Diving

Samui bosts many water sports including plenty of dive shops. Most diving is done either in the nearby Angthong Marine National Park or around Koh 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 and Bangrak arrount 8am.

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.

The Dive Academy Samui Kandaburi Resort & Spa Bandara Resort & Spa Tel: +66 (0)77 427 339 / Tel:+66 (0)77 428 802

Even though the best time year of the year to dive in the Ko Samui is between June and August, it is still perfectly possible to dive virtually all year round. As diving in Thailand is considered one of the safest destinations for diving and snorkeling in the world, it is perfect for first-timers wanting to try these pastimes out.

The sea visibility in some places around Ko Samui is almost unbelievable, I mean we are talking about distances of up to 10-30 meters. One can enjoy splendid sights of underwater mountains, coral gardens, undersea rock formations, hard and soft coral, whale sharks.

Diving Sites around Ko Samui



• Samran Pinnacles: Since the currents in this area are often quite strong, this site is recommended therefore, for experienced divers. Due to the currents being like this, the site is a haven for bringing in larger pelagics such as barracuda, jacks. There are three submerged pinnacles near Sail Rock.

• Ko Kra & Koh Losin: These two small islands located to the south-east of Samui, which because of its remotest, don’t get too many divers. Blacktip sharks, manta rays and hard to find loggerhead turtles can be seen.

Snorkeling

This pastime is also popular with many tourists, especially with those who can’t dive. All the diving centers arrange snorkeling tours too.

Sailing

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 Ko 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.

Golf

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.

Other golf courses include the Samui Golf Club and Driving Range and the Lamai Driving Range. For those interested in playing mini golf, there is the Mini Golf International. Other golf courses include Samui Frisbee Golf and Samui Football Golf. One can also finds a large number of golf shops, like the Samui Golf and Sports Center from where golf clubs, hats, and shoes can be bought or rented.

• BoPhothills Golf Club - P.O. Box 28. Maenam, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand. 84330, Tel: 087 267 1042


• Royal Samui Golf & Country Club - 14 Chaweng Beach, Moo 2, Tambon BoPhut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Tel: +66 (0) 77 414 104 Fax.: +66(0) 77 414 105


• Santiburi Samui Country Club - 12/15, Mu 4, Mae Nam, Suratthani, Tel: 0 7742 1700-8 Fax: 0 7742 1709


• Samui Golf Club and Driving Range - Samui Ring Road, Chaweng North 123/1, Mu 1, Tambon Bo Phut Suratthani


• Lamai Driving Range -22/6 Mu 6, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Tel: 08 1090 7213, 08 6282 0749 Fax: 0 7741 8995

 

Mini Golf

Mini Golf International Ban Plailaem, 79/53 Mu 5, Tambon Bophut, Suratthani, Tel: 08 1787 9148

Treasure Island Mini Golf 166/79 Mu 2, Tambon Bophut, Suratthani, Tel: 0 77411 3267, 08 1892 1416

 

Frisbee Golf

Samui Frisbee Golf Just 1 k.m. from Monkey Theater, Soi Monkey Theater Mu 1, Tambon Bo Phut, Suratthani

 

Football Golf

Samui Football Golf North of Chaweng, near Imperial Boat House.

 

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 two main beaches; Chaweng and Lamai.

 

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. Samui Bungy offers a free pick up service from your hotel. Soi Reggae, ChawengBeach. Telephone: 07 741- 425-2

 

Bird Watching

Samui with its lush forests offers the ideal spot to go for bird watching. The wilderness of the area has made it a nesting ground for several rare species of birds.

 

Tiger Zoo and Tropical Bird Show

- south of Hua Thanon

 

Trekking & Elephant Trekking

Due to diversity of the landscape and tropically lush forests, Samui is a great place for trekking, either on foot or by elephant. This activity has become extremely popular recently, especially with the younger crowds.

 

Snooker & Pool

There are snooker clubs at the main beaches in Thailand and they are popular with the local Thais. More popular with the western tourists is pool which can easily be found at the island’s bars. At most bars, pool can be played for free.

 

Tennis

Tennis can be found at a few selected places on the island.

 

Yachting

One of the major Yachting festivals, which has gained international recognition worldwide, is the Ko Samui Regatta festival organized by the Ko Samui Regatta Committee. Visitors, if they wish, can charter a yacht or use their own.

 

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.

 

Horse Riding

Horse on Samui are of a European standard, they are calm, patient and well-trained. For package deals and more information, telephone: 09-972-4241. Route 4169, near Tesco Lotus, Chaweng.

 

Kiteboarding

This exciting new and trendy activity has finally reached Samui and the Ko Samui Kite Center 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 center can be contacted at 077-424-017-501.

 

Paintball

This fantastic activity, which fathers as well as sons will love, has also arrived on Samui. Paintball has been 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.