Koh Samui is an island located in the Chumphon Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, about 700 km south of Bangkok and 80 km from the eastern coastline of Southern Thailand.
It is the second most popular place to visit in Thailand and amaze tourists with its amazing natural beauty and diversity. Home to nearly 40,000 full-time residents, 90% of whom are Buddhists.
The territory is surrounded by palm trees, coconuts and fruits are grown on the coastline and on the coastal lowlands, the slopes of the central granite massif are covered with virgin rainforest. The island is 25 km long and 21 km wide.
Koh Samui is large enough for adventure, although it can be traversed by motorcycle or car in a couple of hours.
A short video about Koh Samui
How to get there
Planning a trip to Koh Samui? Do you want to know how to get to this city most conveniently? Then the list of options below is for you!
By plane
Koh Samui Airport (USM) is a private airport originally built by Bangkok Airways. It is the main operator and has long been the only airline with services to Koh Samui. At this airport, there are almost hourly flights to / from Bangkok and by Thai standards are expensive tickets with advance booking of 3.000-4.500 baht one way, while without prior booking they can cost twice as much. There are also daily flights to / from Phuket for 2,000-3,000 baht. There are two daily flights from Chiang Mai, but only one direct flight in the opposite direction.
The peculiarity of the international boarding gate is a special place where all passengers are offered food and drinks in a cozy living room, there is Wi-Fi provision - it becomes much more comfortable to wait for boarding.
In addition to Bangkok Airlines, Koh Samui is served by two daily flights from Bangkok by Thai Airways, Berjaya Air and Firefly from Subang airport (a small airport 30 minutes from the city center (Kuala Lumpur) and the International airport "Penang" (Penang International Airport) in Malaysia.
You can monitor promotions and special offers for air tickets on various aggregator sites, or, for example,.
Visa on arrival and visa-free entry are available at Koh Samui Airport for some nationalities.
Airport transportation is easy to find. A 20-minute bus ride to Chaweng costs 120 baht per person; a taxi will cost more - 400 baht. Make sure you set the fare to your destination before you get into the taxi, because many drivers refuse to use the meter.
If you are a couple or family, you will probably be approached by some young women holding signs from some hotels. high class... They will ask you where you are staying and will offer you a free taxi ride if you promise to attend their hotel's presentation during your stay. Avoid such suggestions.
Alternative airports
Other airports that fly to Koh Samui are Surat Thani Airport and Chumphon Airport from the mainland with a good ferry to Koh Samui. They are often significantly cheaper and serve as excellent low-cost carriers for Air Asia and Nok Air.
- Nok Air offers 4 daily flights + ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui or Nok Air flight from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat and ferry transfer to Koh Samui. You can book your ticket on their website.
- Flights to Surat Thani are operated by Thai airlines and low-cost airlines Air Asia and Nok Air (departures from Don Muang Airport, then along the road to the coast and ferry to the destination.
Flights to Nakhon Si Thammarat are operated by Air Asia and Nok Air, then by bus and catamaran.
By ship
From Chumphon via Ko Tao, Ko Phangan
Lomprayah offers a shared bus / high-speed catamaran from Bangkong to Koh Samui, which takes 11 hours (5.5 of them by ship) and costs about 1.250 baht (1.000 baht return). The bus stops at Hua Hin and then Chumphon, where passengers transfer to a ship calling at Ko Nang Yuan, Tao and Phangan on the way to Koh Samui. The road is scenic (including a 2-island trip) and the ferry is convenient to Seatran.
It will take longer to get to Koh Samui, but it is a good way to see the countryside and islands. The bus travel option is a 50-minute flight from Bangkok to Chumphon Airport via "Nok Air" and transfers to high-speed ferries that stop at Koh Tao along the way.
Lomprayah high speed catamarans are a good and quick way to get to Koh Samui from Koh Tao or Koh Phangan, and a good way to arrive from Bangkok to these islands. There are also regular speedboats from other operators.
By ferry
From Surat Thani
Surat Thani Railway Station and Airport (URT) includes a mixed bus / ferry service to Koh Samui for 200-300 baht. Some include a 60-minute bus ride to Donsak pier, followed by a 90-minute ferry ride. Others include a 30 minute bus ride, but the ferry takes longer. Tickets are sold by numerous agents who meet at every train and airport. It costs less than 300 baht.
At Donsak Pier, you can choose a ride from one of the listed ferry companies "Songserm", "Travel" and "Seatran"(departs every 30-60 minutes), ending at Nathon Pier. If you book a trip through tourist agency, then you are traveling on a small ferry with two decks, which is often crowded, so always arrive early, as all the seats on the lower deck may be occupied.
The air-conditioned upper deck is more expensive. If you don't feel like paying extra, you might find yourself next to a pile of backpacks at the back of the boat. There is a small overpriced shop on the lower deck (noodles fast food, which costs 15 baht, is sold here for 50 baht). It is better to take snacks with you so as not to overpay. The passengers on the Songserm ferry are mostly foreigners.
The Seatran ferry is much larger and has multiple decks (most are free to enter, including air-conditioned rooms), is slower to fill due to its size, and has numerous TVs (with Thai channels). There is a large cafeteria (with much friendlier prices like 20 baht for the same instant noodles). The passengers are mainly Thais and tourists.
Raja Ferry Port operates connections between Donsak Pier and Lipa Noi Pier on the western side of Koh Samui (a few kilometers south of Nathon. The ferry includes a free air-conditioned deck and comfortable seats.) You can use it if you decide to come by your own transport Songthaew transfer from Lipa Noi pier to Koh Samui or Lamai will cost 100 baht per person Taxi will cost more, about 1000 baht.
There are numerous ferry services from Surat Thani, including speedboat (3 runs daily, duration 3 hours and cost 150 baht) and slow night boats (duration 6-7 hours). Operator "Songserm Travel" number +66 25 29 654 in Bangkok to clarify the schedule, which varies depending on the season.
Clue:
Samui - the time is now
Difference in hours:
Moscow - 4
Kazan - 4
Samara - 3
Yekaterinburg - 2
Novosibirsk 0
Vladivostok 3
When is the season. When is the best time to go
The weather in Koh Samui is slightly different from the weather in other parts of Thailand. From April to September, when most of the country has a rainy season, Koh Samui remains fairly dry, but from October to December it is quite damp. With Koh Samui, the dry season lasts from January to March. You can navigate the prices for tours to Koh Samui from Russia.
Samui in summer
The summer months on the island cannot boast of perfect weather. The air temperature is quite democratic, but the humidity rises sharply, as a result of which a terrible stuffiness is formed. Added to this is the approaching rainy season; in the evening and at night, tourists can be upset by passing showers, although not very long (no more than an hour). With sunrise, the soil dries out quickly, and the sun does not spare the holidaymakers. The sea is quite calm, the only drawback may be the ebb tides occurring during the day. On some beaches, it is especially noticeable how the water, for several meters, leaves the coast, and for some, such a picture may seem frightening.
Samui in autumn
The beginning of autumn can easily please tourists who come to Koh Samui. When to go if not in the summer? - and the sun warms well, and there is no wind, and the sea is quite calm. You can spend most of September on the beaches of Koh Samui and enjoy the beautiful weather, although this month is considered the end of the beach season. Starting in October, the island is gradually enveloped in a cyclone of rains and gusty winds. The temperature drops by about 1-2 degrees monthly, and on average, air - 27 degrees, water - 26 degrees. Exhausting rains, which last for about 5 hours a day, and intense gusty winds make it impossible to enjoy the island as beach resort... The water is warm, but due to weather conditions, it is very cloudy. Several autumn days threaten with monthly precipitation. Cloudy weather prevails. Autumn is perfect for sightseeing tours. Due to the lack of a significant flow of tourists in autumn, you can safely visit the temples or study the history of this place in more detail.
Samui in spring
Everything blooms in spring and Koh Samui is no exception. The variety of color palette that the rich flora of the island can showcase attracts a new stream of tourists here. In April, the scorching sun heats the air up to 35 degrees, often the thermometer exceeds this mark, but even this is not able to stop exotic lovers.
The sea is still calm, its temperature reaches 29 degrees, only occasionally vacationers can frolic on small waves. With the end of spring, the weather is declining. The rainy season is coming sooner, so the air at the end of April can seem stifling.
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Samui in winter
Winter is considered the peak of tourist holidays on Koh Samui. In winter, the weather is very stable and the very "velvet season" begins. It is still recommended to fly to the island in the second decade of December, since the beginning of this month can be cloudy and rainy, it is almost impossible to predict. Such vagaries of the weather can occur due to the change and formation of the season. Otherwise, the winter months delight vacationers with bright sun and evening freshness, the sea is clean with rare, not big waves - an impeccable time to enjoy all the advantages of a seaside resort.
Koh Samui - monthly weather
Clue:
Koh Samui - monthly weather
Major attractions. What to watch
The most popular attractions in Koh Samui are presented below.
Top 5
Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Ko Samui
Located on Ban Harn beach. The Oceanarium features a striking collection of tropical fish and other marine animals such as turtles and colorful coral. The Tiger Zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. Samui Oceanarium and Tiger Zoo are open daily from 09: 00-18: 00.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
At Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Big Buddha Temple, there is a 15 meter high Buddha statue. It was built in 1972 in the north of the island.
Samui Butterful Garden / Insect Museum
This butterfly garden can be found in the southeast of the island. You can see a huge collection of different butterflies with a wingspan of up to 25 cm. Visitors can also visit the Insect Museum, where you can see various insects from rare beetles to bee hives.
Bophut Elephant Camp
The "Funny Day Safari" jeep safari takes place in the Elephant Park a couple of minutes from the fishing village and visits it to enjoy the peaceful nature, sitting on the back of a magnificent mammal, or to watch and feed cute little elephants. There you can also learn how Samui monkeys work and watch a professional performance of crocodiles. Additional information, maps of the area and a gallery of photographs can be found on their website.
Secret Buddha Garden
This beautiful garden was built by a 76-year-old Samui gardener in 1976. It is surrounded by green thickets, rocky hills and decorated with sculptures depicting both sexes in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the highest point on the island, you can see stunning views from there. Organized garden tours last almost 2 hours. .jpg)
Other attractions of the island:
- Monkey Shows - You can enjoy this show at the outdoor theater on the main road behind Bophut Beach. The show also includes trained elephants. Catching and training wild animals is ethically questionable.
- Old House - The nearly 200 year old Chinese style house represents the cultural heritage of Koh Samui. Grandpa Xi and Grandma Meng Tancharoen open the house for visitors.
- Airport tent. The airport on Koh Samui is very small, the peculiarity is that it is made in the form of a small, but very cozy and beautiful hut. Thanks to this, Samui airport is one of the five most original airports in the world.
- Coral beds at Laem Set and Thong Takhian;
- Namtok Hin Lat waterfall - The main waterfront settlement of the island, where shops, restaurants and travel agencies are concentrated;
- Namtok Na Mueang Falls - A local road leads to Na Mueang Falls 1. The 30 minute walk ends with the more picturesque Na Mueang Falls 2. Crimson rocks surround a stream that falls from an impressive height of approximately 79 meters;
- Snake farm;
- Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks - These strange rocks located on Lamai Beach bear a striking resemblance to the genitals of men and women. They have become one of the most important landmarks of the island. For those who would like to listen to the legend or see the rocks, just ask a local;
- Water Buffalo Fights - The island has a rich tradition of water buffalo fighting arenas. There is no fighting schedule, but locals will know the dates and you may see rare announcements on the road announcing the day of the fight.
Beaches. Which is better
The main reason for visiting Koh Samui is the beaches, as it is a rather large island with fabulous shores. The most popular and commercialized beaches are Lamai, while the northern beaches of Mae Nam, Bophut, Bang Rak and Choeng Mon and the surrounding villages are the most popular. quiet places and the beaches on the west coast are relatively quiet. Clarifications: Due to the muddy waters, Bophut and Chong Mon are not very good for swimming. The beaches and Lamai have cleaner seawater.
- Nathon is the port and administrative center of Koh Samui, which attracts tourists.
- Laem Yai is located on the northwestern edge of the island; secluded beach overlooking Ang Thong Islands.
- Mae Nam is a quiet and beautiful beach on the north coast.
- Bophut - Known for its calm but rapidly growing fishermen village.
- Bang Rak is on the northeastern edge, home of the Big Buddha.
- Chongmon is a quiet northern coastal beach.
- Chaweng is the largest and most developed beach with an unusual mixture of luxury hotels and small hotels for tourists and an active nightlife.
- Lamai is the "second" beach of Koh Samui, south of Chaweng, with lots of active nightlife and fabulous eateries and restaurants.
- Samui South Coast - the small beaches of Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai, Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut.
Chaweng beach
The main beach on Koh Samui, which has been developing since the early 1990s. Only 20 years ago, the beach was home to a handful of wooden bungalows, but now the place is littered with hotels, Italian pizzerias, Irish pubs and even go-go bars. Koh Samui's nightlife is becoming legendary, but, unfortunately, does not always attract exemplary tourists. Hippie tourists gave way to Chaweng "beer hooligans". Now - this is the place for a noisy and reckless party.
Lamai beach
As Chaweng, Lamai has been transformed from a hippie meeting place to a party and fun place with bars and exhilarating nightlife. However, the beach is in better condition than Chaweng and a place to stay is not easy to find because there are always a lot of people here. If you want to relax in a quiet place, Lamai is not the best perfect place For you.
There are several interesting rock formations on the southern edge of Lamai Beach.
Lamai island itself is located in the southeast of Koh Samui, almost 10 kilometers from Chaweng.
BeachMaenam(Mae Nam Beach)
It is a calm beach located in the north of the island, suitable for swimming and sunbathing, especially for families with children, due to the shallow waters.
Bophut Beach
Located in the north of the island, it is a popular starting point for diving. This place is not as developed as Chaweng, but there are many restaurants, shops and bars.
Choengmon Beach
Located in the northeast of Koh Samui, just 10 minutes from Chaweng. Unlike the latter, this is the perfect place to unwind.
BeachBigBuddha(Big Buddha Beach)
Located in the northeast of Koh Samui, it offers visitors a good swimming area and great views. The area has evolved over the years and now you can find many restaurants, shops and bars here.
Churches and temples. Which are worth visiting
Wat Khunaram Ko Samui
This temple is the most famous temple because of its mummified monk, which is exhibited in public. The mummy sits upright in a glass coffin and admirers present him with flowers and incense. In reality, the mummy is the body of a highly revered former temple abbot who was also a meditation master and was able to predict his own death.
Interesting, however, is the fact that the mummy wears a large pair of sunglasses and is surrounded almost everywhere by huts selling overpriced drinks and pancakes.
Samui Pagoda Laem Sor (Laem Sor Pagoda Koh Samui)
This chedi (pagoda) is located in the Laem Sor Temple, one of the most famous temples on Koh Samui. The building, with its yellow tiles that exude a golden aura, is quite an imposing and enchanting sight.
Food. What to try
Koh Samui is famous for its coconuts, which are available everywhere and are quite tasty. On the island a good choice seafood, although demand often exceeds local supply during peak tourist seasons. Large beaches such as Bophut have international restaurants with a good reputation (often owned by foreign couples living in Thailand).
South Thai food is famous for its spiciness. Most of the cuisine comes from Malay, Indonesian and Indian cuisine. Favorite southern dishes include Indian-style muslim curry (Massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Kanom Jin), and biriani chicken. Popular local foods are salted eggs and nephelium.
The double price, unfortunately, is common: some restaurants have two menus, one for tourists, the other for locals, for which the price is 1/4 of the price for foreigners. Main courses in a standard Thai restaurant should cost less than 100 baht (excluding seafood dishes). If prices seem unreasonably high, go to another restaurant. Always check prices and menus first so you don't have to argue when the bill arrives.
The drinks
There are countless choices for drinks that range from loud and cocky pubs and erotic pubs to candlelit romantic bars in Bophut. Price - 80 baht for local beer (Singha, Tiger, Chang, Heineken) and up to two times more for imported. Wine is especially expensive and usually costs over 2,000 baht a bottle.
Safety. What to watch out for
- Tap water is not potable. Drinks in sealed bottles are sold everywhere. Be safe in restaurants as well, as some use unsafe tap water to make ice in their drinks (others make it from bottled / safe water). Tap water in most hotels should not be used for drinking or brushing your teeth unless it is clearly labeled as safe.
- Motorcycles are more dangerous than jeeps, trucks and other cars that are available for rent at reasonable prices and are significantly safer. If you are going to use a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and never drive while drunk, as the roads are dangerous and with a lot of bumps.
- After a good party time on, Bophut and Lamai take a taxi to take you home. Be careful. Taxi drivers often cheat drunks. It is not uncommon for a rickshaw driver to ask for 50 baht per kilometer (for example, in the main market).
- Recently, a large number of ATVs have appeared on the roads. Take care of yourself as ATVs are not logged.
- Also, be careful on the beaches at night due to the crimes that often take place there.
- If you are traveling to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Tao by bus, do not store any valuables in your luggage. Songserm Travel reports bus thefts. Do not leave your belongings unattended when you get off the train to the islands.
Things to do
Here are some places worth visiting if you are unsure of what to do in Koh Samui:
- Ang Thong National Marine Park - scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Champoon - by high speed catamaran to the mainland and on to Bangkok via Champoon Airport.
- Phangan is the site of Haad Rin's infamous full moon party and is home to almost untouched landscapes.
- Koh Tao is one of the most best places for diving training, in fact, the most best school on the planet is located in Koh Tao. Besides diving, you can go sailing.
- Khao Lak is a diving center for the Similan and Surin islands.
Extreme sports
Diving
The south of Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear waters and stunning corals. For this reason, the number of divers coming to has gradually increased over the past decade. Even though best time a year for diving in Koh Samui from June to August, diving is popular in Koh Samui all year round. Considered one of the safest diving and snorkeling spots in the world, it is ideal for beginners.
Sea visibility is good in some places around Koh Samui (distance 10-30 m). You can enjoy magnificent views of seamounts, coral gardens, underwater rock formations, hard and soft coral, whale sharks in season.
- Samran Mountains (Samran Pinnacles). As the currents in this area are very strong, this site is only recommended for experienced divers. Due to the currents, the place is a haven for large sea creatures that have arrived. Near Sail Rock, there are three mountains hidden under water.
- Ko Kra & Koh Losin. These two small islands are located in the southeast of Koh Samui, which, due to their remoteness, are not visited by tourists. Here you can see black-tailed sharks, manta rays and vulture turtles, which are difficult to find.
- Koh Tan (also known as Koh Tan, Koh, Koh Taen Kataen, Coral Island). This small island is located on the southwestern edge of Koh Samui. This is the perfect place for an amazing dive. Local experts tell travelers that this is the ideal destination for people who don't want to spend more than two hours on the dive trip.
Koh Tan
Located 15 minutes from Koh Samui, Koh Tan offers travelers 14 locations rich in underwater life, including soft and hard corals. From Thong Krut, tourists can take long tail boats for a reasonable price. If you want to go to Koh Tan, you can book your trip through any good travel agent or search the internet, or go straight to Thong Krut.
There are 5 restaurants on Koh Tan. There are three restaurants in the Ao-Tok bay. One of them is located at the end of the beach with both accommodation and excellent Thai food. The third restaurant is located in the middle and is owned by a French gentleman. On the other side of the island, there is the beautiful Ao-Tok bay with 2 restaurants and 2 large rooms serving excellent food.
Accommodation is of a high standard with an asking price of 500 baht, Koh Tan is surrounded by coral and rocky reefs, and there are 10 beaches on the island.
How to get around the region
Cellular, telephones and internet
There are many internet cafes on Koh Samui. Hourly payment is almost 30 baht.
The GSM networks of all major Thai mobile operators cover the island quite well. Buying a local SIM card will save you a lot of money on international calls. Moreover, GPRS / EDGE service is a cheap and convenient way to access the Internet almost everywhere.
Medical institutions
There is a well-equipped Bangkok Hospital on Koh Samui. For those who are not seriously ill, there are countless clinics and pharmacies, especially on the beach.
- Bangkok Samui Hospital, 57 Moo 3, Samui Ring Rd, Chaweng, Bophut, Tel: +66 77 429500 (Fax: +66 77 429540).
- Samui International Hospital, 90/2 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Rd, Bophut, Tel: +66 77 422272, +66 77 230781-2 ( [email protected], fax: +66 77 230049).
- Bandon International Private Hospital, 123/1 Moo 1, Samui Ring Road, Bo Phut, Koh Samui 84320, Tel: + 66 77 245 236 / +66 77 245 237 ( [email protected]).
- Thai International Hospital, 25/25 Moo 6, Chaweng, Koh Samui, 84320, phones: + 66 77 245 721 / +66 77 245 726 ( [email protected]).
Local agencies
All tours to Koh Samui77 / 15 Moo 4, Maenam, Koh Samui, 84330, phone: + 66 82 279 4936 ( [email protected]).
Anything to add?
Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, located 644 km south of Bangkok and 84 km from the east coast of Southern Thailand.
Short description
Samui has about 40,000 inhabitants, 90% of whom are Buddhists. With an area of 247 km², it is the third largest island in Thailand (after Phuket and Koh Chang) and the largest island in the local archipelago, with more than 80 (mostly uninhabited) islets, half of which are included in the Ang Thong Marine National Park. Despite its size (25 km long and 21 km wide), it can be circled in just a couple of hours by car.
The island was inhabited by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and southern regions of China in the 15th century. Chinese influence continues to be felt on Koh Samui, especially in the Fisherman's Village in Bophut. There are several Chinese temples on the island; the celebration of the Chinese New Year is one of the most pompous events. In addition to the Chinese, a large diaspora of British, French, Germans, Scandinavians and Russians lives here. The island has the International School of Samui, where the children of foreigners and wealthy Thais are trained.
Until the late 20th century, Koh Samui was an isolated island that had little in common with the mainland of Thailand. Until the early 1970s, there were even no roads here, traveling from one part to another required a day's hike through the mountain-covered jungle. In the early 1970s, the island was discovered by the first tourists, but for many years after that it still received a minimal number of tourists. Everything began to change with the completion of the international airport in 1989. Koh Samui is currently the second most popular tourist island in Thailand after Phuket. It has a number of beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs for snorkelling, attractive lagoons and scenic waterfalls.
The traditional collection of coconuts and milky juice from Brazilian hevea for the production of natural rubber still takes place in the mountainous regions of the island, but alas, many plantations have given way to the large-scale development of tourism, which is now the main source of income for the local population.
Samui currently receives over a million visitors a year. Thatched bungalows on once pristine beaches have been replaced upscale resorts, luxury hotels, spas, restaurants and bars. The influx of tourists has brought a serious shortage of water resources and has caused a number of environmental problems.
Map
Take a look at the cards of a large size
Orientation
| Koh Samui Map |
Although Koh Samui is the third largest island in the country, the entire coastline can be traveled by car or motorcycle for 2.5 hours. The island's main road (Hwy. 4169, also called the "Ring Road), passes through hilly, forested countryside. The island's airport is on the northeastern outskirts of Bophut. Ferries and speedboats arrive on the west coast and at Nathon." Nathon is the largest city and administrative center of the island with banks and a post office, but has no tourist attractions.
The main reason why tourists visit Koh Samui is the opportunity to enjoy the beaches. The most popular beaches are located in the east (Chaweng and Lamai), where the bulk of hotels, bars and restaurants are concentrated. The northern beaches and the adjacent villages of Maenam, Bophut, Bang Rak and Chongmon are much quieter, while the western and southern coasts are relatively deserted.
The beaches
The main beaches of Koh Samui:
On a ferryboat
Cheaper but less convenient option- fly to Surat Thani by Thai Airways and other low-cost airlines Air Asia and Nok Air (departure from Don Muang airport), then get to the pier and take the ferry. Or by train / bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani.
From railway station and Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui a combined service (bus / ferry) is available. It includes a bus ride to Donsak pier followed by a ferry. Tickets are sold by numerous agents who meet each train at the station and the arrival of an airplane flight at the airport. The cost of the trip should cost around 300 baht.
Use Seatran Ferry. For the schedule of the company's ferries, see this link (the first list is departure from the Donsak pier in the direction of Koh Samui, the second is the return back.
Alternatively, take the ferries from the Raja Ferry Port (www.rajaferryport.com). It operates from Donsak pier to Lipa Noi Pier on the western side of Koh Samui (a few kilometers south of Nathon). This ferry transports cars, you can use it if you decide to go by your own transport. A songthaw ride from Lipa Noi pier in Chaweng or Lamai will cost 100 baht per person. Taxis will be more expensive, with an initial offer price of up to 1,000 baht.
How to travel around the island
Automobile... A popular way to travel around Koh Samui is by renting a car. Local subsidiaries of international companies such as Budget Car Rental, Avis and Hertz have offices at the airport and popular tourist destinations on the island. They all offer a wide range of vehicles, starting from 1200-1500 baht. Local car rental companies offer cheaper options but no insurance. Read the agreement carefully, in particular the section in case of a traffic accident. The island's mountain roads have many bends and steep climbs, so it is much safer to travel with a rented car than a scooter. The car makes it possible to visit almost all interesting places on the island.
Taxi... Samui taxi drivers are very reluctant to use their meters (unlike their counterparts in the country's capital, Bangkok) and tend to charge foreigners much higher than the standard fare. This is especially true of popular beaches and marinas where vacationers arrive on the island. Some of them may even show some kind of document with a "fixed" price of 600-800 baht for a 25-30 km trip to Chaweng or Lamai. Such prices do not correspond to reality at all, and as soon as the drivers find out about your knowledge of the real prices, they begin to bargain and significantly discount the cost of the trip.
Songthav(songtaew). These pickups are the easiest and most economical way to get around the island. They follow Highway 4169 (ring road) around the island. Can be stopped anywhere along the road. Daily rates are fixed at around 40-60 baht, but after dark they charge like a taxi (500 baht and more).
Motorbike/ scooter... Motorcycles and scooters can be rented almost anywhere in Koh Samui for about 120-700 baht per day, depending on engine power and season (a small scooter should cost no more than 200 baht even on New Years).
They are not looking for cheap prices and it is advisable to use the services of reputable companies so as not to fall for the bait of scammers. Fraud consists in attributing old scratches and dents to you and ripping off money for the “damage caused”. For this reason, carefully inspect the scooter, be sure to write down any existing scratches and damages in the contract, and only then use the service.
The motorcycle rental shop will most likely want you to leave your passport as security. This is a common practice in Thailand, but it is not advisable to leave your passport as collateral. Your passport can be left as a "deposit" until you pay the "damage caused". For this reason, do not use the scooter rental on the last day of departure so that you have time to resolve any problems you may have. If the claims are clearly illegal and the price being asked for the damage is unreasonable, or if it was caused prior to your rental of the vehicle, call the tourist police.
Please note that motorcycle and scooter are the most dangerous forms of transport. Tourists are killed and maimed in road accidents every year. However, they are the most popular means of travel around the island. Remember there is a 500 baht fine for driving without a helmet.
Bicycles... Bicycles for rent are very cheap, the price should not exceed 200 baht per day.
What to watch
Besides lying on the beach with a cold beer in hand, take the opportunity to see the following interesting places.
Waterfalls... Koh Samui has quite a few waterfalls, but only two of them are easily accessible to visit. These are Hin Lad and Na Muang. The best time to visit any waterfall is during or just after the rainy season. At other times, there is little water and it is hardly worth visiting the waterfalls.
Hin Lad(Hin Lad) is located about three kilometers from the city of Nathon. Easy to navigate by road signs. From the road, a 2 km long trail leads to the waterfall, you can swim in the reservoir at its foot.
To Muang(Na Muang) consists of two waterfalls - Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2. The first is actually on the very road (the main ring road of the island), not far from the Wat Khunaram temple. The waterfall itself is small (height 18 m), but it looks good in the photos. To enter the water and swim in its reservoir, you need to climb the slippery huge stones. Further, the trail stretches to the second waterfall (Na Muang 2), you will have to walk for about 30 minutes. The stream of water from the second waterfall flows in several cascades from a height of about 79 m.
Many tour operators of the island offer excursions to the Na Muang waterfalls. You can use the tour of the company Ung Safari. In addition to visiting both waterfalls, get the opportunity to go down the water slides in the jungle (two slopes 20 m and 70 m long), then the ropes through the jungle (4 zip lines), and before returning, tasting Thai food and fruits on largest market Samui fruit. Details of the excursion follow this link. There is also the option of visiting the waterfalls on elephants; any travel agency in the city will help organize them.
Old house... This house in the Chinese style, almost 200 years old, represents the cultural identity of Samui. The current owner has opened the house for visitors to the island.
Wat Khunaram. Here lies the body of the monk Lung Pordaeng, mummified in 1983. The believers lay flowers and incense to the glass sarcophagus. Wat Khunaram is located on Highway 4169 (ring road) about six kilometers west of Lamai Beach.
Hin Ta(Hin Ta) and Hin Yai. The names translate as grandfather and grandmother. This is the most popular attraction on Koh Samui. The strange-looking rocks bear a striking resemblance to male and female genitals. Located about two kilometers south of Lamai Beach.
Tiger Aquarium & Zoo(Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo) The zoo is represented by Bengal tigers, leopards and lions, the aquarium has sharks, turtles, tropical fish of the Gulf of Thailand. Judging by the feedback from visitors, the Tiger Aquarium and Zoo did not impress many. Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, located on Ban Harn beach in the south of the island, website www.samuiaquariumandtigerzoo.com
Temple Wat Phra Yai(Wat Phra Yai, sometimes called Big Buddha Temple) is the site of the most important religious shrine of Koh Samui - the Big Buddha statue. The statue and temple are in Bang Rak.
Laem Sor Pagoda. This pagoda is another important shrine of the island. It is located in the very south of the island off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the road to the Waikiki Bungalows sign.
Butterfly Garden and Insect Museum(Samui Butterful Garden / Insect Museum) has a collection of various butterflies, visitors can visit the insect museum and see many rare beetles and bee hives. There is an observation deck nearby. Located in Taling Ngam.
Monkey theater(Samui Monkey Theater). This is a kind of open-air menagerie on the main road near Bophut Beach. You can see a demonstration demonstration of the collection of coconuts by the monkeys. It works seven days a week from 10:30 to 17:30.
Paradise Park Farm(Paradise Park Farm). Visitors will have the opportunity to feed birds and animals, learn about the local flora and fauna, dine in a restaurant, relax in the pool overlooking the valley, relax at the spa, and climb to the observation deck overlooking the islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park. Located near Taling Ngam Beach, the site of the park is http://paradiseparkfarm.net
Snake farm(Snake Farm). Most of Thailand's tourist spots show snake shows, and Koh Samui is no exception. Snake Farm is located on the southern outskirts of Phangka, a small village near Thong Krut Bay. Snake shows twice a day: 11:00 and 14:00. Demonstration cockfighting serves as a prelude, followed by a show of scorpions. Here you can also watch crocodiles, lizards, monitor lizards, pythons. Website http://samuisnakefarm.com
Rum production plant(Magic Alambic Rum Distillery). The French-Thai company Magic Alambic only uses natural ingredients for the production of rum on the island of Koh Samui. The business offers tours that include free Thai rum tasting. For some reason, the owners of the enterprise do not demonstrate the real processes of production and distillation of rum on their equipment, but show all this on the recorded video. So you won't actually see the factory itself, but you can try the types of rum produced here. Once you have tried it, naturally you will want to buy. The factory is located on the south coast of the island, address: 44/5 Moo 3 T. Namuang, Koh Samui, website www.rhumdistillerie.com
Bull fighting... Bullfights are held on the island from time to time. Unlike the bloody massacres in Spain, the Thai version of the competition is much more humane. Animals butt each other with their horns, and the loser simply runs away to measure their strength on another day. There are usually two fights, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
There are several stadiums on Koh Samui, notably in Ban Makham, Ban Saket and Nathon. It is not always possible to predict when the bullfight will take place, but as a rule, advertisements appear around the main ring road islands before the start of each competition (or ask your hotel receptionist). Bullfights are a colorful and spectacular event, with rituals and prayers, animals are decorated with ribbons, and their horns are decorated with patterns. The cost for men is around 100 baht, women are free. Men accompany the spectacle with a fair amount of alcohol drunk and bets on the winner.
Things to do
The most interesting places in Koh Samui can be seen on a day trip around the island. Such trips, in particular, are offered by the company Ung Safari... The most popular excursion is Full Day Jungle Safari Tours (09:00 am to 5:30 pm). It includes, in particular:
Visiting Hin Ta and Hin Yai;
observing the collection of coconuts by monkeys;
elephant trekking;
swimming in the waterfall;
descent in the jungle on 2 water slides, length 20 m and 70 m;
a trip by off-road vehicles to the mountains;
visiting observation platforms in the mountains;
visit to the Buddha Garden;
a visit to the Wat Khunaram temple, in which there is a melo mummified monk;
traditional Thai lunch;
visit to the Buddha statue in Bang Rak.
Diving... The best time of the year for diving in the Koh Samui area is from June to August, but snorkeling is practically practiced here. all year round(unfavorable period - October and November). Most of the diving tours take place in the nearby Ang Thong and Koh Tao National Marine Park, as visibility around the sandy beaches of Koh Samui is, with rare exceptions, poor. Divers are attracted by huge underwater boulders, coral gardens, the opportunity to see whale sharks, rays, sea turtles, schools of barracudas. Most of the diving centers are located in Phang Nga Bay (which has the most beautiful scenery of sea caves in Thailand), this trip is the most interesting option.
Kayak rentals are offered on all popular beaches for about 100 baht per hour.
Surfers the island is unlikely to please, since its beaches do not have waves for practicing this sport. Due to the absence of waves, stand-up paddling has become popular, lessons and equipment rental are available in Chaweng Ang Thong National Marine Park
Lamai Beach has several clubs, but they are all aimed at lower income visitors compared to Chaweng. Bophut has a small strip of restaurants and bars. After Bophut, nightlife options are dwindling and revolving around individual resorts and bungalows.
Climate and best time to visit
Samui's weather is different from the rest of Thailand. In April-September, when most of the country is the rainy season, the island is still quite dry, but from October to December, the island receives a lot of rain, while in other regions of the country it is already dry. October, November and the first half of December are the wettest months. The driest season is from January to March.
The peak tourist season is from mid-December to mid-January. The best weather is from January to April, after which it becomes very hot, and only a rare tropical storm brings short-term relief. During this period, the cost of rest can be 50% of the price in the season of influx of tourists. There is usually a short-term increase in the number of holidaymakers in July and August, but during these months the western part of the island often receives a lot of rainfall.
Many tourists are attracted by exotic countries and islands. So in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand is the island of Koh Samui. This is a place of amazing beauty, culture, traditions and sights. Rest here will be just magical. I was convinced of this from my own experience. The wonderful beaches of Samui, which will delight you with their beauty, cleanliness and picturesque views, are especially captivating.
By the way, it is this promised land that is the third largest in Thailand. The size of the island is not too large, but when traveling around the territory, renting a car on Koh Samui can greatly help out. Of course, it will be possible to use public transport, but viewing the beauty of this place in a private car will be much more comfortable, convenient and faster.
Accommodation on the island can also please. Even renting a luxury villa on Koh Samui will not cost you too much. From the stunning building, you can admire the landscapes of nearby small and large islets that "float" alone in the waters of the bay.
Before leaving for the island, it is very important to find out if the holiday season is on Koh Samui. After all, almost all rest depends on this factor. If the rainy season dominates Koh Samui, then you will hardly be able to consider anything. It is important to get to the island at the right time, when the weather is appropriate, it will be interesting to learn about the beauty and sights of the local land.
Thailand Samui The weather on Koh Samui is not always kind to visitors, so you need to catch the moment when “she has good mood". If you are wondering how I spent my time on the Thai island, what I was able to see and where I had to live, read on.
When does the Koh Samui holiday season open? And why is it beneficial to visit Koh Samui during the rainy season?
You can relax on Koh Samui all year round. You just need to choose the season for your vacation in advance. I visited the exotic place in March and ended up just in the dry season, when the influx of tourists was at its maximum. As it turned out, this period lasts from January to April. This is just the perfect time to enjoy your vacation on Koh Samui.
From the beginning of the year to mid-spring, there is almost no rainfall, and the temperature is perfect for walks and excursions. It is neither too hot nor very cold here. The only thing that changes is the price. I would not advise visiting this place on new year holidays, since the island of Koh Samui is still in transition. In early January, it is not always possible to find good weather.
From May to September, the moderate or intermediate season begins on Koh Samui. This is both the rainy season and comfortable weather. Prices during this period will be slightly lower, as the number of tourists is noticeably decreasing. Sometimes it rains, but they are short-lived (from a few seconds to a couple of minutes), so they are unlikely to spoil the rest. It is surprising that Koh Samui has just wonderful weather at this time, despite the fact that the whole of Thailand is immersed in the monsoon season.
Low tourist time on Koh Samui is called the rainy season, which begins in October and lasts until December. Sometimes even until mid-January. During this period, you can see the most varied weather.
These are both long-term showers, and strong wind, and huge waves at sea. The weather on the island is starting to rage a little. During the monsoon season, you can also have a good rest on Koh Samui, especially since the prices for any goods drop significantly.
How often does the weather change on Koh Samui?
Koh Samui is a very warm resort place, so it is a pleasure to relax here. Even in March, when I was vacationing, it was quite hot here. I was just lucky that I visited the island of Koh Samui in Thailand in the middle of spring, because April would be very hot. Quite often the temperature here reaches + 40 ° С.
The coldest January and December are considered, but the thermometer reading falls slightly. Heavy rains on Koh Samui occur most often in September-November, although the whole of Thailand has been drowning in rains since May. It is better not to get to the island at this time, as it can rain for several days without a break. It will not be possible to swim either, as it will be dirty due to heavy rains.
From January to April, when the picturesque nature is fragrant around, the air temperature warms up to +32 .. + 34 ° С. The sea is also warm enough +23 .. + 25 ° С. Nicely in early spring swim in the warm sea.
The weather on Koh Samui practically does not change in summer, early September. The temperature only drops a couple of degrees. In autumn and early winter, the sea is still so warm, but due to the rains it is muddy and muddy, and the average daytime temperature does not exceed + 31 ° C.
The best and beautiful beaches of Koh Samui
Of course, everyone comes to the exotic island of Koh Samui to relax, admire nature, and get a great chocolate tan. Upon arrival, I also began to take a liking to the various beaches of Samui. At first I began to look for the most beautiful places on the sea coast.
It turned out that the best beaches Koh Samui is located in the eastern part of the island. You should be careful here from October to January, because the sea abyss can prepare many dangerous surprises. By the way, there are droughts here, when low tides occur, but this happens quite rarely, so I did not see this phenomenon.
Chaweng Beach
Examining the beaches of Samui here, I found the Chaweng area. These are picturesque coves, pleasant fine sand, crystal clear sea, as well as a small descent into the water. Koh Samui can really be proud of this place, because this beach area is the longest and most beautiful. There are quite a few 5-star hotels and small bungalows on the sand spit.
I even decided to spend the night in such an unusual colorful house. During the day, Chaweng Beach had a lot of activities that mainly relate to water sports. I managed to ride a water bike, although it was possible to try windsurfing. At night I went to a local disco.
Here is an example of a “cheap” hotel and a “5 star” hotel on Cheweng Beach:
Lamai Beach
The next day I decided to visit Lamai Beach, which is located south of Chaweng. The sand here is coarser and less white. The coast is often rocky, which is not very convenient and traumatic. This beach area belongs to the east coast.
A lot of surfers rest here, as the sea is deeper than on other beaches. It was not very interesting to me, so after getting a little tan, I decided to go further. On the way, I noticed that there are a couple of spa resorts on the coast, where tourists relax in saunas, try mud masks, and Thai massage.
By the way, you won't be able to get a sun lounger just like that, because they are given out free of charge only to those who are a guest of a hotel located on the coast. For other tourists, like me, rent is 40-200 Thai baht or 70-347 Russian rubles.
I have selected for you 2 examples of hotels on Lamai Beach, "Cheap" and "5 stars":
Bophut beach
There are 3 bays on the northern coast. It is here that the island of Koh Samui in Thailand will reveal its flavor, traditions and hospitality. The photos are also excellent. On Bophut beach, tourists and locals can relax together
An example of Bophut hotels "2 stars" and "5 stars".
Mae Nam Beach
On the beach area called Mae Nam, there are excellent hotels, next to which there is a hippie colony. The sand here is slightly different - yellow, more familiar to my eyes. The beaches themselves are not as rich, large-scale, luxurious as on the east coast.
Hotels on Mae Nam Beach:
If you look at the island of Koh Samui on the map, you will notice that it is surrounded by beach areas on all sides. There are also wonderful beaches in the south and west, but they are more secluded.
They are not connected by road, but you can get here. When I got to Laem Set beach, I saw a beautiful area with smooth huge boulders and bizarre coconut palms, a wonderful sea, but it was too shallow here. Hat-Taping-Ngam beach pleased with its scale and spaciousness. The long desert area is very enchanting and ideal for an evening stroll.
How to get to Koh Samui on your own? Traveling from the capital of Thailand or how to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui?
Even before traveling to a heavenly place, I was worried about the question: "How quickly and conveniently to get to Koh Samui?" There are only two roads leading to the island: air and sea. Since I have a fear of water, I flew in by plane. The flight saved a lot of time and effort, although the cost of the ticket was much higher than on a watercraft. I personally had no doubts about how to get to the desired beaches.
Airplane
There is a direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui, which costs 4500-6500 Thai baht or 7870-11370 rubles. To get back to Bangkok, you need to shell out a rather big sum. On Koh Samui, air tickets are almost always expensive and their price does not change due to the change in the tourist season.
Since the transfer was not provided for in my trip, I had to get there on my own. Samui airport is located far from the center, so a considerable amount had to be left here. The minimum starts at 100 baht (175 rubles), which already includes a 2 km fee and boarding fee. Each next kilometer is already considered 12 baht (21 rubles).
But if you just flew to Bangkok airport, then the flight to Koh Samui departs directly from it.
I ordered a ticket several months in advance here:
Bus + ferry
There is also an option with a Bus and a ferry - it is more budgetary. For those who like to see the country in more detail, I recommend this option. You can view the tickets and book in advance here:
Rent a car + ferry
Renting a car in Bangkok and taking it to Koh Samui (by ferry) - I dream of doing this from the first flight to Koh Samui, it's a pity that I'm a coward, but sooner or later I'll try this method. My friends constantly move to the island like that and at the end of the trip they rent a car in Bangkok.
You can rent a car here: RentalCars.com and you can buy a ferry ticket on the spot. For motorcycle lovers, I recommend this site: BikesBooking.com
Relaxing luxuriously or how much will it cost to rent a villa on Koh Samui?
The tourist infrastructure on Koh Samui has long been formed. Each tourist can find a convenient, comfortable and suitable place to stay for the night. To really feel all the charm of relaxation, it is best to rent a villa on Koh Samui.
While walking, I decided to see what villas are offered on the island. I was attracted by a huge building designed for 2 couples or families. There are a couple of bedrooms, beds and bathrooms. I was pleased with the presence of a 32-inch LCD TV, DVD player, fan, air conditioner and Wi-Fi.
Villa on Koh Samui To all this, the villas on Koh Samui offer their own pool, amazing views of the tropical garden, an excellent terrace, an open-air bathroom, which seemed very surprising to me.
Renting a villa on Koh Samui is also not too cheap. For example, my dwelling cost 15,332 Thai baht, which is 26,825 in Russian rubles. This is a high price per day, but you can completely relax, enjoy the delights of an exotic vacation.
I saw another villa, which was identical in the number of rooms to the previous one. It was located on the territory of a complex in which, in total, there were 69 elegant and spacious buildings. You can rent a house on Koh Samui with a private pool, where you can swim at any time.
Each room is decorated in a different style, so similar rooms can hardly be found. Spaciousness and comfort are fully guaranteed here. The villa I was looking at covered an area of 326 sq. m. There were 2 huge bedrooms with open baths in the middle of lush gardens. Looking at this picture, I realized that Samui really heavenly place... It would have made just excellent photos.
Also on the territory of the villa there was a swimming pool of 30 sq. m., one of the largest in the entire complex. The room was fully equipped: internet, fan and air conditioning, cable and satellite TV, minibar and safe, work desk, TV, refrigerator and hairdryer.
In addition, there was a beautiful terrace and a balcony with a picturesque view of surrounding nature... Renting such a luxury apartment on Koh Samui would cost me 16,907 Thai baht or 26,600 rubles.
And now I will show you the most expensive 5 star hotel on the island!
There he is:
How much will it cost to rent a car on Koh Samui?
In order not to bother for a long time in search of a guide, profitable excursions, I decided to explore the island on my own. On foot it would take a very long time, in principle, as well as on public transport. Just by the way, I turned up to rent a car on Koh Samui, which was located right at the airport. But I did not take a car here, since I had to freeze 30,000 Thai baht (or 52,500 Russian rubles) on my deposit, and I was afraid to go from Bangkok to Samui.
I decided to look for other rental offices already on the island, where there were more favorable conditions. Above I wrote that my friends constantly rent a car here: RentalCars.com But I decided to look for a rental on my own, although the price is the same.
I came across a company where they were not too strict with the documents, and you could pay the rent in cash. I took a middle-class car, which cost me 1200 baht (2100 rubles) per day. Despite the fact that Thailand is located near the island, on Koh Samui, fuel prices were inflated by 1-2 baht.
I was very pleased with the roads, because they are just in excellent condition. The only thing that was a little scary was the left-hand traffic and great amount scooters, motorcyclists and cyclists.
Impressions of Koh Samui: reviews
I have a very good general impression of the Thai island. Despite the fact that this is a rather small area, it was a pleasure to rest here. The tourism industry is quite developed here, so there is an influx of travelers almost all year round. The weather and climatic features of the island are fully consistent with a pleasant stay.
It is worth coming here because of the stunning beaches that immediately attract attention. White sands, availability of the necessary infrastructure, beautiful views- all this attracts tourists. I managed to visit several beaches and appreciate all the charm of the sea breeze, tanning, which can be obtained under the Thai sun. Of course, all the beauty of Samui cannot be conveyed in the photo, so you must definitely visit this place.
I would like to pay special attention to the villas. Living here was just wonderful, because it is in such comfortable conditions that all the pleasure of a heavenly holiday is felt. Regarding travel around the territory, it is absolutely not necessary to take a guide, because you can rent a car yourself and go on a 2-3-day trip around the mysterious island.
Koh Samui is practically a little-known place, but worth a visit. A small, green area will surely surprise and delight. Enjoy your stay!
In addition to Phuket, Koh Samui is another well-known Thai resort. Its territorial length is only 25 km long and 21 km wide, but this does not prevent many of our compatriots from annually ordering last minute deals to Koh Samui and having a full rest there. Koh Samui is only 700 km from the capital of Thailand, so tourists get there very quickly. You can fly there both from Bangkok (spend about an hour on the way) and from Pattaya (the route will take no more than 40 minutes). If you are determined to go on vacation in Koh Samui, then you definitely need to make allowances for the climatic features of this region. For example, in the period from October to December, it is not recommended to go to this island, because it often rains heavily, and the sea storms from time to time. The most optimal time to visit this resort is considered to be the period from January to February, as well as from the second half of July to August.The history of the resort
For the first time (about 1500 years ago) the island was discovered by local sailors and founded their settlement on it, but official confirmation of the existence of Samui appeared only 1000 years later - representatives of the Chinese Ming dynasty entered it on their navigation maps. It should be noted that Samui was actively used by China and Thailand as a trading port. This is evidenced by many historical facts as well as an abundance of sunken Chinese ships with various loads of ceramics on board. During World War II, the city survived the occupation by Japanese troops. Now the population of the island is 35,000 people. Many people book tours to Koh Samui in order not only to relax, but also to get acquainted with the traditions and culture of the Chao Samui people - this is what the indigenous people of this island call themselves.
The beaches
The most prone to relaxation is the eastern part of the island. This is where the best hotels in Koh Samui are located. Of course, there are also islands in the West nice beaches with a developed infrastructure, but there are significantly fewer of them, because the coast there is more rocky. If you are visiting the island for the first time, be sure to visit Lamai and Chaweng beach complexes. Here you can see the sunrise in all its glory and capture it with your camera or photo camera. The southern part of Lamai beach meets tourists with two cliffs Hanai and Hinta (Grandmother and Grandfather). It is here that you can meet not only vacationers from all over the world, but also local residents who also like to spend their leisure time here. No less famous beaches on the island are Me Nam, Bo Phut, and Big Buddha Beach.
Hotel complexes
Hotels in Koh Samui have only three floors. Why? - you ask. It's very simple - this island is home to over 3.5 million palm trees, which are considered a local treasure. Absolutely everything points to this. For example, Samui laws do not allow builders to erect a building taller than the size of a palm tree. That is why you will not find skyscrapers and large hotel complexes on the island. All hotels, bungalows and villas on the island are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay of tourists. Absolutely every hotel complex has a restaurant or cafe offering national cuisine, so you definitely won't have to go hungry. It is worth noting that most restaurants are open until 10 pm (these are the rules on the island), but if you wish, you can find establishments with round-the-clock service.
Entertainment and leisure
Resorts and prices in Koh Samui are ideal for 110% fun and relaxation. Tourists have access to both regular rest, involving lying on the beach, and active pastime, provided by different kinds water transport. For example, diving enthusiasts will definitely like this resort complex, because the underwater world of Samui is very multifaceted and diverse. The virgins are waiting for you here Coral reefs, cliffs, grottoes, etc.
Koh Samui is all about white beaches, coconut palms, amazing rocks, islands and islets, crazy full moon parties, waterfalls and, of course, eternal summer. An important difference between Samui and other resorts in Thailand is the absence of large waves on the sea all year round. And the rainy season on the island is not as pronounced as on the territory of everything. This is a bounty resort where you can endlessly enjoy the gorgeous views of the virgin nature, blue sea and white sand.
Koh Samui is the second largest island after the island. Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand in the Pacific Ocean and covers an area of about 230 square kilometers. The distance to the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is about 700 kilometers. To get from Koh Samui to the nearest point of the mainland, you need to overcome about 40 kilometers along the waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
There is everything for vacationers, but it is still worth noting that the infrastructure of the island is not as well developed as, for example, on the island, in and in other major resorts in Thailand. If you choose Koh Samui tour, you are making the right choice. It is worth coming here both for couples in love in search of a romantic getaway, and for families with children.
Weather
The climate of Koh Samui compares favorably with the climate of other resorts. The rainy and hot seasons are less pronounced here. It is important to note that rest on Koh Samui will be comfortable not only in winter, but also in summer. Big waves and the muddy sea on Koh Samui is absent all year round. Most rainfall occurs between October and December, but short showers during this time of year are unlikely to spoil your holiday. The average annual air temperature on Koh Samui is 30-31 ° С, water - 27-29 ° С.
Hotels
The main feature of the island's hotels is the close location of buildings or bungalows to the sea. In addition to five-star hotels offering a luxurious vacation, you can even stay here in small house without water and electricity.
The latter option is suitable for those who want to plunge into the atmosphere of nature untouched by civilization as much as possible.
The beaches
The clean beaches of Koh Samui are covered with white sand and surrounded by coconut palms. In total, there are more than 30 beaches along the perimeter of the island. During your vacation, you can visit several beaches to get to know the island better.
The most beautiful beaches are located on the east coast, such as the famous Chaweng, the island's largest and busiest beach and the center of tourist life. Tourists with children will love Bangpo Beach. For seclusion, head to the cliff-lined Talingngam Beach coastline.
Interesting entertainment is available on the island's tourist beaches: kayaking, jet skiing, banana rides.
On the territory of little-visited beaches, any infrastructure may simply be absent. Only you, the transparent sea and the gentle sun above your head!
sights
Both adults and children can find something to do on Koh Samui. If you do not want to spend the whole vacation on the seashore, you can get acquainted with a large number of interesting sights of the island. It will be comfortable for both elderly tourists and young people. For example, young people flock to the neighboring island of Phangan, where huge open-air discos are held: Full Moon Parties.
Those who have gone on a well-deserved rest go to cozy Maenam Beach, where you can admire the stunning sunsets. From Koh Samui, you can go to many islands, such as the "turtle" Tao for diving or snorkeling.
Very beautiful island Madsum awaits its guests on the white beaches that embrace the pristine tropical jungle. In the heart of Samui, there are stunningly beautiful waterfalls, butterfly parks, snake farms. Tourists with children will not be disappointed by visiting the tiger and leopard show, the aquarium with tropical fish.
Sightseeing lovers will not miss the famous rocks Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandmother and Grandfather), Big Buddha and many beautiful stupas and temples.
Kitchen
The island's Thai restaurants are located literally at every turn. Wherever you stay during your vacation, you will always find a cozy place to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere. A large number of cafes, restaurants and bars are located on the coastline, where you can not only eat deliciously, but also admire the views of the Gulf of Thailand. In addition to restaurants offering Thai cuisine, lovers of European, Russian, Indian, Chinese cuisine will always be able to find an institution of interest to them.
If you want to get a complete picture of Thai food, we advise you to try some of the local dishes cooked on a makashnitsa (scooter equipped for cooking).
Transport
Songthaew is considered the public transport of the island. Songteo is a brightly colored truck equipped to carry passengers. But it is worth noting that during the day songteos usually follow a certain set route, while in the evening or at night they operate exclusively as a private taxi. Day and night travel prices are certainly very different. To avoid misunderstandings, be sure to check the cost with the driver before the start of your trip, and not at the place of arrival.
The rest of the transport options to the island will invariably consist of a ferry crossing. The nearest city on the mainland is Donsak, where ferries and boats depart daily from the pier to Koh Samui. The ferry will take you to the bounty island in an hour and a half. You can get to Donsak by bus from Bangkok.
Another option of how to get from the capital of Thailand to Donsak is to take a train to Surat Thani, and from there take a regular bus to Donsak.
Souvenirs
On Koh Samui, you can buy natural pearls, which will be a great gift for you or your loved ones. Another gift option is natural coconut oil, which is produced on the island.