Koh Samui























(Photos by jonrawlinson)

Ko Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 84 kilometers east of Surat Thani Province, or approximately 700 kilometers south of Bangkok. Known as the Coconut Island, Ko Samui is one of the most famous and popular attractions of Thailand. With an area of 247 square kilometers, Ko Samui is the third largest island of Thailand after Phuket and Ko Chang (of Trat Province). The topography of the island is that of a plain with a mountain range in the middle and 7 important streams. In addition, there is a 50-kilometer paved road that encircles the island. Moreover, the area of the island stretches to a group of 48 surrounding islets.

Despite the fast pace of development, Ko Samui has been able to maintain its charm its classical image of a tropical beach resort fringed by coconut trees. Travelers to the island can enjoy a mixed blessing of vibrant day and nightlife along side with tranquility which can easily be found across different parts of Ko Samui as the archipelago is a peaceful home for fishermen and a natural den for seagulls and other rare birds.

Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai are Ko Samuis most beautiful and most popular beaches. Both have a huge selection of accommodations suitable for every budget. Please note that room rates increase during the high season, from December to July, when Samui sparkles. The nightlife of each beach is different: Hat Chaweng is better for couples, women and families, while single men are drawn to the beer bar culture of Hat Lamai. These resorts, as well as Na Thon (Samui’s main town), have communications, exchange and car/motorcycle hire facilities. Other beaches include Hat Choeng Mon, Hat Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, the island’s major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.

Apart from its many lovely beaches and tranquil bays, Ko Samui is also noted for its high quality coconuts that grow densely everywhere. The best time to visit Ko Samui is from February to April when the sea is calm. The Southern dialect and the standard Thai language are spoken while English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Ko Samui Tourist Map

Attractions on Ko Samui

Chaweng Beach (Hat Chaweng)

(Photo by soma-samui)

(Photo by jetalone)
The longest, most popular and developed beach on the east coast of Ko Samui, this 7 kilometer beach has clean white sand and sparkling water.In addition to numerous accommodations, this charming beach is packed with restaurants, spas, souvenir shops, bars and discos catering to all the needs of visitors. In addition, there are a number of dive shops on the beach, some of which also organize night dives.

Lamai Beach (Hat Lamai)
(Photo by soma-samui)

(Photo by jetalone)
Lamai is the second largest beach on Samui.This beach is as popular as Chaweng Beach.The water is great for swimming.Behind the beach are nightclubs, bars and restaurants.The cost of living at Lamai is just a bit lower than at Chaweng.It is great for nightlife!

Mae Nam Beach (Hat Mae Nam)

(Photo by farbfilm)
This 5 kilometer white beach, one of the most popular spots for holiday-makers, is located next to Bo Phut Beach. Aside from numerous bungalows and restaurants, the beach is also the location of dive shops and other water sports facilities.

Na Thon Bay

(Photo by bebouchard)
This is the island's major settlement on the west coast offering a wide selection of souvenirs and handicrafts, silks and jewelry. In addition to being the shopping center of the island Na Thon Bay also provides visitors with the necessary facilities -- a post office, banks, a police station, telephone services, and a hospital. Moreover, this is where express and night ferries from the piers in Surat Thani dock.

Cool Places For Kids On Ko Samui

Samui Aquarium
Located at Laem Set Bay, the Aquarium features a wide variety of tropical fish and marine fauna. (Photo by Jbangelo)






Na Tian Butterfly Garden
Located at the bottom of the hill to the south of the island, the Garden offers a unique opportunity to observe numerous species of butterflies on the island. Other interesting features are the beautifully decorated garden, the bee house, a Thai style house which allows visitors to observe the activities of bees. The insect museum, in which rare insects from Thailand and other countries are displayed, is also worth visiting. (Photo by Sabbath)

Monkey and Elephant Shows
At the show, it is actually possible to see how monkeys collect coconuts and present their other exceptional abilities. In addition, visitors will be impressed by the intelligence and loveliness of elephants that can perform many lovely tricks, or even play football.
On Ko Samui, the coconut island, the monkey is considered man's best friend. Local people have used monkeys to climb up and pick the ripe coconuts for centuries. At present, monkeys are not just good at picking coconuts, they are also good at entertaining. (Photo by Philosophy)

Samui Crocodile Farm
Siam crocodiles, Caimans, Saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys and many others are gathered here for entertainment. (Photo by 13bobby)





Snake show
A stunning show that is not suitable for a people with heart diseases. The show offers a thrilling experience especially when the poisonous reptiles are skillfully caught by a handler with bare hands. Shows feature snakes indigenous to Ko Samui as well as centipedes, scorpion and cock fighting shows. (Photo by Andrew)

Activities on Samui Island

Jungle Tours
Adventure lovers will enjoy the virgin forest on a mountain on the island. Please contact only certified guides and tour agencies. (Photo by -just-jen-)





Canopy Adventures
For those interested in gliding from tree houses, Ko Samui provides visitors with this unique chance. No experienced required. Visitors just glide from tree house to tree house above the magnificent jungle canopy. (Photo by schuey)



Bungy Jumping
For adrenaline lovers who seek the thrill of facing their own fears, this is definitely a challenge. The site is located behind the Reggae Pub and the operation is under professional control of British Jumpmasters. This activity is guaranteed as safe. (Photo by Bengt Nyman)


Scuba Diving
There are many scuba diving schools located around Ko 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 Pha-ngan and Angthong Marine National Park are very famous dive places. (Photo by Marcel_Ekkel)

Samui Paintball
A non-water based activity worth trying, Samui paintball offers a unique opportunity to take a shot at families and friends.It is fun and no one get hurt. (Photo by magoexperto)





Samui Go Kart
Looking for fast-paced action Visit this site in Bophut, on the ring road opposite the Samui Euphoria Resort, and enjoy circling the track at over 100 kilometers. (Photo by Flikker09)




Samui Golf & Country Club
(Photo by soma-samui)
Ko Samui offers an absolutely overwhelming experience for golfers.You can find some nice golf clubs that you can enjoy on this island.

Spa experience at Samui
(Photo by Dennis Wong)
Samui now boasts many excellent, world-class spas set in a truly Samui ambience. From aromatic floral baths, steaming and body masque with Thai herbs, to face and body massage, reflexology, and other well-being therapy, Samui has everything that caters to your needs – rejuvenating, pampering and relaxing in utmost luxury and comfort.

Dining and Restaurants
(Photo by wili_hybrid)
Samui is not only paradise on the beach, but also a place that offers hard to miss culinary excellence. Restaurants around the island offer fine cuisines such as Thai (local and royal), Italian, Californian-Thai Fusion, International, Japanese, French, Vietnamese, Indian, Mediterranean, Brazilian, Tex-Mex, etc. International cuisine is available on popular beaches like Chaweng and Lamai, but seafood is served everywhere, and of course, at very competitive prices. Check them out from a free copy of the Samui Dining Guide.Visitors should also try the large range of tropical fruits and fresh coconut. The Fishering Village of Hua Thanon is the only Muslim Community on Koh Samui and has a fish market everyday where it is possible to buy the freshest and cheapest fish on the island.

Samui Nightlife
(Photo by jetalone)
It’s never ending. Koh Samui offers spectacular evening entertainment for all ages. This includes traditional beach bars (popular with families), western-style pubs, which feature music, videos and satellite television, and free to enter nightclubs, which are more active after midnight and usually continue through the pre-dawn hours. Bars, cabarets shows and discos are mainly located in Chaweng and Lamai. Green Mango, Raggae Pub, Full Circle and Bauhaus are the main discotheques, some open until sunrise.The most vibrant nightlife activities can be found around the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai. Resorts also provide magnificent entertainment such as dinner cabarets, where professional singers and dancers display their talents in stylish surroundings.

What to buy from Ko Samui
At Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach there are a number of souvenir shops, clothing and tailor shops. Some recommended items are batik, souvenirs and accessories made from shells, stones and coconut shells.

Naga Pearl Farm
A 30-minute-boat-ride from Thong Krut Beach will take visitors into the world of pearls. This is where visitors can discover how pearls are cultured. Lots of pearl shops offer many varieties of pearl products as well as special local handicrafts. The farm is located at 81/1 Ban Thong Krut. (photo by Milica Sekulic)

Getting to Ko Samui
By air
Bangkok Airways flies from Bangkok to Ko Samui 13 times daily. The flight takes about one hour and 10 minutes. It also offers daily flights between Phuket and Samui. For more information, call its Bangkok office, 0 2229 3456, 0 2229 3434, Samui office, 0 7742 2512 - 9 or Samui Airport Office 0 7724 5601-8.
By bus
Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal for Surat Thani several times daily. The trip takes about 11 hours. For further information, call 0 2435 1199, 0 2435 1200 (air-con), 0 2434 5557 - 8 (non-air-con).
By car
From Bangkok, take Highway 4 (Buddha Monthon Road) through Phetchaburi and Chumphon Provinces and then drive on to Highways 41 and 401 to Surat Thani Province. From Surat Thani, visitors can take their cars to Ko Samui through a vehicle ferry at Donsak Pier. The trip takes 1.30 hours.
By rail
Several trains leave Bangkok’s Hualamphong Station for Surat Thani daily. The trip takes about 12 hours. Train / bus / ferry combination tickets are also available. For more information, call Hualamphong Railway Station, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020.

From Surat Thani to Ko Samui
1.Express boat
1.1 An express ferry boat of Songserm Travel departs from Tha Thong Pier in Surat Thani at 8.00 a.m. and arrives at Na Thon Pier in Samui at 10.30 a.m. every day. For the return trip, the boat leaves Na Thon Pier at 2.00 p.m. and reaches Tha Thong at 4.30 p.m.
1.2 Express boats of Seatran Express operate three times a day between Ban Don and Ko Samui. Departure times are 7.00 a.m., 12.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. The trip takes two hours.
2. Ferry Boats of Seatran
Seatran Ferry, which can accommodate 60 cars and 400 passengers, operates several trips per day between Don Sak (Surat Thani) and Ko Samui, from 5.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The trip takes about 1.30 hours.
3. Night ferry
A slow night ferry leaves Ban Don Pier nightly at 11 p.m. and reaches Na Thon Pier at Samui around 5 a.m. (6 hours). For the return trip, the boat leaves Na Thon Pier at 9.00 p.m. and arrives at Ban Don Pier at 4.00 a.m. (7 hours).

Getting around Ko Samui
Samui is an explorer’s dream to discover something new. Offering a wealth of diversity of landscape, vistas, flora and fauna, and yet small enough to seek adventure in its many out-of-the-way places, Samui is best seen by taking songthaews (red local bus) which operate around the island. The fare starts at 20 baht, depending on the distance of the destination.
By Taxi
Taxi Meters are available for getting around Ko Samui. The taxi fare is shown on the meter with a surcharge of 90 Baht to the driver.
Note: if you have any problem with taxi services on Ko Samui, please report to Public Bus Passenger Protection Center, Suratthani Provincial land Transportation Office, Ko Samui branch. or Call 1584
By a rented Jeep
Rented Jeep, 4WD, is available from many family-owned agencies and some well known large companies. The vehicle will serve as the basic means of transportation taking visitors around many hillside natural and man-made attractions which are easily accessible from the ring road. Some of these vehicles come with insurance, but the coverage is limited. Always ask for details first. The minimum price is from 800 baht.
By Motorcycle
A more flexible way to get around the island, rented motorcycle costs approximately 200 baht / day. Beware, as roads other than the main roads on Ko Samui are quite rough in some parts.

Getting to nearby Islands from Samui
1. Ko Pha-ngan
1.1 Na Thon Pier (Ko Samui) - Thong Sala Pier (Ko Pha-ngan)
Songserm Travel Co. operates ferry boats and express boats between Na Thon Pier on Ko Samui and Thong Sala Pier on Ko Pha-ngan, four times a day. The trip takes about 45 minutes for express boats, and one hour for ordinary ferry boats.
1.2 Bo Phut (Ko Samui) - Hat Rin (Ko Pha-ngan)
There is a ferry boat leaving Bo Phut for Ko Pha-ngan twice daily at 9.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. The return trips depart Hat Rin on Ko Pha-ngan at 10.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m.
2.Ang Thong National Marine Park
Visitors can hire a boat on Ko Samui to Ang Thong. The charge depends on the boat size and number of passengers. The trip takes 1.30 hours. It is also possible to join a full-day excursion organized by tour operators in Ko Samui.
3. Ko Tao
Boat services for Ko Tao are available at Na Thon Pier of Ko Samui.

Source:TAT

Where to stay in Koh Samui

All Hotels and Resorts in Koh Samui

Koh Samui Day Trips

Koh Samui Water Activities

Ko Samui Video