There are many wonderful destinations
to visit in Thailand. Why include Koh Samui in your
travel plans?
 Not
that long ago the island was a favorite destination
of adventure seeking sun worshipers. These savvy travelers
visited Samui long before it was in the guide books.
Seaside bungalows were available for as little as 150
baht per night, and you could count on spending day
after sunny day on the beach in nearly perfect tranquillity.
These visitors found there was an almost mesmerizingly
restful and carefree feel to the island that often kept
them here long after they had intended to return home.
Those who have known and loved Samui
since those early days may not agree about the current
pace of development in some areas, but for the most
part they do agree on one thing. The island retains
its sleepy magic. Koh Samui is still a paradise.
Tourist arrivals have been increasing
steadily in recent years. An impressive island-wide
effort was undertaken in late 1999 and continues in
early 2000 to improve the island's infrastructure to
accommodate these developments. Those who visited prior
to 1999 will be astonished at the number of newly paved
and widened roads, drainage systems, and perhaps most
welcome; the addition of sidewalks in the bustling villages
of Chaweng and Lamai - home to many of the islands hotels,
nightlife and shopping areas.
However much of the island, especially
the south coast, remains largely undeveloped. A day
spent on scooters or in a jeep exploring this lush underbelly
is a day of sheer serendipity. With its spectacular
and astonishingly diverse flora, and its dozy little
neighborhoods peopled by some of the world's most amiable
islanders, this kind of exploration is sure to provide
the delights you imagined when you planned your holiday.
Short direct flights here now depart
several times a day from Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur,
and Singapore. You can also arrive by train, bus and
boat. |
