FAQ Holidays on Samui on your own - prices and beaches. Where is Koh Samui Prices for renting a house on Koh Samui
Koh Samui - an island owned by the state of Thailand. If you look at the map of Thailand, the island of Koh Samui is located on the right hand of the Thai mainland in the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea (in English the gulf is called the Thai Gulf of Thailand), while popular island Phuket is located on the left hand (west) and is located in the Andaman Sea. The difference in the location of these islands makes Koh Samui safer than Phuket in the event of a tsunami. Since Samui is located in an enclosed sea, where the possibility of a large wave is extremely small.
History of Koh Samui
For a long time, Koh Samui was an unremarkable island. Koh Samui lies far from the main straits, for which historical battles have always been fought, so history of Samui- this is a smooth transition from the island of fishermen to a very popular resort. It is believed that people from the Malay Peninsula settled it one and a half thousand years ago; it is obvious that the island of Koh Samui was also inhabited by people from China. The island is marked on Chinese map 17th century under another name Pulo Cornam. The island lived a life of its own and was very loosely connected to the Thai mainland. It was only in the mid-19th century that a permanent ferry service was established with the mainland. At that time, the 35 km separating Samui from Surat THani on the mainland took a whole day to cover. Now you can fly from Bangkok to Samui in an hour.
During World War II the island was occupied by Japan
The island's ring road was built in 1973; before that, residents traveled on foot or by boat. The tourist history of the island began in the 70s of the last century. As elsewhere in Thailand, the main shooters were hippies, who formed entire communes on the island.
The Thai government then realized that the island had serious potential for tourism development and began investing, and an airport was built in the late 1980s. Now Samui is the third most popular resort in Thailand after Pattaya and Phuket.
Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, located 644 km south of Bangkok and 84 km from east coast Southern Thailand.
Short description
Koh Samui has about 40,000 inhabitants, 90% of whom are Buddhist. With an area of 247 km², it is the third largest island in Thailand (after Phuket and Koh Chang) and the most large island a local archipelago of over 80 (mostly uninhabited) islets, half of which are included in Ang Thong National Marine Park. Despite its size (25 km long and 21 km wide), you can get around it in just a couple of hours by car.
The island was settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and southern regions of China in the 15th century. 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, there is a large diaspora of English, French, Germans, Scandinavians and Russians living here. On the island there is 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 mainland Thailand. Until the early 1970s, there weren't even roads here; traveling from one part to the other required a day's trek through mountain-covered jungle. In the early 1970s, the first tourists discovered the island, but for many years after that it continued to receive a minimal number of holidaymakers. 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 collection of coconuts and Hevea brasiliensis milk for the production of natural rubber still takes place in the mountainous areas of the island, but, alas, many plantations have succumbed to large-scale tourism development, which is now the main source of income for the island's local population.
Koh Samui currently receives over a million visitors a year. Thatched 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 a larger map
Orientation
| Samui Map |
Although Koh Samui is the country's third largest island, the entire coastline can be driven around by car or motorcycle within 2.5 hours. The island's main road (Hwy. 4169, also called the "Ring Road") passes through hilly, forested terrain. The island's airport is on the northeastern edge near Bophut. Ferries and speedboats connect to the west coast and Nathon. Nathon is the most big 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), where 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
Main beaches of Koh Samui:
On a ferryboat
A cheaper but less convenient option is to fly to Surat Thani on Thai Airways and other low-cost airlines Air Asia and Nok Air (departure from Don Muang Airport), then go to the pier and take the ferry. Or by train/bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani.
From railway station and Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui, a combined service (bus/ferry) is available. It includes a bus ride to Donsak pier and a subsequent ferry ride. Tickets are sold by numerous agents who meet each train at the station and the arrival of an airplane flight at the airport. The cost of the trip should cost around 300 baht.
Use the services of the Seatran Ferry company. See the company's ferry schedule at this link (the first list is departure from the Donsak pier towards Samui, the second is the return.
Alternatively, take the Raja Ferry Port (www.rajaferryport.com). It operates from Donsak Pier to Lipa Noi Pier on the west side of Koh Samui (a few kilometers south of Nathon). This ferry carries cars, you can use it if you decide to travel with 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 starting bid prices up to 1,000 baht.
How to travel around the island
Automobile. A popular way to travel around Koh Samui is by rented car. Local branches of international companies, in particular Budget Car Rental, Avis and Hertz have their offices at the airport and popular tourist places ah islands. They all offer a wide range of vehicles, prices start from 1200-1500 baht. Local car rental companies offer cheaper options, but without insurance. Read the contract carefully, in particular the section on the case of a traffic accident. The island's mountain roads have many bends and steep climbs, so traveling with a rented car is much safer than traveling with a scooter. A car makes it possible to visit almost all the interesting places on the island.
Taxi. Samui taxi drivers are very reluctant to use their meters (unlike their counterparts in the capital Bangkok) and tend to charge foreigners much more than the standard fare. This is especially true for popular beaches and piers 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. These prices are not at all true, and as soon as the drivers find out that you know the real prices, they begin to bargain and significantly reduce the cost of the trip.
Songthaew(songtaew). These pickups are the easiest and most economical way to get around the island. They follow Highway 4169 (Loop Road) around the island. You can stop anywhere along the road. Daytime rates are fixed at 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 on Samui for approximately 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).
There is no need to chase the cheap price and it is advisable to use the services of reputable companies so as not to fall for the bait of scammers. The scam consists of attributing old scratches and dents to you and charging you 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 common practice in Thailand, but leaving your passport as collateral is not advisable. Your passport may be kept as “collateral” until you pay for the “damage caused.” For this reason, avoid using your scooter rental on your last day of departure to allow time to resolve any issues that may arise. If the claims are clearly illegal and the price asked for the damage is unreasonable or it occurred before you rented the vehicle, call the tourist police.
Please note that motorcycles and scooters are the most dangerous types of transport. Tourists are killed and injured in road accidents every year. However, they are the most popular means of transport for trips around the island. Remember that the fine for driving without a helmet is 500 baht.
Bicycles. Bicycles for rent are very cheap, the price should not exceed more than 200 baht per day.
What to see
Besides lying on the beach with a cold beer in hand, take the opportunity to see the following interesting places.
Waterfalls. Koh Samui has quite a few waterfalls, but only two of them are easily accessible. These are Hin Lad and Na Muang. The best time to visit any waterfall is during or just after the monsoon 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's easy to navigate using 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 located right next to the road (the main ring road of the island), not far from the Wat Khunaram temple. The waterfall itself is small (height 18 m), but looks good in the photographs. To enter the water and swim in its reservoir, you need to climb over slippery huge stones. Then the trail stretches to the second waterfall (Na Muang 2), you will have to walk for about 30 minutes. The water flow of the second waterfall flows in several cascades from a height of about 79 m.
Many tour operators on the island offer excursions to the Na Muang waterfalls. You can take advantage of the company's tour Ung Safari. In addition to visiting both waterfalls, get the opportunity to go down the jungle water slides (two slides 20m and 70m long), then zip lines through the jungle (4 zip lines), and before returning, taste Thai food and fruits at Samui's largest fruit market. Details of the tour follow this link. There is also the option of visiting the waterfalls on horseback on elephants; any travel agency in the city can help organize them.
Old House. This Chinese-style house, dating back almost 200 years, represents the cultural identity of Samui. The current owner has opened the house to visitors to the island.
Wat Khunaram. Here lies the body of monk Loung Pordaeng, mummified in 1983. Believers lay flowers and incense at the glass sarcophagus. Wat Khunaram is located on Highway 4169 (Ring Road) approximately six kilometers west of Lamai Beach.
Hin Ta(Hin Ta) and Hin Yai (Hin Yai). The names translate as grandfather and grandmother. This is the most popular attraction on Koh Samui. The strange-looking rocks bear a striking resemblance to male and female genital organs. Located approximately two kilometers south of Lamai Beach.
Aquarium and Tiger Zoo(Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo) The zoo is represented by Bengal tigers, leopards and lions, the aquarium has sharks, turtles, and tropical fish of the Gulf of Thailand. Judging by the reviews of visitors, the Aquarium and Tiger Zoo did not impress many. Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, located on Ban Harn beach in the south of the island, website www.samuiaquariumandtigerzoo.com
Wat Phra Yai Temple(Wat Phra Yai, sometimes called Big Buddha Temple) is the location of Koh Samui's most important religious shrine - the Big Buddha statue. The statue and temple are located in Bang Rak.
Laem Sor Pagoda. This pagoda is another important shrine of the island. Located in the very south of the island, off 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 beehives. There is an observation deck nearby. Located in Taling Ngam.
Monkey Theater(Samui Monkey Theatre). This is some kind of menagerie under open air on the main road near Bophut beach. You can see an impressive demonstration of monkeys collecting 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 birds and animals, learn about local flora and fauna, dine at the restaurant, relax in the pool overlooking the valley, relax in the spa, and climb to the observation deck overlooking the islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park. Located near Taling Ngam beach, park website http://paradiseparkfarm.net
Snake farm(Snake Farm). Most of Thailand's tourist spots feature 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 an exhibition cockfight, followed by a scorpion show. Here you can also watch crocodiles, lizards, monitor lizards, and pythons. Website 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 it all on a recorded video. So you won’t actually see the enterprise itself, but you can try the types of rum produced here. Once you've tried it, naturally you'll want to buy it. The factory is located on the southern coast of the island, address: 44/5 Moo 3 T. Namuang, Koh Samui, website 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. The animals butt each other with their horns, and the loser simply runs away to compete another day. Usually two fights, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
There are several stadiums on Koh Samui, particularly in Ban Makham, Ban Saket and Nathon. It's not always possible to predict when a bullfight will take place, but as a rule, advertisements appear around the main ring road islands before the start of each competition (or check with your hotel receptionist). Bullfights are a colorful and spectacular event, with rituals and prayers, the animals are decorated with ribbons and their horns are decorated with patterns. The cost for men is around 100 baht, women attend for free. The men accompany the spectacle with a fair amount of alcohol and bets on the winner.
Things to do
The most interesting Samui places can be seen on 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). It includes, in particular:
Visit to Hin Ta and Hin Yai;
watching monkeys collect coconuts;
elephant ride;
swimming in a waterfall;
descent in the jungle on 2 water slides, length 20 m. and 70 m.;
off-road trip to the mountains;
visiting observation platforms in the mountains;
visit to the Buddha Garden;
visiting the Wat Khunaram temple, which houses a mummified monk;
traditional Thai lunch;
visiting the Buddha statue in Bang Rak.
Diving. The best time of year for diving in the Koh Samui area is from June to August, but scuba diving is practically practiced here all year round(unfavorable period – October and November). Most diving tours take place in the nearby Ang Thong and Koh Tao National Marine Park as visibility around Koh Samui's sandy beaches is, with few exceptions, poor. Divers are attracted by huge underwater boulders, coral gardens, the opportunity to see whale sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, schools 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 at 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 become popular, lessons and equipment rentals are available in Chaweng Ang Thong National Marine Park
Lamai Beach has several clubs, but they are all aimed at lower income visitors compared to Chaweng. Bophut has a small strip of restaurants and bars. After Bophut, nightlife options are significantly reduced and revolve around individual resorts and bungalows.
Climate and best time visits
Samui's weather is different from the rest of Thailand. In April-September, which is the rainy season for most of the country, the island is still quite dry, but from October to December the island receives a lot of rainfall, while other parts of the country are already experiencing dry weather. October, November and the first half of December are the wettest months. The driest season is from January to March.
Peak tourist season from mid-December to mid-January. The best weather occurs from January to April, after which it becomes very hot, with only the occasional tropical storm providing short-term relief. During this period, the cost of a holiday can be 50% of the price during the influx of tourists. July and August usually see a short-term increase in the number of holidaymakers, but during these months there is often rainfall in the western part of the island. a large number of precipitation.
Denis
Koh Samui is the most picturesque resort in Thailand!
Koh Samui Island in Thailand in popularity confidently competes with. There's so much here picturesque nature, impenetrable jungle, snow-white beaches, smiling Thais, that once you get here, you don’t want to go back at all. And for party lovers, a grand party is held every month on a nearby island, where you can have a blast until the morning so that you won’t have the strength to walk to the hotel.
The waters around Samui are not only rich in life, but also very transparent - depending on the time of year and the set (dive location), the visibility distance reaches twenty or even thirty meters. Therefore, diving in Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Nang Yuan is one of the most developed...
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If you come to relax on Koh Samui, then an excursion to the islands of Koh Tao and Nang Yuan will definitely be included in the program of your stay there. And this is not surprising, because they are one of the most picturesque pieces of land in the middle of the water. All over the world you will find...
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Koh Samui is an island located in the Chumphon Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 700 km south of Bangkok and 80 km east coastline Southern Thailand.
This is the second most popular place to visit in Thailand and amazes tourists with its amazing natural beauty and diversity. Home to nearly 40,000 full-time residents, 90% of whom are Buddhist.
The territory is surrounded by palm trees, coconuts and fruits are grown on the coastline and in the coastal lowlands, and the slopes of the central granite massif are covered with virgin tropical forest. The length of the island is 25 km and the width is 21 km.
Samui is big enough for adventure, even though you can drive around it by motorcycle or car in a couple of hours.
Short video about Samui
How to get there
Planning a trip to Koh Samui? Do you want to know the most convenient way to get to this city? Then the list of options below is for you!
By plane
Koh Samui Airport (USM) - 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 flights to/from Bangkok and by Thai standards expensive tickets with pre-booking 3,000-4,500 baht one way, while without pre-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 - it becomes much more comfortable to wait for boarding.
In addition to Bangkok Airways, Koh Samui is served by two flights daily from Bangkok with Thai Airways, Berjaya Air and Firefly from Subang airport (a small airport 30 minutes from the city center (Kuala Lumpur) and International airport 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 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 into the taxi because many drivers refuse to use the meter.
If you're visiting as a couple or family, you'll probably be accosted by some young women holding signs from some of the high-end hotels. They'll ask you where you're staying and upon answering, they'll offer you a free taxi ride if you promise to attend their hotel's presentation during your stay. Avoid such offers.
Alternative airports
Other airports that fly into Koh Samui are Surat Thani Airport and Chumphon Airport from the mainland with a good ferry 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 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 (departing from Don Muang Airport, then by road to the coast and by ferry to your destination.
Flights to Nakhon Si Thammarat are carried out by Air Asia and Nok Air, then by bus and catamaran.
By ship
From Chumphon via Ko Tao, Ko Phangan
Lomprayah offers a shared bus/high speed catamaran service from Bang Kong to Koh Samui, which takes 11 hours (5.5 by ship) and costs around 1,250 baht (1,000 baht in reverse side). The bus stops at Hua Hin and then Chumphon, where passengers transfer to a ship that calls at Ko Nang Yuan, Koh 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.
This trip to Koh Samui will take longer, but is a good way to see the countryside and islands. The bus option is a 50-minute flight from Bangkok to Chumphon Airport via Nok Air and transfers to high-speed ferries stopping at Koh Tao along the way.
High-speed catamarans "Lomprayah" are a good and fast option to get to Samui from Koh Tao or Koh Phangan, as well as in a good way arrive to these islands from Bangkok. There are also regular speedboats from other operators.
By ferry
From Surat Thani
Railroad station and Surat Thani Airport (URT) include mixed bus/ferry services to Samui for 200-300 baht. Some involve a 60-minute bus ride to Donsak pier, followed by a 90-minute ferry ride. Others involve a 30-minute bus ride, but the ferry takes longer. Tickets are sold by numerous agents who can be found in every train and airport. It costs less than 300 baht.
At Donsak Pier you can choose from one of the listed ferry companies "Songserm", "Travel" And "Seatran"(departures every 30-60 minutes), which ends at Nathon Pier. If you book your trip through a travel agency, you are traveling on a small, two-deck ferry that is often crowded, so always arrive early as all the seats on the lower deck may be full.
An air-conditioned upper deck costs more. If you don't feel like paying extra, you might end up next to a pile of backpacks in 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's better to bring snacks with you so as not to overpay. The passengers on the Songserm ferry are mostly foreigners.
The Seatran ferry is much larger and has multiple decks (most are free to enter, including air-conditioned areas), fills up slower due to its size, and has numerous TVs (with Thai channels). There is a large cafeteria (with much friendlier prices, such as 20 baht for the same instant noodles). Passengers are mainly Thais and tourists.
Raja Ferry Port operates services between Donsak Pier and Lipa Noi Pier on the west side of Koh Samui (a few kilometers south of Nathon). The ferry includes a free air-conditioned deck and comfortable seating. The ferry also transports car. You can use it if you decide to come by your own transport. Transfer from Songthaew pier to Koh Samui or Lamai will cost 100 baht per person. A taxi will cost more, about 1000 baht.
There are numerous ferry services from Surat Thani, including fast boats (3 departures daily, duration 3 hours and cost 150 baht) and slow night boats (lasting 6-7 hours). The number of the operator "Songserm Travel" is +66 25 29 654 in Bangkok to clarify the schedule, which changes depending on the season.
Clue:
Koh Samui - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow − 4
Kazan − 4
Samara − 3
Ekaterinburg − 2
Novosibirsk 0
Vladivostok 3
When is the season? When is the best time to go
Samui's weather is slightly different from other parts of Thailand. From April to September, when most of the country is in the rainy season, Koh Samui remains fairly dry, but from October to December it is quite damp. From Koh Samui, the dry season lasts from January to March. You can find your way around prices for tours to Koh Samui from Russia.
Samui in summer
The summer months on the island cannot boast of impeccable weather. The air temperature is quite democratic, but the humidity increases sharply, resulting in terrible stuffiness. Added to this is the approaching rainy season; in the evening and at night, vacationers may be upset by passing downpours, although not very long (no more than an hour). With sunrise, the soil quickly dries out, and the sun does not spare vacationers. The sea is quite calm, the only drawback may be the daytime low tides. On some beaches, it is especially noticeable how the water moves several meters away from the shore, and for some, such a picture may seem frightening.
Samui in autumn
The beginning of autumn can easily please tourists who come to Samui. When to go if not in summer? - the sun warms well, there is no wind, and the sea is quite calm. Almost the whole of September can be spent at beaches of Samui and enjoy the beautiful weather, although this month is considered the end beach season. Starting in October, the island is gradually enveloped by a cyclone of rain and gusty winds. The temperature drops monthly by about 1-2 degrees, and on average is 27 degrees in air and 26 degrees in water. Exhausting rains, which last about 5 hours a day, and intense gusty winds make it impossible to enjoy the island as beach resort. The water is warm, but in view weather conditions, very cloudy. Some autumn days, threaten a month's worth of precipitation. Cloudy weather prevails. Autumn is perfect for excursion tours. Due to the absence of a significant flow of tourists in the fall, 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 Ko Samui is no exception. The variety of colors that the rich flora of the island can demonstrate attracts a new flow of tourists here. In April, the scorching sun heats the air up to 35 degrees, often the thermometer exceeds this mark, but even this cannot stop exotic lovers.
The sea is still calm, its temperature reaches 29 degrees, and only occasionally vacationers can frolic in small waves. With the end of spring, the weather begins to decline. The rainy season is soon approaching, so the air at the end of April may seem stuffy.
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Samui in winter
Winter is considered the peak tourist recreation on Koh Samui. In winter, the weather is very stable and the same “ the Velvet season" It is still recommended to fly to the island in the second ten days of December, since the beginning of this month may be cloudy and rainy, it is almost impossible to predict this. Such weather vagaries can occur due to the change and development of the season. Otherwise, the winter months delight holidaymakers bright sun and evening freshness, the sea is clear with rare, small waves - an ideal time to enjoy all the advantages of a seaside resort.
Koh Samui - weather by month
Clue:
Koh Samui - weather by month
Main attractions. What to see
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 Oceanarium features an amazing collection of tropical fish and other marine animals 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 tall. 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 different butterflies, with a wingspan of up to 25 cm. Visitors can also visit the insect museum, where you can see a variety of insects from rare beetles to beehives.
Bophut Elephant Camp
Jeep safari "Funny Day Safari" takes place in the Elephant Park a couple of minutes from fishing village and visit it to enjoy the peaceful nature while sitting on the back of a magnificent mammal, or to watch and feed the cute little elephants. You can also learn how 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 horticulturist in 1976. It is surrounded by green bushes, rocky hills and is decorated with sculptures depicting both sexes in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the most high point on the island, from there you can see stunning views. Organized tours to the garden lasts almost 2 hours. .jpg)
Other attractions of the island:
- Monkey Shows - You can enjoy this show at the open air theater on the main road behind Bophut Beach. The show also includes trained elephants. Catching and training wild animals is ethically questionable.
- Old House - A Chinese-style house almost 200 years old, it represents the cultural heritage of Samui. Grandpa Xi and Grandma Meng Tancharoen open the house to visitors.
- Airport hut. The airport on 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, Samui Airport is one of the five most original airports in the world.
- Coral beds at Laem Set and Thong Takhian;
- Namtok Hin Lat Waterfall - 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 Waterfall 1. The 30-minute walk ends at the more scenic Na Muang Waterfall 2. Crimson cliffs surround a watery stream that falls from an impressive height of approximately 79 meters;
- Snake farm;
- Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks - These strange rocks located on Lamai Beach bear 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 listen to the legend or see the rocks, you only need to ask a local;
- Water Buffalo Fights - The island has a rich tradition of water buffalo fighting arenas. There is no fight schedule, but locals will know the dates and you may see the occasional sign on the road announcing the day of the fight.
Beaches. Which ones are better
The main reason to visit Koh Samui is the beaches, as it is quite big Island with fabulous shores. The most popular and commercialized beaches are Lamai, while the northern beaches of Mae Nam, Bophut, Bang Rak (Big Buddha) and Choeng Mon and their surrounding villages are the most quiet places, and the beaches on the west coast are relatively quiet. Clarification: Due to the murky water, Bophut and Choeng Mon are not very good for swimming. The beaches and Lamai have cleaner sea water.
- Nathon - port and administrative center Samui, which attracts tourists.
- Laem Yai is located on the northwestern edge of the island; secluded beach overlooking the Ang Thong Islands.
- Mae Nam is a quiet and beautiful beach on the northern coast.
- Bophut is known for its tranquil but rapidly growing fishing village.
- Bang Rak is on the northeastern edge, home of the Big Buddha.
- Chongmon - quiet north beach coast.
- Chaweng is the largest and most developed beach with an unusual mixture of luxury hotels and small inns for tourists and active nightlife.
- Lamai is the “second” beach of Samui, south of Chaweng, with a lot of active nightlife and chic resorts and restaurants.
- South coast Samui South Coast - small beaches Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai, Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut.
Chaweng beach
The main beach on Koh Samui, which has developed since the early 1990s. Just 20 years ago the beach was home to a handful of wooden bungalows, but now the area is dotted with hotels, Italian pizzerias, Irish pubs and even go-go bars. Samui's nightlife is becoming legendary, but, unfortunately, does not always attract exemplary tourists. Hippie tourists have lost Chaweng to "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 destination with bars and an exciting nightlife. However, the beach is in better condition than Chaweng and a place to relax is not so easy to find because it is always crowded. 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.
The island of Lamai itself is located in the southeast of Samui, almost 10 kilometers from Chaweng.
BeachMaenam(Mae Nam Beach)
This calm beach, located in the north of the island, suitable for swimming and sunbathing, especially for families with children, due to its shallow waters.
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 many restaurants, shops and bars.
Choengmon Beach
Located in the northeast of Samui just 10 minutes from Chaweng. Unlike the latter, this is the perfect place to relax.
BeachBigBuddha(Big Buddha Beach)
Located in the northeast of Koh Samui, it offers visitors good swimming and beautiful views. The area has developed over the years and now offers many restaurants, shops and bars.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
Wat Khunaram Ko Samui
This temple is the most famous temple because of its mummified monk, which is displayed publicly. The mummy sits upright in a glass coffin and fans offer him flowers and incense. In reality, the mummy is the body of a highly revered former abbot of the temple, 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 fritters.
Samui Pagoda Laem Sor (Laem Sor Pagoda Koh Samui)
This chedi (pagoda) is located at 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 impressive and enchanting sight.
Food. What to try
Samui is famous for its coconuts, which are available everywhere and are quite tasty. The island has a good selection of seafood, although during peak tourist season demand often exceeds local supply. Larger beaches, such as Bophut, have international restaurants with good reputations (often owned by foreign couples living in Thailand).
Southern Thai food is notorious for its spiciness. Most of the cuisine comes from Malay, Indonesian and Indian cuisine. Southern favorites include Indian-style Muslim curry (Massaman), rice noodles in curry fish sauce (Kanom Jin), and chicken biryani. Popular local foods include salted eggs and nephelium.
Double price is unfortunately common: some restaurants have two menus, one for tourists, the other for locals, for whom the price is 1/4 of the price for foreigners. Main courses 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 the prices and menu first so you don't have to argue when the bill arrives.
Beverages
There are countless options for drinking establishments, ranging from pubs for loud tourists and erotic ones to candlelit romantic bars in Bophut. Price - 80 baht for local beer (Singha, Tiger, Chang, Heineken) and up to twice as much for imported beer. The wine is particularly 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 much safer. If you are going to use a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and never drive while intoxicated, as the roads are dangerous and have a lot of potholes.
- After a good time partying in , 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).
- IN Lately A large number of ATVs appeared on the roads. Please take care as ATVs are not registered.
- Also be careful on the beaches at night due to the crimes that often occur 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 thefts from buses. Don't leave things unattended when getting 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 snorkeling.
- Champhun - by high-speed catamaran to the mainland and then to Bangkok via Champhun Airport.
- Koh Phangan is home to the infamous full moon party in Haad Rin and features almost untouched landscapes.
- Ko Tao is one of the most best places for diving training, 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 islands of Similan and Surin.
Extreme Sports
Diving
The south of Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world that are surrounded by crystal clean water and stunning corals. For this reason, the number of divers visiting the island 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. Considered one of the safest places in the world for diving and snorkeling, it is ideal for beginners.
Visibility at sea in some places around Samui is good (distance 10-30 m). One can enjoy magnificent views of seamounts, coral gardens, underwater rock formations, hard and soft coral, whale sharks in season.
- Samran Mountains (Samran Pinnacles). Because the currents in this area are very strong, this site is recommended only for experienced divers. Due to the currents, the place is a haven for large sea creatures that swim by. Near Sail Rock there are three mountains hidden under water.
- Ko Kra & Koh Losin. These two small islands are located in the southeast of Samui, which due to their remoteness are not visited by tourists. Here you can see black-tail sharks, manta rays and snapping turtles, which are difficult to find.
- Koh Tan (also known as Koh Tan, Koh, Koh Taen Kataen, Coral island). This small island located on the southwestern edge of Koh Samui. This is the perfect place for an amazing dive. Local experts tell travelers that this is an ideal place for people who don't want to travel more than two hours to dive.
Koh Tan
Located 15 minutes from Ko Samui, Koh Tan offers travelers 14 sites with rich underwater life, including soft and hard corals. From Thong Krut, tourists can leave for a reasonable price on long-tail boats. If you want to go to Koh Tan, you can book your trip through any good travel agent or search online, or go directly 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 both housing and excellent Thai cuisine. 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 premises serving excellent food.
Accommodation is of a high standard with an asking price of 500 baht, Koh Tan is surrounded by coral and rocky reefs and there are 10 beaches on the island.
Cellular communications, telephones and Internet
There are many internet cafes on Koh Samui. The hourly rate is almost 30 baht.
GSM networks of all major Thai operators cellular communication 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
Koh Samui has a well-equipped Bangkok Hospital. For those who are not seriously ill, there are countless clinics and pharmacies, especially on the beach.,.
Anything to add?