A Guide to Kho Samui Island
Kho Samui Island is the third largest island of Thailand
after Phuket and Kho Chang and one of the most popular destinations
for travelers. In recent years it developed to a tropical
beach resort but still maintained its charm and has everything
to offer - from coconut tree fringed beaches to tropical
jungles to a vibrant nightlife. Popular beaches are Chaweng,
Lamai, Bophut & Maenam.
Accommodations on Kho Samui Island range from bungalows
and villas to 5 star boutique resorts and are suitable for
all budgets. Restaurants of all flavors invite for delicious
wining and dining and spas and massage facilities for rejuvenation.
Activities include elephant trekking, canoeing, sailing,
diving, golfing, fishing, biking and all you can think of.
There is also a lot to see, like waterfalls, temples and
jungles as well as a butterfly garden, an aquarium and tiger
zoo, monkey theatre, snake and crocodile farm and a tropical
zoo to name some. Day tours to the neighbor islands of Kho
Phangan, Kho Tao and the Angthong Marine National Park are
well worth to attend.
Chaweng Beach of Kho Samui : is the most
popular area on Kho Samui Island with 6km of a white sandy
beach and clear waters. With plenty of hotels and resorts,
restaurants, spas, discotheques, bars and shopping facilities
it is the main tourist center and nightlife area. As the
sea is partly shallow most of the year it is the perfect
place for families with small kids and all kind of water
sports can be enjoyed. After a relaxing day on the beach
you can have a dinner in one of the seafood restaurants,
sip a drink at a bar or just stroll along the beach road
to fulfill your shopping desires.
Coral Cove Beach of Kho Samui: Located
between Chaweng and Lamai has some small secluded beaches
like Thongtakian and is a good for snorkeling on Kho Samui
Island. Some resorts are nestled at the hillside with magnificent
views over Chaweng Beach. It is only a 10 minutes drive
to either Lamai or Chaweng to do some shopping or to enjoy
the nightlife. It is a perfect place for travelers preferring
a more tranquil and quiet holiday.
Lamai Beach of Kho Samui: is the second
popular beach on Kho Samui Island after Chaweng and stretches
over 4km along the East coast. The beach is not as wide
as Chaweng and the sea gets quickly deeper making it perfect
for swimming and water sports. At the southern end of the
beach the famous Grandfather & Grandmother rock formations
called Hin Ta - Hin Yai, stretch their bizarre shapes in
the sky. Restaurants, spas, bars and shopping opportunities
are plentiful and the nightlife is just second to Chaweng.
Hua Thanon Beach of Kho Samui: A 10 minute
drive south of Lamai is the home of the Muslim fishing community
with a daily fresh seafood market and dozens of colorful
longtail-boats. The Kho Samui Aquarium and the Butterfly
Garden are located there. Luxurious boutique resorts on
Kho Samui Island on the tranquil beaches of Laem Set, Bang
Kao and the hillsides offer scenic views to the nearby islands
of Kho Tan and Kho Matsum and the mainland at the horizon.
There is no nightlife but all for a relaxing and quiet holiday.
Bang Kao Beach of Kho Samui: Locatd at
the south coast of on Kho Samui Island consists of some
smaller beaches with breathtaking views to the islands dotted
at the horizon. A famous landmark is the Laem Sor Chedi
sitting at the rocky water’s edge. There are lots
of luxurious boutique resorts and private villas offering
a tranquil atmosphere with beachside restaurants and spas
to lift your spirit and body. The Kho Samui Butterfly Garden
and Kho Samui Aquarium are just a stones throw away while
the nightlife and shopping area of Lamai can be reached
within 15 minutes.
Taling Ngam Beach of Kho Samui: This pristine
bay stretching along the south-west coast of Kho Samui is
still unspoiled and has spectacular views to nearby islands
and the mainland. Coral reefs just a stones throw from the
beach makes it a paradise for snorkelers. Luxurious resorts
on Kho Samui Island along the beach offer all the facilities
you might need and the restaurants make for some fine wining
and dining experience. It is about a 20 minute drive to
Nathon if you need to do some shopping and 30 minutes to
the bustling nightlife of Lamai or Chaweng.
Lipa Noi Beach of Kho Samui: or Sunset
Beach, is the most serene and untouched beach at the west
coast of Kho Samui just 5 minutes from the ferry pier. It
is the place for peaceful and quiet beach holidays away
from the crowds with beautiful sunsets and scenic views
of the Angthong National Marine Park and the mainland. As
there are only a view resorts along the beach you will have
plenty of space on the crystal clear sea. There is not much
around but Nathons shopping area is only 4 km away.
Nathon Beach of Kho Samui: The capital
of Kho Samui has still preserved its charm as a harbor town
and is scattered with all kind of shops, markets, banks
and restaurants. Nathon is the major harbor for the ferries
from the mainland, the boats to Kho Phangan, Kho Tao and
the Angthong National Marine Park and is the main hub for
goods from the mainland. There are only a few hotels mostly
used as a stopover for early transfers to other destinations.
Coral Cove Beach of Kho Samui: Located
between Chaweng and Lamai has some small secluded beaches
like Thongtakian and is a good for snorkeling. Some resorts
on Kho Samui Island are nestled at the hillside with magnificent
views over Chaweng Beach. It is only a 10 minutes drive
to either Lamai or Chaweng to do some shopping or to enjoy
the nightlife. It is a perfect place for travelers preferring
a more tranquil and quiet holiday.
Maenam Beach of Kho Samui: is located
in the North of on Kho Samui Island with smooth sand and
good swimming preferences. Maenam beach is perfect for families
with small children as the water is shallow and there is
no noise from nightlife or traffic. At Maenam pier speedboats
leave daily to Kho Tao and shopping opportunities as well
as restaurants are located in the area. It is just a 20
minute drive to the action in Chaweng and 10 minutes to
Bophut’s Fisherman Village for some fine wining and
dining.
Bophut Beach of Kho Samui: Located in
the North of on Kho Samui Island. Between Maenam and Chaweng,
Bophut consists of the Fisherman's Village and the beaches
West of it. The beach at the village is small and not to
suitable for swimming as there are many tour and diving
boats going from here to other islands. It still conveys
the atmosphere of a small fisher village but there are plenty
of restaurants and shops as well as cafes and bars to enjoy
a beautiful sunset with Kho Phangan at the horizon.
Big Buddha Beach of Kho Samui: Is located
in the Northeast of on Kho Samui Island has smooth sand,
good swimming preferences and safe for children. From here
you have fantastic views over the 12 meter high golden Big
Buddha and Kho Phangan. Big Buddha Beach has everything
to offer like restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities
and all kind of accommodations on Kho Samui Island from
simple beach huts to tropical resorts catering to all budgets.
The nightlife of Chaweng is just a 15min drive away and
daily boats to Kho Phangan and the monthly Full Moon Party
are leaving from here.
Choengmon Beach of Kho Samui: The secluded
beach on Kho Samui Island, 4 km north of Chaweng Beach and
5 minutes from Bophuts Fisherman’s Village, is the
perfect beach for families and couples who want to enjoy
peaceful and quiet beach holidays. The water is comparative
shallow and makes it safe for children to play and snorkelers
can explore the colorful underwater world right from the
beach. Accommodations dotted along the coastline catering
for all budgets. Water sports, like wind surfing and canoeing,
and other activities are readily available as well as some
shopping opportunities and restaurants.
GETTING TO KHO SAMUI
Direct Flights to/from KHO SAMUI
• Domestic Air-travel directly Bangkok - KHO
SAMUI
• Domestic Air-travel to Surat Thani followed
by bus/ferry transfer to KHO SAMUI.
Suvarnabhumi Airport:
Suvarnabhumi Airport Meaning a " Golden Land ".
Covers an area of some 20,000 rais (8,000 acres). The new
international airport is located about 15 km of on the east-bound
Bangna-Trat Highway in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakarn
Province and is about 25 km. from downtown Bangkok. It is
accessible via five routes.
Direct flight to KHO SAMUI:
Fare is the most expensive but obviously the fastest, ideal
for the persons who have only a little time. The direct
flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport) to Island Samui
are by Bangkok Airways and 2 flights daily by Thai Airways.
Flight to Surat Thani - transfer to KHO SAMUI:
Or you can fly to Suratthani (Thai Airways or One To Go).
From the airport there are minibuses which shuttle up to
Donsak's port, the ferry boats place of departure
** Make Sure not go by evening flights because you won't
be able to catch a ferry boat to KHO SAMUI and you have
to spend a night in Suratthani. **
Regulations for carry-on baggage
AdviceAll travellers arriving at KHO SAMUI Airport should
use the pick-up service of their hotel (which is the most
convenient way) or the transfer service provided through
sawadee.com
Important note:
Take care of your baggage in Bangkok or you will arrive
at KHO SAMUI without any!
Your baggage will not be redirected automatically at Bangkok
Airport, so you have to pick it up, move to domestic terminal
and check-in your baggage again.
To avoid any confusion when arriving at Bangkok Int.
Airport, read our details. After arriving at Surat Thani
Airport (about 1 hour), you can take an air-conditioned
bus to KHO SAMUI. Tickets are also available at Bangkok
Airport.
Surat Thani - KHO SAMUI By Ferry
The ferry transfer is included in the bus fare because
the bus uses the ferry (it cannot swim... :-)
On the island the bus first stops at the ferry pier and
then at Nathon Pier. Remember to tell the resort where
and when you want to be picked up. (Surat Thani - Holiday
KHO SAMUI app. 3 hours, ferry included).
The Express Boat
Long rather narrow boat, lots of backpackers but which
has its charm and all the transfers are easy.
Seatran Express
The connection from Suratthani city. Not more
than 2 hours, you will arrive directly at Nathon's port.
A little more expensive than the other boats, but air-conditioning
and practical.
The Ferry
About 1 hour and a half to KHO SAMUI, can contain vehicles,
small snack bar inside, full of seats and an "air-conditioning"
cabin.
There are two companies which provide sea transfer from
Suratthani (Donsak Pier):
- Seatran Ferry departure from Donsak Pier arrival at
Nathon pier.
- Raja Ferry departure from Donsak Pier arrival at Lipanoi
pier
The Speed Boat
Expensive but very fast (Koh Tao-Koh Phan-Ngan = 45 minutes,
normal boat = 2 hours). Used a lot from Koh Tao or by
various daytrips tours and some diving schools.
KHO SAMUI Tourist Attractions
The Big Buddha
KHO SAMUI's most popular attraction, The Big Buddha sitting
15 meters tall was built in 1972 by the local society
to give visitors a place to pay respect to The Lord Buddha.
This monumental landmark is placed on the island's Northern
shore.
KHO SAMUI Hin Ta - Hin Yai
Strangely shaped rocks at south Lamai. A local story tells
of an old couple whose ship was wrecked in the bay. Their
body's were washed ashore to create the rocks
Hin Lad Waterfall
Hin Lad Waterfall is located 2 km south of Nathon Town.He
can be reached by a 3-4 kilometer walk down a country
foot walk. In evergreen, rain forest setting with palms
and creepers, the waterfall have several levels with a
cool pool for a fresh water swim.
Ancient House
A house made of teakwood without any nails at Ban Thale
is the oldest house on the KHO SAMUI. It was built approximately
150 years ago, is constructed of teak planks and shows
off many beautiful woodcarvings.
Snake Farm
A definite must see for all those visiting the KHO SAMUI.
Shows featuring snakes indigenous to KHO SAMUI as well
as Centipede, Scorpion and Cock Fighting shows. Informative
and entertaining. Great for the entire family and worth
looking for. Follow the signs seen throughout the island.
Show times are 11.00 and 14.00 everyday.
Paradise Park Farm
KHO SAMUI's lates and biggest attraction! Set on 20 acres
of land, Paradise Park Farm is a spectacle. Spend a day,
or two, in the cool air of KHO SAMUI's highest mountain
covered by tropical rainforest. Surround yourself by water
falls, small rivers, canyons and exotic birds and wildlife.
KHO SAMUI nightlife
Bars, cabarets shows and discos are mainly in Chaweng
and Lamai located. Green Mango, Raggae Pub and Full Circle
are the main discotheques.
Thai Boxing
The undisputed national sport of Thailand, a Muay Thai
professional bout can be seen at the Chaweng Stadium of
KHO SAMUI every Monday and Friday, while the Lamai stadium
stages fights every Saturday.
Canopy Adventures - Secret Falls KHO SAMUI
Cable Rides Rainforest Tour;
An adventure you'll never forget.
Flora, Fauna, waterfalls and an adventure
you'll never forget!
- 6 Different treehouses
- 6 Separate cable ride for over
500 meters of excitement
- Waterfalls & fantastic views
- Jungle "Hammock" Bar
- No experience necessary
- Free shuttle every hour
Namuang Waterfall
Namuang Waterfall is located 10 km south from Nathon at
Ban Thurian. There are 2 waterfalls in KHO SAMUI. Na Muang
one is 18 meter high and can be reached by vehicle.
Na Muang two is about 80 meters high and can only be reached
by a 30 minute walk. The waterfalls are the most scenic
on the KHO SAMUI
KHO SAMUI Sawadee Shrine
The Brahma of Sawadee is an important being..a central
image for reverence and faith.
The number of visitors is rising every day because people
have faith in His greatness extending out kindness and
mercifulness and thus creating happiness and peacefulness
to to those coming to pay Him respect.
Magic Buddha Garden
The magic Buddha garden is hidden in the hills of KHO
SAMUI. You can see several statues, temples and waterfalls
which are build by one man in the last 20 years.
Butterfly Garden
Na Tian Butterfly Garden is situated at the bottom of
the hill south of the island. Apart from the numerous
species of butterflies on display, there are also other
interesting features in the garden: The bee house, a Thai
style house which allows the visitor to observe the activities
of bees. The insect museum, rare insects from Thailand
and other countries are displayed here.
Scuba Diving
Diving, snorkeling, fishing. There are many scuba diving
schools located around KHO SAMUI, offering a wide range
of dive facilities. There are also tours available for
snorkeling, fishing and excursions. The area of KHO SAMUI,
Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Angthong Marine National Park
are very famous dive places.
Dining and restaurants.
The Seafood is well known in KHO SAMUI. Restaurant around
the island offer Thai-, European-food and other specialties.
You should also try the large range of tropical fruits
and a fresh coconut.
KHO SAMUI Go Kart
Located close to Chaweng this simple Go Kart track has
two types of karts available, a slow kart and a fast kart.
The slow kart will cost you a staggering 300 Baht for
10 minutes and the fast kart 400 Baht for 10 Minutes.
If you want additional time then discounts are not given
but extra time is offered as an incentive. For example
pay for 20 minutes at full rate and get 24 minutes in
return.
RB KHO SAMUI
The "Coolest and Newest" adventure on KHO SAMUI.
Completely safe and fun for all ages. As seen on TV. No
experience necessary. Enjoy the Ride.
