Home button

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is a Thailand's third largest Island and is located in the western Gulf. The Island is very much geared to tourists with plenty of accommodations and a good infrastructure. The Island unfortunately has the western fast food and coffee franchises giving it a less Thai feel than some other Islands. That said, Koh Samui is still a great holiday destination. Koh Samui has some great hotels, resorts and spas in every category from budget to super luxury.

Poppies Resort in Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui

There is a road that rings the Island making it very easy to explore the whole coast. Rent a motorbike or car and off you go.

Beaches: Most of the beaches have kayak, sail and other equipment rentals as well as a host of vendors selling fruit and other items. Chaweng is the biggest beach town with the longest beach. The south end is less crowded and has the nicest beach on the Island. Chaweng is the busy party hub of the Island with plenty of bars, restaurants and accommodations. A short distance to the south is the second biggest beach town, Lamai, a smaller and mellower version of Chaweng. Accommodations are still plentiful and are a little cheaper. On the north coast you will find the beaches of Bo Phut and Mae Nam. The resorts here are more spread out, the pace is definitely slower and there are still plenty of restaurants and things to do but the beaches are not as nice. The west and south coasts do not have good beaches. If you can do without a beach then there are some great places to stay in some of the more secluded coves.

Vendor on Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park: 30 km east of Koh Samui are 42 Islands that make up this National Park. The variety of coral and sea life as well as the dwindling mangroves make this a great place for snorkelling and diving day trips. Accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Koh Tao: This turtle shaped Island (I think it is more peanut shaped) is 60 km to the north of Koh Samui and can be visited on a day trip by ferry or on a tour. There are a lot of dive outfits operating out of Koh Tao as the surrounding waters are perfect for diving. If you have a couple of days to spare, the Island is a good place to stay.

Koh Phangan: Although Koh Phangan, Located 15 km north of Koh Samui, has become famous for its Full Moon Party, the Island is still a great destination for those not looking to party. There are plenty of activities, restaurants and beaches spread out around the Island. The Full Moon Party is held every month during the full moon on Koh Phangan. Basically, it is a huge beach party on Hat Rin at the far south of the Island with bars cranking out the tunes on huge sound systems to over 10000 fun seeking ravers and partiers dancing on the beach. DJ's are flown in from around the world for this fun and crazy event. Book hotels early if you plan to stay near the party. Otherwise don't sleep or head back to your hotel on Koh Samui in one of the fast all night boats.

Nathon: This is main town and government centre on the Island. Ferries from the mainland and nearby Islands dock here. There are shops and some good restaurants making it a great place to stop for lunch but, even though there are accommodations, it is not the best place to stay.

Snorkelling and Diving: Good snorkeling sites can be found everywhere on Koh Samui with the easiest access from the beaches on the east coast. The ends of the beaches are rocky and provide the best snorkelling. There are also snorkelling trips to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park a little to the west. Diving is big here with many companies operating from all over the Island. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park and Koh Tao are favourite places for diving trips. Drop in to one of the dive shops and pick a good site.

Mummified Monks: The mummified body of Loung Por Ruam, a well known Buddhist monk has been on display in a glass case for over 25 years at Wat Kiri Wongkaram. The Wat is located near Ban Taling Ngam on the ring road in the southwestern part of the Island. Look for the big twin elephant pillared gate. Wat Khunaram is home to another well known and now mummified monk. Loung Pordaeng died over 20 years ago and he is displayed in the sitting position he was found in. The Wat is located on the road cutting inland from Ban Hua Thanon on the southeast coast.

Cooking Classes: The Samui Institute of Thai Cullinary Arts (SITCA) is located on the west side of the main road in the south of Chaweng. It is a great place to go and learn to cook Thai food. They have a range of lessons including single sessions, a week long course and fruit carving. They make a good curry paste that is for sale in the store.

Big Buddha: At the western end of Bo Phut there is a giant Buddha. The place is a bit of a tourist trap. The Buddha is nothing special but the view is decent. If you happen to be near check it out but don't plan your day around it.

Coconut Plantations: Like a lot of Thailand's Islands, Koh Samui has plenty of coconut plantations and some offer tours. Book a trip or go on your own.

Hiking: There are numerous waterfalls and viewpoints to hike to and around throughout the Island. Koh Phangan's National Park is hikeable and is accessible for a day trip. If you want to get out in the jungle, try Koh Samui Canopy Adventures. They use zip lines to get you around the treetops.

Dog Rescue Center Samui: There are stray dogs everywhere on Koh Samui and some are in pretty bad shape. The Centre is helping this problem by providing food, medicine and spaying. Drop in and make a donation or help out at the centre for a day or more. The staff can also help you arrange to bring a dog home. They have a couple of locations on the Island including one just south of Chaweng Lake, west of the market.

Fishing: Many companies offer charter fishing. Book a private trip or get a space on an existing trip and head out into the Gulf for a day, or night of fun. You can also go and do some freshwater fishing for giant catfish in a large stocked lake at Top Cats on the west side of the Island.

Secret Buddha Garden: This weird spot was built entirely by Nim Thongsuk, a local fruit grower who began when he was 77. His gardens with the many Buddha and other sculptures is quite impressive. Bring the kids. Located a few miles inland from Lamai.

Golf: The Santiburi Samui Country Club offers a great view while you play the fun and challenging little course. You must play up and down different levels as it is built on a hill. A little southwest of Mae Nam.

Monkeys: In Bo Phut there is a monkey theatre that shows visitors how monkeys have been trained to help pick coconuts. You can also see them throughout the Island on some of the plantations. It is quite fascinating to see them at work and there speed is impressive.

Buffalo Fight: This local favourite can be attended in one of several little open corral like areas with seats. The buffalos posture, charge and wrestle each other until one runs away. The buffalos are rarely seriously injured and the event is quite fun, crowded and lively although I can't figure out how to place a bet.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo: Yes I know, it sounds like something found in Vegas but they are actually side by side and worth a stop if you are in the southeast part of the Island on the ring road. The aquarium has plenty of sea life in tanks lining a tunnel like hallway. They are species that you would find on the nearby reefs in the Gulf. There are a few tigers and leopards next door that are beautiful to see. You can even get your photo taken with a tiger if you are brave enough. Both are located at the Samui Orchid Resort, which I assume owns and runs them. Open Daily 9-5.

Butterfly Farm: The colours of these butterflies are amazing especially when seen up close. The farm is also a breeding centre. Located in the southeast part of the Island near the aquarium. Open daily 9-6.

Snake Farm: The farm is a neat place to stop, learn about snakes in Thailand and see the show. Located off the ring road to the southwest of the Island. Shows at 11 and 2.

International Sea Lion Search and Rescue: This unique training facility in the southeast part of the Island allows visitors to help in the early stages of training sea lions to perform search and rescue activities. They have half day training sessions as well as shorter meet and greet opportunities that allow the sea lions to become accustomed to humans. Closed Monday.

Crocodile Farm: Located near the airport you will find this fun place to spend a couple of hours. Lots of crocs and other animals. During the show, the handler puts his head in the jaws of the crocodile and you think the noise of the planes overhead will spook it.

Koh Samui Regatta: At the end of May and early June, Koh Samui holds a yachting regatta that draws boats from all over SE Asia. If you don't have a boat charters are available.