Koh Samui Island

Tropical Island

With a lush mountainous interior leading down to endless swathes of coconut groves, and shore fringed with white sandy beaches and ancient granite boulders, Koh Samui is a beautiful tropical island. The calm, clear waters are always warm and inviting, and the many surrounding islands offer their mysteries to explore. Locals are well aware of the treasure of the island, and environmental protection has always been a priority, most obviously reflected by the banning of towering hotels, which seem to soar up in most holiday destinations. No structure can be above the height of a coconut palm, and on the shoreline, other restrictions apply. Thailand is the only country in the world to be predominantly Buddhist, and the religion is strongly reflected in the culture. The locals are immensely tolerant and welcoming as well as generally being genuinely happy with their lives. The economy on the island is vibrant, with investment and income coming in from the tourist industry, and many families who started out as poor coconut farmers have been elevated to wealthy land owners. Warm smiles and laughter are a part of every day life here, and is immediately contagious. The perception of life on Koh Samui as a utopian ideal is widespread amongst tourists, and justifiably so. Little wonder so many visitors fall in love with the island, return yearly, build their fantasy homes here, or in some cases settle on Koh Samui.

Attractions

Amongst the many attractions to visit on the island are several beautiful waterfalls in the jungle, where you can swim in the refreshing pools, surrounded by lush, shady foliage. Many of the temples, or Wats are worth a visit amongst the most popular being the Big Buddha temple, Wat Phra Yai, where Thailand’s largest seated Buddha figure looms over the island peninsula on the northwest coast of Samui. If your visit coincides with Loy Kratong, the festival of light in November, or Songkran, Thai New Year in April, don't miss the huge celebratory festivals held at the Wat. Natural erosion has created the incredible sculptures of the grandmother and grandfather rocks on the coast south of Lamai, which bear uncanny resemblance to aroused genitalia. High in the mountains you can visit Heaven's garden, where a collection of sculptures has been created around a series of cascading waterfalls. The artist, Nim Thongsuk, created the sculptures, which are based on Buddhist scriptures, between the ages of 77 and 91. Tropical family fun can be found at the monkey theatre, aquarium, butterfly garden, crocodile farm, snake farm, elephant trekking sites, and zoo, where you can pet and bottle-feed the tigers.

Dining and Restaurants

Restaurants around the island offer Thai and International menus, as well as fusion cuisine and other specialties. It is now possible to find Italian, Brazilian, French, Mexican and German food on the island as well as many other tempting international cuisines. Samui is best known for its seafood with freshly caught fish cooked to your taste, huge prawns served with garlic or Barracuda and Tuna steaks in Lemon and Chilli sauce. Look at the following 2 restaurant guides for an extensive selection of the best restaurants on the island: www.samuidiningguide.com & www.kosamui.com/dining

Spas

Massage is an every day part of life in Thailand, and may account in part for the relaxed demeanour of the locals. Numerous massage parlours and beach masseuses offer Thai or oil massages, and there are many luxury spas offering a wide range of treatments around the island.

Shopping

All the holiday essentials are widely available around the island. Chaweng offers the greatest range of boutiques, with everything from clothes, books, souvenirs, and art, to drug stores and opticians. Lamai and Nathon also offer similar arrays of goods, with many bargains to be found. Tesco-Lotus, Big C & Makro superstores stock a huge array of goods in their air-conditioned halls with the added benefit of fixed prices.

Nightlife

Restaurants, bars, and clubs are found all over the island, from the beaches to the hilltops, but the largest and busiest nightclubs are found in Chaweng and Lamai. The most popular spots in Chaweng are Full Circle, The Green Mango, and The Reggae Pub, whereas Lamai’s hotspots are Bauhaus and the newly opened air-conditioned club, Sub. Beach parties are regularly held at Rocky Bay, and the full moon parties at neighbouring Koh Phangan are legendary. Numerous operators run speedboats to the party all night long, from Samui’s northern shores. Cabaret shows, traditional Thai dance performance, Thai boxing, and Karaoke bars are amongst the many other alternatives for after dark entertainment.

Sports

Land based sporting activities are widely catered to on Koh Samui, with the impressive 18 hole championship Santiburi golf course, the Hill Top 18 hole course above Lamai, the Royal Samui Golf and Country Club (RSGCC), the nine hole par 27 course at Bophut Hills as well as a driving range, and several mini-golf courses. Lawn tennis and clay courts are available, together with coaching. There is a motor cross track, with both ATVs and dirt bikes, and a Go-cart circuit. Two bungee jumping centers offer adrenaline charges in Chaweng and Lamai. Samui shooting sport provides an impressive arsenal of weapons to test your marksmanship. Ten-pin bowling can be found in the Tesco Lotus complex in Chaweng. Mountain bikes are widely available for hire, and both horses and elephants provide less strenuous off road transport. Thai boxing can be studied at a training academy, and practiced at the stadium. Pool is probably the most popular sport on the island, with many halls, and tables in most bars.

Water sports

There are numerous operators offering rentals of sea kayaks, windsurfers, and Nacra beach catamarans. Larger yachts available for tours and charter include Kia-Ora, a 52-foot catamaran. Power boats offer diving trips, water skiing, wake boarding, and excursions to surrounding islands. Jet-skis can be hired in Chaweng and Bophut. The clear waters around Samui offer great snorkeling opportunities, and SCUBA diving schools and tours offer dives at all the best sites.

Events

Major annual festivities on Samui include New Year, Chinese New Year in February, Songkran (Thai New Year) in April, Samui Carnival in July, Samui Food Festival in August, and Loy Kratong, (the Thai day of atonement), in November. The Samui Regatta in May is starting to build up a reputation internationally.

Health

Samui has three well equipped, modern hospitals, all employing Western doctors, and a cosmetic surgery clinic. Several alternative health centres offer a variety of treatments, including Ayurvedic therapy, acupuncture, cleansing and fasting programs, yoga, reflexology, and Tai chi. In the event of diving accidents, a hyperbaric chamber centre is available for emergency decompression. Local dentists offer the latest treatments at local prices. Over the counter medication is available from the island’s many drugstores including the international chains of Boots and Watsons.

Weather

The weather on Samui although tropical, is moderated by the shelter of the Gulf of Siam, which keeps the island free of the worst of monsoons, typhoons and cyclones. Average air temperature ranges from 23 to 33 degrees centigrade, and there is generally a refreshing sea breeze to be found on the northern and western shores.

Average maximum sea-air temperatures

Check the weather on Samui now at www.tmd.go.th/en/province.php?id=72

Transport and schedules

Cars, jeeps and motorcycles are widely available for rent as are taxis and limousines. Mountain bikes and ATVs compete with elephants and horses for off road trekking. Ferries operate regular services to the mainland, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Domestic flights to and from Samui are operated by Bangkok Air and Thai Airways. Jets and turbo-props fly in from Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya. For a full schedule and online reservations, consult www.bangkokair.com and www.thaiair.com or www.fireflyz.com.my

Surrounding islands

The most fantastic islands in the Gulf of Siam can be found in the Anthong National Marine Park, which can be visited on speedboat tours for snorkelling and sea kayaking amongst the 40 undeveloped islands. Of the inhabited local islands, the most developed are Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, which can only be reached by ferry or speedboat. Both islands have traditionally been favoured by divers and backpackers, although higher standard accommodation has become available in recent years.


List of Attractions

The Big Buddha

The Big Buddha, known in Thai as Wat "Phra Yai", was built in 1972 to give allcomers a place to pay respect to The Lord Buddha. At fifteen metres tall and coloured gold, it has become one of Koh Samui’s biggest attractions and one of the island’s best known landmarks. Located on the island’s north shore, Big Buddha can be easily viewed from the air and is one of the first things you see as your flight descends to the island.

Na Muang Water Falls

Na Muang Waterfalls are the most scenic on the island. They are easy to find and well sign posted, just 10km south from Nathon, off the island’s main ring road. Na Muang 1 is 18 metres high and can be reached by vehicle. Na Muang 2 is 80 metres high and is reached after a 30 minute trek. Take swimming suits, as there are inviting pools that are hard to resist in the hot Thai sun.

Hin Ta - Hin Yai

These rock formations, known as the Grandfather and Grandmother rocks, were personified by a local tale describing an old couple whose ship was wrecked in the bay. They were washed ashore to create these remarkable rock formations. Whether the tale is to be believed or not, the fascinating genitalia-shaped rocks are one of the most visited landmarks on Koh Samui.

Hin Lad Water Fall

Hin Lad Waterfall is 2 km south of Nathon Town, but is reached by a 3-4 kilometre jungle trek. Tough shoes and leg protection for the walk are needed, as is a supply of mosquito repellent. The walk is worth the effort when you reach the falls, which are located amid lush tropical rainforest, complete with palms and creepers. The water cascades into a small pool, which looks like heaven after a long trek.

Magic Buddha Garden

The secret Buddha garden is hidden in the high hills of Samui. There are several interesting statues, temples and waterfalls which were built by a local man over a period of 20 years. Access to the temple is via a military road, so getting there can be difficult. The less stressful way of reaching the site is to join one of the many jungle tours offered by local travel agencies.

Ancient House

This is the oldest house on the island, made completely of teakwood and without the use of any nails. It is located at "Ban Thale" and was built approximately 150 years ago from beautiful hard teak. The house is adorned with intricate woodcarvings.

Butterfly Gardens

Na Tien Butterfly Garden is located at the bottom of a hill in the south of the island. Numerous species of butterflies are on display over a 2,800 sq metre area, which also features a bee house, which allows the visitor to observe the activities of bees. There is also an insect museum displaying rare insects from Thailand and other countries.

Snake Farm

A good day out for all those visiting the island who are not ophidiophobic, with shows featuring snakes indigenous to Samui, as well as Centipedes, Scorpions and traditional Cock Fighting shows. Located in "Taling Ngam", just south of Nathon, the show is informative and entertaining in typical Thai fashion. Follow the signs seen throughout the island. Show times are 11.00 and 14.00 everyday.

Naga Pearl Farm

A 30-minute boat ride from "Baan Thong Krut" will bring you to Koh Matsum and the Naga Pearl Farm. After learning about pearl farming methods, you can enjoy a delicious Thai lunch, and after spend the afternoon on the white sandy beach or swimming in the warm sea. Also visit the Naga Pearl Shop, at Baan Thong Krut, where a number of different varieties of pearl and derived products are offered.