| The islands of the South of Thailand conjure | | | | The most sought after rentals are the beach |
| beautiful images in most seasoned travellers' | | | | front villas. Most of these villas are in the more |
| minds of picturesque white sands, green and | | | | remote areas of Koh Samui, though there are |
| azure waters, limestone cliffs, coconut groves and | | | | some exceptions to this rule. Often the beach |
| incredible tropical island views. | | | | front villas have live-in staff to cater for your |
| More often than not, the first island that springs | | | | every need. Sea view villas are dotted all over |
| into most peoples' minds is Koh Samui, Thailand's | | | | the island, located from gentle slopes near the |
| third biggest island. | | | | coast to remote mountain retreats high in the |
| This article is a guide to how the luxury holiday | | | | Koh Samui hills. Tropical Garden homes are the |
| properties and villas for rent market works on | | | | most common and there is a huge range available |
| Koh Samui, Thailand. | | | | for rent. |
| The luxury properties rental market has been | | | | |
| steadily growing in Koh Samui for many years. | | | | How Villa Rental Works on Koh Samui |
| The recent political turmoil and global economic | | | | Most of the villa rental companies co-operate with |
| situation has slowed things down, but the recent | | | | each other and list each others rentals and share |
| in-flux of dollar ready Russian tourists has kept | | | | commission of 10-15%. Commission is always |
| the market afloat and things are already getting | | | | taken from the agreed rental amount and not |
| better. | | | | added to it, meaning that you should get your villa |
| | | | | for the same price no matter who you book with. |
| Cost of Renting a Luxury Villa | | | | |
| The price range for a luxurious holiday rental | | | | How to Pay for Your Villa Rental |
| starts from around 3,000 Thai Baht per night to | | | | The norm is to pay a deposit of around 30-50% |
| 30,000 Thai Baht plus. The high-end prices are | | | | of the agreed rental price to confirm a booking |
| generally for large beach-front villas which usually | | | | with the rest of the balance to be paid 1 month in |
| come with a small army of live-in cleaners, chefs | | | | advance of the guests' arrival or paid upon |
| and even a villa manager. | | | | check-in. Usually a security deposit is collected on |
| | | | | check-in to cover any minor damages throughout |
| The best time to visit Koh Samui | | | | the stay. The most popular and safest way to |
| The weather in Koh Samui is temperature | | | | send your payment is by international bank |
| throughout the year, though if you want to be | | | | transfer which takes around 3-4 working days. |
| guaranteed sun it is best to avoid | | | | Credit card payment options are becoming more |
| October-January. If you are looking for a bargain | | | | popular although usually have a surcharge of 4 - |
| the best times to travel are from May to June | | | | 4.75%. |
| and Oct to mid-December, which most villa rental | | | | |
| companies consider as low season and rental | | | | What You Should Expect for your Money |
| rates are often discounted by around 20 percent. | | | | For short-term rental holidays (less than 3 |
| | | | | weeks), everything is usually included in the rental |
| Types of Holiday Properties for Rent in Koh | | | | price including all utilities, internet, satellite and villa |
| Samui | | | | laundry (not personal laundry). There are some |
| Villa types can be broken down into 3 main | | | | companies that add this on. You should expect |
| categories: | | | | any problems you have with your villa to be |
| | | | | sorted out as pro-actively as possible by your |
| - Beach front villas | | | | booking agent. |
| - Sea view villas | | | | |
| - Tropical Garden villas | | | | So what are you waiting for? |
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