Samui Travel Information

The 247sqkm (95sqmi) island, 496km (310mi) south of Bangkok, is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. Koh Samui, with numerous lovely beaches and bays, measures some 21km (13mi) at its widest point and 25km (16mi) at its longest. A 51km (32mi) ring road largely encircles the island.

Koh Samui is a favorite with young and old, singles and families, Thais and International visitors.

The local Thai population of some 35,000 are an extremely warm and friendly people, displaying ready smiles. Not so surprising really when you realise that they have the good fortune of enjoying Samui's laid-back lifestyle all year round.

Features and attractions include natural beauty, waterfalls, national parks, inland mountains, coral reefs, extensive white sand beaches, scuba diving, four-wheel-driving, elephant trekking, mountain tours, island tours, national park tours, accomodation, night life, zoos, parks, gardens, temples, wats, restaurants, markets, fishing villages, buffalo fights, working monkeys, snake farms, butterfly farms, bungalows, 5-Star accomodations, PADI & BSAC dive courses, land & house rentals and purchase.

Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts. The most popular beaches are Chawaeng and Lamai where the most attractive accommodation is found.
Besides beaches, other island attractions include the Hin Lut and Na Muang waterfalls, the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay, a massive seated Buddha image on Fan isle, and Naton, the island's major seafront settlement with shops, restaurants, tour agencies and hotels.

The Climate and Weather
Unfortunately visitors are sometimes incorrectly informed about Koh Samui's seasons prior to their departure. Not everyone is aware for example, that we do not have the same rainy season as does Phuket.

February is high season on the island, as people from colder climates take refuge in Koh Samui's balmy tropical weather. With the monsoon passed, this is a great month to take in the sun and the surf before the weather really heats up. Daily high temperatures average 25C and although the humidity is high in this region the heat is seldom unpleasant, fanned as Koh Samui is by the gentle sea breezes of the Gulf

Generally speaking, between the months of January and September, most days will be filled with sun, except for the occasional downpour, which usually doesn't last long. The frequent showers (not monsoons) come in October, and last until sometime in December. Water sports enthusiasts should note that the sea can get rough at this time, and visibility can be affected.

The Beaches of Koh Samui
Koh Samui is known for its incredible beaches, but there are also beautiful forested interiors, quiet coconut groves, sleepy little villages and happening nightspots. While some of the most visited spots are described here, there are lots of other places to see on the island, but they generally aren't marked by signs. The best way to experience them is to get off the main road and explore, either by car, motorscooter, bicycle or foot.

Nathon
Nathon is no longer the biggest town on the island, but it continues to be the island's primary connection point to the mainland. All government offices and banks are here, (the post office is at the north end of the oceanside road) along with the pier and ferries destined for Koh Pha-Ngan. Shops here are a bit less expensive than Lamai and Chaweng, owing mainly to the cheaper rent. Most shops are on the inland road, which is a one way going south. But the oceanside road has a number of good restaurants for breakfast or lunch, and the middle road gives a lovely glimpse into Samui's local world. Old teak Chinese style shop houses line this lane which is spared most of the traffic of the outer roads. While nightlife in Nathon is limited to the 7-11 and a few karaoke bars, there is an excellent seafood restaurant just north of the community center on the oceanfront road.

Chaweng Beach
Located along the northeastern side of Koh Samui, Chaweng is the longest beach, about nine kms, with the main strip of soft, sandy shore stretching five kms. It's not only the biggest beach, it's the liveliest. All the attractions are easily accessed by the road which runs parallel to the beach.

Central Chaweng Beach has the greatest concentration of venues, and most of the nightlife attractions are located here. A good choice of music venues ranges from traditional Thai to jazz, rock to reggae and many of them keep going until dawn. Food lovers can find just about anything, whether it be Thai or western, and there are some very good seafood restaurants. Chaweng has the greatest number of dive shops on Koh Samui, many of which organise night dives off the beach. Despite all the activity, however, Chaweng still maintains the classic image of a palm-fringed tropical beach.

Lamai Beach
Koh Samui's second most popular beach, Lamai is a little looser, a little quieter and offers all that Chaweng can offer, but on a slightly smaller and more intimate scale. Measuring about 4 kms, (or half the size of Chaweng), Lamai shores are home to several huge, smooth boulders, some of which amazingly resemble beached whales. The fascinating rock formations extend into the sea, along with a flourishing coral reef that thrills snorkelers. There are some real home-style al fresco places with Thai and western food, the saloons offer live bands, video features and a variety of food styles, and there are few discos which start swinging at about midnight.

Lamai has a broad selection of bungalow type accommodation, ranging from the budget end of the scale to the magnificent, the latter with landscaped gardens, swimming pool and seclusion. The farther out of town you go, the more peaceful it becomes. Along the narrow road that runs a few hundred meters from the sea, one can shop for sundries, souvenirs and much of what is offered in Chaweng.

Bo Phut
Bophut is one of Koh Samui's oldest settlements and remains a quaint little fishing village, with several of the seafront shophouses converted into restaurants. There is a gigantic and magnificent sitting Buddha statue on a promontory. It is a commanding landmark that can be seen kilometers away, and inspiring, especially when an evening sunset casts a majestic silhouette on this 'Phra Yai' against an orange tinted horizon. The sleepy fishing village of Bo Phut offers two shops and a bicycle rental. There's a morning market for early birds. The placid waters are fine for swimming, though the shores may have coarse sand. A marvelously meditative region that provides reliable retreats for thorough rest and relaxation.

Taling Ngam Beach
Talingnam and Pagoda wrap around the southwest rim of the island, beginning from the auto-ferry at Thong Yang Bay to meet Lamai on the other side. This is the least developed Koh Samui tourist area, assuring the most seclusion. Surrounded by the clearest of Koh Samui's gorgeous blue-green seas and filled with colorful reefs, it's the place for excellent underwater sports and aquatic enjoyment. Talingnaam Beach, facing West, is a perfect spot for watching vibrant Samui sunsets on an uncrowded beach.

Big Buddha Beach
To the east of Bophut and takes its name from the twelve metre tall statue sitting out on an islet connected to Koh Samui by causeway. This is part of the Koh Fan temple, which is the focal point of this area; there is no town as such, although there are plenty of little shops and restaurants around the temple. The beach itself is very quiet and peaceful and waters are calm.

Maenam Beach
Two kilometres to the west of Bophut. There is a largish village here with several small restaurants and some dive and wind surf centres. Maenam has a smooth white beach running for four kilometres along the calm, scenic bay. This a pleasant, secluded spot for swimming and sunbathing and attracts families and honeymooners. For nightlife you need to travel.

Choeng Mon Beach
Situated eastwards past Big Buddha. A remote and quiet part of the island it has several smaller capes and bays, some of which have been developed into self-contained resorts. Owing to the geography of Choeng Mon Beach there is no central village: this really is where you can get away from it all.

Thong Krut Bay
It is at the south side of the island. There is a tiny village here and some inexpensive accommodation. This is also a jumping-off point for Koh Taen, also known as island of No Dog, and an unscheduled boat service will ferry you across the three kilometre stretch of water where the tourists wishing to stay overnight can find bungalow accommodation.

Bang Po Bay
Fringed with coral reefs and with its calm sea is one of the better places for snorkeling. There is some attractive bungalow style accommodation to be had here.

Lipa Noi
Just south of Nathon is one of the best places to catch the sunset. There are a couple of good bungalows on Lipa Noi and a nice seafood restaurant called Big John's. But the real wonder of Lipa Noi is the shallow water. You can wade out for two hundred meters and the water is never more than waist deep. The velvety feel of the ocean bottom here attracts local children as well as visitors in the late afternoons.

Night live
The Chaweng strip affords a wide choice of fun places. Outdoor cafes and bars light up the sky, adjacent to the futuristic disco palace. Too much fun! Open bars beckon for some leisurely chats. The Jazz Junction, which is at Chaweng Beach Road, offers quiet elegance, divine cocktails, cool jazz, smooth grooves and sunshine soul. In North Chaweng, at the Island Resort's Rock Island Pub, you get great music and a cozy atmosphere. Another interesting place is the Blue Samui for an authentic Samui culinary experience too, topped with a cool drink in an open-air, natural-style bar restaurant.

At The Club a different atmosphere greets you warm candlelight and electric music, acid jazz, soul, funk, mellow grooves, etc. and a rare feeling of oneness with the crowd. How about some light entertainment? Then come to the Coffee Boys or the Coffee Girls for Samui's own brand of cabaret show on Soi Palmburger. Another show of note is Christy's Cabaret.

The Green Mango Club & Restaurant is the biggest party place and is on the inland side of Chaweng's access road. Dancing starts at 10 p.m. and lasts until the wee hours of the morning. The big dance floor throbs. The Reggae Pub in Chaweng, noted for its logo with the face of Bob Marley, is another trendy nightspot. As the name connotes, Reggae music is the fixture here and live bands lead expressive dancing. The Doors Pub, with its unassuming exterior and decor, will surprise you with great music and never ending fun. Named after the popular band of the 60's headed by Jim Morrison, The Pub offers good tunes and good times. Another top disco attraction is Santa Fe. The high-tech interiors liven the atmosphere, the play of lights and super music, inject inspiration to dancing souls

Health
Koh Samui has two modern hospitals that offer a 24-hour emergency service and the service is first class. There is also a smaller hospital called the Chaweng Hospital. Standards of medical care here are not as high as at the two major hospitals and therefore it is recommended that visitors only attend to minor conditions at this facility.

The big hospitals are all connected with SOS International for emergency medical evacuation flights home and have patient transfer services to larger hospitals in Bangkok. Additionally, many hotels are linked by a 24-hour service to the hospitals. Ambulances are available if needed, but the response times to emergency calls are typically very slow and in no way comparable with the medical emergency network in the western world. Therefore, in an extreme emergency, it may be wise to consider transporting the patient to the hospital yourself instead of waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

The language barrier between the medical staff at the hospitals and the visiting tourists is always present, however, in the face of the economic weight of the local tourist industry, special care has been taken to ensure some competence in the English language by both doctors and nurses. Besides the hospitals, Koh Samui has also a network of community doctors who operate small clinics similar to that of a dentist.

Getting there

By Air
Bangkok Airways has eight non-stop flights daily from Bangkok to Koh Samui. Departures are from the early morning until mid-afternoon. While departure times might change every 6 months, the changes are likely to be minimal while the frequency is basically maintained. Flight time is around 1:10hr.

Bangkok Airways has two flights daily from Phuket to Koh Samui. Departures are in the late morning and the mid-afternoon. Flight time is 40min.

By Rail
From Bangkok you can travel by rail, leave the capital Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station on Rama IV Road in the evening or at night and arrive at Phunphin Station in Surat Thani the next morning. Train fare roundtrip is Bt1,300 for an air conditioned 2nd class sleeper.

By Bus
From Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal on Pinklao - Nakhon Chaisi Road (in Thonburi) to a ferry terminal for Koh Samui at Donsak; 779km, non-aircon 172 Baht, 20:45; aircon 288 Baht, 20:00, 2nd cl 204 Baht, 19:30

Local Boat
Koh Samui can be reached by ferry, speedboat and car ferry from Donsak.
Ferries from Donsak near Surat Thani city depart for Koh Samui at 8:30, 10:00. 14:00 and 17:00. Sailing time is slightly over one hour. Departures on Koh Samui are at 7:30, 10:00, 14:00 and 16:30. The fare one way is 40 Baht; children pay half. There are additional trips on public holidays.

Express boats from the Tha Thong (Thong Pier) in Surat Thani connect to Ko Samui. Most of the boats also continue to the next island, Koh Phagnan, though the late afternoon trips typically only go to Koh Samui. Departures at Tha Thong are at 7:30, 12:00 and 14:00. The trip takes 2 hours to Ko Samui, slightly more than 3 hours to Koh Phangan (with a half hours stop over at Koh Samui).

From Koh Samui, departures are at 7:30, 12:00 and 15:00.
The fare for the one way trip between Tha Thong and Koh Samui is 80 Baht, the one way fare from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is 55 Baht (Tha Thong direct to Koh Phangan is only 105 Baht). The express boats are of the Songserm Borikarn Company, 121/7 Hua Chang Bridge, Phayathai Road, Bangkok, Tel 251-8994, 254-7318.

Getting around
Transportation on Koh Samui is available either by rented motorcycles or jeeps, or by passenger pickups (minibuses) which circle the island. Typical prices include: Naton dock or ferry dock to Ban Mae Nam 10 Baht; to Ban Plai Laem 15 Baht; to Chawaeng Beach 20 Baht; to Lamai Beach 15 Baht.

Islands attractions

The Big Buddha
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.

Blue Stars Sea Kayaking
Explore the secret caves and hidden lagoons of the spectacular Marine National Park, famous from the movie "The Beach". Blue Stars offers daily kayaking and snorkeling tours using the world's no.1 recreational kayaks so adventure seekers of all ages can enjoy this memorable experience. Day tours include hotel and boat transfers, meals, soft drinks, all equipment, English/German speaking guides, dry bags for cameras and insurance.
Office at The Gallery La Fayette, near the Green Mango
Tel: (077) 413-231.

Treasure Island Mini Golf
Kohh Samui's newest attraction! Treasure Island offers 18 holes of adventure mini golf designed to create a challenge for players to better the course record or just for an enjoyable time for the whole family. The place is beautifully landscaped and the course takes you on a different adventure at every hole. A club house between the 9th and 10th holes that serves beer, soft drinks and ice-cream, giving you a break before continuing on to the last 9 holes. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with the last tee off at 11:00 p.m.

Samui Golf Club and Driving Range
Samui's only Golf Club. Here you can enjoy the use of a 250 yard driving range, and a putting green. There are professional golf teachers on hand and the golf pro shop has equipment for rent and for sale. There is also an exquisite restaurant with a great view.
Hin Lad & Namuang Falls

Explore these refreshing waterfalls in the hills just off the main road 3 km and 11 km respectively from Nathon Pier. Namuang actually consists of two waterfalls - the smallest one with a fall of 18 meters is accessible by a car or motorbike and ideal for swimming. The larger one with a fall of 80 meters demands a 20-minute walk into the hills.

Naga Pearl Farm
Visit the Naga Pearl Farm and discover how pearls are cultured. A 30-minute boat ride from Ban Thong Krut landing will bring you to Koh Matsum and the Naga Pearl Farm. After you learn about pearl culture, you will enjoy eating Thai food and spend the afternoon on the white sandy beach. Don't miss the Naga Pearl Shop, located at 81/1 Ban Thong Krut, where all varieties of pearl and pearl products are offered. Pearl shells and special handicrafts are very nice souvenirs to bring back home.

Butterfly Garden
Set on a scenic hillside and with a spectacular view of the sea, the Butterfly Garden is located on the southeast part of the island at Laem Set beach. The garden is home to dozens of lovely butterflies and other tropical species. This popular attraction is a must see during your visit.
Hin Ta & Hin Yai

Grandfather and Grandmother Rock - two of the island's most natural phenomena, located at the southernmost point of Lamai. These rocks attract numerous tourists coming to Koh Samui because of their uncanny resemblance to the male and female genitals.

Namuang Waterfall 1 & Elephant Trekking
Located on the 4169 ring road The Nammuang Waterfall is one of the nice natural environments on Koh Samui. Why not do it on the back of one of these amazing animals. Short or long rides available, all ages welcome.

The Samui Aquarium
Located at Laem Set Beach - coming from Lamai simply make the first left past the Fishing Village. Tel: (077) 424-017

A great place to start or end your tour. Thailand's only privately owned aquarium. Check out the Asian Bengal and Leopard Tigers too! They don't swim but you'll enjoy them tremendously. 
A photograph and memory of Koh Samui you will always remember.

Wat Khunaram
The famous mummified monk sits in this temple. Sitting cross-legged on the floor as if in a meditation position, this monk has been dead for over 20 years and still remains in the same position today. What is so amazing about this body is the fact that he has deteriorated so little over the last 20 years, and still sits preserved in this temple, built especially for his body.

Ang Thong Marine National Park
The park comprises some 40 islands northwest of Koh Samui covering some 250sqkm (97sqmi) of which 50sqkm (19sqmi) is land mass. The most attractive islands include Koh Wua Talap (Sleeping Cow island), Koh Mae Koh (Mother island), Koh Prayat (Economical island), Koh Sam Sao (Tripod island), Koh Nai Pud (Mr Pud's island), and Koh Wua Teh (Kicking Cow island). Most islands are limestone masses reaching heights of up to 400m (1313ft), fringed by beaches and tropical rain forest.

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

Visitors wishing to stay overnight on Koh Wua Talap should make advance bookings at the Ang Thong Marine National Park Office, 145/1 Talatlang Rd, Surat Thani city, Tel (077) 28-3025 or the National Parks Division in Bangkok (Tel 579-0529, 579-1842).
Ang Thong Marine National Park is reached most conveniently from Naton Pier on Koh Samui. Boats leave the pier everyday.

Koh PhaNgan
This 191sqkm (74sqmi) island directly north of Koh Samui can be explored largely by motorcycles along dirt trails. Attractions include the Tan Sadet Waterfall some 30km (19mi) from the district office, the Laem (Cape), Hat Rin (Rin Beach), some 12km (8mi) from the district office, and the Paen National Park, 4km (3mi) from the district office.

Koh Samui's northern neighbour, Koh Pha-Ngan is more tranquil, and has equally good beaches and fine snorkelling. Its renowned beach parties at Hat Rin are popular with backpackers, though not with the local police. The island is a half-hour boat ride from Koh Samui.

Sports
For those of you who want a little more than just sitting by the pool and reading a book, Koh Samui has some outstanding action and adventure activities to participate in. Imagine sea canoeing through the magical hongs of Angthong National Marine Park, Scuba Diving in the Gulf of Thailand, Horse Back Riding along the beaches and Elephant Trekking through Samui's verdant jungle folige, there is Sailing, Deep Sea Fishing, Snorkeling ..... the list is endless.

Koh Samui has it all. In the daytime on the main beaches you can hire a jet ski, go para gliding or just take a stroll and soak up the sun and atmosphere. This place has something for everybody to do and participate in.

Shopping
Clothing, Leather goods, Thai silks, Antiques, Pearls, Crafts, Souvenirs and Resort wear begin a long list of tempting products. You can buy Designer label products here and the not so authentic versions. Thai handicrafts from all regions of Thailand can be purchased and if you go to the Koh Samui Hemp Store, you'll find eco-friendly, handmade products.

Other Products
Gold Nielloware - a Thai product originally intended for court use and historically made only by special order, can also be found at many locations along with Celadon, originally royal crockery stoneware. Khon masks of demons and monkeys, characters from traditional Thai Kohn dramas, are also represented here.

Baskets - There is a Thai basket for every purpose and you can probably find it on Koh Samui. Seashells and seashell products are also abundant in a number of shops. Authentic Antiques,

Wood carvings, indoor and outdoor Bronze wares, Teakwood furniture, Porcelain, Buddha images, Pottery, Paintings and countless other decorative items are on sale.

Silver, Gold and Jade items, Colored gems and very finely finished Jewelry products can also be found. Reputable stores will give you a certificate of authenticity and value.