How to travel to Koh Samui on your own. Trip planning: a complete step-by-step guide

Ko Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, located 644 km south of Bangkok and 84 km off the east coast of Southern Thailand.

Short description

Koh Samui has about 40,000 inhabitants, 90% of whom are Buddhists. With an area of ​​247 km², it is the third largest island in Thailand (after Phuket and Koh Chang) and the largest island of the local archipelago, with more than 80 (mostly uninhabited) islets, half of which are included in the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Despite its size (25 km long and 21 km wide), it can be driven around in just a couple of hours by car.

The island was settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and the southern regions of China in the 15th century. The Chinese influence is still felt on Koh Samui, especially in the Fisherman's Village in Bophut. There are several Chinese temples on the island, the celebration of the Chinese New Year is one of the most pompous events. In addition to the Chinese, a large diaspora of British, French, Germans, Scandinavians and Russians lives here. The island has the International School of Samui, where children of foreigners and wealthy Thais study.

Until the end of the 20th century, Koh Samui was an isolated island with little in common with the mainland of Thailand. Until the early 1970s, there were not even roads here, traveling from one part to another required a day's walk through the mountain-covered jungle. In the early 1970s, the first tourists discovered the island, but for many years after that it still received a minimal number of tourists. Everything began to change with the completion of the construction of the international airport in 1989. Koh Samui is currently the second most popular tourist island in Thailand after Phuket. It has a number of beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs for snorkeling, attractive lagoons and picturesque waterfalls.

The traditional harvesting of coconuts and milky sap from Hevea brasiliensis for the production of natural rubber still takes place in the mountainous areas of the island, but alas, many plantations have given way to the large-scale development of tourism, which is now the island's main source of income for the local population.

Koh Samui currently receives over a million visitors a year. Thatched-roof bungalows on once-pristine beaches have been replaced by upscale resorts, luxury hotels, spas, restaurants and bars. The influx of tourists has brought a serious shortage water resources and caused a number of environmental problems.

Map

Look at the maps of the larger world

Orientation

Koh Samui Map

Although Koh Samui is the third largest island in the country, the entire coastline can be driven around by car or motorbike within 2.5 hours. The island's main road (Hwy. 4169, also called the "Ring Road") passes through a hilly, forested area. The island's airport is located on the northeastern edge near Bophut. Ferries and speedboats arrive on the west coast and Nathon. Nathon is the most major city and the administrative center of the island with banks and a post office, but has no tourist attractions.

The main reason why tourists visit Koh Samui is to enjoy the beaches. The most popular beaches are located in the east (Chaweng and Lamai), it is here that the bulk of hotels, bars and restaurants are concentrated. The northern beaches and the adjacent villages of Maenam, Bophut, Bang Rak and Choeng Mon are much quieter, the western and southern coasts are relatively deserted.
Beaches

The main beaches of Koh Samui:

On a ferryboat

A cheaper, but less convenient option is to fly to Surat Thani with Thai Airways and other low-cost airlines Air Asia and Nok Air (departure from Don Muang Airport), then get to the pier and take the ferry. Or by train/bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani.

From Surat Thani Railway Station and Airport Koh Samui combined service (bus/ferry) available. It includes a bus ride to Donsak pier and then a ferry ride. Tickets are sold by numerous agents who meet each train at the station and the arrival of the aircraft at the airport. The cost of the trip should cost around 300 baht.
Use the services of Seatran Ferry. See the schedule of the company's ferries at this link (the first list is departure from the Donsak pier towards Koh Samui, the second is the return.

Alternatively, use the Raja Ferry Port (www.rajaferryport.com) ferries. It operates from Donsak pier to Lipa Noi Pier on the west side of Koh Samui (several kilometers south of Nathon). This ferry transports cars, you can use it if you decide to use your own transport. A songthaew ride from the pier at Lipa Noi to Chaweng or Lamai will cost 100 baht per person. Taxis will cost more, with an initial offer price of up to 1,000 baht.

How to travel around the island

Automobile. A popular way to travel around Koh Samui is by renting a car. Local affiliates of international companies such as Budget Car Rental, Avis and Hertz have offices at the airport and popular tourist spots on the island. All of them offer a wide range of vehicles, starting at 1200-1500 baht. Local car rental companies offer cheaper options, but without insurance. Carefully read the contract, in particular the section on the case of a traffic accident. The mountain roads of the island have many twists and turns and steep climbs, so traveling with a rented car is much safer than with a scooter. The car makes it possible to visit almost all the interesting places of the island.

Taxi. Taxi drivers in Samui are very reluctant to use their meters (unlike their counterparts in the capital Bangkok) and tend to charge foreigners much higher than the standard fare. This is especially true of popular beaches and marinas where vacationers arrive on the island. Some of them may even show some kind of document with a "fixed" price of 600-800 baht for a 25-30 km trip to Chaweng or Lamai. Such prices are not at all true, and as soon as the drivers find out about your knowledge of the real prices, they begin to bargain and significantly discount the cost of the trip.

songthaew(songtaew). These pickups are the easiest and most economical way to get around the entire island. They follow Highway 4169 (Ring Road) around the island. You can stop anywhere along the road. Daily rates are fixed at around 40-60 baht, but after dark they charge like a taxi (500 baht and more).

Motorbike/ scooter. Motorcycles and scooters can be rented almost anywhere in Koh Samui for around 120-700 baht per day depending on engine power and season (a small scooter should cost no more than 200 baht even on New Year's Day).

They are not chasing cheapness and it is advisable to use the services of reputable companies so as not to fall for the bait of scammers. Fraud consists in ascribing old scratches and dents to you and tearing off money for the “damage caused”. For this reason, carefully inspect the scooter, be sure to include any existing scratches and damage in the contract, and only then use the service.
The motorcycle rental shop will most likely want you to leave your passport as a deposit. This is a common practice in Thailand, but leaving your passport as a deposit is not advisable. Your passport may be left as a "deposit" until you pay the "damage caused". For this reason, do not use the scooter rental on the last day of departure so that you have time to resolve any problems. If the claims are clearly illegal and the price being asked for damage is unreasonable or it happened before your vehicle rental, call the tourist police.

Please note that motorcycle and scooter are the most dangerous view transport. Tourists are killed and maimed in traffic accidents every year. However, they are the most popular means of transport for trips around the island. Remember that for driving without a helmet, a fine of 500 baht.

Bicycles. Bicycle rentals are very cheap, the price should not exceed 200 baht per day.

What to watch

In addition to lying on the beach with a cold beer in hand, take the opportunity to see the following points of interest.

waterfalls. Koh Samui has quite a few waterfalls, but only two of them are easily accessible. This is Hin Lad Hin Lad) and Na Muang. The best time to visit any waterfall is during or just after the rainy season. At other times, there is little water and it is hardly worth visiting the waterfalls.

Hin Lad(Hin Lad) is located about three kilometers from the city of Nathon. It is easy to navigate by road signs. From the road, a 2 km long path leads to the waterfall, you can swim in the pond at its foot.

Na Muang(Na Muang) consists of two waterfalls - Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2. The first is actually on the road itself (the main ring road of the island), not far from the Wat Khunaram temple. The waterfall itself is small (18 m high), but it looks good in the photos. To enter the water and swim in its reservoir, you need to climb on slippery huge stones. Further the trail stretches to the second waterfall (Na Muang 2), you have to walk for about 30 minutes. The flow of water of the second waterfall flows in several cascades from a height of about 79 m.

Many tour operators on the island offer excursions to Na Muang waterfalls. You can use the company tour Ung Safari. In addition to visiting both waterfalls, get the chance to ride down the jungle waterslides (two slides 20m and 70m long), then the ropes through the jungle (4 ziplines), and before returning to Tasting Thai food and fruits at Samui's largest fruit market. Details of the tour at this link. There is also the option of visiting the waterfalls on elephants, which can be organized by any travel agency in the city.

old house. This Chinese-style house is almost 200 years old and represents the cultural identity of Koh Samui. The current owner opened the house for visitors to the island.
Wat Khunaram. Here lies the body of the monk Loung Pordaeng, mummified in 1983. Believers lay flowers and incense to the glass sarcophagus. Wat Khunaram is on Highway 4169 (Ring Road) about six kilometers west of Lamai Beach.

Hin Ta(Hin Ta) and Hin Yai. The names translate as grandfather and grandmother. This is the most popular attraction on Koh Samui. Strange-looking rocks have a striking resemblance to male and female genital organs. Located about two kilometers south of Lamai Beach.

Tiger Aquarium and Zoo(Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo) The zoo is represented by Bengal tigers, leopards and lions, the aquarium has sharks, turtles, tropical fish of the Gulf of Thailand. Judging by the reviews of visitors, the Tiger Aquarium and Zoo did not impress many. Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, located on Ban Harn beach in the south of the island, site www.samuiaquariumandtigerzoo.com

Wat Phra Yai Temple(Wat Phra Yai, sometimes called the Big Buddha Temple) is the location of the most important religious shrine of Koh Samui - the statue of the Big Buddha. The statue and the temple are in Bang Rak.

Laem Sor Pagoda. This pagoda is another important shrine of the island. It is located in the very south of the island, away from the road 4170 between the villages of Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the road to the "Waikiki Bungalows" sign.

Butterfly Garden and Insect Museum(Samui Butterful Garden/Insect Museum) has a collection of various butterflies, visitors can visit the insect museum and see many rare beetles and bee hives. There is an observation deck nearby. Located in Taling Ngam.

monkey theater(Samui Monkey Theatre). It's kind of like a menagerie open sky on the main road near Bophut beach. You can see a demonstration of monkeys picking coconuts. Open seven days a week from 10:30 to 17:30.

Paradise Park Farm(Paradise Park Farm). Visitors will have the opportunity to feed the birds and animals, learn about the local flora and fauna, dine in a restaurant, relax in the pool overlooking the valley, relax in the spa, climb to the observation deck overlooking the islands of the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Located near Taling Ngam beach, park site http://paradiseparkfarm.net

snake farm(Snake Farm). Most tourist destinations in Thailand show snake shows, and Koh Samui is no exception. The snake farm is located on the southern outskirts of Phangka, a small village near Thong Krut Bay. Snake shows twice a day: 11:00 and 14:00. The prelude is a cockfight, followed by a scorpion show. Here you can also watch crocodiles, lizards, monitor lizards, pythons. Site http://samuisnakefarm.com

Rum distillery(Magic Alambic Rum Distillery). The French-Thai company Magic Alambic uses only natural ingredients to produce rum on the island of Koh Samui. The company offers tours that include free tasting of Thai rum. For some reason, the owners of the enterprise do not demonstrate the real processes of production and distillation of rum on their equipment, but show all this on a recorded video. So you will not actually see the enterprise itself, but you can try the types of rum produced here. Once you've tried it, you'll naturally want to buy it. The plant is located on the south coast of the island, address: 44/5 Moo 3 T. Namuang, Koh Samui, site www.rhumdistillerie.com

bullfighting. Bullfights are held on the island from time to time. Unlike the bloody battles in Spain, the Thai version of the competition is much more humane. Animals butt each other with horns, and the loser simply runs away to measure strength another day. Usually two fights, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

There are several stadiums on Koh Samui, in particular in Ban Makham, Ban Saket and Nathon city. It's not always possible to predict when a bullfight will take place, but there are usually advertisements around the island's main ring road before each race starts (or check with your hotel receptionist). Bullfights are a colorful and spectacular event, with rituals and prayers, animals are decorated with ribbons and their horns with patterns. The cost for men is around 100 baht, women visit for free. Men accompany the spectacle with a fair amount of alcohol they drink and bets on the winner.

Things to do

The most interesting places in Koh Samui can be seen during a day trip around the island. Such trips, in particular, are offered by the company Ung Safari. The most popular excursion is Full Day Jungle Safari Tours (from 09:00 am to 17:30 pm). It includes, in particular:

Visit Hin Ta and Hin Yai;
observing monkeys picking coconuts;
elephant ride;
swimming in the waterfall;
descent into the jungle on 2 water slides, length 20 m and 70 m;
off-road trip to the mountains;
visiting observation platforms in the mountains;
visiting the Buddha Garden;
a visit to the Wat Khunaram temple, which houses a melo of a mummified monk;
traditional Thai lunch;
visiting the Buddha statue in Bang Rak.

Diving. The best time of the year for diving in the Koh Samui area is from June to August, but scuba diving is practiced here almost all year round (unfavorable period is October and November). Most diving tours take place in the nearby Ang Thong and Koh Tao National Marine Park, as visibility around the sandy beaches of Koh Samui leaves much to be desired, with rare exceptions. Divers are attracted by huge underwater boulders, coral gardens, the opportunity to see whale sharks, rays, sea turtles, flocks of barracudas. Most diving centers are located in Phang Nga Bay (which has the most beautiful scenery of sea caves in Thailand), this trip is the most interesting option.

Kayak rentals are offered on all popular beaches for about 100 baht per hour.

Surfers the island is unlikely to please, since its beaches do not have waves for practicing this sport. Due to the lack of waves, stand-up paddling has gained popularity, lessons and equipment rentals are available in Chaweng Ang Thong National Marine Park

Lamai Beach has several clubs, but all of them are aimed at visitors with more low level income compared to Chaweng. Bophut has a small strip of restaurants and bars. After Bophut, the nightlife options dwindle substantially and revolve around individual resorts and bungalows.

Climate and best time to visit

Koh Samui's weather is different from the rest of Thailand. In April-September, when the rainy season is in most of the country, the island is still quite dry, but from October to December, the island gets a lot of rain, while other regions of the country already have dry weather. October, November and the first half of December are the wettest months. The driest season is from January to March.

The peak tourist season is from mid-December to mid-January. The weather is at its best from January to April, after which it becomes very hot, and only a rare tropical storm brings short-term relief. During this period, the cost of rest can be 50% of the price in the season of the influx of tourists. In July and August, there is usually a short-term increase in the number of holidaymakers, but during these months in the western part of the island it often falls a large number of precipitation.

Koh Samui is an island located in the Chumphon Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, about 700 km south of Bangkok and 80 km from the eastern coastline of Southern Thailand.

This is the second most popular place to visit in Thailand, which amazes tourists with its amazing natural beauty and diversity. Home to nearly 40,000 full-time residents, 90% of whom are Buddhists.

The area is surrounded by palm trees, coconuts and fruits are grown on the coastline and on the coastal lowlands, the slopes of the central granite massif are covered with virgin tropical forest. The island is 25 km long and 21 km wide.

Koh Samui is big enough to be adventurous, despite being able to get around on a motorcycle or car in a couple of hours.

Short video about Koh Samui

How to get there

Are you planning a trip to Koh Samui? Do you want to know how to get to this city most conveniently? Then the list of options below is for you!

By plane

Koh Samui Airport (USM) is a private airport originally built by Bangkok Airways. It is the main operator and was for a long time the only airline with services to Koh Samui. This airport has almost hourly departures to/from Bangkok and by Thai standards are expensive tickets with an advance booking of 3,000-4,500 baht one way, while without advance booking they can cost twice as much. There are also daily flights to/from Phuket for 2,000-3,000 baht. There are two daily flights from Chiang Mai, but only one direct flight in the opposite direction.

The peculiarity of the international boarding gate is a special place where all passengers are offered food and drinks in a cozy lounge, there is Wi-Fi provision - waiting for boarding becomes much more comfortable.

In addition to Bangkok Airlines, Koh Samui is served by two flights a day from Bangkok by Thai Airways, Berjaya Air and Firefly from Subang airport (a small airport 30 minutes from the city center (Kuala Lumpur) and International airport "Penang" (Penang International Airport) in Malaysia.

You can monitor promotions and special offers for air tickets on various aggregator sites, or, for example,.

Visa on arrival and visa free entry are available at Koh Samui Airport for some nationalities.

Transport from the airport is easy to find. A 20-minute bus ride to Chaweng costs 120 baht per person; a taxi will cost more - 400 baht. Make sure you set the fare to your destination before you get in the taxi because many drivers refuse to use the meter.

If you are visiting as a couple or family, you will probably be approached by some young women holding signs from some of the high class hotels. They will ask you where you are staying and will offer you a free taxi ride if you promise to attend their hotel presentation during your stay. Avoid such offers.

Alternative airports

Other airports that fly to Koh Samui are Surat Thani Airport and Chumphon Airport from the mainland with good ferries to Koh Samui. They are often significantly cheaper and serve as excellent low cost carriers for Air Asia and Nok Air.

• Nok Air offers 4 daily flights + ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui or fly with Nok Air from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat and transfer by ferry to Koh Samui. You can book your ticket on their website.
• Flights to Surat Thani are operated by Thai Airlines and low-cost airlines Air Asia and Nok Air (departure from Don Muang Airport, then drive to the coast and ferry to the destination.

Flights to Nakhon Si Thammarat are carried out by Air Asia and Nok Air, then by bus and by catamaran.

By ship

From Chumphon via Koh Tao, Koh Phangan

Lomprayah offers a shared bus/high speed catamaran from Bangkong to Koh Samui which takes 11 hours (5.5 of them by ship) and costs around 1,250 baht (1,000 baht return). The bus stops at Hua Hin and then Chumphon, where passengers transfer to a ship that calls at Ko Nang Yuan, Tao and Koh Phangan on the way to Koh Samui. The road is scenic (including a trip to 2 islands), and the ferry is convenient to Seatran.

Such a trip to Koh Samui will take longer, but it is a good way to see the countryside and the islands. The bus option is a 50-minute flight from Bangkok to Chumphon Airport via Nok Air and a transfer to high speed ferries stopping at Koh Tao along the way.

Lomprayah high-speed catamarans are a good and fast option to get to Koh Samui from Koh Tao or Koh Phangan, as well as in a good way come to these islands from Bangkok. There are also regular speedboats of other operators.

By ferry

From Surat Thani

Surat Thani Railway Station and Airport (URT) includes a mixed bus/ferry service to Koh Samui for 200-300 baht. Some include a 60-minute bus ride to Donsak pier followed by a 90-minute ferry ride. Others include a 30 minute bus ride, but the ferry takes longer. Tickets are sold by numerous agents who meet on every train and airport. It costs less than 300 baht.

At the Donsak pier, you can choose the trip of one of the listed ferry companies "Songserm", "Travel" and Seatran(departures every 30-60 minutes), which ends at Nathon Pier. If you book through a travel agency, you are traveling on a small, two-deck ferry, often crowded, so always arrive early as all the seats on the lower deck can be full.

The air-conditioned upper deck is more expensive. If you don't feel like paying extra, you can end up next to a pile of backpacks at the back of the boat. There is a small overpriced shop on the lower deck (instant noodles that cost 15 baht are sold here for 50 baht). It is better to bring snacks with you so as not to overpay. Passengers of the ferry "Songserm" are mostly foreigners.

The Seatran ferry is much larger and has multiple decks (most are free to enter, including the air-conditioned rooms), is slower to fill due to size, and has numerous TVs (with Thai channels). There is a large cafeteria (with much friendlier prices like 20 baht for the same instant noodles). Passengers are mainly Thais and tourists.

Raja Ferry Port operates connections between Donsak Pier and Lipa Noi Pier on the western side of Koh Samui (a few kilometers south of Nathon). The ferry includes a free air-conditioned deck and comfortable seats. It also transports You can use it if you decide to come with your own transport.Transfer Songthaew from Lipa Noi Pier to Koh Samui or Lamai will cost 100 baht per person. Taxi will cost more, about 1000 baht.

There are numerous ferry services from Surat Thani, including speedboats (3 trips daily, duration 3 hours and price 150 baht) and slow night boats (duration 6-7 hours). "Songserm Travel" operator number +66 25 29 654 in Bangkok for the schedule, which varies depending on the season.

Clue:

Koh Samui - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 4

Kazan − 4

Samara − 3

Yekaterinburg − 2

Novosibirsk 0

Vladivostok 3

When is the season. When is the best time to go

Koh Samui's weather is slightly different from the weather in other parts of Thailand. From April to September, when most of the country has its rainy season, Koh Samui remains quite dry, but from October to December it is quite damp. From Koh Samui, the dry season lasts from January to March. You can navigate the prices for tours to Koh Samui from Russia.

Koh Samui in summer

The summer months on the island cannot boast of perfect weather. The air temperature is quite democratic, but the humidity rises sharply, which results in a terrible stuffiness. To this is added the approaching rainy season, in the evening and at night, vacationers can be upset by passing showers, although not very long (no more than an hour). With sunrise, the soil dries out quickly, and the sun does not spare vacationers. The sea is quite calm, the only negative may be the ongoing daily low tides. On some beaches, it is especially noticeable how the water, several meters away from the coast, and for some, such a picture may seem frightening.

Koh Samui in autumn

The beginning of autumn can easily please tourists who come to Koh Samui. When to go if not in the summer? - and the sun warms well, and there is no wind, and the sea is quite calm. You can spend almost the whole of September on the beaches of Koh Samui and enjoy the beautiful weather, although this month is considered the end of the beach season. Starting from October, the island is gradually enveloped by a cyclone of rains and gusty winds. The temperature drops by about 1-2 degrees every month, and on average it is 27 degrees for air and 26 degrees for water. Exhausting rains, which last about 5 hours a day, and intense gusty winds make it impossible to enjoy the island as a beach resort. The water is warm, but due to weather conditions, very muddy. Several autumn days threaten with monthly precipitation. Cloudy weather prevails. Autumn is perfect for sightseeing tours. Due to the lack of a significant flow of tourists in autumn, you can safely visit the temples or study the history of this place in more detail.

Koh Samui in spring

Everything blooms in spring, and Koh Samui is no exception. The variety of color palette that the rich flora of the island can showcase attracts a new flow of tourists. In April, the scorching sun heats the air up to 35 degrees, the thermometer often exceeds this mark, but even this cannot stop exotic lovers.

The sea is still undead with its calm, its temperature reaches 29 degrees, only occasionally vacationers can frolic on small waves. With the end of spring, the weather is on the decline. The rainy season is soon approaching, so the air at the end of April may seem stuffy.

Koh Samui in winter

Winter is considered the peak tourist holiday on Koh Samui. In winter, the weather is very stable and the very “velvet season” begins. It is still recommended to fly to the island in the second decade of December, since the beginning of this month may turn out to be cloudy and rainy, it is almost impossible to predict this. Such vagaries of the weather can occur due to the change and formation of the season. Otherwise, the winter months delight vacationers with bright sun and evening freshness, the sea is clean with rare, big waves- the perfect time to enjoy all the advantages of a seaside resort.

Koh Samui - monthly weather

Clue:

Koh Samui - monthly weather

Main attractions. What to watch

The most popular attractions in Koh Samui are presented below.

Top 5

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Ko Samui

Located on Ban Harn beach. The Aquarium features an astounding collection of tropical fish and other marine life such as turtles and colorful coral. The Tiger Zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. Samui Oceanarium and Tiger Zoo are open daily from 09:00-18:00.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

At Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Great Buddha Temple, the Buddha statue is 15 meters high. It was built in 1972 in the north of the island.

Samui Butterful Garden/Insect Museum

This butterfly garden can be found in the southeast of the island. You can see a huge collection of various butterflies with a wingspan of up to 25 cm. Visitors can also visit the insect museum, where you can see various insects from rare beetles to bee hives.

Elephant Park in Bophut (Bophut Elephant Camp)

Jeep safari "Funny Day Safari" takes place in the Elephant Park a couple of minutes from the fishing village and visit it to enjoy the peaceful nature, sitting on the back of a magnificent mammal, or to look at cute little elephants and feed them. You can also learn how the Samui monkeys work and watch a professional performance of crocodiles. Additional information, maps of the area and a photo gallery can be found on their website.

Secret Buddha Garden

This beautiful garden was built by a 76-year-old Samui gardener in 1976. It is surrounded by green vegetation, rocky hills and is decorated with sculptures depicting both sexes in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the highest point on the island, you can enjoy amazing views from there. Organized tours in the garden last almost 2 hours.

Other attractions of the island:

• Monkey Shows - You can enjoy this show at the outdoor theater on the main road behind Bophut Beach. The performance also includes trained elephants. Capturing and training wild animals is ethically questionable.
• Old House - Almost 200 years old Chinese-style house represents the cultural heritage of Koh Samui. Grandpa Xi and Grandma Meng Tancharoen open the house for visitors.
• Airport-hut. The airport on Koh Samui is very small, the peculiarity is that it is made in the form of a small, but very cozy and beautiful hut. Thanks to this, the Samui airport is one of the five most original airport terminals in the world.
• Coral beds at Laem Set and Thong Takhian;
• Waterfall Namtok Hin Lat - The main waterfront settlement of the island, where shops, restaurants and travel agencies are concentrated;

• Namtok Na Mueang Waterfall - A local road leads to Na Muang 1 waterfall. The 30-minute walk ends with the more scenic Na Muang 2 waterfall. Crimson cliffs surround a water stream that falls from an impressive height of approximately 79 meters;
• snake farm;

• Rocks "Grandmother and Grandfather" (Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks) - these strange rocks, located on Lamai Beach, have a striking resemblance to the genitals of men and women. They have become one of the most important attractions of the island. For those who would like to hear the legend or see the rocks, one need only ask a local;
• Water Buffalo Fights - A rich tradition on the island is the water buffalo fighting arena. There is no timetable for the fights, but the locals will know the dates and you may see occasional signs on the road announcing the day of the fight.

Beaches. Which is better

The main reason to visit Koh Samui is the beaches, as it is quite a large island with fabulous shores. The most popular and commercialized beaches are Lamai, while the northern beaches of Mae Nam (Mae Nam), Bophut (Bophut), Bangrak (Bang Rak, Big Buddha) and Choeng Mon (Choeng Mon) and the villages adjacent to them are the most peaceful places, and the west coast beaches are relatively quiet. Clarifications: Bophut and Choeng Mon are not very good for swimming because of the muddy water. The beaches and Lamai have cleaner sea water.

• Nathon is the port and administrative center of Koh Samui, which attracts tourists.
• Laem Yai is located on the northwestern edge of the island; a secluded beach overlooking the Angthong Islands.
• Mae Nam is a quiet and beautiful beach on the north coast.
• Bophut is known for its calm but fast growing fishermen's village.
• Bang Rak is located on the northeastern edge, the home of the Big Buddha.
• Chongmon - quiet northern beach coast.
• Chaweng is the largest and most developed beach with an unusual mixture of luxury hotels and small tourist inns and an active nightlife.
• Lamai is Koh Samui's "second" beach, south of Chaweng, with lots of active nightlife and chic resorts and restaurants.
• South coast Samui South Coast - small beaches of Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai, Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut.

Chaweng beach

The main beach on Koh Samui that has been developed since the early 1990s. Just 20 years ago the beach was home to a handful of wooden bungalows, but now the place is littered with hotels, Italian pizzerias, Irish pubs and even go-go bars. Koh Samui's nightlife is becoming legendary, but, unfortunately, it doesn't always attract exemplary tourists. Hippie tourists gave way to Chaweng "beer hooligans". Now it's a place for a noisy and reckless party.

Lamai beach

Like Chaweng, Lamai has been transformed from a hippie hangout to a party and fun place with bars and an exciting nightlife. However, the beach is in better condition than Chaweng and it is not so easy to find a place to stay because there are always a lot of people here. If you want to relax in a quiet place, Lamai is not the ideal place for you.

There are some interesting rock formations on the southern edge of Lamai Beach.

Lamai Island itself is located in the southeast of Koh Samui, almost 10 kilometers from Chaweng.

Beachmaenam(Mae Nam Beach)

This is a calm beach located in the north of the island, suitable for swimming and sunbathing, especially for families with children, due to the shallow water.

Bophut Beach

Located in the north of the island, it is a popular starting point for diving. This place is not as developed as Chaweng, but there are plenty of restaurants, shops and bars.

Choengmon Beach

Located in the northeast of Koh Samui, just 10 minutes from Chaweng. Unlike the latter, this is the perfect place to unwind.

BeachBigBuddha(Big Buddha Beach)

Located in the northeast of Koh Samui, offers visitors a good place for swimming and great views. The area has developed over the years and now you can find many restaurants, shops and bars.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Wat Khunaram Koh Samui

This temple is the most famous temple because of its mummified monk which is on public display. The mummy sits upright in a glass coffin and the worshipers present him with flowers and incense. In reality, the mummy is the body of a highly revered former temple abbot who was also a master of meditation and was able to predict his own death.

However, what is interesting is the fact that the mummy wears a large pair of sunglasses and is surrounded almost everywhere by huts selling overpriced drinks and pancakes.

Samui Pagoda Laem Sor (Laem Sor Pagoda Koh Samui)

This chedi (pagoda) is located in Laem Sor Temple, one of the most famous temples on Koh Samui. The building, with its yellow tiles that exude a golden aura, is quite an imposing and bewitching sight.

Food. What to try

Koh Samui is famous for its coconuts, which are available everywhere and quite tasty. On the island a good choice seafood, although during the peak tourist season, demand often exceeds local supply. Larger beaches such as Bophut have reputable international restaurants (often owned by foreign couples living in Thailand).

South Thai food is notorious for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine comes from Malay, Indonesian and Indian cuisine. Favorite Southern dishes include Indian-style Muslim curry (Massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Kanom Jin), and biryani chicken. Popular local food is pickled eggs and nephelium.

The double price is unfortunately common: some restaurants have two menus, one for tourists and one for locals, for whom the price is 1/4 of the price for foreigners. Main meals in a standard Thai restaurant should cost less than 100 baht (excluding seafood dishes). If the prices seem unreasonably high, go to another restaurant. Always check prices and menus first so you don't have to argue when the bill arrives.

Beverages

There are countless varieties of establishments selling drinks, ranging from pubs for loud and brazen tourists to erotic pubs to candle-lit romantic bars in Bophut. Price - 80 baht for local beer (Singha, Tiger, Chang, Heineken) and up to two times more for imported. Wine is especially expensive and usually costs over 2,000 baht per bottle.

Safety. What to watch out for

• Tap water is not potable. Drinks in sealed bottles are sold everywhere. Be safe in restaurants too, as some use unsafe tap water for ice in drinks (others make it from bottled/safe water). Tap water in most hotels should not be used for drinking or brushing teeth unless it is clearly labeled as safe.
• Motorcycles are more dangerous than jeeps, trucks and other vehicles that are available for rent at reasonable prices and are significantly safer. If you are going to use a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and never get behind the wheel while intoxicated, as the roads are dangerous and with a lot of bumps.
• After a good time at the party at Bophut and Lamai, take a taxi to take you home. Be careful. Taxi drivers often cheat drunk people. It is not uncommon for an auto rickshaw driver to ask for 50 baht per kilometer of travel (for example, in the main market).
• Recently, a large number of ATVs have appeared on the roads. Take care as ATVs are not registered.
• Also be careful on the beaches at night because of the crimes that are often committed there.
• If you are traveling to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao by bus, do not keep any valuables in your luggage. "Songserm Travel" reports about thefts from buses. Do not leave things unattended when you get off the train to the islands.

Things to do

Here are some places to visit if you don't know what to do in Koh Samui:

• Ang Thong National Marine Park - scuba diving and snorkelling.
• Champhun - by high-speed catamaran to the mainland and further to Bangkok via Champhun airport.
• Koh Phangan is the site of the infamous Haad Rin Full Moon Party, and is home to nearly untouched landscapes.
• Koh Tao is one of the best places to learn to dive, in fact, the best school on the planet is in Koh Tao. In addition to diving, you can go sailing.
• Khao Lak is a diving center for the Similan and Surin Islands.

extreme sports

Diving

The south of Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clean water and stunning corals. For this reason, the number of divers visiting has gradually increased over the past decade. Even though the best time of the year to dive in Koh Samui is from June to August, diving in Koh Samui is popular all year round. As it is considered one of the safest places in the world for diving and snorkeling, it is ideal for beginners.

Sea visibility in some places around Koh Samui is good (distance 10-30m). One can enjoy magnificent views of seamounts, coral gardens, underwater rock formations, hard and soft coral, whale sharks in season.

• Samran Mountains (Samran Pinnacles). Since the currents in this area are very strong, this site is only recommended for experienced divers. Because of the currents, the place is a haven for sailing large sea creatures. Near Sail Rock there are three mountains hidden under water.
• Ko Kra and Koh Losin (Ko Kra & Koh Losin). These two small islands are located in the southeast of Koh Samui, which are not visited by tourists due to their remoteness. Here you can see black-tailed sharks, manta rays and vulture turtles, which are difficult to find.
• Koh Tan (also known as Koh Tan, Koh, Koh Taen Kataen, Coral Island). This small island is located on the southwestern edge of Koh Samui. This is the perfect place for an amazing dive. Local experts tell travelers it's the perfect place for people who don't want to travel more than two hours to dive.

Koh Tan

Located 15 minutes from Koh Samui, Koh Tan offers travelers 14 places to visit with rich underwater life, including soft and hard corals. From Thong Krut, tourists can leave for a reasonable price on longtail boats. If you want to go to Koh Tan, you can book a trip through any good travel agent or search on the internet, or go straight to Thong Krut.

There are 5 restaurants on Koh Tan. There are three restaurants in Ao Tok Bay. One of them is located at the end of the beach with accommodation and excellent Thai food. The third restaurant is located in the middle and is owned by a French gentleman. On the other side of the island there is a beautiful Ao-Tok bay with 2 restaurants and 2 large venues serving great food.

Accommodation is of a high standard with an asking price of 500 baht, Koh Tan is surrounded by coral and rock reefs, and there are 10 beaches on the island.

How to move around the region

Cellular, telephones and internet

There are many Internet cafes on Koh Samui. Hourly pay is almost 30 baht.

The GSM networks of all the major Thai mobile operators cover the island quite well. Buying a local SIM card will save you a lot of money on international calls. Moreover, GPRS/EDGE service is a cheap and convenient way to access the Internet almost everywhere.

Medical institutions

There is a well-equipped Bangkok Hospital on Koh Samui. For those who are not seriously ill, there are countless clinics and pharmacies, especially on the beach.

• Bangkok Samui Hospital, 57 Moo 3, Samui Ring Rd, Chaweng, Bophut, phone: +66 77 429500 (fax: +66 77 429540).
• Samui International Hospital, 90/2 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Rd, Bophut Tel: +66 77 422272, +66 77 230781-2 ( [email protected], fax: +66 77 230049).
• Bandon International Private Hospital, 123/1 Moo 1, Samui Ring Road, Bo Phut, Koh Samui 84320, telephones: + 66 77 245 236 / +66 77 245 237( [email protected]).
• Thai International Hospital, 25/25 Moo 6, Chaweng, Koh Samui, 84320 Tel: +66 77 245 721 / +66 77 245 726 ( [email protected]).

Local Agencies

All tours on Koh Samui 77/15 Moo 4, Maenam, Koh Samui, 84330, phone: + 66 82 279 4936 ( [email protected]).

Have something to add?

A large number of people from all over the world choose this country for their holidays. Why is she so attention-grabbing? There are several islands here. One of the most popular is Koh Samui. How to get to it and why tourists love it so much? What sights are there on the island and what should you definitely take with you when going to Thailand, Koh Samui in particular? You will find answers to these and other questions related to the island in this article. Using the advice of tourists who have already been here, you can plan an unforgettable time in one of the most picturesque places on the planet.

Thailand: Koh Samui

One of the warmest countries in the world is at the same distance from India and China. Its area is more than five hundred thousand square kilometers. The inhabitants of the country are very hospitable, but at the same time they are jealous of their traditions and customs. If you know and respect them, then the atmosphere of carelessness, joy and fun envelops those who come to Thailand.

Koh Samui is one of the largest and most popular holiday destinations. Every year thousands of tourists come here, most of them Russians. It is good to come here with children. Sandy beaches, clean and warm water in the sea, all the benefits of civilization are just some of the reasons why they choose to vacation in Koh Samui (Thailand). How to get to the island for tourists from Russia? By plane from Moscow or other major cities to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. There is a transfer to Koh Samui airport. A natural question arises as to why there is no direct flight. The fact is that Koh Samui has a private airport and it only works with a small number of airlines that it chooses.

Benefits of a holiday on the islands

Among the large number of reasons why travelers choose Thailand, Koh Samui in particular, the following can be distinguished:

• Getting bright unusual emotions, which are so poor in everyday life.
• You can come here at any time of the year, as even in winter the air temperature is plus 30.
• Low housing and food prices compared to other Asian and European countries- one of the reasons why tourists choose Thailand.
• Koh Samui is a huge amount of finished products: rolls, sushi, barbecue, rice, salads and much more. It is impossible to stay hungry here.
• Plenty of convenience stores. In many of them, they can even warm up food.
• Lots of friendly, smiling people.
• Lack of drunks, in Thailand it is not customary to drink a lot.
• There are no problems with public transport, you can get very quickly to any place on the island.
• Snow-white beaches, banana and coconut trees, clear water and places where no human foot has set foot.

Transport

There are no problems in vehicles on Koh Samui. Here you can use the following types of vehicles:

• Songteo - fixed-route taxi. The cheapest form of transport.
• Taxi with air conditioning.
• Mototaxi.
• Motobike.
• Bike.
• Minivans - a passenger car with three rows of seats.

If you plan to do a lot of walking while exploring the local sights, it is best to rent a car.

Popular tours

Travel agencies offer a wide range of vacation options with departures from the airports of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Among the most interesting tours to Thailand:

• Samui - Phuket. This tour is for lovers active rest. The two most popular islands are truly heavenly pleasure and serene pastime. Tour duration - from 7 to 14 days.
• Thailand: Samui. Tours to the island in the Pacific Ocean are in great demand among vacationers. Coconut palms, impenetrable jungle, decent beaches and coral reefs delight everyone who comes here.
• Thailand: Pattaya. One of the most popular Asian resorts. Picturesque nature, magnificent beaches, comfortable accommodation in hotels will allow you to have a great vacation.

• There are over 200 hotels on Koh Samui.
• In Thailand, there are still places where no human foot has set foot.
• Koh Samui has many other names: the Island of Smiles, Coconut Paradise, the Island of Freedom.
• It is not customary to conflict and engage in heated discussions.
• English is taught in schools in Thailand.
• Not far from Koh Samui is an island called Turtle Island. This is a favorite vacation spot for divers.

Food

In Thailand, you can discover a completely new, unique world of taste sensations. True, there is one but ... It can be both insanely tasty and disgusting. It is customary for Thais to mix sweet with spicy, so dishes familiar to Russians can have a completely different taste. Using the advice of tourists, choose for yourself those dishes that you will like.

• Soups. They are cooked with seafood, mushrooms, onions, garlic, etc. It is best to order soup in a cafe, as the portions are very large and the prices are low.
• Fish and meat balls. As a rule, they are strung on small sticks in several pieces. Served with spicy sauce.
• Calamari with garlic. For lovers of spicy and seafood.
• Thai pancakes with various fillings. Tasty and inexpensive.
• Fried crickets, grasshoppers, grubs. Here everyone decides for himself whether it is worth trying such an unusual delicacy.
• Snake dishes. Soup, vegetable stew and more.
• Crocodile meat. Reminiscent of chicken meat or fish, it all depends on the preparation.
• Fruits and dishes from them.

Thailand. Hotels in Koh Samui

There are a huge number of them here. Focusing on the reviews of tourists, we offer you several options with an impeccable level of service and reasonable prices.

• Chaweng Garden Beach Resort. This hotel is located on the coast, in the middle of the beach. It has everything you need for a great holiday. Several accommodation options for tourists, including: standard rooms, villas, bungalows.
• "Ark Bar Beach Resort". The hotel is located near the airport. Also around is a large number of shops, restaurants and nightclubs. All rooms with air conditioning, satellite TV, bathrooms, minibars.
• "Escape Beach Resort". One of the most inexpensive hotels with a high level of service. Located next to the beach.
• Chaweng Noi Pool. A huge swimming pool, tropical greenery, a balcony in every room are the distinguishing features of this hotel.
• Chaweng Cove Beach Resort. The hotel is located next to tropical plants. If you come here big company, then you will be offered a villa with a pool or a beach bungalow.

Attractions of the island

Koh Samui is not only the sea and beaches. The island has a huge number of attractions: temples, parks, waterfalls, shops, restaurants and much more, noteworthy. Focusing on the reviews of tourists, we highlight several places that you should definitely take the time to get to know:

Angthong Marine Park. The tour lasts for eight hours, includes a tour of about forty islands. Here you can swim under water in a mask, take pictures, take a boat trip along the rocks.

"Paradise Park". In this place you can see a large number of exotic birds and animals. A distinctive feature of the park is that you can get very close to the animals and take pictures with them.

Magic garden. There are many fairy tales and legends about this place. According to one of them, the garden was created by a man whose name was Nim. Here he grew durians (this is one of the most popular Thai fruits). There are many beautiful sculptures in the garden.

Big Buddha Temple. Here is a sculpture, the height of which is about 12 meters. To get to it, you need to overcome 60 steps. At the bottom of the stairs, you need to take off your shoes. Near the temple there are shops with souvenirs.

• Play Laem. One of the most famous temples of Koh Samui (Thailand). The sights of the island are worth spending both time and money. But since Plai Layem is located next to the Buddha temple, it is best to combine their inspection. It is amazing beautiful place, on the territory of which there is a small pond.

• Snake farm. There are more than a hundred species of snakes on the island, most of which are poisonous. You can meet them at one of the most extreme farms in the world.

• Zoo. Despite the fact that it occupies a small area, here you can see tigers, leopards, monkeys.

The most beautiful waterfalls of Koh Samui

There are eleven on the island. This is one of the reasons why you should definitely come here. The best time to admire the waterfalls is from May to December. The most famous include:

• Royal, or Purple. It is quite small, about 20 meters. The water falls into a round rocky depression in which you can swim. The spectacle is simply mesmerizing. Even members of the royal family come here. But unfortunately, during the dry season, the waterfall dries up and you can’t see it.
• Hin Lad. To get to this waterfall, you need to walk about two kilometers through the real jungle. On the way, you can go to the temple and make a wish. In the jungle you can see a large number of fruit trees. Many tourists do not even realize that the waterfall has three tiers, rare people climb to its very top. Here you can take pictures and swim all alone.
• A waterfall, next to which is a statue of a girl. It has several cascades. On the way to the top there viewing platforms and places for recreation.
• Namuang waterfall. Its height reaches eighty meters. To get to it, you can make a trip through the jungle on elephants.

Souvenirs and gifts

When we go somewhere to rest, we try to buy something that reminds us of our vacation. Especially if we are going to a country like Thailand. Koh Samui offers a wide range of unusual souvenirs and gifts for family and friends. Here are just a few options:

• Unusual orchid tea.
• Local spirits in which you can see a snake or scorpion in alcohol.
• Coconut oil.
• Whitening cosmetics.
• Crocodile leather belt.
• Soap in the form of flowers and fruits.
• Various body scrubs.

7 most popular vacation activities

Useful information

So that no troubles and inconveniences overshadow your vacation, take into account the following information:

1. Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent with you.
2. The national currency of Thailand is the baht. For comparison: one US dollar is equal to 30 baht. It is better to take cash on a trip in small denominations, here they don’t really like to give change.
3. If you are going to visit local temples, then you should pay special attention to your clothes. Women must wear a long skirt or dress, as long as the arms and legs are covered.
4. In no case do not drink tap water, so as not to be subsequently treated for gastrointestinal infections.
5. It is customary to enter many places on the island after leaving your shoes at the entrance to the building. These include: pharmacies, hospitals, temples and some shops.
6. Thais are very kind to their king, so there should be no dissatisfied statements about this.
7. Never pat children on the head or shake hands in greeting.
8. Photography is prohibited in the temples. Posing near various Buddhist sculptures is neat. It is advisable not to touch them with your hands. By respecting a foreign culture and country, you will avoid a huge number of problems and enjoy your vacation with pleasure.

Koh Samui Thailand.

It is the third largest island in Thailand. It is located 40 kilometers from the provincial capital of Surat Thani (700 kilometers from Bangkok), in the eastern part of Southern Thailand. Square Koh Samui islands in Thailand is 228.7 km². The diameter of the island is just over 20 km - it can be driven around by car in an hour.

Twenty years ago, when the first western tourists discovered Thailand, Koh Samui, he was a virgin corner tropical nature and was a real paradise for hippies wandering the world. Today, Koh Samui is visited by more than a million foreign tourists a year.

Koh Samui Thailand, attractions

Affordable accommodation, great beach holidays and rich nightlife make Koh Samui one of the most popular resorts Thailand.

mountainous center Koh Samui covered with lush tropical jungle. Here it is highest point Islands - Khao Pom Peak. Major settlements and tourist attractions Koh Samui islands in Thailand located along the coastline.
Along the main beaches of Koh Samui runs the main highway of the resort - the ring road, 50 km long.

The main reason why tourists from all over the world return to this resort in Thailand year after year are white sandy beaches. Even taking into account the fact that the best beaches of Koh Samui - Chaweng and Lamai for last years have become very lively, they still continue to impress with their natural splendor.

Sunbathing on white sand and swimming in azure sea ​​waves- far from the only entertainment that a holiday on Koh Samui can offer. Lovers of aesthetic spectacles should definitely visit attractions such as the natural sculptural group "Grandma and Grandpa" on Lamai Beach, the Magic Buddha Garden, located high in the mountains, or the Prai Yai Temple with a Big Buddha statue in the north of the island.

Among the natural attractions of Koh Samui, local waterfalls are very popular, the largest of which are Na Muang waterfalls in the south of the island. A chain of more than 40 jungle-covered islands stretches off the coast, which are part of the Ang Thong National Park, which is an ideal place for lovers of a "wild" holiday as far from civilization as possible.

Koh Samui in Thailand, Entertainment

The island's beaches are a real paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Snorkeling, fishing, diving, various types of surfing - active entertainment on Koh Samui can please the tastes of even the most demanding tourists.

Holidays on Koh Samui are not limited to beaches. For those wishing to go out, there is a whole range of entertainment, among which the most popular are the Moulin Rouge cabaret show, buffalo fights and visiting Thai boxers at Chaweng Stadium.

Tourists who come to rest on Koh Samui with children will be interested in watching the performance of the Monkey Theater, visiting the Snake and Crocodile Farm or visiting the local Butterfly Garden.

Cities of Koh Samui

Koh Samui, together with the adjacent Ang Thong archipelago, is a self-governing municipal region within the province of Surat Thani, and is divided into 7 sub-districts.

The main settlements are located around the largest beaches, which have the official status of cities. The list of cities is headed by the old capital of Koh Samui, Nathon.

Nathon still retains its leading role as the largest port of Koh Samui and the administrative center of the district of the same name (which also includes several adjacent islands). Here are the main government offices and banks of Koh Samui.
The city of Nathon is not such a popular tourist center as Chaweng or Lamai, so the prices here are somewhat lower.

Chaweng is the largest beach and the city of Koh Samui, located in the northeast of the island. It is located in close proximity to the airport, has the most developed infrastructure and is the central resort of Koh Samui. The most expensive hotels, the best restaurants, shops and entertainment venues of the island are located here.

Lamai is the second largest and most popular beach on Koh Samui, located south of Chaweng. This resort is distinguished by an abundance of bars, restaurants and cafes. Lamai is ideal for those who want the most comfortable stay, away from large concentrations of tourists and the noise of entertainment facilities working at night.

Bophut village is a small fishing village in the northern part of the Thai island of Koh Samui, the only major street of which is lined with colorful Chinese shops and cozy cafes. Bophut is a short drive from Koh Samui International Airport.

Today, more and more people are choosing island nations as their vacation destination. One of the most popular travel destinations is Thailand, Koh Samui. This island belongs to the second most popular place, after Phuket. Despite the tourist boom that hit the state in recent years, nature here has been preserved almost in its original form.

Features of Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the third largest among all the islands of Thailand and the largest in the Champon archipelago, which includes more than 80 islands, mostly uninhabited.

The main feature of the island is that it offers for the most part a relaxing beach holiday. Nightclubs, of course, work, but the parties that take place there cannot be classified as too noisy. Due to the size of the island and the presence of a large number of beautiful beaches, you can find a calm, deserted place by the ocean even in the peak of the season. In addition, the weather on Koh Samui is not subject to strong drops, and due to the fact that the island is located in the bay, even tsunamis are not afraid of it.

It is noteworthy that until the 20th century, Koh Samui had practically no connections with the mainland, and there were not even roads there until the 70s, when the first tourists landed on it. Until now, the island is not allowed to build hotels higher than palm trees, so vacationers are mainly offered bungalows.

Koh Samui Airport

Of course, the fastest and easiest way to get to the island is by air. At the same time, Koh Samui has its own airport, which can be safely attributed to the sights of the island. This beautiful airport is privately owned by Bangkok Airlines. She carries out most of the flights, although since 2008 a company has started working there.

Koh Samui Airport makes a lasting impression on tourists. Immediately after the descent from the atmosphere of relaxation and celebration is felt.

Passengers are met by a road train with open wagons, which delivers them to the arrivals hall. Although this place can be called a hall very conditionally, given that the buildings at Samui Airport are practically without walls. Having received your luggage, visa and passport stamp, you need to exchange money and choose a way to get to the hotel. Directly at the airport they offer a transfer to hotels, individual or group. You can use taxi services, however, if this is your first visit to the island, it will be quite difficult to understand the road maps. And by choosing a group transfer, you can decently save on a trip to the hotel. Due to the absence of walls, Koh Samui airport allows you to admire the tropical beauty of the island during your stay in it.

Others on the island

Of course, the plane is the only transport by which you can get from Russia to Thailand. Koh Samui offers another mode of transport, with which you can get to it after arriving in the country. This is a ferry service, which is quite well developed on the island. Communication with the mainland is carried out using the ferries of the three main companies of Koh Samui and high-speed catamarans. The first get to the island in an average of 1.5 hours, and catamarans - in 40 minutes. There are also regular boats that go to different islands of the archipelago. In this way, transport connection between the islands and the mainland is established quite well.

On Koh Samui there is public transport - songthaew. This is a pickup truck, in which the awning covers the back, and under it there are benches for seats. There are also benches without seats, in this case the passenger is offered a handle to hold on to during the trip. Taximeters and motorcycle taxis still operate on the island.

The beaches of Koh Samui

Each beach on this amazing island is unique in its own way. In total, it has 34 tourist beaches, among which there are closed, open and beaches where it is comfortable to relax with children.

The most popular of them is Chaweng, where tourists often go. The fact that it is located very close to the airport also contributes to the fact that it is most often chosen for recreation. Chaweng has a large number of hotels, beach bars, and is actively traded. Due to its popularity, this is the most crowded beach, therefore, despite the length of 6 km, it is not possible to find a secluded place.

The second most popular beach is Lamai. It is not as crowded as in Chaweng, but nevertheless the infrastructure is well developed.

The rest of the beaches are not as popular, and therefore offer more privacy. In general, the quantity and quality of beaches is one of the advantages of the state of Thailand. Koh Samui from its wide variety allows you to choose the one that is most suitable for every tourist.

Koh Samui Cuisine

The island has a huge variety of places where they offer delicious food. It can be inexpensive cafes with real Thai cuisine, and gourmet restaurants with dishes from various countries. At the same time, given the popularity of the resort among Russian tourists, Russian cuisine is also represented here.

Island cuisine is a real paradise for gourmets.

Exotic lovers can try the most unusual options, while traditional food lovers can treat themselves to their favorite dishes. At the same time, prices on Koh Samui are quite democratic and allow everyone, without exception, to enjoy exactly what they want. While relaxing in this exotic country, you can try a great variety of different dishes from chicken, rice, noodles and pork. Each of them are offered sauces of varying degrees of spiciness, which give a special piquancy to food.

Many, having tried Thai cuisine once, become its loyal fans. Often tourists bring home all sorts of spices and pastas to enjoy their favorite dishes at home.

Entertainment on the island

Koh Samui, in addition to swimming in the ocean, offers other entertainment. All of them are mainly related to movement. These are banana rides, parasailing, water skiing, flyboarding, and speed boating. Tourists are also offered a four-hour fishing trip on the high seas. Of course, on Koh Samui you can not do without immersion in crystal clear water. There are diving schools on the island that help beginners enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. Fans of extreme recreation can also make a rope descent, which has 7 levels of difficulty.

In addition, Koh Samui has golf courses, karting tracks, shooting ranges and state-of-the-art cinemas. You can also go to natural Park or a butterfly garden. It is noteworthy that to visit these places it is not necessary to pay for an excursion, you can independently get to the place of interest and admire the amazing beauty of nature.

Most of the island's entertainment places are described in detail on maps and in booklets, which can also be found in Russian.

There is also a safari park, an aquarium and a tiger zoo, which are open to everyone every day.

In addition, most vacationers do not miss the opportunity to try the world-famous Thai massage and spa treatments, which are presented here in large quantities.

Thus, on Koh Samui you can find entertainment suitable for any age and physical activity.

Children's holidays on Koh Samui

Many parents are faced with the problem of choosing a vacation spot with children, because not all resorts take into account the specifics of age. From this point of view, Koh Samui is an ideal choice. Beautiful beaches with soft sand, dazzling sun, sea of ​​​​fruits and friendly Thais - all this will only please the child. At the same time, the level of tourism allows you to minimize all the inconveniences that may be during the holidays. In addition, a safari park, a zoo and animal shows will impress any child.

If we are talking about a few months of rest, then there are several international schools on the island that will allow the child to keep up with the school curriculum. Among other things, this is a great way to improve your English.

on Koh Samui

For loving young people who have just tied the knot, Koh Samui will be the best place for honeymoon. The silence and tranquility of this paradise will not interfere with the newlyweds to enjoy each other's company, and hotels offer special rooms for newlyweds. White sand beaches, untouched beauty nature and the measured sound of the waves - all this will give young people the opportunity to feel the depth of their feelings. And the photos taken on this most beautiful island will keep the memory of the most wonderful days of the beginning of family life.

Sights of Koh Samui

The main attraction of the island is the beautiful beaches, which are its main attraction. However, not everyone wants to just lie on the beach for the whole vacation. And for those who want to diversify their vacation and get fresh impressions, all conditions are created here.

The island's most famous attraction is the Angthong Marine Park, which consists of 42 uninhabited islands. This is a great place to go diving, snorkeling or just enjoy the beauty of wildlife in its original form.

Like the rest of Thailand, Koh Samui is rich in all kinds of temples. Some of them are known only to local residents and are not visited by tourists, while others are included in various excursion programs. Most of them are Buddhist temples, however, there are several mosques and one Orthodox church on the island.

The next attraction of the island, interesting for tourists, is its beautiful waterfalls. The most famous of these is Na Mueang1, which is also known as the Purple Falls. You can drive up to it by transport almost close, which is very convenient, given the presence of a small pool in which you can swim. This waterfall has a special meaning for local residents, as members of the royal family have repeatedly come to bathe there.

Also, the sights of Koh Samui, which are known far beyond the island, are two rocks called Grandmother and Grandfather. They are famous all over the world and annually attract many tourists to the island.

The cultural center of Koh Samui, which is located far from the main tourist places, is rarely visited by guests of the island. Therefore, deciding to go there, one can hope for a calm and peaceful contemplation of unusual statues and a beautiful stream flowing between them.

Excursions on Koh Samui

Due to the fact that tours to Koh Samui, as a rule, already include excursion program, tourists are waiting for a very rich vacation. Excursions are quite diverse, so everyone can choose a program that is suitable for him personally. During a Thai holiday, you can see the sights of the island, visit national parks, watch various shows with animals, go fishing in the open ocean, or simply enjoy the beauty of the waves by taking a boat trip. Also excursions to Koh Samui include trips to the neighboring island of Koh Tao, which is also called the turtle island. This is a very popular diving spot, which is an independent resort.

Also popular is the Angthong Marine Park, which covers 250 square kilometers.

All these sights can be seen on your own, but it is both more difficult and more expensive. Therefore, when choosing an excursion program, you should pay attention to the list of places to visit and choose the most interesting one for yourself.

Island weather

There are only two seasons on Koh Samui - dry season from January to April and rainy season from May to December. However, unlike the rest of the islands of Thailand, here the rains are very short, and due to the location in the bay, tsunamis are not terrible, which are dangerous for the rest of the state. In addition, only two months the amount of precipitation is much more than the norm - these are May and June. Therefore, the weather on Koh Samui is relatively mild and not subject to large drops. All this contributes to the fact that the flow of tourists on the island does not stop all year round.

Best time to go to Koh Samui

To date, tours on Koh Samui are among the most popular. Thanks to its weather conditions, the island offers excellent holidays all year round. Therefore, no matter what month the vacation fell on, you can safely go there. However, if there is a choice, then, of course, it is better to choose the dry season, which starts in January and lasts until the end of April. At this time, the amount of precipitation is minimal, which, of course, is better for a full-fledged beach holiday.

So Koh Samui in January - the perfect place to relax.