Ko Samui is located in the Gulf
of Thailand, approximately 84 kilometers east
of Surat Thani Province, or approximately
700 kilometers south of Bangkok. Known as
the Coconut Island, Ko Samui is one of the
most famous and popular attractions of Thailand.
With an area of 247 square kilometers, Ko
Samui is the third largest island of Thailand
after Phuket
and Ko
Chang (of Trat Province). The topography
of the island is that of a plain with a mountain
range in the middle and 7 important streams.
In addition, there is a 50-kilometer paved
road that encircles the island. Moreover,
the area of the island stretches to a group
of 48 surrounding islets.
Despite the fast pace of development, Ko
Samui has been able to maintain its charm
its classical image of a tropical beach resort
fringed by coconut trees. Travelers to the
island can enjoy a mixed blessing of vibrant
day and nightlife along side with tranquility
which can easily be found across different
parts of Ko Samui as the archipelago is a
peaceful home for fishermen and a natural
den for seagulls and other rare birds.
Chaweng
- the largest and most-developed beach,
with a curious mix of luxury hotels and
backpacker guesthouses and a hopping nightlife
Lamai
- Samui's "second" beach south
of Chaweng, more backpackery than Chaweng
South Coast - the small beaches
of Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai, Laem Set, Bang
Kao and Thong Krut
What to see & do
The reason why people come to Samui is, quite
simply, the beaches which remain stunning after
decades of development, helped in no small part
by a height restriction on new buildings.
Other than lying on the beach with a cold beer
in hand and ogling at the babes and hunks sauntering
past, there isn't all that much to see on the
island. A certain pair of rocks on Lamai amuses
some visitors, Bang Rak has a large but nondescript
Buddha statue, and there are some waterfalls (notably
Na Muang) of minor interest.
Do
The usual panoply of watersports are available,
including plenty of dive shops, but most diving
is done either in the nearby Angthong Marine National
Park or Ko Tao as the visibility around Samui's
sandy beaches tends to be poor. You can book diving
day trips at dive shops, most of which are based
in Chaweng. The dive boats tend to leave from
the pier at Bophut.
Santiburi Samui Country Club boasts the
only 18 hole golf course on the island. Located
inland from Mae Nam, the neighbouring town to
Bophut, the challenging mountain-side and high
valley fairways offer stunning views of the bay
area and distant Ko Pha Ngan. Golf carts are compulsory,
to prevent the exhaustion of players otherwise
following the steeply rising and falling fairways.
Large greens offer some compensation to players
distracted by the fabulous views and lush tropical
setting. The clubhouse includes locker rooms,
dining, conferencing rooms as well as a driving
range, practice green and shop.
Kayaking is a great way to see the Angthong
Marine National Park. Look for a credible tour
operator when on the island.
There is a nice natural pool at the top of the
Na Muang waterfall 2. It's about 30 minutes steep
hike from the point where the road ends. There
are also some elephant ride businesses, that can
take you to the bottom of the waterfall.
Shooting you can visit the Samui shooting
range and fire various 9mm and revolver pistols
and even the famous AK-47. Turn up and shoot -
prices are quite steep around 1000 baht for a
clip of ammo but it does make for a memorable
experience and is suitable for small groups.
Bungy Jump situated on the Reggae Street side
of Chaweng lake.
Tiger Zoo and Tropical Bird Show - south of Hua
Thanon
Dining & Entertainment
Eat
Samui is well known for its coconuts, which are
available everywhere and quite tasty. Being an
island, seafood is generally a good choice, although
in high season demand often exceeds local supply.
The larger beaches have a number of international
restaurants as well (often run by Thai-farang
couples), with Bophut having a particularly good
reputation.
Dual pricing is regrettably common: some
restaurants have two menus, one for farangs and
the other for Thai people, at about 1/4 of the
farang prices. Main courses in a standard, low-key
Thai restaurant should be under 100 baht (except
some seafood dishes), so if prices seem unreasonably
steep, head elsewhere.
Drink
There are innumerable options for a drink, ranging
from the loud and brash tourist pubs and girlie
bars of Chaweng to the candle-lit romantic bars
of Bophut. Figure on 80 baht for a local beer
(Singha, Tiger, Chang, Heineken) and up to twice
as much for any import.
Wine is especially expensive, usually over 2,000
baht per bottle.
About Koh Samui Thailand
