Koh Samui Thailand Travel Guide information

Koh Samui Travel Guides

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.

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

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

Koh Samui Attractions

To the east of Big Buddha Beach and on the northeast corner of Koh Samui lies Choeng Mon Beach. Choeng Mon beach is actually on the eastern side of the island and therefore enjoys calmer water on its one kilometer long, sandy beach.

Because this beach is so remote, it is very peaceful and quiet here. Accommodation here is mainly large resorts, with some water sports. Several small shops line the main road.

Big Buddha Beach is located on the northeast corner of Koh Samui and takes it's name from the 12-meter statue of Buddha (called Phra Yai) in a seated position. The Big Buddha is actually on the island of Koh Fan, which is joined to Koh Samui by a short causeway. There are a few interesting Wats in the area, with the Big Buddha residing at Wat Phra Yai.

Big Buddha Beach is a quiet and peaceful place. The beach is two kilometers long, not very wide, and is lined with palm trees.

Swimming is good at this beach as it is well protected by the headlands. The water is shallow and calm (except when the weather is not calm!).

Bungalows, private homes and restaurants line the beach at the water's edge. There is a pier here for express boat service to Koh Phangan. A quiet place where people come to contemplate and relax.

Bo Phut Beach is sleepy little fishing village located on the north side of Koh Samui, between Maenam and Big Buddha. Bo Phut Beach is one of Koh Samui's older settlements, maintaining it's Samui authenticity, while welcoming charming restaurants, bars and cafes, many directly on the beach. Lots of dive shops and tour companies for all of your travel needs.

There is one pier at Bo Phut for speedboats to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan and Angthong National Marine Park.

The beach at Bo Phut is three kilometers long and is white smooth sand. Water skiing and other water sports are popular here. Swimming is best at the eastern part of the beach, as there is a lot of seaweed and algae in the bay.

Bo Phut is known for its charming, quaint and romantic atmosphere, perfect for those seeking privacy, peace and quiet

There is an interesting village here with a definite Chinese influence. Lots of wooden shophouses with a Chinese flavor, and even a small Chinese temple! There are plenty of interesting shops and restaurants in the village. Many tour companies and dive shops. There is accommodation for all budgets.

There are two piers in Maenam, one for express boats and the other for speedboats to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan and Angthong National Marine Park.

This is a pleasant, quiet spot, for families, couples and singles alike. If you are looking for night life, you will have to travel out of Maenam.

The waters are calm in this area of Koh Samui and the beach is very clean. Palm trees line the edge. There are shallow coral reefs nearby which provide excellent snorkeling.

There is not much development in this area. Very limited accommodation, no tourist shopping or nightlife. The price for land in this area is less than other areas of Koh Samui. The result is many housing developments with houses for sale and rent. The road in this part of Koh Samui is very close to the ocean and quite hilly

For anyone traveling to or from Koh Samui by ferry boat, Nathon (pronounced Nah-tawn) will be your arrival / departure point. There are two piers here. One in the center of town, the other south of Nathon, about a 10 or 15 minute drive. Which pier you use depends on which company you booked your ticket with. Check your tickets closely.

In addition to the ferry boats at the pier in the center of town, there are numerous fishing boats, longtail boats, diving boats and other boats to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Lots of boats, and at times, what appears to be lots of confusion!

Once you get off the ferry, there will be lots of ways for you to get to your hotel. Many hotels can arrange for pick up at the pier, or there are taxi meters (without any meters, rates are negotiable) motorbike taxis or songtaews (pick up trucks with 2 benches in the back).

Nathon is the business center of Koh Samui. The regional government buildings, banks, police and telephone office are all located here. Many locals and expats make the trip to Nathon to take care of business, purchase necessary supplies that they cannot find anywhere else on the island, or just to enjoy the sunset.

Nathon is not really a popular place for tourists to stay. There are some hotels, plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. These places tend to be filled with people in transit, waiting for their boat, or people that have made a day trip to Nathon.

The best beach on the west side of Koh Samui, Taling Ngam is just south of Nathon. It is extremely secluded with very few resorts. The resorts are quite distant from each other so you get a true feeling of peace and tranquillity. There is little development outside of the resorts, just lots of coconut plantations.

The short beach is completely palm lined and the water here is quite shallow. Here you will find outstanding sunsets views, perhaps the best on Koh Samui. There is an interesting Wat and gate at the southern end of the access road

Accommodation in the village is extremely limited. Here you will see great sunrises, sunsets and views of Koh Tan. The beach is about one kilometer long with very few beach vendors. Good fishing here with lots of tour companies offering fishing trips.

There is limited accommodation at this beach and they are located quite far from the main road. There is very little development in this area and any shops found here are geared towards the locals.

The beach is a five kilometer stretch of sand, edged with lush tropical vegetation. Midway through the beach there is an unpaved, beach access road (extremely rough). Swimming is not great here, as the beach is quite rocky. There is an extensive coral reef off shore, which provides for excellent snorkeling. There are some interesting Buddhist sites at the southern end of the beach.

Coming from Lamai, the ring road makes a sharp right turn. If you do not take the turn, but instead go straight ahead onto the small, rough road, you will find yourself in the heart of the local market. This market is very colorful and here you can purchase some of the freshest and cheapest seafood on the island.

Hua Thanon is predominately a Muslim village. Once you go past the market you will see where the locals live. This is known as Baan Hua Thanon, (house at the head of the road). This is a neat place and worth the trip if you are traveling around the island.

Lamai Beach is a growing town in transition. Here you will find people that have been coming to Koh Samui for years (before there was much development) meeting, greeting and getting to know families that are here for their first time. As Lamai Beach grows it will become more international, like Chaweng Beach.

Lamai Beach is a good location for couples, and the single crowd alike. There are many reasonably priced bars and restaurants, some situated overlooking the beach. Along the main section of the beach road (accessed via the highway) are many shops, Internet cafes, bars, restaurants, travel agents and hotels. There is even a gym offering Thai boxing lessons (Muay Thai)! And of course, your choice of dive shops.

The beach at Lamai is five kilometers of beautiful, crescent shaped, white sand. The beach is lined with palm trees. Lamai beach is the second longest beach on Koh Samui and the water here is deeper, clearer and sometimes rougher than Chaweng.

There are some interesting rock formations at the southern end of the beach. These rock formations are a natural point of interest in themselves and are known at Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother rock).

Lamai Beach is home to a number of health spas where you can go to pamper and treat yourself for the day. Also, there is a neat little monastery with a small museum that is worth a look.

Chaweng Beach is located on the eastern side of Koh Samui, directly across the island from Nathon. Without a doubt, Chaweng Beach is the most popular place for people to stay on Koh Samui. Chaweng Beach is an international tourist destination and here you will find accommodation to suit every budget.

Chaweng is also the nightlife capital of Koh Samui. There are many different bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, beerbars, shopping, whatever you are looking for, Chaweng has it all! As Chaweng Beach is an international destination, you will find wonderful restaurants with delicious food from all over the world.

The beach at Chaweng has beautiful, soft, white sand and is over seven kilometers long. The water here is clean and clear, not too deep and is ideal for swimming. As with any popular spot, Chaweng Beach offers many different types of water sports; wave runners, para-sailing, canoes, and catamarans are but some of the activities offered. Chaweng has the most dive shops on Koh Samui, most catering to all levels.

The main road in Chaweng runs parallel with the beach and is lined on both sides with hotels, bungalows, shop, restaurants, cafes and bars. Heading north on the Chaweng Beach road will take you directly to the airport.

Despite all of the activity here, there are still many places you can turn to for peace and quiet in this neat little town.