Commercial Property

Koh Samui is the Thailand’s third largest islands, situated in the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 40 kilometers north-east of Surat Thani town. This fantastic tropical island is also sometimes referred to as the Coconut Island, because of countless number of coconuts that it produces per month. Koh Samui is actually an Amphoe (district) of Surat Thani province. The amphoe of Koh Samui is further sub divided into Ang Thong, Li Pa Noi, Taling Ngam, Na Mueang, Ma Ret, Bo Phut, and Maenam. Each of them has their uniqueness and significance, and presents a diverse range of attractions.

The prime draw of Koh Samui is unquestionably its long stretch of tall coconut lined white sandy beaches. Most popular among the beaches in the area are Chaweng Beach, which is much famed for its exuberant nightlife; Lamai Beach, which is one of the best in the area; Bophut Beach, whose area is home to the much famed Big Buddha statue, apart from a variety of trendy shops and cozy restaurants; Maenam Beach, which is a tranquil area perfect for families; Big Buddha Beach, which get its name from the enormous statue of Lord Buddha situated here.

Choeng Mon Beach, whose area is dominated by some of the deluxe resorts; Taling Ngam Beach, one of the island’s most remote spots; Lipa Noi beach, which offers mind blowing views of beautiful sunset; and Nathon Beach. All of these beaches in the area serve a perfect setting to indulge in an array of activities, no matter it is to get a pampering massage, savor seafood specialties such as barbecued chicken and sarongs, and dine in candlelight on beach mats. Further, many of the beaches in the area are a haven for water sport activities such as sea canoeing and kayaking, swimming, deep sea fishing, parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, and much more.

Now we will discuss some of the top attractions in Koh Samui. The major attraction of the island is its serene natural environment consisting of lush green forest areas, incredible coconut plantations, dazzling waterfalls, splendid coves and bays, and granite boulders. Discussed below is some of the not to miss attractions in the island.

Butterfly Garden: Sprawling over an area of about 3000 square meters, this fantastic garden is home to a large number of beautiful as well as rare species of butterflies such as colored lepidopterans.

Samui Aquarium: Located within the Samui Orchid Resort, the aquarium holds the distinction of being the only privately owned salt water aquarium in the country. It is home to some exotic varieties of water specialties. Apart from these, one can see here animals such as Asian Bengal and Leopard Tigers.

Magic Statue Garden: A visit to Koh Samui would be incomplete without taking a tour to this amazing destination, situated deep within the jungle clad mountains. This fruit garden was built by Nim Thongsuk – a Samuian fruit farmer, and that too in 1976 when he was about 77 years old.

Big Buddha: Otherwise known as Pra Yai, this is probably the greatest of all attractions in Koh Samui. One of the specialties of this 12 meters high golden image of Lord Buddha is that it can be seen even from several kilometers away. This landmark is located in the north-east corner of the island.

Hin Ta Hin Yai: Both of these are two much famed granite stone formation that stands out among numerous outcrops that is spread along the coastline of Samui. These rocks, literally meaning Grandfather and Grandmother, are sometimes associated with the origin of Mui people.

Overlap Stone: This is a great spot to savor the natural beauty of the place.

Above all, Ko Samui is much favored for its intoxicating nightlife, superb dining options, and rich cultural heritage.

When comes to accommodation, Koh Samui provides visitors to choose from an array of accommodations to choose from, such as upscale hotels, highly sophisticated resorts, modern apartments, and incredible condominiums. Also, a popular accommodation choice in Samui is villa, complete with facilities that a world-class resort renders.

Nowadays, many of the villa providers in the scenario provide services in the form of packages, covering airport transfers, facilities for sightseeing, rental cars, rental equipments for enjoying different water sport activities, and services of daily maid and gardener. There are also some service providers that render special discounts when you make bookings of a particular villa or during a stipulated time period.

Seems hardly a day goes by that I am not asked for my two cents in the general arena that is Center City Condos. As a professed uni-blab, big-brained know-it-all in this field, I have to confess that I eat, live, breathe, think, and dream downtown Philly condos for a good portion of each day. I was once asked what I believed would be the best long-term “hold” in terms of condominiums, and have come to the conclusion that the answer lies on the northwest corner of 13th and Spruce Streets.

The Lenox was converted from apartments to condominiums in 2005-2006 and exemplifies the pre-war midrise condominium building here in Center City Philadelphia. Thirteen stories tall, clad in a dark red brick with bay windows on every side, the building does have a fair dose of curb appeal.  At 250 S. 13th St. is indeed Center City’s diamond in the rough. Grossly undervalued for what the building could be, and is becoming, the Lenox hold some truly unique floor plans, a central location, and topped off with a few TRUE penthouse units. Add in the fact that it is a doorman building with a generous loading zone out front, and the pieces of the puzzle (that being Value) begin to fall into place.

I believe the building is an excellent value based on the current resale dollar per square foot. A nicely finished two bedroom, one bath, complete with newer kitchen and bath, original architectural details, and two to three walk-in closets can be purchased around the $340,000 mark. Close to Jefferson Hospital is a real plus, as are the oak herringbone floors, plaster walls, and detailed, yet nonworking fireplaces. The owners association is currently undergoing a host of capital improvements (see the scaffolding encircling the building), and looking into a few rule changes or upgrades that one day may permit washer/dryers in each unit, as well as central air. Those are currently two factors that are greatly (and I mean GREATLY suppressing resale value). Word on the street is that the Parker Hotel across the street is possibly being eyed by the University of the Arts. Such a move would be a boon for the owner of 250 S. 13th St. as well.

If long term value is what you are seeking in a  Condominium, then you might want to consider a look at The Lenox at 250 S. 13th St. in Center City Philadelphia, as it is my guess that if the building can improve, or have improved unto it, a few details, that the units within the building will shoot up in value more than most Center City condominiums will over the next ten to twenty years.