Koh Samui
Thailand
Ko Samui often called just Samui is an island in the Gulf of
Thailand, some 700km south of Bangkok and about 80km from the
eastern coastline of southern Thailand.
Districts
Ko Samui is all in all a fairly big place. The most popular
and commercialised beaches are Chaweng and Lamai, while the
northern beaches and their adjacent villages of Mae Nam, Bophut,
Bang Ruk (Big Buddha) and Choeng Mon are more peaceful choices,
and the west coast beaches are still (comparatively) quiet.
Clockwise from Nathon on the west coast, the main beaches
are:
Nathon - Samui's port and administrative center, but with little
to attract the tourist
Mae Nam - a quiet and beautiful beach on the northern coast
Bophut - known for its Fisherman's Village, laid-back but growing
fast
Bang Ruk - at the northeastern tip, home of the Big Buddha
Choeng Mon - quiet North shore beach
Chaweng - the largest and most-developed beach, with a curious
mix of luxury hotels and backpacker guesthouses and a hopping
nightlife
Lamai - Samui's "second" beach south of Chaweng, more
backpackery than Chaweng
South Coast - the small beaches of Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai,
Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut
Understand
An island of great natural beauty and variety, Samui is home to
about 40,000 full-time inhabitants, 90% of whom are Buddhist.
The palm fringed shoreline and coconut and fruit cultivation of
the coastal lowlands rise to a central granite massive, the slopes
of which are cloaked in virgin rainforest.
At 247km? Samui is the largest island in an archipelago of
over 80 (mostly uninhabited) islands which form the Ang Thong
National Marine Park, a kayaking and snorkeling paradise. At
25km long and 21km wide, Samui is big enough for serious exploration
by the adventurous and fit, but can be circumnavigated in just
a couple of hours by motorbike or car.
Tourism has long since overtaken coconut farming and fishing
as the main sources of income. The latter are still practiced
though to a lesser extent and the pleasant aroma of charring
coconuts can still be smelled on many parts of the island. Many
of the fish on local restaurant and hotel dining room tables
come from the surrounding Gulf of Thailand’s warm waters,
although increasing amounts are imported from elsewhere as demand
outstrips supply.
Get around
As on many islands in Thailand, small motorbikes are available
for rental. Compared to other nearby islands, Samui's road systems
is very developed and there are plenty of taxis cruising about,
although it's a challenge to get them to use their meters.
Pickup trucks (songthaews) also serve as group taxis. Hail
one on any major road with a wave or yell, negotiate a fare,
and sit down on the bench in the back.
See
The reason why people come to Samui is, quite simply, the beaches
which remain stunning after decades of development, helped in
no small part by a height restriction on new buildings.
Other than lying on the beach with a cold beer in hand and
ogling at the babes and hunks sauntering past, there isn't all
that much to see on the island. A certain pair of rocks on Lamai
amuses some visitors, Bang Rak has a large but nondescript Buddha
statue, and there are some waterfalls (notably Na Muang) of
minor interest.
Do
The usual panoply of watersports are available, including plenty
of dive shops, but most diving is done either in the nearby
Angthong Marine National Park or Ko Tao as the visibility around
Samui's sandy beaches tends to be poor. You can book diving
day trips at dive shops, most of which are based in Chaweng.
The dive boats tend to leave from the pier at Bophut.
Sailing is beginning to become more popular in Samui
being led by the success of the Koh Samui Regatta and the continued
popularity of the day crusies and sunset cruises aboard the
52 foot sailing catamaran Kia Ora. The major hindrance to sailing
in Koh Samui is the lack of a marina to provide safe mooring,
the support infrastructure and services. There have been many
rumours about marina construction being imminent but nothing
has yet been done. So when you get to Samui, expect to find
it hard to locate a suitable provider and also expect to either
clamber over rickety wooden jetties or be ferried out on the
tender dinghy – all adding to the wonderful Thai style
sailing adventure.
Santiburi Samui Country Club boasts the only 18 hole
golf course on the island. Located inland from Mae Nam, the
neighbouring town to Bophut, the challenging mountain-side and
high valley fairways offer stunning views of the bay area and
distant Ko Pha Ngan. Golf carts are compulsory, to prevent the
exhaustion of players otherwise following the steeply rising
and falling fairways. Large greens offer some compensation to
players distracted by the fabulous views and lush tropical setting.
The clubhouse includes locker rooms, dining, conferencing rooms
as well as a driving range, practice green and shop.
Kayaking is a great way to see the Angthong Marine National
Park. Look for a credible tour operator when on the island.
There is a nice natural pool at the top of the Na Muang waterfall
2. It's about 30 minutes steep hike from the point where the
road ends. There are also some elephant ride businesses, that
can take you to the bottom of the waterfall.
Shooting you can visit the Samui shooting range and
fire various 9mm and revolver pistols and even the famous AK-47.
Turn up and shoot - prices are quite steep around 1000 baht
for a magazine of ammo but it does make for a memorable experience
and is suitable for small groups.
Bungy Jump situated on the Reggae Street side of Chaweng lake.
Tiger Zoo and Tropical Bird Show - south of Hua Thanon
