Street, Sydney: 82
Beyond the friendly department stores and brightly lit boutiques, there are many quirky little shops at the southern end of George Street.
Nestled under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, there are boutiques selling everything from high-end art and photography to nick-knack shells and shark teeth.
But if you’re in the mood for up-scale, the beautiful old sandstone Queen Victoria building is home to top-end fashion stores and cafes. The building sits next to the Sydney Townhall building, the iconic steps are a common meeting place for locals.
7. Mariahilferstrasse, Vienna: 80
Stretching 1.8 kilometers, the avenue places third in the “appearance” category, and it’s not just its shops that are commendable. There are some noteworthy historic buildings to visit nearby.
Check out the Museum Quarter which holds a variety of outstanding contemporary art and classic modern pieces. Also, look out for the iconic Rahlstiege staircase from 1886.
Museum’s Quarter, Museumsplatz 1/5 1 1070 Vienna, Austria
8. Avenue Louise, Brussels: 78
Scoring points for out-of-store atmosphere, this shopping street has a peaceful Nirvana nearby in the form of the Jardin Du Roi, (Garden of the King).
True to its name, the garden has a perfectly manicured geometric bushes and stunning flower designs.
Jardin Du Roi, Avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels
9. Ginza Line, Tokyo: 78
There’s been enough written about Ginza over the years to wallpaper every eye-wateringly expensive hostess bar in the area, but there is actually more to the high-end shopping, eating and drinking. At Ginza, you can look to the streets for inspiration.
Given a free Sunday afternoon, few things give a visitor a glimpse of the real Tokyo as readily as a stroll down the temporarily pedestrianized Chuo Dori.
Stripped of cars between noon and 5 p.m., the main strip is the spot in the capital for people watching, lounging at pavement cafés and generally freeloading your way to a memorable day out.
10. Bond Street, London: 77
If you’re heading over to Bond Street, make sure you’re not just going for a leisurely stroll. The report writes “Bond Street in London is by far the last for its atmosphere. It is certainly clean, but there is work going on all the time.”
The mystery shoppers came across construction on 63 percent of the visits. On the bright side, shoppers say that the friendliness of Londoners make people forget the work going on in the avenue.
World’s best shopping avenues, 11-30
11. Aleksanterinkatu, Helsinki: 77
12. Passage Victor Emmanuel, Milan: 76
13. Strøget, Copenhagen: 75
14. Wangfujing Avenue, Beijing: 75
15 Alvear, Buenos Aires: 71
16. Champs Elysées, Paris: 71
17. Drottninggatan, Stockholm: 71
18. Apgujeong-dong, Seoul: 71
19. Karl Johan, Oslo: 70
20. Calle Serrano, Madrid: 69
21. Friedrischstrasse, Berlin: 68
22. Ulica Florianska, Krakow: 67
23. Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg: 67
24. Ermou Street, Athens: 65
25. Rue Ste Catherine, Montreal: 64
26. 5th Avenue, New York: 64
27. Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon: 61
28. Rue du Rhône, Geneva: 59
29. Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong: 57
30. Linking Road, Bandra, Mumbai: 56
Best of Koh Samui
By CNNGo staff, Tina Hsiao and Jules Kay
Experiencing the best of Koh Samui is no easy feat.
The most popular island in the Gulf of Thailand is best described as a confusing version of paradise. Koh Samui’s beaches, bays, tourist strips and villages each have their own distinct personalities.
Some are sleazy. Some over-saturated. But most are fabulous.
Whether your idea of the best of Koh Samui beach break is getting lost in the tropics with your partner or getting hammered every night and sleeping it off on the beach, this wrap-up of the best of Koh Samui covers it all.
Hotels
Luxury
Four Seasons Koh Samui Resort
Koh Samui has become pool villa central in the last five years, with the swanky Four Seasons leading the development charge through erstwhile coconut plantations.
All of the resort’s 40 one-bedroom villas and 14 one- to five-bedroom residence villas come with a private infinity pool. Highly recommended if swimming in the buff is your thing.
Designed to bring the outside in, each villa rocks panoramic, best of Koh Samui views of Laem Yai Bay and nearby Koh Pha Ngan.
There’s also a forest spa, a white-sand private bay, kids’ club, beachfront pool and all the other stuff one comes to expect from a property that sits atop the branded-hotel food chain.
Bonus for location nitpickers: Four Seasons Koh Samui Resort’s position in the northwest corner of Samui makes it a good option for those who don’t want to be smothered by the action, but still want to venture out for nightlife.
Mid-Range
Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa
To avoid the ubiquitous, ho-hum Thai-style resorts, check into Zazen. This boutique resort has Moroccan-inspired décor, open bathrooms, a peaceful beachfront vibe and friendly staff.
The resort’s Le Salon de Ti is a bay-view tea lounge with Louis XVI-style furniture, crystal chandeliers and a funky framed mirror that doubles as a TV. What every good hotel needs, really.
Zazen is a good option for foodies as it’s in Bophut, near the famed Fisherman’s Village and seafood restaurants that rank among the best of Koh Samui.
There are also plenty of pubs in the area, which is blessedly sleaze-free.
177, Moo 1, Bophut; +66 (0) 7742 5085; from 5,610 baht (US$177) per night (excluding service charge and tax). www.samuizazen.com
Budget
Jungle Club
Though the luxury hotel industry has spread its pricey, posh tentacles over the island, there are still some worthy budget options that prove you don’t need to spend thousands to get million-dollar views.
The Jungle Club, with its chilled, unpretentious vibe, features cliff-perched bungalows and sublime sundowner spots that present 180-degree views across Chaweng and out to Samui’s offshore islands.
Jungle Club’s decent choice of fan-cooled accommodations range from huts to private mountain lodges. Family-friendly facilities make it well worth the accident-in-your-pants-scary drive up a steep hill to the entrance.
Chaweng Noi beach, near Soi Panyadee school; +66 (0)81 894 2327; from 800 baht per night for a hut; www.jungleclubsamui.com
Dining
H Bistro
Chef Stephen Dion’s French Mediterranean expressions at H-Bistro bring metropolitan flair to the beach, earning the restaurant a spot on any best of Koh Samui list.
Dion has cooked for royalty in the past. Lucky commoners can now also enjoy his epicurean creations, crafted from quality imported ingredients.
Pair it all with a vintage bottle from the extensive wine list.
Appetizers start at 300 baht and main courses at 810 baht.
H-Bistro at Hansar Samui, +66 (0) 7724 5511. www.hansarsamui.com/h-bistro
Wannai
Wannai restaurant earned a spot on this best of Koh Samui round-up at the end of 2010 by introducing a menu of gourmet Thai food that includes an upscale take on classic street stall dishes.
Set in an expansive, lakeside garden, the restaurant offers a choice of indoor and outdoor seating options, including a private air-conditioned room that doubles as a function venue.
The emphasis is on all things live — seafood, music, football. The latter is shown on large screens on weekends.
Wannai is set back from the main island Ring Road in Bophut, near the traffic lights.
Shambala Restaurant
Proving that you can stick to tradition and pull in the crowds, Shambala Restaurant is a laid-back eatery featuring several Thai classics.
The original recipe for the signature massaman was acquired (ripped off?) from an old man in the local market. The rich curry flavors infuse the meat and potato with a spicy kick to provide the culinary coup de grâce.
Shambala Restaurant, Bangrak. www.samui-shambala.com
Orgasmic by Chef Wally
Chef Wally is something of a celebrity chef on Koh Samui, having established what is now one of the island’s best known resort restaurants at Zazen Boutique Resort and Spa.
Striking out on his own, he created Orgasmic, a sexy Mediterranean eatery overlooking Bophut Bay that has required reservations since day one.
Filled with unique Mediterranean creations, Royal Thai cuisine and organic vegetarian delights, the rich menu is something of a culinary sensation for a small island in Thailand.
Located beachside between Bophut and Bang Rak; +66 (0) 8 6276 9101
Krua Chao Baan
A best of Koh Samui beachfront feast for locals and visitors in the know, this established restaurant is a well-kept secret among lovers of fresh local seafood.
The vast menu includes interesting southern delicacies like “Gaeng Som,” a popular local sour curry, as well as a full list of Thai favorites and excellent fresh seafood choices.
The red snapper with chili and mango salad is a particular treat atKrua Chao Baan, as are the tiger prawns in tamarind sauce, if available. Everything goes well with coconut juice straight from the tree.
Don’t worry about stuffing your face — you can always work off the calories by going for a post-meal paddle in the restaurant’s kayaks, offered free of charge.
Driving south from Lamai, on the left-hand side by the beach, around 1 kilometer before you reach Hua Thanon fishing village, near Silangu Temple; +66 (0) 7741 8589
Starfish & Coffee
With its warm Mediterranean décor and beachside terrace in the heart of Bophut Fisherman’s Village, Starfish, as it’s known, is always abuzz with hungry holiday-makers.
An eclectic, occasionally quirky menu of Thai and Western dishes complements the restaurant’s fresh daily seafood offerings, the latter displayed on ice out front and cooked fresh to your taste.
A distinct French influence also guarantees a good wine selection and some desirably dangerous desserts, such as the ever-popular mango and sticky rice.
The restaurant is named after the Prince song, but opens at noon so don’t expect to get your butterscotch clouds and tangerines here for breakfast.
On the main beachside strip in Bophut Fisherman’s Village; + 66 (0) 7742 7201
Ocean 11
An idyllic seafront setting right on Big Buddha Beach is but one of many qualities that make Ocean 11 one of Samui’s most celebrated restaurants.
The carefully crafted menu of Mediterranean and Italian delights is paired with a hand-selected wine list and tempting, ever-changing specials.
This cool combination has not only catapulted Ocean 11 to the top of the fine dining list on Samui, but has kept it there for a number of years.
Attentive service adds to the experience, and the simple but refined surroundings may even make you want to dress up a little for dinner.
In the end, though, it’s all about the food, which in this case includes succulent imported steak and lamb, mouth-melting fresh seafood, homemade pasta and a goat-cheese salad you’ll want to share, if only to make your dining partner jealous.
On the beach in Bang Rak, adjacent to 100 Degrees East; + 66 (0) 7724 5134; www.011s.com
Nightlife
9Gems
9Gems is a newcomer to the Samui wine and dine scene that’s part luxury villa, part upscale lounge.
There’s fusion food, tapas and cocktails, all served hillside, with great views over Chaweng Lake stretching to the beach.
Miami Vice meets Buddha Bar, this best of Koh Samui place offers the white linen-clad brigade a sassy place to splash some cash. Cocktails start at 350 baht (excluding service charge and tax).
9Gems Lounge, +66 (0)77 256 125. www.9gemssamui.com
Reggae Pub
On the edge of Chaweng Lake, the 20-plus-year-old Reggae Pub hosts a nightly live cover band polished in the art of crowd pleasing, and box set classics.
3/3 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach; www.reggae-pub.com
Green Mango Road
A few clubs in Chaweng manage to regularly fill their dance floors.For the best of Koh Samui nightlife in one area, check out Chaweng’s Green Mango Road, which has an aircraft hangar-like club of the same name.
Another top club to hit on the Green Mango strip is Solo, popular with the late-night crowd and known for bringing in a regular rotation of quality DJs from around the world.
Sound Club
The light and sound system at Sound Club in Chaweng gives Bangkok venues a run for their money, heaving well into the wee hours of the morning.
Different sections thump out varying music to cater to the variety-seeking clubber, and they regularly host international DJs.
Chawang Lake View, Chawang Beach; www.soundclubsamui.com
Q Bar
The Koh Samui reincarnation of the popular Bangkok club of the same name, Q Bar is another popular Chaweng venue.
Always a safe bet for a good night out, this club brings in top DJs and has a well-stocked bar manned by skilled bartenders who know their drinks.
Believe it or not, it’s family friendly. Q Bar Samui has its own kids room, where the young ones can play pool and watch cartoons while mommy and daddy get some alone time.
147/57 Moo 2 Bophut Sub-District; +66 (0)7 796 2420;www.qbarsamui.com
Black Moon Party
Samui’s answer to Koh Phangan’s legendary monthly Full Moon Party is the Black Moon bash, which, although more modest, often features big-name DJs and lasts until dawn.
Originally held at the Chaweng Lake Complex, the parties have recently been relocated to Chillin’ Feel at Plai Laem.
Adventure
Kiteboarding
In kiteboarding, the pros use wind and waves to perform stunts that make your toes curl. Learning to kiteboard takes energy and commitment.
But you can still nurse a hangover and give it a go.
Koh Samui is one of several Thailand beach destinations that attracts fans of the sport, due to the island’s optimal wind conditions. For lessons, hit up the Samui branch of Kiteboarding Asia.
+66 (0)81 591 4592, www.kiteboardingasia.com
Island hopping
The Ang Thong Marine Park is reachable on a day trip, but deserted enough to offer unspoiled Crusoe charm.
“The Beach” may have been filmed elsewhere, but it was this 42-island archipelago that provided the inspiration — a truly stunning spot to snorkel, dive, lie on the beach or kayak.
One of the park’s islands, Maekoh, has its own emerald inland lake, with steps that put thigh-busters worldwide to shame.
Most hotels and Koh Samui travel agencies offer a variety of Ang Thong tours.
Golf
Koh Samui has two mountainside golf country clubs — Santiburi and the Royal Samui Golf — with above-par views from the tees.
At Santiburi, carts are mandatory and absolutely necessary as this course takes you up, down and around, in the process offering fantastic views that challenge you to keep your mind on the game.
Sailing
If the thought of heading out on a group tour with a dozen other pleasure-seekers makes you cringe in horror, charter your own private boat with Samui Ocean Sports.
Sail to Koh Pha Ngan for the day. Island hop. Crank up the tunes on the iPod while the skipper catches the wind then drop anchor in a quiet bay for a swim and a Thai feast before absorbing the sunset as you open a bottle or two to toast your good fortune.
Don’t forget to throw a few photos of your day onto Twitter. What point is there in holidaying extravagantly if you can’t rub it in the faces of your followers?
Samui Ocean Sports, +66 (0)81 940 1999. www.sailing-in-samui.com
Diving
Because Samui is essentially a sand island, the water right off the shore can be murky. In other words, the island’s dive options suck.
But there are inspiring snorkeling and dive trips a short cruise away in the Gulf of Thailand.
For the real deal, join one of many snorkeling and diving trips that leave Samui daily for nearby islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao and the Ang Thong Marine Park.
For snorkelers, the waters around the much photographed islets at Koh Nang Yuan, off Koh Tao, are often fishbowl clear.
Sail Rock is another much visited world-class dive site halfway between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, one of the few places in the world where you can dive with whale sharks. Sightings generally occur between March and August.
Koh Tao itself has more than 30 dive sites and considerably more schools and operators.
With so many dive courses and trips on offer it’s wise to choose the more established, professional operators who maintain their equipment and follow international standards of safety.
The 100 Degrees East Dive Team limits the number of divers/snorkelers per trip and heads for less-visited areas or gets to the popular ones early to avoid the masses, varying the choice of location based on prevailing weather conditions and visibility.
100 Degrees East Koh Samui, +66 (0) 7724 5936. www.100degreeseast.com
Flying
Not all the action in Samui takes place over water. You can also fly through tropical treetops strapped into a harness while snatching glimpses of the glistening coast below.
The jungle hike to the top of the six zipline runs that make up Canopy Adventures is sweaty but part of the appeal, with the rides set in one of Samui’s least spoiled patches of forest, near Mae Nam.
There’s even a waterfall with a swimming hole to cool off in after the ride, which costs 1,900 baht per person.
Canopy Adventures, +66 (0) 7741 4150-1. www.canopyadventuresthailand.com
Spa
Almost as ubitqutious as 7-Eleven is the Koh Samui spa. One of the best of Koh Samui spa options is Tamarind Springs, with its unique forest spa concept.
The steam cave is infused with a mix of herbs that stimulates blood circulation and helps cleanse the body and clear breathing passages.
It’s a great way to soften the muscles before a massage.
Or, just spend a few hours switching between the steam cave and rock plunge pool, living out your Flintstones fantasies.
Price: 1,500 baht for an unlimited “Steam and Dream” treatment (excluding service charge and tax).
Tamarind Springs, +66 (0) 7742 4221, www.tamarindsprings.com
Magic Buddha Garden
Hidden in the mists of Koh Samui’s hillside jungle, the Magic Buddha Garden is a mystical anomaly that was created by local septogenarian fruit farmer Nimm Thongsuk.
Uncle Nimm built statues and sculptures along a mountain stream that portray various deities and mythical creatures.
It’s one of those oddball, best of Koh Samui attractions that’s worth including on an island tour, in addition to the usual Big Buddha and Grandfather/Grandmother (penis/vagina) rock stops.
One way to efficiently take in the highlights of Samui is a full day eco-safari tour. For 1,700 baht per adult you get an eight-hour trip around the island.
Island Safari Tour, +66 (0) 7742 5563. www.islandsafaritour.com
Tong Krut fishing village
Tong Krut fishing village on the southwest coast of Samui is a rare snapshot of the island’s past.
Traditional beach shacks line the shore, with longtail boats leaning on the sand.
A handful of modest restaurants serve some of the best fresh seafood in the Thai Gulf — straight from the sea to the plate.
Beaches
Let’s be honest. The main thing tourists looking to experience the best of Koh Samui want to know about are the beaches, not the culture.
Picking which strip of Samui sand to rest your butt on depends on whether you want white sands with no crowds or want to lay in front of a ratty-looking beach bar run by locals who never seem to tire of listening to Bob Marley.
For action, the busiest strip of sand in town is Chaweng Beach, which has the most concentrated accomodations and the best nightlife. Though over-crowded, it’s a nice beach with the prerequisite white sand and turquoise waters that drew all those tourists in the first place.
Second on the popularity scale is Lamai Beach. Not as busy as Chaweng, but with plenty of hotel options and a lovely beach, it’s an alternative for traveling families who want to be in the thick of the action but without the wild nights.
Other good options include Choeng Mon, Bophut, Lipa Noi and Maenam, all of which have resorts and bungalows to suit different budgets.
If views of the neighboring Ang Thong National Park are preferable to fine sand, hit Taling Ngam, which sits in a remote corner of Koh Samui. Keep in mind, this one is really far from the action.
Transportation
Airlines
Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways operate flights from Bangkok, with Bangkok Airways operating direct flights to/from Singapore and Hong Kong.
Firefly also connects Kuala Lumpur with the island.
Airport transfers
Most hotels provide airport transfers, but for a slightly cheaper option there’s an official airport taxi counter, where you pay the fare in advance.
The cabs aren’t metered so, for example, it’s usually 400 baht for a 10-minute ride to Bophut. It’s 100 baht in a shared mini-bus if you’re not on a tight schedule.
Ferry
Ferries connect mainland Surat Thani with Koh Samui, with buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Station making the trip to Samui regularly.
Car rentals
If you plan to do more than laze on the beach, the easiest way to get around the island is by car. The airport has several rental counters — Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar — each offering a fleet of sedans, SUVs, mini-vans and jeeps.
A small sedan will set you back around 1,500 baht per day. Local companies such as TA Car Rentusually have lower rates and flexible car drop-off and return locations.
Motorbikes
Motorbike rentals are popular with tourists for 150-250 baht per day depending on the bike’s condition. Keep in mind, the island has one of the highest road fatality rates in the country. Legend has it the only activity that’s deadlier is sitting under a coconut tree.
Local transport
A safer way to get around is to flag a converted red pickup (songthaew), the island’s non-scheduled public transportation. Prices range from 30-80 baht per ride for short distances.
For longer distances, the rule of thumb is 100 baht per beach you want to travel to (for example, 300 baht from Chaweng to Bophut).
5 High-Speed Ski Lifts to Check Out This Season
By Sarah L. Stewart Travel & Leisure
These new high-speed chairlifts shave minutes off those mountain rides—which means more time going down than up.
Resort: Mount Snow, Vermont
New Lift: Bluebird Express
Vertical Feet: 1,608
Duration: 7 minutes
Time Savings: 7 minutes
Resort: Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel, Austria
New Lift: Resterhöhe
Vertical Feet: 1,657
Duration: 5:45 minutes
Time Savings: 8 minutes
Resort: Buttermilk, Colorado
New Lift: Tiehack Express
Vertical Feet: 1,660
Duration: 6:54 minutes
Time Savings: 11:06 minutes
Resort: Verbier, Switzerland
New Lift: Mayentzet–Tête des Ruinettes
Vertical Feet: 1,708
Duration: 5:29 minutes
Time Savings: 6:06 minutes
Resort: La Plagne, France
New Lift: Verdons Sud
Vertical Feet: 2,133
Duration: 5:07 minutes
Time Savings: 7 minutes
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