ko samui, thailand, asia
You can’t do much better than Thailand's third largest island, Koh Samui for an exotic getaway. The lush island is surrounded by the bluest of waters and beautiful white sand beaches that are a warm and welcoming sight. The west - or better south - west coast of Ko Samui stretches from Nathon town down south to our Lipa Noi or Tong Yang beach, followed by the Taling Ngam area.
This site of the island has hardly changed within the last 6 years, as the east and north coast of Kho Samui is changing dramatically. Here you will still find a good value for your money and the beaches are the best locations on the island from which to catch a beautiful sunset. If you need peace and quiet, and that feeling of getting away from it all, you won't be disappointed. The name Koh Samui has been known among ancient boatmen for a long time. Pretty much a coconut grove until the early 70's, when it was discovered by backpackers, Koh Samui has today developed into a major tourist destination. They are drawn to the snow-white sands of its beaches, it also has one of the largest concentration of health spas and tailors in Thailand. Samui was a coconut harvesting backwater until backpackers discovered the place in the eighties. Soon after, Bangkok Airways built the airport, the taxi mafia arrived, the boutique villa developers started snapping up national forest, and those dreadful backpacker types were all banished to a hermetically sealed Koh Pha-ngan to amuse themselves with full moon partying. The ideal time to experience tropical island weather is to around late December to the end of March. The hottest months are from April to June, while the wettest season is from mid-October to early-December. Look out for the red pick-up trucks called Songtao. They are the main mode of transportation around Koh Samui.
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Within City Walls (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
Chaweng Beach
The major beach on Ko Samui and one that has developed tremendously since the early 1990s. Just 20 years ago the beach was home to just a sprinkle of wooden bungalows but now the place is swamped with 4-5 star hotels, Italian pizza joints, Irish pubs and even go-go bars. Samui’s nightlife is becoming legendary but unfortunately not always attracting the best standard of tourist. Chaweng’s once ‘hippie’ only backpackers have given way to a lot of ‘lager louts’. Chaweng is the place to be if you are looking for a rowdy reckless party scene. |
Lamai Beach
Like Chaweng, Lamai has transformed from a ‘hippy’ hangout into a fun, party place packed out with bars and exciting nightlife. TIf it’s a quiet relaxing location you are after, then Lamai won’t be the ideal place for you. At the southern end of Lamai, there are some odd-looking rock formations. The southern third of the beach has the widest strip of sand, is the best for swimming, and has the most nearby eating and drinking and shopping options. There is a significant number of girlie bars along the main street as well as in some side streets, most prevalent in the southern part of town. |
Bophut Village
One of the few places on Samui that retains some of the island's original Thai Chinese atmosphere. It has recently experiencing a boom with new hotels and guesthouses sprouting up at a frantic pace. The traditional core of Bophut, known as the Fisherman's Village, is a charming village on the east side of the beach while the new developments are to the west. In contrast to Chaweng there has been a conscious effort to dissuade the more commercial elements of Thai nightlife from setting up shop and instead aiming for couples and young families. |
Big Buddha
Wat Phra Yai, Also known as the Big Buddha Temple, has a 15 meter tall statue of the Buddha. It was built in 1972 and is in the north of the island. The statue that gives the beach its name and is the island's most popular attraction. Standing tall and located atop a wide staircase decorated with dragons, it dominates the landscape attracting visitors. The view from the top is brilliant. Most visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue at some point during their holiday. Visible from several kilometers away and even from the air. |
Ang Thong National Park
A fascinating archipelago of 42 or so islands, a kayaking and snorkeling paradise. Most of the islands are close to each other making a breathtaking panorama sailing around the park. All the islands are of different sizes and shapes. Most of them are covered with tropical forests and named after their distinguishing geography, a kind of descriptive appellation, such as 'Sleeping Cow Island' and 'Three Pillars Island'. |
Wat Khunaram
Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram is an unusual sight yet it offers a unique insight into Buddhist and Thai culture. This temple is the island’s most famous temple for its mummified monk on display. The mummy sits upright in a glass casket and devotees offer it flowers and incense. The mummy is body of a very revered former abbot of the temple who was also a meditation master that was able to predict his own death. |
Secret Buddha Garden
The "Magic Garden" or "Secret Buddha Garden" is located in the hills of Samui. Made by a 76 year-old Ko Samui fruit farmer in 1976. It is surrounded by lush jungle, rocky hills and is adorned with sculptures depicting both humans, in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the highest point on the island, there are also some awesome views to be had. Organized tours last for about 2 hours. |
Laem Sor Pagoda
This chedi (pagoda) situated at Laem Sor temple is one of the most important shrines on Ko Samui. The structure with its yellow tiles which gives off a golden aura is quite impressive. The chedi is actually rather old, but restored just a few years ago with glazed tiles that have a mustard color probably meant to look like gold. A land where nature seems to have frozen into time retaining her pristine beauty and elegance. |
Ko Nang Yuan
A group of 3 pretty little islands interconnected by a long sandy beach. On the middle island, which also is the smallest, you will find the Nang Yuan Dive Resort. The long stripe of smooth white sand can be explored on foot. The beaches are undisturbed and quiet. The highlight of Nang Yuan is the beautiful scenery of the underwater world. Relaxation, water sports, diving and snorkeling are the schedule. |
Grandmother & Grandfather
The “Grandmother and Grandfather rocks” are located at a scenic spot along the shore in the south of Lamai beach have been shaped over millions of years by wind water and sun to resemble human reproductive organs. They are set on rocky but beautiful coastline between Lamai and Hua Thanon. From the road, follow the trail lined with souvenir stalls to the rocks. |
Aquarium & Tiger
Located at Ban Harn beach, the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo offer a fun day out for the family. The undersea world of the aquarium has an amazing collection of tropical fish and other vibrant aquatic animals such as turtles and colorful coral. The tiger zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. For those who are daring enough, they can have their photograph taken with the awesome animals. |
Butterfly Garden
The Samui Butterfly Garden and Insect Museum can be found in the south-east of the island. There is a huge collection of different butterflies, some quarter of a meter wide. The visitor can also enter the insect museum nearby to see a variety of rare bugs and a bee house. The beautifully landscaped garden features many colourful tropical flowers, along with the multihued butterflies. |
Cabaret Show
The longest-running show on the island. Starting from scratch in a tiny run-down bar in 1995, it is now Koh Samui's leading cabaret show. The dancers are glamorous and some of the extravagant costumes have cost thousands of dollars to make. |
Elephant Trekking
This tour takes you through ungle and rivers. Nothing can stop a mighty elephant, as you will learn, yet this is the most gentle of beasts. It also takes you to Samui's most famous waterfall, Namuang 1, where you can dismount and take a refreshing dip. |
Fox Cable Ride
Created and built by a team of professionals that go all around the world. Equipment used is imported from France and even when you climb the ladders you are clipped to a safety valve that will lock if your foot slips off. Sit back and enjoy. |
Monkey Shows
These shows can be enjoyed at the open-air theater on the main road behind Bophut beach. The entertainment also includes performing elephants. The capturing and training of otherwise wild animals is ethically questionable. |
Below are popular side trips further from the city (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
Bangkok
Locally known as 'City of Angels’, this truly is a vibrant city, dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples, magnificent palaces and numerous shopping centres. It is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities with magnificent temples and palaces, authentic canals, busy markets and a vibrant nightlife that has something for everyone. |
Pattaya
Nestled along a picturesque bay near Bangkok city. Unlike other beach resorts, where natural surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all out attempt to provide the best of everything, where a tourist can imagine while on holiday: recreation, entertainment, sports, sightseeing and fun. |
Phuket
Hedonistic Phuket seduces honeymooners, heiresses, surfer babes and middle-aged men trying to score with a smooth blend of ostentation and seediness. Thailand’s largest and most popular island, Phuket is as colourful as it is cosmopolitan and one of the world’s most famous dream destinations. |
Zipline
Flight of the Gibbon™ is a once in a lifetime adventure for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of ziplining in the 1500 year old rainforest jungles. Their unique system enables you to view jungle life from a different perspective taking you high into the canopy using an ingenious series of Treehouses, platforms, and cables. |