A Guide to KohSamui
KohSamui Island is the third largest island of Thailand after
Phuket and Koh 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 KohSamui 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 Koh
Phangan, Koh Tao and the Angthong Marine National Park are
well worth to attend.
Chaweng Beach of KohSamui: is the most
popular area on KohSamui 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 KohSamui : Located
between Chaweng and Lamai has some small secluded beaches
like Thongtakian and is a good for snorkeling on KohSamui.
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 KohSamui : is the second
popular beach on KohSamui 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 KohSamui : 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 KohSamui Aquarium and the Butterfly
Garden are located there. Luxurious boutique resorts on
KohSamui on the tranquil beaches of Laem Set, Bang Kao and
the hillsides offer scenic views to the nearby islands of
Koh Tan and Koh Matsum and the mainland at the horizon.
There is no nightlife but all for a relaxing and quiet holiday.
Bang Kao Beach of KohSamui : Locatd at
the south coast of on KohSamui 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 KohSamui Butterfly Garden and KohSamui
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 KohSamui : This pristine
bay stretching along the south-west coast of KohSamui 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 KohSamui 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 KohSamui : or Sunset
Beach, is the most serene and untouched beach at the west
coast of KohSamui 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 KohSamui : The capital
of KohSamui 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 Koh Phangan, Koh 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 KohSamui : Located
between Chaweng and Lamai has some small secluded beaches
like Thongtakian and is a good for snorkeling. Some resorts
on KohSamui 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 KohSamui : is located
in the North of on KohSamui 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 Koh 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 KohSamui : Located in
the North of on KohSamui. 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 Koh Phangan at the horizon.
Big Buddha Beach of KohSamui : Is located
in the Northeast of on KohSamui 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 Koh Phangan.
Big Buddha Beach has everything to offer like restaurants,
bars and shopping opportunities and all kind of accommodations
on KohSamui 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 Koh Phangan and the monthly
Full Moon Party are leaving from here.
Choengmon Beach of KohSamui : The secluded
beach on KohSamui, 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.
Direct flight to KohSamui:
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 KohSamui are
by Bangkok Airways and 2 flights daily by Thai Airways.
Flight to Surat Thani - transfer to KohSamui:
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 KohSamui and you
have to spend a night in Suratthani. **
Regulations for carry-on baggage
AdviceAll travellers arriving at KohSamui 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
KohSamui 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 KohSamui.
Tickets are also available at Bangkok Airport.
Surat Thani - KohSamui 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 - Koh 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 KohSamui, 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.
KohSamui Tourist Attractions
The Big Buddha
KohSamui'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.
KohSamui 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 KohSamui. 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 KohSamui. Shows
featuring snakes indigenous to KohSamui 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
KohSamui'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 KohSamui's highest mountain covered by
tropical rainforest. Surround yourself by water falls, small
rivers, canyons and exotic birds and wildlife.
KohSamui 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 KohSamui every
Monday and Friday, while the Lamai stadium stages fights every
Saturday.
Canopy Adventures - Secret Falls KohSamui
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 KohSamui. 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 KohSamui
KohSamui 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 KohSamui.
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 KohSamui, offering a wide
range of dive facilities. There are also tours available
for snorkeling, fishing and excursions. The area of KohSamui,
Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Angthong Marine National Park are
very famous dive places.
Dining and restaurants.
The Seafood is well known in KohSamui. 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.
KohSamui 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 KohSamui
The "Coolest and Newest" adventure on
KohSamui. Completely safe and fun for all ages. As seen
on TV. No experience necessary. Enjoy the Ride.
