History of the resort
For the first time (about 1,500 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 1,000 years later - representatives of the Chinese Ming dynasty included it on their navigation maps. It is worth noting that Samui was actively used by China and Thailand as a trading port. This is evidenced by many historical facts, as well as the abundance of sunken Chinese ships with various cargoes of ceramic products on board. During World War II, the city survived occupation by Japanese troops. The island's current population 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 inhabitants of this island call themselves.
Beaches
The most suitable part of the island for recreation is the eastern part. This is where the best hotels in Koh Samui are located. Of course, in the West of the island there are also good beaches with 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 the beach complexes of Lamai and Chaweng. Here you can see the sunrise in all its glory and capture it on camera. The southern part of Lamai Beach greets tourists with two cliffs, Hanai and Hinta (Grandmother and Grandfather). This is where 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 Mae Nam, Bo Phut, and Big Buddha Beach.
Hotel complexes
Hotels in Koh Samui have only three floors. Why? - you ask. It's very simple - more than 3.5 million palm trees grow on this island, which are considered a local treasure. Absolutely everything points to this. For example, Samui laws do not allow builders to construct a building taller than the size of a palm tree. That is why you will not find skyscrapers or large hotel complexes on the island. All hotels, bungalows and villas on the island are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay for tourists. Absolutely every hotel complex has a restaurant or cafe serving 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 24-hour service.
Entertainment and leisure
Resorts and prices in Koh Samui are ideal for 110% fun and relaxation. Tourists have access to both regular relaxation, which involves lying on the beach, and active pastime provided by various types of water transport. For example, diving enthusiasts will definitely love this resort complex, because the underwater world of Samui is very multifaceted and diverse. Here you will find virgin coral reefs, cliffs, grottoes, etc.
Denis
Koh Samui is the most picturesque resort in Thailand!
Koh Samui Island in Thailand in popularity confidently competes with. There is so much picturesque nature here, impenetrable jungles, snow-white beaches, smiling Thais that once you get here, you don’t want to go back. And for party lovers, a grand party is held every month on a nearby island, where you can have a blast until the morning so that you won’t have the strength to walk to the hotel.
The waters around Samui are not only rich in life, but also very transparent - depending on the time of year and the set (dive location), the visibility distance reaches twenty or even thirty meters. Therefore, diving in Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Nang Yuan is one of the most developed...
An excursion on the Red Baron yacht on Koh Samui is one of the most popular attractions for tourists. This is a sailing-motor yacht with a length of thirty and a width of almost seven meters, the largest pleasure boat on the island in terms of displacement. Usually people relax on board...
If you come to relax on Koh Samui, then an excursion to the islands of Koh Tao and Nang Yuan will definitely be included in the program of your stay there. And this is not surprising, because they are one of the most picturesque pieces of land in the middle of the water. All over the world you will find...
The cable car on Samui is a very exciting and extreme excursion for those who constantly lack adrenaline in their blood. For her alone it is worth visiting this island. The total length of all routes is more than 9 kilometers and 50 intermediate...
Koh Samui is two times smaller than Phuket, but confidently competes with it in the fight for the attention of tourists. This is facilitated by magnificent beaches with white coral sand, picturesque lagoons, mountain waterfalls and bottomless blue skies. One of the most sought after...
Thailand is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of the number of attractions per capita. And we will not be too far from the truth if we say that the Angthong National Marine Park near Samui is the main one of them. This is a group of islands in the Gulf of Thailand...
Flight time:
from Moscow - from 11 hours (1-4 transfers)
from St. Petersburg - from 14 hours 35 minutes. (2-3 transfers)
from Kazan - from 15 hours 5 minutes. (2-3 transfers)
from Yekaterinburg - from 15 hours 40 minutes. (1-4 transfers)
from Novosibirsk - from 11 hours 5 minutes. (1-3 transfers)
Current time in Bo Phut:
(UTC +7)
The island has gained fame as perhaps the best place to relax with children. The northern coast guarantees a quiet time and a soulful family holiday. Night entertainment venues are present here in small quantities. Most hotels are aimed at small guests, so everyone considers it their duty to equip a children's playground with a swimming pool on site. Decent hotels must have an animator on staff.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to Koh Samui depending on where you start from. Most people travel to the island from Bangkok and Surat Thani (by plane or by bus and ferry). Fares vary from fairly expensive flights to inexpensive ferries between Surat Thani and Koh Samui.
Airplane
The best and most convenient option is a direct flight to Koh Samui. The island’s airport is very unusual, there are no usual premises, so immediately upon arrival it becomes clear that you are on a paradise island. A significant disadvantage of such a flight is the price. The airport belongs to the private Bangkok Airlines company, because of this a certain tariff has been formed, and monopolization does not allow cheaper air carriers to enter this airport. There are a few other airlines that land at the airport, but the price isn't much different. Representatives of low-cost budget airlines simply do not have an agreement to operate flights to this island. For comparison, let’s take the cost of one plane ticket from the capital of Thailand to Koh Samui, and for the same price, but by sea, a family of several people can get to the island. This is, of course, economical, but it is clearly different from a flight lasting one hour and crossing by sea with less comfort.
There is a cheaper flight option. The closest major city on the mainland to Koh Samui is Surat Thani. It is located close enough to the island that it can be reached from Bangkok by budget airlines. It will be cheaper, more convenient and faster. A plane ticket is slightly more expensive than a train ticket, but the time savings are enormous. You can also purchase a complex ticket; this option may even be a little cheaper than purchasing each ticket separately. The package will include: a plane ticket, a bus ticket to the port and a ferry ride to the island itself. As usual, in such cases there will be a separate charge for luggage.
Ferry
The crossing from Surat Thani to the treasured Samui does not pose any particular difficulties. Right upon arrival at the airport, you purchase a ticket for bus and ferry transportation at the appropriate ticket office. Take a bus to Donsak pier. The ferry departure schedule is once an hour, so you won’t have to wait long for the departure. The journey takes about an hour and a half, and you can spend this time both on the open deck and on the closed one with air conditioning, depending on who you prefer.
If an hour and a half is a waste of time for you, then there is another option, but we warn you right away that it is not suitable for everyone. Catamarans, which reach Samui in about half an hour, compete with ferries and therefore depart from another pier - Chumphon. The disadvantage of this trip option is that even with a slight rough sea, the catamaran begins to roll so much that seasickness does not keep itself waiting. Because of this, passengers are given a free hygiene bag before departure.
Bus
From Bangkok you can take a bus directly to the ferry. The journey time is almost 10 hours, so it is worth taking first class tickets to make the trip more comfortable. Getting there by bus will be a little faster than by train, but if you compare the comfort conditions, the bus is inferior to rail transportation.
The Lompraya company gives you the opportunity to purchase a bus ticket along with a high-speed ferry crossing. For about 1,500 baht you get a transfer to Chumphon and a transfer to Koh Samui in a total time of just over 14 hours.
Train
Due to inaccurate timetables and local train operations, travel from the capital to Surat Thani can take up to 13 hours. But since the great comfort in the carriages of Thailand is conducive to relaxation after a long flight, many travelers choose this particular travel option. The carriages have air conditioning and comfortable sleeping places. From the station to the pier it’s just a short ride on a special shuttle, and then you move by ferry. Traveling by train is several hundred baht cheaper than traveling by plane.
Auto
For those who like to drive, the ideal option would be to rent a car at Bangkok airport. There are quite a lot of rental companies there, but it is recommended to select and book a car in advance. If you book a couple of months in advance, the price is significantly lower. The road from Bangkok to Surat Thani is excellent; travel time is a maximum of ten hours, including stops for snacks. Transporting a car by ferry will not be that expensive, up to 500 baht. The only difficulty is driving on the left. If you doubt that you will be able to navigate the road, then you should not choose this option.
Climate and weather on Koh Samui
Samui has a hot climate. The average temperature throughout the year is + 30°C.
There are two seasons on Koh Samui - dry and wet.
The dry season is accompanied by clear, warm, even hot weather; it rarely rains. The season lasts from January to February.
The rainy season begins in November and lasts until December. The rainy season on Koh Samui does not mean that there is tropical rain all the time, it just means that there are fewer sunny days at this time.
From March to June it is very hot, only short torrential rains help. The best time to travel to the island is from December to April.
Weather on Koh Samui by month
According to the Yandex.Weather service
| Daytime temperature, °C | Temperature at night, °C | Water temperature, °C | Precipitation amount, mm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weather on Koh Samui in January | 32 | 20 | 26 | 30 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in February | 33 | 23 | 27 | 0 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in March | 34 | 24 | 27 | 10 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in April | 35 | 26 | 28 | 60 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in May | 34 | 25 | 28 | 180 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in June | 33 | 25 | 28 | 110 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in July | 32 | 25 | 28 | 140 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in August | 32 | 24 | 28 | 120 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in September | 32 | 24 | 28 | 200 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in October | 31 | 24 | 27 | 250 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in November | 31 | 23 | 27 | 300 |
| Weather on Koh Samui in December | 31 | 20 | 27 | 90 |
Weather on Koh Samui for 10 and 14 days
Reviews by month
| January 12 February 6 March 8 | April 5 May 4 | July 7 August 9 September 2 | October 1 December 2 |
Photos of Koh Samui
Transport
Songthaew
Public transport on Samui is represented by the so-called songthaew, although it is better known to everyone as tuk-tuk. If we draw an analogy, this is something like our minibus taxis, although the comparison is not the most accurate. To make it clearer, imagine an old Japanese pickup truck. Several benches are fixed in its small body, and a canopy practically flutters in the wind above the heads of passengers, which serves as protection from the rain. During the busiest periods, the tailgate folds down to provide space for additional passengers.
Despite the creepy description and extremely unpresentable appearance, there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Transport is very reliable and quite safe to travel. And also the cheapest. Songthaews ply along the coast around the entire island quite regularly, and Nathon is considered the ring point. But it is impossible to travel around the entire island in one and the same tuk-tuk. There are three tuk-tuk routes in total; they periodically change from one to another.
Advice for beginners: do not ask the price when getting on the transport. So they will immediately understand that you are an inexperienced tourist and they can charge such a price that it is indecent to even say. Within one beach, a trip will cost 20 baht. From one beach to another - 60 baht.
The fact is that the fixed price is valid for transportation from morning to 6 pm. And then songthaew drivers turn into taxi drivers. So, how much a trip in the evening and at night will cost will depend on your bargaining ability and the degree of greed of the driver. It will not be possible to prove that during the day the price is completely different. The Thai authorities officially allow drivers to earn extra money this way at night.
Taxi
Taxis on Samui are called TAXI METER. The taxi fleet consists mainly of Korean and Japanese yellow-red cars. However, they do not have a meter, and the average cost of a trip is 200-300 baht. At the same time, you can bargain with the driver.
Rental on Koh Samui
The first place where you can rent a car is the airport. Representatives of many international companies work there. But if you don’t want to leave a large amount on deposit, then you can use the services of local companies. Such offices have fewer requirements and it is possible to pay in cash, and if you are going to stay on Samui for a month or more, then rent from local small rental companies will also be much cheaper than from recognized international representatives. Renting a decent car starts from 1,500 baht per day. The price of gasoline is slightly more expensive than on the mainland, but the lack of paid parking (there are only a few on the island) compensates for this fact.
The most popular thing on Koh Samui is to rent a scooter or bike. This is much more economical; a scooter will cost from a couple of hundred baht per day. Most hotels offer rentals to their residents, and there are many points around the island where you can temporarily get a two-wheeled friend. You can rent a bike for a month, and it will cost about 3 thousand, maybe a little more. But you can always bargain.
Renting a bike is difficult, but few people want to. The island's humidity, heat and elevation changes will not appeal to even the biggest European cycling enthusiasts. If you really want, you can rent bicycles in Lamai and Chaweng; there are several bike rental points there. The cost will be less than renting a scooter.
Transfers from Samui
Koh Samui city → Samui AirportShow transfers to Koh Samui
| Micro. |
RUB 3,251 | |
| Economy |
RUB 3,048 | |
| Comfort. |
RUB 3,928 | |
| Minivan, 4 seats. |
RUB 3,454 | |
| Minibus, 7 seats. |
RUB 3,657 | |
| Minibus 10pax |
RUB 4,605 |
| Micro. Inexpensive transfer for a couple or family with a child. VW Polo, Opel Corsa, Renault Clio, Skoda Fabia, etc. |
RUB 3,251 | |
| Economy An economical option for a company of up to 3-4 people. VW Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Audi A3, BMW 3, etc. |
RUB 3,048 | |
| Comfort. For long-distance travel in comfort. VW Passat, Toyota Camry, Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Suburban, etc. |
RUB 3,928 | |
| Minivan, 4 seats. A compromise between space and comfort. VW Touran, Ford Galaxy, Opel Zefira, Peugeot 807, etc. |
RUB 3,454 | |
| Minibus, 7 seats. For a group of 4-7 people or large luggage. VW Multivan, Toyota Hiace, Opel Vivaro, Hyundai H-1, etc. |
RUB 3,657 | |
| Minibus 10pax A universal option for a group of up to 10 people. Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Toyota Coaster, etc. |
RUB 4,605 |
Districts
Koh Samui was a district of Surat Thani province until 2008. In June 2008, Samui gained independence. The island is divided into 7 districts (tambon). The island's territory includes the Ang Thong archipelago and some other small islands nearby.
The east of the island is the most popular. There is a developed infrastructure, a lot of hotels of all price categories, entertainment nightlife and many options for cafes and restaurants. The nightlife is correspondingly vibrant.
The north of the island is traditionally family territory. Rental prices are slightly lower than on the east coast. The beaches are great for families with children, and the shade from the vegetation that grows close to the beaches makes it possible not to overheat in the sun.
Between the north and east of the island rises a huge statue of Buddha, which is the main attraction of these places.
The administrative center is Nathon in the west of the island. All the main points necessary for a tourist are here: the bus station, the main pier of the island, a huge market with a variety of local food and delicacies. The west coast has stunningly beautiful sunsets, but swimming in the summer when the tides are low is difficult.
The south is considered a wild place for local residents. There really is nothing of civilized infrastructure here. But this is for the better, because nature here remains in all its natural beauty. Here you can rent a house quite inexpensively, there are wild beaches, so this is often the place chosen by those tourists who choose to live in Thailand for several winter months. Solitude and the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in nature attracted Buddhist monks at one time. On the southern coast is the Laem Sor Temple Pagoda.
What to see
To study the local fauna, you can go to the aquarium and admire the fantastic collection of fish, and watch wild cats at the tiger zoo. Popular excursions are to the “turtle island”, crocodile, snake, coconut, pearl farms, Buddha’s Secret Garden, islands Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Fun rides at the Coco Splash water park are suitable not only for children, but also for adults, just in case you are a little tired of the warm sea and the gentle sun. There are many more entertainment complexes, for example, Paradise Park, where you can see animals in their natural habitat.
Main attractions of Koh Samui
- Samui Temples(about 30 temples of the island at the link)
Attractions
Where to eat and drink
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
Transport
Wellness holiday
Private guides on Koh Samui
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Samui in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Things to do
Nightlife on Koh Samui
For a full-fledged night of festivities, go to the two main resorts of the island - Lamai and Chaweng. The main street of Chaweng contains all the most famous establishments on the island from shops to bars. The majority of young people like to dance at the Green Mango disco, while slightly older tourists prefer to visit the Reggae Pub and the authentic Irish pub Tropical Murphy. You can while away a stuffy and hot evening at the Ice Bar, which is even larger in Koh Samui than in Pattaya.
The Lamai area cannot boast of such a number of bars, but it has the most interesting advantage - Muay Thai fights. The night battles here are real and relentless, not the kind that are shown at the Chaweng stadium for the entertainment of tourists. For those who are not interested in fighting, a stroll through the night market and sitting in bars with affordable prices for cocktails will do.
Diving on Koh Samui
Without a doubt, the south of Thailand is home to some of the best and most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear waters and magnificent corals. And this is the main reason why the number of divers coming to Thailand has increased over the past ten years. And although the best time of year for scuba diving on Koh Samui is between June and August, you can still dive there almost all year round. The waters in Thailand are considered the safest in the world for scuba diving and snorkeling, making them ideal for beginners who want to try this activity for the first time.
The necessary equipment is available and there are many scuba diving schools, but most dives are done either in the nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park or Koh Tao, as visibility around Samui's sandy beaches is often poor. You can sign up for a day trip at diving schools, most of which are located in Chaweng. Boats with such tours most often depart from the pier at Bophut and Bang Rak.
Underwater visibility in some places around Samui is almost perfect (up to 10-30 meters). You can enjoy incredible views of seamounts, coral gardens, underwater rock formations, hard and soft corals and whale sharks. Here are a couple of dive sites:
- Samran Pinnacles: Since the current in this place is often very strong, this place is recommended for experienced divers. Due to this current, this place is a refuge for large marine life such as barracuda. There are three underwater rocks near Sail Rock.
- Ko Kra and Koh Losin: These two small islands are located in the southeast of Koh Samui, and due to their remoteness are not often visited by divers. Here you can see blacktip sharks, electric rays and rarely seen bonefish turtles.
Festivals and events on Koh Samui
Bullfight Festival
One of the most famous festivals taking place on Koh Samui is the Bullfighting Festival, which is held on special occasions such as New Year and Songkran. Unlike Spanish bullfights, where bulls are killed while fighting a man armed with swords, the Koh Samui Bullfighting Festival is fairly harmless. The battle season varies due to some ancient customs and ceremonies. The bulls are beautifully decorated with ribbons and gilded leaves. Before the competition, which lasts no longer than two rounds, the monks sprinkle them with holy water
Festival in the Fisherman's Village
This five-day festival is celebrated with lots of fun, loud music and lots of food. The music is usually performed by famous artists, and the amount of food served (and the quality of it) is amazing. Many stalls from many local hotels sell a variety of inexpensive and delicious food from different countries
Beaches of Koh Samui
The best option for a beach holiday is to stay on the east coast. The beaches here are considered the best. The only disadvantage of the coast is drought, which can occur during low tide. But this phenomenon happens quite rarely.
Those traveling to Koh Samui for the first time should know that only the hotel in which they are staying will provide them with a free sun lounger. Unless you're renting a hotel room right on the seashore, be prepared to shell out money to rent a sun lounger on the beach. Or be content with a towel or beach mat.
For a long holiday, the best beaches are: Maenam, Lamai . It's quite calm there and has everything you need for life. The main flow of tourists chooses the northern and eastern coasts, because the combination of all factors (beaches, infrastructure) is ideal. There are large hypermarkets in the Chaweng and Lamai areas. To fully experience the nightlife and fun, choose the central part of Chaweng.
Beaches in the east of Koh Samui
Of the eastern beaches, the one that stands out is undoubtedly Chaweng, which is famous throughout the island. The sandy beach is soft thanks to fine sand, and the water is amazingly clear. It is very convenient to enter the water, the slope is quite easy. The length of the beach is about six kilometers. This entire strip is a continuous picturesque view, consisting of bays and beautiful landscapes. There are absolutely no problems with accommodation on the beach; you can choose an elite hotel or a simple bungalow. During the day, fans of water sports concentrate on the beach, and at night, partygoers gather for incendiary parties and discos.
Another famous eastern beach is Lamai. It is located just south of Chaweng. The difference between these beaches is mainly in the sand. On Lamai it is larger and not as white in color as on Chaweng; in some places there are rocky shores. Lamai has excellent waves, which determines the constant presence of surfers there. There are also spa salons in this area offering not only Thai massages and saunas, but also beauty treatments with mud masks and wraps.
The northeast of the island deserves special mention:
Beaches in the north of Koh Samui
The north of the island is quite colorful. The western part of the northern coast is Bophut. There is a special atmosphere there, because tourists manage to live with the locals as if they were good neighbors. A little further in a cozy bay is Maenam Beach, where the contrasting combination of rich villas with the nearby hippie settlement does not prevent people from having a good rest. If we talk about the beaches themselves, they are not as rich in entertainment and scenery as the eastern ones, and the sand is more yellow and not fine.
Beaches in the south and west of Koh Samui
In the south and west of the island there is an atmosphere of seclusion on the coasts. Although the ring road that encircles the island does not connect the beaches, getting here will not be a problem. Laem Set Beach is simply irresistible. This stunning beach is a must see for everyone, with its coconut trees arching intricately over the sandy beach with its large smooth boulders. But the water is too shallow for swimming, although this does not prevent you from just having a good time there. Although Taling Ngam Beach looks deserted, it has its own romance for walking.
There is a large selection of cosmetics and souvenirs in Nathon. Don’t miss the opportunity to bargain with the sellers; they themselves are not against this business. They are also very friendly, so shopping will take place in a pleasant atmosphere.
Food and drink
The island allows its guests to eat for every taste. It all depends on the desires and capabilities of the vacationers. Tourists can enjoy both expensive restaurants with European cuisine and small Thai eateries where they can eat local dishes very cheaply. You should definitely try local delicacies and spicy soups, for example with an unusual combination of shrimp and pork. It's all about the broth, which is cooked with the addition of coconut milk. For those who don’t like such combinations – rice dishes. In Khao Pat, rice comes with vegetable additives in a wide variety of combinations. As for soups, don’t miss the traditional Thai Tom Yum; its sour-spicy taste should be felt by every visitor. Well, where would an island be without seafood? There are especially many establishments on Bophut beach where you can taste oysters, crabs and more.
Thai cuisine is very spicy, few people can handle all the desired dishes. In the event that you need to “put out the fire” inside you, do not drink water, but rather ask for milk or lime. They contain substances that can neutralize the hotness of chili peppers. Although you can always say the magic “no spicy”.
If Thai cuisine has captivated you so much that when you arrive home you want to continue pampering yourself and your loved ones with traditional Thai dishes, then you can take a short cooking course. You can sign up for one on the east coast, but it will be very expensive.
Due to the fact that Russians are increasingly coming to the island for the winter, the traditions of local cuisine have undergone changes. On all major beaches you can find cafes that specialize exclusively in traditional Russian cuisine. Those who are tired of trying Thai spicy dishes can always dine on the usual borscht, dumplings, cabbage rolls, even such salads as “Herring under a fur coat” and “Mimosa”. There is also an Uzbek restaurant. So if you want kebabs, pilaf or manti, it won’t be difficult to find such establishments. Of course, there is also Italian cuisine on the island.
If you need yogurt, kefir or cottage cheese, you can easily find them in the island's supermarkets. This is an important point for tourists with children who cannot always accept local dishes. If your child gets sick, don't worry, travel insurance will ensure proper check-up and treatment at a good local hospital such as Bangkok Hospital.
Connection
Koh Samui is one of those islands where connectivity is hard to complain about compared to other islands in the region. Probably all hotels and inns already have their own Wi-Fi network, as well as in all public places. But, unfortunately, quantity does not guarantee quality. Wireless communication on Samui remains the main problem, because a very low speed of 10 Mbit/s for a person who is used to being always connected can seem like a disaster. It also happens that it is difficult to even connect to the network in a hotel due to the activity of all the guests. Plus, frequent breaks and unexpected breakdowns regularly deprive tourists of the Internet. Many have found a way out in using the mobile Internet.
In terms of 3G and 4G networks, the island is surprisingly well equipped, and the entire area is covered by high-speed access. Even on a wild beach in a remote location you will not be left without communication. There are three main mobile operators in Thailand, from which you can easily purchase a SIM card. One of the operators - DTAC - has taken care of Russian-speaking tourists, and on their official website you can make an order on the great and mighty.
Safety
Tap water is usually not suitable for drinking. Bottled drinks are sold almost everywhere, and you need to use them constantly. Be careful in restaurants. Many may use unsafe running water. Running water in many hotels should not be used for drinking or brushing teeth unless there is a special sign stating its safety.
Motorcycles are quite dangerous, but jeeps, trucks and other vehicles are readily available, reasonably priced, and relatively safe. If you must use a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and never drive drunk as the roads are dangerous and rough. After a good night's partying in Chaweng, Bophut and Lamai, taxis are always ready to take you home. Be careful, taxi drivers usually cheat. It is not uncommon for tuk-tuk drivers to charge you 50 baht for a kilometer ride in the evening (for example, along the main market of Chaweng).
Recent expansion has seen the introduction of ATVs to navigate the roads. They do not need to be registered, so you need to be careful, as there is no insurance either.
Be careful on the beaches at night as there are crime incidents.
Need to know:
Forbidden:
- Don't rent a boat if it doesn't have life jackets.
- Don't go into the jungle alone
- Don't get involved with any drugs
- Do not go to the beach at night, either for walking or swimming
- Women should not sunbathe topless
- It is not advisable for men to go without pants or shorts anywhere except the beach
Where to stay on Koh Samui
You can choose housing on Samui based on your own needs and ability to pay. The island has long had various options, from luxury rooms in respectable hotels to very budget hotel options.
The most expensive hotels, as a rule, are located right on the shore and offer their guests their own beach and an additional range of services. The rooms there are all equipped with air conditioning and are very spacious, or even stand-alone villas on the territory of the hotel complex.
Three-star hotels are the best option and the most popular. Even if there are no spas in these places, and perhaps there won’t even be a swimming pool or a cafe, the quality of the accommodation itself is decent, and you can eat at the nearest restaurant; fortunately, on Samui it’s not as expensive as in Europe.
Ko Samui is the third largest island of Thailand. It is located in the Gulf of Thailand in the South China Sea and covers an area of 228.7 square meters. km. Its shape is closer to a rectangle with sides of 15 and 20 km. It is approximately 35 km from the mainland city of Surat Thani and 700 km from the capital of Siam. According to various estimates, taking into account foreign citizens working and living on the island, the population reaches 80,000 people. In terms of the number of tourists, Samui is second only to Pattaya and Phuket. And there are slightly fewer guests from Russia here than in Pattaya.
Orientation
The central part of the island is an uninhabited mountainous tropical jungle. Settlements are mainly concentrated around numerous beaches. The administrative center of Samui is the town of Nathon, located on the beach of the same name. The two most developed beaches in terms of infrastructure, Chaweng and Lamai, are located in the eastern part of the island. The length of the main route that encircles the island is 49 km. It starts in Nathon, passes through Chaweng and Lamai, and then returns to the administrative center again.
The island is covered in lush tropical jungle. And on the coast there are many snow-white beaches, which are washed by the azure waters of the South China Sea.
Story
Until the early 70s of the last century, local residents of the island were engaged only in fishing and growing coconuts. Until that time, foreign guests were a curiosity, and no one even thought about the tourism business. The tourist flow to Koh Samui was discovered by hippies, attracted by the solitude and beauty of its beaches. Backpackers began to arrive after them, showing the local population that they could make good money from tourism. After this, Ko Samui began to gain popularity among ordinary organized tourists, developing the necessary infrastructure.
Features of the holiday
On the shores of Samui, every tourist will find a place to suit his taste and capabilities. It should be noted that the party life on the island is a little more modest than on the famous Pha Ngan, famous for its reckless Full Moon Parties. For the most part, people go there for a relaxing holiday, which, if desired, can be diluted with trips to a bar or nightclub.
Transport
The most popular mode of transport on Koh Samui is songthaew. It is a pickup truck with two parallel benches in the trunk for passengers. The route along which tourists and residents of the island mainly travel is the main ring road. On average, during the day, travel to a songthaew costs 50-100 baht; in the evening, drivers raise prices.
For those who want to move around the island on their own, there is the opportunity to rent a bicycle or motorbike. Bicycles will naturally cost much less, about 50-70 baht/day. Motorbikes will cost an average of 200-300 baht/day. The largest offer for bike rental in Nathon, Lamai and Chaweng. The roads on the island are relatively smooth, and therefore traffic on the island is safer than, for example, in Phuket.
Taxi is the most expensive form of transport on Koh Samui. These are mainly Korean or Chinese cars bearing the proud name Taxi Meter. Taxi drivers never had a meter, so prices are formed by eye. Usually, the average trip costs 300-400 baht, but you can bargain.
Food
As in most tourist places in Thailand, Koh Samui offers a wide selection of catering establishments of various levels and specializations. In general, prices on the islands are 20-30% higher than on the mainland.
The cheapest price for lunch is at makashnitsa, roadside eateries and at the evening market. There, the total bill without drinks for two will not exceed 100 baht. In a decent cafe the bill will double or more. Well, in a reputable restaurant, depending on the client’s appetite, the amount will start from 500-1000 baht per person.
Samui has not been spared such “happiness” of human civilization as McDonald’s and Burger King. In addition, the island has a well-known network of 7-Eleven minimarkets, where you can buy simple snacks and drinks.
The food courts in the Tesco Lotus and Big C supermarkets are very popular both among tourists and Thais themselves. There you can find almost all local cuisine at very low prices, and often the taste of these dishes is not inferior to restaurant dishes.
On the island you can also find a chain of barbecue restaurants “98”. They are interesting because visitors are invited to cook their own dishes right at the table in a classic Thai brazier. You can choose from already chopped or marinated products (from vegetables to seafood). It is interesting to go to such restaurants in large groups - you can spend a fun and interesting evening around the roaster.
And, of course, hotels always have restaurants, and the larger the hotel, the greater the choice of establishments there will be. Five-star hotels will always offer guests a choice of 5-10 different restaurants specializing in different cuisines. As elsewhere, the prices of hotel restaurants are higher than in independent establishments.
Beaches
Koh Samui has a large number of different beaches to suit every taste, about 26 in total. Moreover, most settlements are concentrated around them and bear the same names. Almost always, the coastal area is separated from the road by hotels and restaurants, but anyone can easily access the sea.
The beaches on the island are all different. Somewhere the sand is coarse, somewhere it’s fine as white powder, somewhere there are rocks, somewhere the landscape is more or less smooth, somewhere there are a lot of noisy tourists, somewhere there is silence and tranquility. Many guests of the island settle on one of the beaches, and then, depending on their mood, relax on one or the other. Almost all beaches have developed infrastructure. There are always sun loungers, umbrellas, coastal bars, cafes and much more.
Accommodation on Koh Samui
The island has a very wide range of accommodation offers for tourists. Here you can find a bungalow without any special frills for 15-25 thousand baht per month, and a luxurious villa on the seashore with a private pool, tennis court and other amenities. Such rent can cost 40-60 thousand baht per month or more.
The island's hotel base includes more than 1,000 hotels. However, the supply of cheap accommodation (200-300 baht/night) on the island is limited, especially during the high tourist season. Therefore, a room around 400 baht/day during the season can be considered lucky.
An exception may be the port village of Chaweng. There is no beach for swimming there, so demand and, accordingly, prices for rooms are quite low. But even if you travel by songthaew to other beaches every day, the costs of travel and room will be lower than those incurred by hotel guests on other beaches of the island. A small room without air conditioning, but with a fan in Nathon will cost 200-300 baht/day. And, most likely, it will be a room at a restaurant.
Tourists with their tents, in principle, can stay on any beach, but it will not be comfortable everywhere. In the center of the island there are more suitable, flat areas that are suitable for such living.
Attractions
On Koh Samui you can spend time not only on the beach.
The island is rich in attractions that will be interesting to see for vacationers. There are beautiful temples with Buddhist relics, interesting natural formations, original architectural objects, and cultural monuments that will allow you to get acquainted with the national characteristics of life in Thailand. But it’s quite possible to get around them all in one or two days. So you should take care of other types of recreation in advance.
Entertainment
In addition to gorgeous beaches, gentle sea and attractions, Koh Samui also offers a lot of entertainment. Water sports, boat excursions, night programs, jungle treks, and zoos will undoubtedly delight lovers of outdoor activities and adventures.
Safety
Unfortunately, all major resorts in any country in the world attract various scammers and those who like to get rich at the expense of others. Therefore, tourists everywhere should remain vigilant and remain prudent. In addition to two-legged criminals, you can also find stray dogs on the island, which can be very aggressive. Therefore, it is better to avoid walking in deserted places, or take care of self-defense means, for example, ultrasonic animal repellers.
Koh Samui - occupies the second largest position among the islands of Thailand - with an area of 228.7 km². The shape resembles a rectangle with sides of 21 and 25 km. The island is located approximately 35 km from the mainland city of Surat Thani and 700 km from Bangkok.
Koh Samui is surrounded by 60 islands, many of which are uninhabited. Rocks, virgin impenetrable jungle in the center of the territory, banana and coconut groves where monkeys work, luxurious snow-white beaches, clean water, silence and solitude - this is the island of Koh Samui.
The island began to gain tourist fame in the 70s of the last century. Its pioneer tourists were hippies, who were attracted by the beautiful secluded beaches and exotic uniqueness of the local landscapes. A little later, the island was chosen by backpackers from all over the world. All this contributed to the development of infrastructure, which in turn led to an increase in the flow of tourists; organized travelers around Thailand began to come to the island.
Today, Samui can offer tourists 10 equipped beaches, and the same number have retained their pristine integrity. In total, there are about 30 beaches on the island.
You will be delighted by the clear azure waters of the South China Sea. The entire beach area is separated from the island ring road by buildings of hotels, shops, bars, and other establishments. The island has an airport, known for its uniqueness - it is built from palm trees that were cut down to create a runway. All the benefits of civilization are concentrated in the coastal areas of Koh Samui.
How to get there
The fastest option is an airplane. There are no direct regular connections with the CIS countries; only charter flights are operated. Therefore, our tourists have to fly with transfers. Transfers can be made in Bangkok, as well as in Penang, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. Ticket prices average 3,000-5,000 baht and can reach 7,000 baht one way from Bangkok.
A cheap but tedious way is by bus. Bus routes depart from any city in Thailand to Koh Samui. Passengers have to travel the distance to the city's cargo pier, and then take about an hour and a half by ferry to Koh Samui. You can get there on your own by passenger ferry.
Most of the piers are located on Chumpon, Surat Thani, as well as on Koh Tao and Phangan.
Most ferries arrive at Ko Samui's main town, Nathon. The cargo pier is located a little further south of Nathon. There are songthaews on duty at the pier, the fare is 60 baht. There are also taxis and air-conditioned minivans. The fare for the latter is 150 baht.
Nathon Pier on the map
In the northern part, according to the map of Samui, there is the Big Buddha Pier, ferries from Koh Phangan arrive here. There are songthaews here too, but they only go to Chaweng and the airport, the price is 100 baht ($3). If necessary, you can use a taxi. There is no public transport from Lipa Noi Pier; from here you can only get to the beach by taxi.
Transport
There are no problems with transport and movement on the island if you are close to the ring road. Songthaews, minivans, tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, air-conditioned taxis or rented vehicles constantly operate here. But the transport system is less developed than in Phuket or Pattaya. Songthaew will have to wait 10-15 minutes.
- The most economical type of transport is songthaew 50-60 baht ($1.5-1.7).
- The price for an air-conditioned taxi is from 300 baht ($9) even if you need to go to a nearby beach.
- A ride in the back seat of a motorcycle taxi costs from 30 baht ($1) for 1-2 kilometers.
- Minivans carry tourist excursions, as well as transport passengers to hotels from the airport and from the pier located in the capital of Ko Samui - Nathon.
- Renting a motorbike will cost you 150-300 baht ($4-9) per day, and a car from 800 baht ($24).
- A popular type of transport is a bicycle; its rental costs 50-70 baht ($1.5-1.8) per day. The widest offer for rental vehicles is in Nathon, Lamai and Chaweng.
The road system here is represented by a ring road, which originates in the capital of the island and runs along all the beaches. As well as branches from it leading to hotels and beach infrastructure.
If you do not plan to lie on one beach for the entire vacation, then a very good option is to rent a car. The roads here are smooth and without serpentines, and the traffic is not heavy. In addition, the island’s territory is not large, and the infrastructure is very clear.
Beaches
Beach areas are located along the entire perimeter of the island. The beaches here are different: both in terms of infrastructure, and in terms of the number of tourists, and in terms of the variety of entertainment offered. The sand on the beaches can be coarse or resemble white powder. They also differ in landscape: somewhere the area is flat, and somewhere rocky.
The most popular city on Koh Samui has the most developed infrastructure. There are many bars, shops, markets, restaurants, entertainment venues, massage parlors, and hotels.
The infrastructure on Lamai Beach is less developed. Typical daytime activities on these beaches: water skiing, banana boat, jet skis, paragliding.
The rest of the beaches offer a more relaxing and remote holiday. There are only a few small restaurants, bars, mini markets and hotels. And of course the sea, sun, sand and palm trees - everything is exactly as in the promotional photos of Koh Samui.
Tourists rarely stop in the capital of Samui, as the beach here is not very convenient.
Entertainment
In addition to the entertainment listed above, holidays on Samui include hikes in the jungle, sea excursions, in particular to the Ang Thong National Marine Sanctuary. The famous film “The Beach” was filmed here, so tourists try to capture memorable landscapes on video.
Visiting zoos and plantations, where monkeys are the main workforce, are also popular. It is possible to travel to neighboring uninhabited islands for diving and snorkeling, as well as visiting local attractions.
Shopping lovers will also be pleasantly surprised. Although there are no shopping giants here, as in Bangkok or Pattaya, the selection of goods is quite wide and prices are lower. It is worth getting your bearings on the location of markets, shops and shopping centers by first studying the map of Samui.
The most popular places for shopping: Central Festival, Tesco Lotus, Big C, Makro, Khun Chaweng Shopping Centre. No matter which beach you stay on, 7 Eleven and Family Mart will be within walking distance.
Night entertainment programs are not as varied and rich as in Bangkok or Pattaya, but supporters of the nightlife lifestyle have somewhere to spend time. Most of the establishments are located in Chaweng, these include restaurants, discos, and transvestite shows popular among tourists.
Attractions
The main ones are natural, but there are also man-made objects that attract the attention of tourists.
- Big Buddha - a 12-meter statue of a deity, designed to protect the island, is located on the tiny island of Faan, which is connected to Samui by a dam.
- Wat Khunaram is located in the south of the island, near Lamai Beach. Here, the mummy of the former rector of the temple, who died in 1973, is placed in a glass sarcophagus.
- Wat Plai Laem Temple is located in the northeast of the island, next to Bophut Beach. This is the largest and most beautiful temple complex on Koh Samui.
- The Magic Buddha Garden was created over the course of 20 years by a local gardener. Sculptures of deities and various buildings were skillfully integrated into the beautiful lush vegetation.
- The Butterfly Garden and the Insect Museum are located near the local Oceanarium.
- The Tiger Zoo is located just behind the Samui Aquarium. At the zoo you can bottle feed small animals. Tourists don’t leave here without photos and videos.
- Paradise Park Farm is located at the top of the island's highest mountain. Both wild and domestic animals and birds are kept here. They enjoy communicating with tourists.
- At the crocodile farm, located near the airport, crocodile performers perform twice a day.
- The Monkey Theater is located near Bophut Beach. A good mood and funny video shooting are guaranteed to you.
Housing
There are no problems with housing on Samui either. Here you will find a hotel for every budget, because there are more than 1000 of them. If you are tempted by luxury apartments with a private pool, get ready to shell out 40,000-60,000 baht ($1,175-1,765) per month. You can also rent a more modest bungalow for 15,000-25,000 baht ($450-740) per month.
For lovers of a budget holiday in the port village of Chaweng, you can rent a room with a minimum of amenities for 200-300 baht ($6-9) per day. It is also possible to set up a tent on the island.