Holidays in Koh Samui. Open left menu Koh Samui Koh Samui thailand photos

Koh Samui is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand and is one of the provinces of Thailand. Located in the southeastern part of the country. It is considered the most popular tourist center after Phuket, so thousands of tourists from all over the world come to Samui every year.

Koh Samui is a fairly large island with an area of almost 230 square meters. km. It is located 40 km from the southern part of mainland Thailand and is extremely rich in natural and cultural attractions.

Tourists are absolutely delighted with the snow-white beaches, coral reefs, ancient Buddhist temples, good tourist infrastructure and quite affordable prices. The island of Koh Samui is especially popular among Russians.

Geography

There are about 60 small islands around Samui that are part of the national marine park. All of them are uninhabited, overgrown with jungle. They try to keep them intact, only showing the curiosity to tourists as carefully as possible.

The total area of Koh Samui is 228.7 km². The central part is mountainous and also overgrown with jungle, and lowlands are located on the coast. A road runs along the coast, connecting beaches, settlements and towns in a circle.

On the southwestern coast of Koh Samui is the capital of the island, Nathon. It is also the main port, through which tourists enter the island and local fish catch is exported. The island administration, shops, etc. are located here.

Climate

Koh Samui in Thailand is one of the best places in the world for a beach holiday. It has amazing sand, sea, scenery and a great climate. The island has a lot of sun and warmth, but even in the rain there are plenty of people who like to relax on Koh Samui.

Conventionally, the entire year on the island can be divided into the Dry Season and the Rainy Season. The dry or high season starts from mid-December and ends at the end of March. At this time, the air temperature is about +30C, and the sea water is about +28C.

Light rains begin in April and continue throughout the summer. But prices are falling significantly, the number of tourists is decreasing, so this is a great time for an economical holiday. The air temperature rises by several degrees during the day.

From August to November, strong monsoons begin, rain pours in buckets, and the daytime air temperature fluctuates around +27C. You can no longer sunbathe on the beach, but there are tourists who like to philosophize in the hotel at this time. In December the rain stops.

Story

Historians believe that the first settlers appeared on the island of Koh Samui in the 6th century AD. These were fishermen from Malaysia and China. In the 17th century, during the Chinese Ming Dynasty, it was included on Chinese geographical maps.

The exact origin of the name “Samui” is unknown; there is a version that it came from the Chinese word “Saboey”, translated into Russian as “Shelter”. Indeed, for a long time the islanders lived autonomously from the whole world.

During WW2 Samui was occupied by the Japanese. At the end of the war, the island again lived autonomously for a long time, almost independently from Thailand. The first roads were built here only in the 70s.

And in the 80s of the 20th century, tourists from all over the world discovered the delights of Thailand in general, and Koh Samui in particular. Today, 45 thousand indigenous people live here; their main income comes from tourism, the collection of coconuts and rubber.

About 10 years ago, Samui received the status of an independent city, i.e. continues to be an autonomous entity. The presence of tourists on the island not only brings serious money, but also gives rise to conflicts due to the damage to the once untouched nature.

Transport

1. International airport

This is the only airport on Koh Samui, with the help of which the island maintains air communication with the outside world through air transportation of passengers and their cargo. It was built in the late 80s of the last century and is located next to Chaweng Beach.

Samui Airport was built by Bangkok Airways, which for a long time was the only air carrier on the island. Today the second air carrier, Airways International, appeared. Flights fly to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc.

2. Ferry service

The second way to get to or from the island to mainland Thailand is to take a ferry or high-speed catamaran. Catamarans cover a distance of 40 km in 40 minutes, and ferries - in an hour and a half.

3. Island transport

The length of the island ring road is just over 50 km. It is completely paved, has a concrete surface and two lanes - one in each direction. Popular local road transport is songthaew, taximeters and motorcycle taxis.

Beaches

The best beaches on Koh Samui are Lamai, Maenam, Chaweng. They successfully combine natural beauty and convenience, as well as the presence of beach infrastructure, hotels, restaurants, bars and shops for shopping. There are more than 30 beaches on the island.

An excellent beach for those who relax without children and do not like large crowds of people. It is located in the north of Samui, has dense buildings (hotels, restaurants, bars) and high-quality beach infrastructure on its territory. There is a road nearby.

Cons of Bang Por: muddy bottom with many large stones and muddy water. Children will feel uncomfortable on the beach. There is coarse yellow sand and not too much entertainment; lovers of nightlife will find it a bit boring here.

Ban Tai

This place was chosen by parents with small children. There is a gentle shore and a clear entrance to the shallow sea. There are many palm groves providing natural shade. There is a restaurant and the Mimosa Hotel, where you can relax and spend the night.

A calm beach, where annoying sellers with goods or drunken youth with blaring music rarely come, there are practically no parties. This wonderful place for a relaxing family holiday is located in the north of Samui.

Mae Nam

Another family beach where you can rent inexpensive accommodation and stay for a few days. After sunset, all beach inhabitants move to local bars, but there is practically no vibrant nightlife here.

There are many palm trees on May Nam, saving vacationers from the hot sun. The sand here is yellow and soft, the sea is quite deep, but there are shallow places for kids. Young people don't stop here because... The mothers look at her with suspicion.

Chaweng Beach

One of the most beautiful and crowded beaches on Koh Samui. There is excellent infrastructure and a large number of hotels and resorts to suit every taste and budget. Tourists on the beach can find everything they need for life and a comfortable holiday.

In the center of Chaweng the sea is rapidly gaining depth. The sand is white and soft, a clean entrance to the water. Vacationers are offered a variety of water activities to choose from. Enjoy stunning sea views as well as good food restaurants and bars.

This is the second most popular beach on Koh Samui. It is very long, so it is divided into three parts. Its central part is perhaps the best. In addition to natural beauty, there is a Tesco hypermarket here.

One local resident served in this Buddhist temple almost his entire life and achieved holiness. When he died, his body did not rot and decompose, but immediately became mummified. The islanders are sure that this is a consequence of his holy life.

Since then, for many years, the mummy of this saint has been located near the Kunaram temple, and every believer or tourist can examine it and see the imperishable relics. Here you can get a wrist bracelet with special protection.

This temple was built quite recently using donations. Plai Laem is the most beautiful and largest Buddhist attraction on Samui. The architecture of the temple combines the styles of China, India and Thailand.

The three styles symbolize the three branches of Buddhism. There are no heresies or sectarians in Southeast Asia; everyone can adhere to the Buddhism that they like. In the center of the temple there is a statue of the Hindu deity Guanyin, the embodiment of mercy.

In the northwest, near the island of Koh Samui, you can see an archipelago in the sea, consisting of many microscopic islands. This is a national marine park, which is under state protection, requiring special environmental cleanliness to be maintained here.

Near the archipelago there is amazingly clean water that you can safely drink from your palms. The picturesqueness of the islands is so incredible that it is impossible to take your eyes off. Not only tourists come here, artists and directors cannot leave here.

In the center of Koh Samui, in the mountains covered with jungle, you can see a unique creation of human hands. In the middle of the 20th century, an old man lived here; after 70 years, he suddenly decided to create a large sculpture garden near his house.

These are sculptures of Buddha, other mythical deities, real and fantastic animals and birds, snakes and frogs, created by him from stone with his own hands. After the death of the sculptor, he was buried with his wife in the same garden.

The island of Koh Samui is home to many insects: beautiful and disgusting to the human eye. To admire them or be horrified by them, you can go to the butterfly garden or the insect museum, located on the eastern shore of the island.

Here you will learn a lot about tropical insects and will definitely become interested in them. And as a gift, you will be invited to the local observation deck to enjoy the views of the beaches of this coast of Samui. Tourists left a lot of positive reviews about this place.

Next to the butterfly garden is the local zoo. It is small in size, but it contains real Bengal tigers, primates and unique tropical birds. Your children will absolutely love visiting this zoo.

Tigers give performances to visitors every day, but children will find it much more interesting to play with little tiger cubs and feed them milk from a bottle with a nipple. A visit to the zoo always brings special delight to children.

This natural attraction is located in the middle of the island in the mountains, in the middle of the jungle. There, one local river gives two beautiful waterfalls, and each of them creates several cascades. The safari park of the same name is located nearby.

After looking at the splendor of the stream of water falling from the rocks, you can go to the nearby elephant farm to ride elephants, watch the show of these natural giants, etc.

This is a significant center of religious and social life of the island for Thais. In fact, in front of us is a local cathedral. Buddhist rituals are regularly held here, festivals, holidays, bazaars, weddings and funerals are organized.

Lamai Temple is a place where foreigners must behave with emphatic respect towards the faithful. Local monks will tell tourists a lot of interesting things about the history of Samui. Next to the temple there is a pond with fish, children are allowed to feed them.

This is a huge zoo located in the center of the small island of Khao Pom, off the coast of Koh Samui. It is very similar to the biblical paradise, because... here, among beautiful trees and flowers, a person can walk next to wild animals.

These animals have long been fed with all sorts of delicacies, and they shamelessly beg people for more, but do not show aggression. Paradise Park is a wonderful natural attraction of Samui for a family holiday.

Entertainment

SPA salons These are medical procedures, their goal is to improve the health of the patient’s body. For this, various medicinal and cosmetic preparations, massage, therapeutic diet, etc. are used. There are a large number of centers on Samui where spa treatments are performed.
Elephant and horse riding. This is one of the main entertainments on Koh Samui, which both adults and children adore. Even more interesting is to communicate with a little elephant. There are also horse farms on the island, as well as horses that can give anyone a ride.
Diving. The Gulf of Thailand is a great place to learn diving; many people there turn into real professionals. There is a beautiful underwater world here, simply delightful and a sight to behold.
Thai massage. This is truly a fabulous massage that can completely relax your body. Many people come to Thailand just for this pleasure. Only here you can find a real and very inexpensive Thai massage.
Excursions. To get to know this island better, excursions around Koh Samui will be a great help. You can create a route yourself, ask for help from a professional guide or a local resident. Get an unforgettable experience.
Thai boxing. Today in Russia there are many fans of various martial arts, but Thai boxing is very special if you watch it in its homeland in Thailand or become a Thai boxer yourself. A very exciting sport.
Wakeboarding. One of the most popular water sports in Thailand in general and Samui in particular. There are many sports camps on the island where you can get into wakeboarding.
Water parks. This is a popular family entertainment that also takes place on Koh Samui. The local water park has a variety of roller coasters and other types of water activities, so you can spend the whole day here and not notice how time flies.
Nightlife on the island. Young people from all over the world flock to the island's clubs and bars at night. All this is available in abundance on Samui. Most of these establishments are located on local beaches, so some vacationers get stuck on them for several days.
Golf. This sport is quite popular in Koh Samui. There are 18-hole golf courses, and there are smaller ones for mini-golf, football golf, etc. On vacation, such entertainment is a joy for both beginners and professionals.

Video tour of Koh Samui

In addition to Phuket, another well-known Thai resort is the island of Koh Samui. Its territorial length is only 25 km in length and 21 km in width, but this does not prevent many of our compatriots from annually booking last-minute trips to Samui and having a full rest there. Samui is located only 700 km from the capital of Thailand, so tourists get there very quickly. You can fly there either from Bangkok (you will spend about an hour on the way) or from Pattaya (the route will take no more than 40 minutes). If you are determined to go on holiday to Koh Samui, then you definitely need to make allowances for the climatic features of this region. For example, it is not recommended to go to this island from October to December, because it often rains heavily and the sea is stormy from time to time. The most optimal time to visit this resort is considered to be from January to February, as well as from the second half of July to August.

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.

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 encourages 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 places 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 Airport

Show 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 unyielding, 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 body 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 boiled 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.

A large number of people from all over the world choose this country for their holidays. Why does she attract so much attention? There are several islands here. One of the most popular is Koh Samui. How to get to it and why do tourists love it so much? What attractions are there on the island and what should you definitely take with you when going to Thailand, Koh Samui in particular? You will find answers to these and other questions related to the island in this article. Using the advice of tourists who have already been here, you can plan an unforgettable time in one of the most picturesque places on the planet.

Thailand: Koh Samui

One of the warmest countries in the world is located at the same distance from India and China. Its area is more than five hundred thousand square kilometers. Residents of the country are very hospitable, but at the same time they are jealous of their traditions and customs. If you know and respect them, then an atmosphere of carefree, joy and fun envelops those who come to Thailand.

Koh Samui is one of the largest and most popular holiday destinations. Every year thousands of tourists come here, most of them Russian. It's good to come here with children. Sandy beaches, clean and warm water in the sea, all the benefits of civilization are just some of the reasons why they choose a holiday in Samui (Thailand). How can tourists from Russia get to the island? By plane from Moscow or other major cities to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. There is a transfer to Samui Airport. A natural question arises as to why there is no direct flight. The fact is that Samui has a private airport and it only works with a small number of airlines that it chooses.

Benefits of holidays on the islands

Among the large number of reasons why travelers choose Thailand, Koh Samui in particular, the following can be highlighted:

Receiving bright unusual emotions that everyday life is so poor in.
You can come here at any time of the year, since even in winter the air temperature is plus 30.
Low prices for housing and food, compared to other Asian and European countries, are one of the reasons why tourists choose Thailand.
Samui has a huge amount of finished products: rolls, sushi, kebabs, rice, salads and much more. It is impossible to go hungry here.
Abundance of 24-hour shops. Many of them can even heat food.
A large number of friendly, smiling people.
Lack of drunks, in Thailand it is not customary to drink a lot.
There are no problems with public transport; you can get to any place on the island very quickly.
Snow-white beaches, banana and coconut trees, clean water and places where no one has gone before.

Transport

There are no problems with transportation on Koh Samui. Here you can use the following types of vehicles:

Songthaew - minibus. The cheapest form of transport.
Air conditioned taxis.
Motorcycle taxi.
Motorbike.
Bike.
Minivans are passenger cars with three rows of seats.

If you plan to walk a lot to explore local attractions, it is best to rent a car.

Popular tours

Travel agencies offer a wide range of holiday options with departures from Moscow and St. Petersburg airports. Among the most interesting tours to Thailand:

Koh Samui - Phuket. This tour is for lovers of outdoor activities. The two most popular islands offer truly heavenly pleasure and a serene pastime. Duration of the tour is from 7 to 14 days.
Thailand: Samui. Tours to an island in the Pacific Ocean are very popular among vacationers. Coconut palms, impenetrable jungles, decent beaches and coral reefs delight everyone who comes here.
Thailand: Pattaya. One of the most popular Asian resorts. Picturesque nature, magnificent beaches, comfortable hotel accommodation will allow you to have a great holiday.

There are more than two hundred hotels on Koh Samui.
There are still places in Thailand where no human has set foot.
Samui has many other names: Island of Smiles, Coconut Paradise, Island of Freedom.
It is not customary to conflict or engage in heated discussions here.
English is taught in schools in Thailand.
Not far from Koh Samui there is an island called Cherepakhov. This is a favorite vacation spot for divers.

Food

In Thailand, you can discover a completely new, unique world of taste sensations. True, there is one thing... It can be both incredibly tasty and disgusting. Thais tend to mix sweet and spicy, so dishes familiar to Russians can have a completely different taste. Using the advice of tourists, choose the dishes that suit your taste.

Soups. They are prepared with seafood, mushrooms, onions, garlic, etc. It is best to order soup in a cafe, as the portions are very large and the prices are low.
Fish and meat balls. As a rule, they are strung on small sticks of several pieces. Served with hot sauce.
Squid with garlic. For lovers of spicy food and seafood.
Thai pancakes with various fillings. Tasty and inexpensive.
Fried crickets, grasshoppers, maggots. Here everyone decides for themselves whether it is worth trying such an unusual delicacy.
Snake dishes. Soup, vegetable stew and much more.
Crocodile meat. Reminiscent of chicken or fish, it all depends on the preparation.
Fruits and dishes made from them.

Thailand. Koh Samui hotels

There are a huge number of them here. Based on reviews from tourists, we offer you several options with an impeccable level of service and reasonable prices.

"Chaweng Garden Beach Resort". This hotel is located on the coast, in the middle of the beach. It has everything you need for a great holiday. Several accommodation options for tourists, including: standard rooms, villas, bungalows.
"Ark Bar Beach Resort". The hotel is located near the airport. There are also a large number of shops, restaurants and nightclubs around. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, bathrooms, minibars.
"Escape Beach Resort". One of the most inexpensive hotels with a high level of service. Located next to the beach.
"Chaweng Noi Pool". A huge swimming pool, tropical greenery, and a balcony in every room are the distinctive features of this hotel.
"Chaweng Cove Beach Resort". The hotel is located next to tropical plants. If you come here with a large group, you will be offered a villa with a pool or a beach bungalow.

Island attractions

Koh Samui is not only about the sea and beaches. The island has a huge number of attractions: temples, parks, waterfalls, shops, restaurants and much more worthy of attention. Based on reviews from tourists, we will highlight several places that you should definitely take time to get to know:

Angthong Marine Park. The excursion lasts eight hours and includes exploration of about forty islands. Here you can swim underwater with a mask, take photos, and take a boat ride along the rocks.

"Paradise Park". In this place you can see a large number of exotic birds and animals. A distinctive feature of the park is that you can get very close to the animals and take pictures with them.

Magic garden. There are many fairy tales and legends about this place. According to one of them, the garden was created by a man whose name was Nim. Here he grew durians (one of the most popular Thai fruits). The garden contains a large number of beautiful sculptures.

Big Buddha Temple. There is a sculpture here, the height of which is about 12 meters. To get to it, you need to overcome 60 steps. You must remove your shoes at the foot of the stairs. Near the temple there are shops with souvenirs.

Play Laem. One of the most famous temples in Samui (Thailand). The island's attractions are worth spending both time and money on. But since Plai Laem is located next to the Buddha Temple, it is best to combine them. This is an amazingly beautiful place, on the territory of which there is a small pond.

Snake farm. There are more than a hundred species of snakes on the island, most of which are poisonous. You can meet them on one of the most extreme farms in the world.

Zoo. Despite the fact that it occupies a small area, you can see tigers, leopards, and monkeys here.

The most beautiful waterfalls of Koh Samui

There are eleven of them on the island. This is one of the reasons why you should definitely come here. The best time to admire the waterfalls is from May to December. Some of the most famous include:

Royal, or Purple. It is very small, about 20 meters. The water falls into a round rocky hole where you can swim. The spectacle is simply mesmerizing. Even members of the royal family come here. But unfortunately, during the dry season the waterfall dries up and you cannot see it.
Hin Lad. To get to this waterfall, you need to walk about two kilometers through a real jungle. On the way, you can go to the temple and make a wish. In the jungle you can see a large number of fruit trees. Many tourists don’t even realize that the waterfall has three tiers; rare people climb to its very top. Here you can take pictures and swim in complete solitude.
A waterfall, next to which there is a statue of a girl. It has several cascades. On the way to the top there are observation decks and places to rest.
Namuang waterfall. Its height reaches eighty meters. To get to it, you can travel through the jungle on elephants.

Souvenirs and gifts

When we go somewhere on vacation, we try to buy something that reminds us of our vacation. Especially if we are going to a country like Thailand. Samui offers a large selection of unusual souvenirs and gifts for family and friends. Here are just some options:

Unusual orchid tea.
Local alcoholic drinks in which you can see a snake or scorpion preserved in alcohol.
Coconut oil.
Whitening cosmetics.
Crocodile leather belt.
Soap in the form of flowers and fruits.
Various body scrubs.

7 most popular holiday activities

Helpful information

To ensure that no troubles or inconveniences mar your holiday, please take note of the following information:

Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent with you.
The national currency of Thailand is the baht. For comparison: one US dollar is equal to 30 baht. It is better to take cash on a trip in small bills; they don’t really like to give change here.
If you are planning to visit local temples, you should pay special attention to your clothes. Women should wear a long skirt or dress, as long as their arms and legs are covered.
Do not drink tap water under any circumstances, so as not to be treated for gastrointestinal infections later.
It is customary to enter many places on the island by first leaving your shoes at the entrance to the building. These include: pharmacies, hospitals, temples and some shops.
The Thais are very kind to their king, so there should be no dissatisfied statements about this.
Never pat children on the head or shake hands as a greeting.
Photography is prohibited in temples. Posing near various Buddhist sculptures should be done carefully. It is advisable not to touch them with your hands. By respecting a foreign culture and country, you will avoid a huge number of problems and will enjoy your vacation with pleasure.