Koh Samui offers budget guest house, hotel, resort and 5 star Villa accommodation. Catering to everyone from backpackers to families. Koh Samui has a cheep room all the way to 5 bedroom self contained luxury self contained vacation packages to suit every budget.
Koh Samui popular areas are Chaweng, Lamai, Fishermen's Village and Mae Nam. Many 5 star villas are up in the mountain for the amazing view or on the beach to offer white sand beach activities. Always close to a restaurant or bar with samui having many top nock well run activities such as elephant trekking, cable rides, go carts, safari park and tiger zoo.
Hotel Booking and resort reservations on koh Samui thailand.
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.
, 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.
The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and Southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam. The name Samui is mysterious in itself. Perhaps it is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui, or it is a corruption of the Chinese word Saboey, meaning "safe haven".
Until the late 20th century, Samui was an isolated self-sufficient community, having little connection with the mainland of Thailand. The island was even without roads until the early 1970s, and the 15km journey from one side of the island to the other involved a whole-day trek through the mountainous central jungles.
In the early 1970s the first backpackers traveling on the back of a coconut boat arrived on Ko Samui. For years after that the island just had a few bungalows and a trickle of travelers. Things started to change in the early 1990s when tourists started arriving in full boats and since then the place grew substantially. Samui is now the second most popular place as an island destination in Thailand (first is Phuket). Ko Samui may not be the country’s most beautiful island but it is still an oasis of natural beauty with its white sandy beaches, dazzling coral, luscious lagoons, picturesque waterfalls, swaying coconut trees and crystal clear water.
Unfortunately, development on Ko Samui is starting to take its toll and the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are overcrowded in the high season.
Climate on Koh Samui
Samui's weather patterns are a little different from the rest of Thailand. In April through September, when most of the country has its monsoon, Samui stays fairly dry, but from October to December, it's wet in Samui and drier elsewhere. The driest season of all, though, is January through March.
Beaches on Samui
Ko Samui is all in all a fairly big island. The most popular and commercialised beaches are Chaweng and Lamai, while the northern beaches and their adjacent villages of Mae Nam, Bophut, Bang Rak (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 centre, 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 Rak - 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 backpackers than Chaweng
South Coast - the small beaches of Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai, Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut
Getting to Samui
A 300 baht surcharge is levied on domestic departures, as well as the 500 baht surcharge on international departures. If you fly via Bangkok to an international destination the tax is only 200 baht as the Bangkok international departure tax is already included in your ticket ex Bangkok. These charges are not included in the ticket price.
Samui Airport By plane
Ko Samui Airport (USM) is a private airport originally built by Bangkok Airways, which is still the main operator and was for a long time the only airline with services to Ko Samui from Thailand until Thai Airways started in April 2008 to operate some flights between Bangkok and Ko Samui. They have near-hourly departures to/from Bangkok and tickets are expensive by Thai standards, with advance bookings costing 2000-3500 baht, while a walk-in booking may be twice as much.
There are also daily flights to/from Phuket for 2200 baht, U-Tapao, and Singapore; four direct flights a week from Chiang Mai (but no direct flights in the opposite direction); and twice weekly flights to/from Hong Kong.
In addition to Bangkok Air, Ko Samui is served two flights a day from Bangkok with Thai Airways as well as by Berjaya Air from Kuala Lumpur and Firefly from Penang and Subang airport (Kuala Lumpur) in Malaysia.
Visa-on-Arrival and Visa-Free entry is available at Samui Airport for some nationalities - see Thailand for more information.
Ground transportation from the airport is readily available. A seat in a minibus for the 20-minute ride to Chaweng costing 100 baht/person; a faster taxi will cost 150-300 baht. Be sure to negotiate the rate to your destination before you get into the taxi since many drivers refuse to use their meters.
A cheaper but less convenient option is to fly to Surat Thani and connect by road and then ferry.
Samui By boat
From Surat Thani train station and Surat Thani Airport (URT), there are combined bus/ferry services to Ko Samui cost 200-300 baht - some entail a 60 minute bus ride followed by a 90 minute ferry crossing, others a 30 minute bus ride but the ferry takes extra time. Tickets are sold by numerous agents that meet each train and airport. Should cost less than 300 baht (return combo ticket to either Surat Thani city, airport or train station bought on the Na Thon pier on Samui normally costs 220 baht) There are 2 Ferry companies (departures every 30 mins).
Numerous ferry services are direct from mainland Surat Thani include an express boat (3 departures daily, taking around 3 hours and costing 150 baht) and slow night boats (taking 6-7 hours). Call operator Songserm Travel (252 9654 in Bangkok) for the latest schedules, which vary according to the season.
There are also regular speedboats and ferries to Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao.
Lomprayah offers a combined bus/high speed catamaran ferry service from Bangkok to Ko Samui which takes about 11 hours (5.5 of them by boat) and costs around 1250 baht (1000 baht in the opposite direction). The bus pauses in Hua Hin and then stops at Chumphon, where it connects with the ferry, which calls at Ko Nang Yuan, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan on its way to Ko Samui.
Things to See on Samui
Grandfather and grandmother stones
The major reason why people come to Samui is, quite simply, to enjoy the beaches. Even though the two main beaches of Chaweng and Lamaihave generally suffered due to mass development over the past decade they are still relatively impressive. Development has been thwarted slightly because of the island’s regulation governing height restriction.
Chaweng Beach is 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 ‘hippy’ only backpackers have given way to a lot of ‘lager louts’.
Recommended things to Do on Koh Samui
The usual panoply of water sports 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 and Bang Ruk.
Diving Without a doubt the south of Thailand is home to some of the finest and most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear water and stunning coral. And that is the main reason why the number of divers coming to Thailand has escalated over the past decade or so.
Golf
Santiburi Samui Country Club12/15, Mu 4, Mae Nam, Tel: 0 7742 1700-8 Fax: 0 7742 1709, 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.
Samui Golf Club and Driving Range Samui Ring Road, Chaweng North 123/1, Mu 1, Tambon Bo Phut Suratthani
Mini Golf International Ban Plailaem, 79/53 Mu 5, Tambon Bophut, Tel: 08 1787 9148
Frisbee Golf
Samui Frisbee Golf Just 1 k.m. from Monkey Theater, Soi Monkey Theater Mu 1, Tambon Bo Phut
Football Golf
Samui Football Golf North of Chaweng, near Imperial Boat House
Bowling
Major Bowl Hit, Tesco Lotus, 1/7 Moo 6, Tambon Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84320 Thailand, Tel: 0 7742 7315
Thai Boxing
Thai Boxing or Muay Thai has risen in popularity in Koh Samui and there are a number of gyms such as Lamai, WMC and Pinyo. Big bouts can be watched at the Muay Thai Boxing Stadium at Chaweng Beach.
Beach Volleyball
Lots of beach volleyball is played on the beaches in Chaweng and Lamai.
Samui is a great place for trekking to explore the diversity of the landscape and the tropically lush forests either on foot or by elephant. This activity has become popular especially with the younger crowds. 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.
Windsurfing
On Samui, some companies conduct various workshops and courses on windsurfing.
Canopy
Koh Samui Canopy Adventures arrange canopy through the forest. They are located Bophut Beach and can be contacted at 077-414-1501
Fishing
Lovers of fishing will adore the idea of going fishing off Samui and they won’t be disappointed. The majority of the fishing tours leave from the south-west corner of Ko Tong Krut.
Kiteboarding
This exciting new and trendy activity has finally reached Samui and the Ko Samui Kite Cent er based at the Samui Orchid Resort in Laem Set offers a complete range of courses from beginners to advance. The ideal time of the year for this activity is from November to March. The cent er can be contacted at 077-424-017-501.
Paintball
Is organized in the hills above Maenam Beach. There is a great selection of guns to choose from, take your pick of an M16 or a Kalashnikov.
Other Activities & Events
Buffalo Fighting Festival One of the most famed festivals coming out of Samui is its Buffalo Fighting Festival which is held on special occasions such as New Years Day and Songkran. Unlike Spanish Bullfighting, where the bulls get killed while fighting sword-wielding men, Buffalo Fighting Festival,
Drink
(See discussion about water in "Stay Safe" below)
Please list your favourite spot in the district pages and not on the general Ko Samui page
There are innumerable options for a drink, ranging from the loud and brash tourist pubs and girlie bars of Chaweng to the candle-lit romantic bars of Bophut. Figure on 80 baht for a local beer (Singha, Tiger, Chang, Heineken) and up to twice as much for any import. Wine is especially expensive and usually costs over 2,000 baht per bottle.
Beer bars
Chaweng Beach is especially famous for its beer bars (also called bar-beers), staffed by pretty hostesses, usually from the north-east of Thailand. Buy them a ‘girlie drink’ and you’ll be in entertaining company. Beer bars can be found all over Chaweng. The bars offer pool, Connect4 and other popular bar games. Since the nightlife on Chaweng can see serious debauchery at times, the local law enforcers are strict in concern to enforcing closing times. The official closing time in "entertainment zones" is 01:00 (in practice usually somewhere between 01:00 and 02:00, depending on the location).
Nightclubs
Chaweng Beach is packed out with nightclubs playing the latest rave sounds and serving exotic cocktails. Electronic music is very popular.
The biggest club is the Green Mangoto which even a street was named.
Karaoke
At karaoke places customers can either choose a private room or sing in the main lounge for everyone to hear. There are Thai songs and international songs, there may be pretty hostesses available to sit for a pleasant chat. These joints are especially popular with North Asian tourists.
Rum Distillery
There is a distillery that brews 5 flavours of Rum on one of the side roads on the Southern edge of the island, which offers tours during the sugar cane season and free samples any time. The flavours are natural (sugar cane), lemon, orange, pineapple, and coconut. Natural and coconut are actually quite tasty, lemon has a very strong pleasant citrus flavour, and you won't miss anything if you don't try the other two. They also have a delicious mixer to serve with consisting of lime juice, cinnamon, and other spices. Worth heading to if you're in the area or just for the novelty of sampling authentic Thai rum. Very friendly staff.
Sleep
With an estimated 60,000 expedia 5 star, guest house and luxury rooms, expedia accommodation is basically not a problem, and the most difficult decision will be picking a suitable beach.
For some people who love being quiet and hideaway retreat Choeng Mon is a good choice.
Visit Truly Samui in Nathon which is the cent er part of Samui.
The following lists only places to stay outside the major beaches; see the articles above and the Beaches index for more.
Arayaburi Hotel 1 Mu 4, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Rates: 1,680-4,440 Baht
Buriraya Resort and Spa 208/1 Mu 4, Tambon Maret, Surat Thani, Rates: 7,200-27,000 Baht
Central Samui Village Hotel 111 Mu 2, Tambon Maret, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7742 4020 Fax: 0 7742 4022-2), Rates: 2,729-4,400 Baht
Khao Sok Riverside Cottages 230 Mu 6, Soi Natai, Phanom, Surat Thani (Tel: 0 7739 5159 Fax: 0 7739 5159), Rates: 900-1,500 Baht
Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach, 146/24 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Maret, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand, ☎ (+66) 77960888,. checkin: 15:00; checkout: 12:00. Located on the Island of Samui, the latest addition to Langham’s portfolio of five-star hotels is for fun-loving, young-at-heart travellers who enjoy the finer things in life. Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach enjoys prime position beach side and comprises a chic modern village of 77 stunning villas and suites, many featuring personal plunge pools and views over the Gulf of Thailand.
Stay safe
Do's
Do buy gems from a reputable company
Do carry around small change
Do bring water when jungle trekking and do drink a lot in such a hot climate
Do bargain with vendors
Do take as many photos as you can
Do make sure your scuba diving instructor is fully accredited
Do keep your alcohol consumption under control
Do be sure to use plenty of mosquito repellent.
Don’ts
Don’t take any boat unless it has life jackets
Don’t go into the jungle alone
Don’t touch or get involved with any narcotics
Don’t go to the beach at night either to walk or swim
Don’t, as a woman, go topless on the beach
Don’t, as a man, walk around shirtless, other than at the beach.
Contact
Chao Koh Internet 74 Mu 3, Tambon Angthong, Tel: 0 7723 1039, 0 7742 0851 Fax: 0 7723 1039
Medical Facilities
Samui has the internationally renowned Bangkok Samui Hospitals. For those who are just a little sick there are countless clinics and pharmacies, especially at Chaweng Beach.
Ban Chaweng Clinic 155/14 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7742 2606
Bandon Int. Private Hospital 123/1 Mu 1, Samui Ring Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Suratthani (Tel: 0 7724 5236-9, 0 7742 5382-3 Fax: 0 7742 5342, E-mail: bandon@samart.co.th,)
Bangkok Samui Hospital 57 Mu 3, Samui Ring Road, Chaweng (C5), Tambon Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Suratthani (Tel: 0 7742 9500 Fax: 0 7742 9540,)
Chaweng Clinic 59/13 Mu 6, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 08 6682 6490, 0 7723 0215
Chaweng Med. Clinic 195 Mu 2, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 08 1677 4067
Chaweng Med. Clinic (Dr.Jaru) 195 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Next to Green Mango Club, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 08 1677 4067
Dr. Ning Ear-Nose-Thoat Clinic 175/20 Mu 3, Thaweeratphakdee Road, Tambon Angthong, Tel: 0 7742 1405, 08 9727 3399, E-mail: suphott@hotmail.com
Kan Health Clinic 11/6 Mu 2, Chaweng Beach Road, Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0 7723 0802
Lamai Medical Clinic 124/243 Mu 3, Lamai Beach, Tambon Maret, Tel: 0 7723 2412
