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