Koh Samui activities

Holidays can be much more than lying around on the beach all day and Koh Samui offers a range of sport and recreation choices to keep you active during your stay. The seas around the island are perfect for all kinds of watersports, while inland Samui’s mountainous interior is a great place to explore. Lush jungles and stunning views take you into a whole new world of tropical splendour an if you’re a fan of adventure, the island will keep you thrilled for weeks.

One of the latest watersport crazes to hit Samui's beaches is Kiteboarding, an untamed version of windsurfing that allows riders the power and freedom to fly across the waves on a board, pulled by a kite that looks like a parachute. If you prefer your thrills under the water, diving and snorkelling also provide a great way to spend a few days during your holiday. The seas around Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are well suited to beginners and less experienced divers as most of the dive sites are quite shallow, with mild to moderate currents. More experienced divers are also attracted by frequent sightings of whale sharks in the Gulf of Thailand, one of the most spectacular creatures in the ocean.

On dry land, the hilly interiors of Samui provide an ideal place to travel under your own steam. Hiking through the mountains gives a unique inside into the island, but for added adventure, mountain biking offers a great alternative. Steep tracks pass through forests and coconut palms, crossing rivers and streams, and reaching small, traditional villages where the island way of life is the same as it has been for years.

If you want to combine excitement with beautiful scenery, canopy riding is another splendid way to spend a day. No previous experience or athleticism is required and according to the guides, thrill-seekers include everyone from children to pensioners.

Five hundred metres of steel cable link seven separate platforms set in the mountains four kilometres inland from Mae Nam.

For a more sedate experience, Samui boasts three golf courses. The Santiburi Samui Country Club in Mae Nam is a world class facility located high in the hills and hosts Asian Tour events, while the recently completed Royal Samui Golf and Country Club in Lamai also offers stunning views and challenging tees. Less dramatic, but equally appealing and very accessible is the 9-hole course at Bophut Hills. A fabulous way to pass an afternoon close to nature.