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Koh Samui Travel Information
 

 

Koh Samui, situated off the East coast in Southern Thailand, is the largest of an archipelago of more than 80 islands, for the greater part uninhabited, the Angthong Marine National Park (The Golden Bowl).

Of a surface area of about 250 square kilometres, it is the third largest island of the Kingdom after Phuket and Koh Chang. The most close continental city is Suratthani at about 60 kilometres westwards.

Discovered at the beginning of the 70s by backpackers when there were only huts without electricity and tap water, and a population which lived mainly on the fishing and coconut plantations. Presently, Koh Samui still sends more than 2 million of coconuts a month to Bangkok.

Tropical island lined with coconut palms and with white sandy beaches, Samui is connected several times a day by boats and planes. It is part of Suratthani's province.

Within two decades, Samui became a choice destination in Asia. Today, with its guests, Samui built up itself a robust reputation of small tropical paradise.

Thailand's third largest island, Samui measures only 25 kilometres long and 21 kilometres wide and is very easy to get around. A ring road loops around the island's lush forest and coconut covered interior, linking both beaches and other attractions.

Samui has an excellent public transport network of songthaews - basically, converted pick-up trucks with bench seats. Dozens of them circle the island on various fixed routes all day and fares start at around 20 baht for a short trip - this is paid at the end of the journey.

There are no fixed stops, so flag one down anywhere and ring the bell or bang on the roof to get off. After dark, many songthaews operate as private taxis, so it's necessary to negotiate a fare before getting aboard. Expect to pay several hundred baht to travel between beaches.

There are also yellow, metered, air-con taxis available, but as drivers are not particularly keen to turn on their metres, prices can be very high. Motorbike taxis are considerably cheaper, but come with obvious safety issues.
Motorbike and jeep rental is readily available everywhere on the island. Expect to pay around 200 Baht per day for a bike and around 800 Baht for a car.

The local population, consisting mainly of Buddhist Thais, is very friendly. Until the recent arrival of tourism, coconut farming and fishing were the main sources of income. Both are still practiced today, though to a lesser extent and the pleasant aroma of charring coconuts can still be smelled on many parts of the island.

The largest and most popular beaches on Samui are Chaweng, Lamai and Maenam. Although dotted with bungalows and resorts, due to the length of these beaches, they never feel too crowded. For those seeking quieter spaces, there are many other beaches to choose from such as Natien, Tongsai Bay and Taling Ngam.

Other than the beaches or water sports, entertainment comes in many forms. From boat trips, waterfalls and snake shows to temples, petrified monks and strange rock formations, there’s something for everyone. The choice of nightlife and shopping in Chaweng are superlative.

Samui Beaches

Samui beaches are great as the sand is pearl white and the water of the sea is clean and crystal clear. The most developed beach of all Koh Samui beaches must certainly be Chaweng beach.

Chaweng beach is extremely popular with the younger crowd due to the legendary Samui nightlife at this popular Koh Samui Beach.

Many families however also prefer this Ko Samui beach over other Samui beaches as the hotels and the general facilities at Chaweng beach are better then those found at one of the other beaches of Koh Samui.

Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach around seven km in length and many Samui hotels and bungalow complexes can be found directly on the beach. What better way to enjoy your holiday then with your very own beach bungalow located on one of Samui’s most popular and lively beaches?

The prices of the various Samui hotels and resorts along Chaweng beach vary greatly in price and there is certainly a resort or hotel along this Samui beach to fit your budget.

Near the center of this Samui beach, tourists can find a large variety of shops, bars, restaurants and Samui nightlife venues. The great thing about the Chaweng beach nightlife is that there are so many options and most tourists will find a place that suits their wishes.

There are several excellent Koh Samui seafood restaurants located directly along this beach as well as most other Samui beaches. The fresh seafood is prepared according to your wishes and be sure to try the excellent blue crab and Tiger prawns which are caught in the waters near to Koh Samui. Visit our section on Chaweng beach for more information.

Lamai Beach

Lamai beach is the second most popular Koh Samui beach. Lamai offers an excellent variety of Samui beach hotels and resorts. This Samui beach also offers numerous excellent Samui nightlife venues such as the legendary Bauhaus disco.

The benefit of staying at Lamai beach rather then staying at the popular Koh Samui beach resort area of Chaweng is that the prices for accommodation are considerably cheaper at this beach resort area. There are also several resorts that offer beach side villas and bungalows at this great Samui beach.

Some of the Lamai beach attractions include the old Samui monastery this is located at Lamai as well as the very popular Lamai beach open market. There are also numerous great hiking trails for those of you that would like to explore the beautiful Samui flora and fauna on foot.

As with other Samui beaches, the center area of all shops, restaurants and nightlife centers is on the Lamai beach road. Tourists can find a variety of business along the beach road of this charming Samui beach which includes massage shops, Samui car rental places, Samui dive shops and numerous excellent dining venues.

Maenam Beach

Meanam beach is a somewhat smaller and relatively unknown Koh Samui beach. If you would like to encounter Thai culture and a traditional atmosphere then a visit to the charming Samui beach is a must.

Big Buddha Beach

Big Buddha Beach is a very popular beach on Samui and is named after the 12 meter tall statue of Buddha. Big Buddha beach is also known on Koh Samui as Bangrak Big Buddha Beachbeach. The Big Buddha statue is one of the most famous sights on Koh Samui.

Tourists visiting Maenam beach, one of the nicest Samui beaches, will encounter a traditional Thai village which consists of typical Thai wooden houses and traditional shops. The beach of this Samui beach destination is among the cleanest and relaxing of all the beaches around Samui.

Attractions

Eight-headed Coconut Tree An enjoyable jungle walk is the one that takes you to this rather odd coconut palm. A rare freak of nature this tree seems to divide continually. Normally the coconut palm only bears one head. At the moment there are 8 but recent reports say it’s showing signs of splitting again.

Ancient House A house made of teakwood without any nails at Ban Talay is the oldest house on the island. It was built approximately 150 years ago, constructed of teak planks and many beautiful wood carvings.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai Another of nature’s oddities on Koh Samui is that of the “Grandmother and Grandfather rocks”. Also called the “Genital Rocks” they are strange natural formations that have been eroded by the elements over time. They now form sculptures of male and female genitals, which create a lot of humorous interest from tourists and locals alike. Located at a scenic spot along the shore, south of Lamai Beach.

Naga Pearl Farm A 30 minute boat ride from Koh Samui will bring you to Koh Matsum and the Naga Pearl Farm where you can see how pearls are cultured. After the tour, you can enjoy some Thai food and spend the afternoon on the sandy beach. The Naga Pearl Shop, is located on Koh Samui, where all varieties of pearls can be purchased.

Secret Buddha Garden This Alice in Wonderland type garden, in the hills of Samui, is situated in a jungle ravine, adorned with statues, cottages and waterfalls that have been constructed by one man in the last 20 years.

Snake Farm Impressive shows featuring native snakes, centipedes and scorpions are sure to mesmerize even the most seasoned traveller. Watch in amazement as the host surrounds himself with poisonous cobras and touches their reared head! It is a great venue for the entire family and worth looking out for. Follow the signs throughout the island.

Waterfalls The most beautiful and easiest waterfalls to get to are, Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2, where you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the pool below. If you fancy a jungle walk, head to Hin Lad Waterfall. Here a 2 km path winds its way through lush foliage to the picturesque spot. A must for all nature-lovers and well marked on any tourist map.

Outer Islands

Ang Tong National Marine Park It consists of some 40 small islands, with dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, hidden lagoons, lush jungle and wild gibbons. It provides an unspoilt island experience for the whole family.

The park lies 31km from Koh Samui, accessible by a 45-minute speed boat ride or 2 hours by ferry. Here one can kayak over mangrove-lined waters or drift silently to land and step onto a deserted beach. One of the first things that will strike you is the quiet. Then you’ll notice the gentle slosh of water as it glides up the sand or gurgle as it’s sucked between limestone boulders. If you’re quiet and alert, you may be lucky enough to spot a sea otter or gibbon nearby. The tropical bird life here is good too and you are sure to be rewarded with a number of sightings.

Most islands consist of limestone formations reaching heights of up to 400m, fringed by sandy beaches and tropical rain forest. Some islands are mangrove-lined and make interesting exploration areas. The wildlife here is abundant both in and out of the water.

The park office is on Koh Wua Talap and here the visitor will find bungalow-style accommodation. Popular sites include Hat Chan Charat (Moonlight Beach), a high viewpoint and the Tham Bua Bok (Waiting Lotus Cave, named after spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations). An emerald saltwater lake known as Thale Nai on Koh Mae Koh is the park’s major attraction. To reach it requires a strenuous climb but the view is well worth the effort.

Koh Phangan This island, directly north of Koh Samui can be explored by foot or motorbike. Attractions include the Tan Sadet Waterfall, the Laem (Cape), Hat Rin (Rin Beach) and the Paen National Park.

Koh Taeuai This small island, not far from Koh Phangan, is popular with tourists for its natural beauty. There are high, jungle-covered hills, long stretches of golden sand beach and coral reefs to explore.

Tan and Matsum islands These small islands make a fine day trip from Samui. Located just 2km away, these quiet islands offer long, sandy beaches and good snorkelling. There's also hiking, fishing, bat caves and scenic sightseeing.

Koh Tao The island of Koh Tao is northwest of Phangan Island. Small and beautiful, the island earned a reputation for picturesque coves and coral gardens, making it a popular diving destination.

Temples

Big Buddha Temple or Wat Pra Yai Wat Pra Yai is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark, the Big Buddha. Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue and the surrounding views at some point during their stay. Visible from several kilometres away and even from planes flying over the island, the 12m tall golden image stands proud. At the base of the structure, several shops and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Pra Yai is on Bang Rak beach (also called Big Buddha beach) on route 4171 near the airport.

Buddha’s Footprint There are actually four footprints here, superimposed one on another. Each one is artistically engraved. They are housed in a modest shrine, 150 steps up a steep hill, which also offers great views of hills and sea over the tree tops. Buddha's Footprint is not signposted but can be found by going up a concrete slope on the left, two kilometres west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on the 4170 road.

Leam Sor Chedi This ornately designed Chedi (Pagoda) scenically sits at the rocky water's edge. Covered in countless small yellow tiles, it appears golden when viewed from a short distance. Located off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow signs to "Waikiki Bungalows" to the end of the road.

Wat Kunaram It houses the body of Samui's most famous mummified monk. Dearly departed Loung Pordaeng, is on display here in a specially constructed glass shrine. When he died more than 25 years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any major decay. Located on the 4169 ring-road between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.

Wat Sila Ngu is said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. The golden chedi facing the temple's entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local travelling shows and even TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds here for their performances. Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometre south of the Genital Rocks on the beach side of the road.

Things to Do

Ride an Elephant. Elephant trekking is an experience of a lifetime. See the islands interior from the back of one of the largest creatures that roam our planet. Standard treks last for 30 minutes, but longer trips can be arranged.

Explore the Jungle. Difficult places to reach without a guide can be easily accessed by booking a daylong jungle tour. See Thailand's nature first hand in the comfort of a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Explore the Sea. Paddle yourself along Samui’s shores, or discover deserted beaches in the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Keep an eye out for sea otters, sea eagles and other animals in picturesque surroundings.

Climb a Waterfall. Namuang Falls is the most scenic of Koh Samui's waterfalls. The falls consist of two waterfalls within a short distance of each other. Na Muang 1 is 18 meters high and can easily be reached by foot or vehicle. Na Muang 2 is about 80 meters high and can only be reached by a 30-minute walk.

Visit the Genital Rocks. Hin Ta and Hin Yai are strangely shaped rocks that resemble male and female genitals. Located at a scenic spot along the shore, south of Lamai.

Visit the Naga Pearl Farm and discover how pearls are cultured. A 30-minute boat ride from Koh Samui will bring you to Koh Matsum and the Naga Pearl Farm. After you learn about pearl culture, you can enjoy eating Thai food and spend the afternoon on the white sandy beach.

Go Diving or Snorkelling. There are many scuba diving schools located around Samui, offering a wide range of dive facilities. There are also tours available for snorkelling, fishing and other water excursions.
Visit this website for further information about Scuba Diving in Koh Samui.

Visit the Big Buddha. Big Buddha Temple or Wat Pra Yai is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark, the Big Buddha. Visible from several kilometers away and from airplanes flying over the island, the 12 meter tall golden enjoys a scenic location on top of a hill on Big Buddha Beach. Ring a temple bell and check out the view!

Visit the Mummified Monk at Kunaram Temple. The body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng, is on display here. When he died more than 25years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any major decay. Located on the 4169 ring-road between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.

Watch Thai Boxing. A visit to this exciting country wouldn't be complete without seeing its national sport. The pre-fight rituals and the traditional music throughout are as much part of the event as the fights themselves. Widely considered to be the world's most dangerous martial art, Thai boxing is a superb example of the speed, grace and discipline required in such sports. Boxing matches are held every Monday and Friday at the Samui stadium.

Ang Tong National Marine Park Ang Tong National Marine Park consists of some 40 small islands and combines, dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, hidden lagoons, lush jungle and wild gibbons, to provide an unspoilt island experience for the whole family.

The park lies 31km from Koh Samui, accessible by a 45-minute speed boat ride or 2 hours by ferry. Here one can kayak over mangrove lined waters or drift silently to land and step onto a deserted beach. One of the first things that will strike you is the quiet. Then you’ll notice the gentle slosh of water as it glides up the sand or gurgle as it’s sucked between limestone boulders. If you’re quiet and alert, you may be lucky enough to spot a sea otter or gibbon nearby. The tropical bird life here is good too and you are sure to be rewarded with a number of sightings.

Butterfly Farm Visiting a butterfly farm is a great way of getting up close to these beautiful insects. The butterflies on the Samui farm flit about naturally amid tropical foliage. Close range observation is the best way to view some of the region's most beautiful butterflies. A definite must do if you have children.

Bungee Jumping Jungle Bungy Catapult on Lamai beach is a definite thrill-seekers choice for the older kids amongst us.

Elephant Trekking For quiet relaxation and something most children will love, elephant trekking is the way to go. Here the island's interiors can be easily accessed from the backs of these wonderful giants. Sit back and enjoy the silent ride. Standard treks last for 30 minutes, but longer trips can be arranged. There are several venues around the island, easy to spot.

Go Carts What child doesn’t like the thrill of this fast-paced sport? Samui Go-Kart, just off the 4169 Ring Road west of Bo Put village is the place to go. Tel: 077 245 041.

Jungles and Waterfalls The most beautiful and easiest waterfalls to get to are, Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2. If you fancy a jungle walk, then Hin Lad Waterfall is your choice. Here a 2 kilometre path winds its way to the picturesque spot. A must for all nature-lovers and clearly marked on any tourist map.

Monkey Shows On Samui, the monkey undoubtedly qualifies as man's best friend. This isn't surprising, since for centuries the people here have used monkeys to do the hardest work, climbing the trees to pick ripe nuts on their coconut plantations. Until the advent of tourism, coconuts represented the main industry here, so these industrious little animals were greatly prized. The monkey theatre offers shows in which the monkeys display their dexterity and not just at picking coconuts. The entertainment also includes performing elephants. Look for the theatre on the main road behind and between Chaweng and Bo Put village.

Mini Golf Treasure Island, in Chaweng has 18 holes of colourful fun. It’s ideal for the kids.

Paint Ball You can shoot your friends with paintballs at Samui Paintball, near the Samui International Hospital in Chaweng.

Snake Farm Impressive shows featuring native snakes, centipedes and scorpions are sure to mesmerize even the most seasoned traveller. Watch in amazement as the host surrounds himself with poisonous cobras and touches their reared head! It is a great venue for the entire family and worth looking out for. Follow the signs throughout the island.

The Playroom This is strictly for children, although parents get a lot of the benefit. Plenty of toys, games, videos and other kids, it's a great place for your 2 to 9 year olds to have some fun between 12 noon and midnight every day. Located at South Chaweng Beach Road, opposite Samui Resotel. Tel: 077 230 626

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Pra Yai) Wat Pra Yai is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark, the Big Buddha. Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue and the surrounding views at some point during their stay. Visible from several kilometres away and even from planes flying over the island, the 12m tall golden image stands proud. At the base of the structure, several shops and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Pra Yai is on Bang Rak beach (also called Big Buddha beach) on route 4171 near the airport.

Shopping

Shopping in Koh Samui for many is an exciting and pleasurable experience. Whether you are bargain hunting or designing your own custom tailored suit, shopping in Thailand is fun.

Street vendors often seem to be on every street corner showing you their goods from bikinis, hammocks and sarongs to laser pens, sunglasses and lighters. If you are interested in any of the wares you find, then it is time to start bargaining.

The outdoor markets in Nathon, Chaweng, and Lamai are the main shopping areas on Koh Samui. There are plenty of retail stores scattered throughout the island, but it’s at the markets where you’ll get your best bargains and find the most variety.

Fake designer labels are another popular item, a nightmare for the authentic companies, but a gift for those looking for Gucci, Levis and the like. Koh Samui also produces cotton hammocks and woodcraft items that prove popular with visitors. All in all, there’s a lot to choose from and shopping can be extended to include many pleasurable browsing hours, before you buy.
Visit this website for further information about Koh Samui.

Koh Samui, as in almost any town in Thailand, has its share of tailors. They will take your measurements and create a clothing item for you in a few hours or days. Leave your measurements with them and you can keep in touch and order a new suit or outfit from home.

Thai, Chinese, Burmese and Khmer antiques are excellent buys. Certain categories of antiques are restricted, particularly Buddha images. Others pieces may require an export license, but any reputable dealer will be able to advise you the appropriate restrictions and necessary documentation.

Probably the most famous of all the kingdom's handicrafts, Thai silk is available in a range of colours, patterns and plies. It is sold by the yard or as ready-made clothing and souvenir items.

Sports and Activities

Cabaret Shows The dazzling costumes and transformative make-up of the performers is the main attraction. These dancers may look like glamorous ladies, but are in fact men! A popular venue is Christy’s in central Chaweng, opposite the Green Mango disco.

Discos and Nightclubs Nightspots vary from a lounge in the bar to full-scale discos. You can't expect Bangkok here, but you will certainly not miss excitement if that's what you are looking for. For techno and pop, head to Chaweng’s Green Mango or Reggae Pub. For live music, the Secret Garden on Big Buddha beach is a popular spot. If you're a musician, feel free to join in! Other good music and/or dancing venues are Chaweng’s Sante Fe Disco, The Club and the Bauhaus, amongst others.

Diving There is hardly a beach on Koh Samui that doesn’t have a diving school nestled on its shore somewhere. This is one recreation in plentiful supply. Do make sure you go with a reputable company that has internationally recognised instruction such as PADI or something similar. Day dives to the neighbouring island of Koh Tao offer the best dive sites in the area.
Visit this website for further information about Diving in Koh Samui - IDC Thailand Scuba Diving.

Full Moon Parties Some years ago, a group of tourists and the owner of Paradise Bungalow on Koh Phangan arranged a party along the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin to celebrate the Full Moon night. It was so successful that it became a social event every 28 days or so. People from all over the world join the celebration and now there are around 10,000 partiers each month. When the moon makes its appearance, the beach explodes into a dancing frenzy. Jugglers and fire-spinners entertain the crowds as the night rolls on and with the brilliant impromptu fireworks display, the party atmosphere is complete. Not only on the full moon, there are New Moon parties as well.

Golf So far, Samui has one golf course at the Santiburi Samui Country Club which is nestled among coconut gardens on the hills above the north coast. The country club is affiliated with the Santiburi Resort on Maenam beach and is open to outside guests. Green fees, including caddie and cart are around US$50 for 9 holes and US$100 for 18 holes.
Visit this website for further information about Bo Phut Hills Golf Club.

Hiking More like “extreme walking” than hiking; Samui has several trails that offer magnificent views, and even some that reach cooler elevations. Take a look at any tourist map to see where the interior trails lie. Some trails reward hikers with a little restaurant at the view point.

Kayaking Paddle yourself along the coast or around Ang Tong National Marine Park. Keep alert for marine life as well as land animals and birds. Remember the quieter you are, the more you will see. Many bungalows, resorts and tour companies offer guided or self-guided kayaking.

Koh Samui Sailing Thailand's Koh Samui is increasingly a sailor's destination, in part due to the yearly Koh Samui sailing regata. There are small number of sailing companies available to explore the surrounding marine attractions. They offer a range of private sailboat charters, from sunset for two, to full catered daytrips as well as bareboat charters for the experience skipper. Are you ready to hoist, winch and tug in an enjoyable game of cat-and-mouse with the wind?

Spas are plentiful ranging from casual day spas to full-scale luxury resort spas. The prices are reasonable, and anything from beauty treatments to hang-over remedies are available.

Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) Muay Thai is another form of cultural entertainment and a visit to this country wouldn’t be complete without watching this national sport. It is widely considered to be the world’s most dangerous sport. The speed and dexterity of the contestants is an art in its own right. Matches are held daily, Monday to Friday at the Samui stadium.
Visit this website for photographs and further information about Thai Boxing.

Thai Cooking class A good cook will never be turned away from a party. Develop your culinary skills at Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts or classes offered at various hotels. Telephone the institute on 077 413 172 for more information.

Thai Massage Thai massage has a long history in Thailand, having been practiced for centuries. The roots of Thai massage are traced back to India and resemble yoga with deep stretching and twisting movements. There is an abundance of massage “therapists” all over the island and its beaches, however not all are properly certified. It’s a good idea to watch what they are doing to another customer first and decide if it’s something you’d enjoy.

Target Shooting Learn to handle handguns or rifles. The strictest safety procedures are rigidly enforced, so you can fire live ammunition without fear. Samui Shooting Sport is on the 4169 ring road between Bo Put and Chaweng. You can’t miss the big red target sign.

Climate

There are three seasons, warm and dry season from February till May, rainy season from the end of September till November and "cool" season which extends from October till January.

From February till October, the average temperature is from 32 to 38 degrees, but from July till September, there can be some showers, but only for a few hours.

Rainy season often amounts in fact to some "refreshing"showers followed by the return of the sun.
The climate is tropical so very humid all year round, but Samui remains always refreshed by a pleasant sea breeze blowing from the Gulf.
 

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