|
| |
Koh Samui
Travel Destination in Thailand
Located some 700 km south of Bangkok, off the eastern coast and
just 25 kilometres long and 21 kilometres wide, Koh Samui Island is an idyllic
tropical retreat with beautiful white sand beaches, sapphire-blue sea with
clean, clear warm waters, an abundance of tantalising Thai cuisine with
unusually warm and friendly people. Lush tropical gardens and gentle ocean
breezes await you at this ideal holiday destination.
 As
a guide, Samui is essentially a leisure island, and apart from the southern part
of the island which has retained its original character, most of the islands
coastal areas have now been developed for commercial tourism. Some are packed
with hotels and resorts while other pockets are quieter and reserved for
boutique resorts, but the beaches are all public and open to anyone wishing to
stroll along the peaceful white sands.
As a basic guide to beaches on Samui, Chaweng is the busiest and most developed
but pleasant, especially for sundowners. The shops on the main street are also
handy for stocking up. Lamai, further south, is a bit more down to earth and has
a lively night scene. The beaches of the North; Big Buddha bay, Bophut and Mae
Nam are more relaxed and quieter, though not as nice for swimming. Nathon, on
the west of the island, is the commercial centre, Thai in character and hardly a
tropical vacation paradise, but if youre more interested in the original
atmosphere of the island then head to the coconut plantations of the south.
There are three main islands near Samui which are popular and worth visiting.
Koh Pha Ngan is the backpacker island, down to earth, under-developed, bohemian
and famous for its monthly full moon parties. The lush natural interior and
pristine beaches are a perfect escape. Diving enthusiasts head to Koh Tao,
further north, with its excellent dive infrastructure, fantastic reefs and clear
water. But for a real paradise take a day trip to the gorgeous Ang Thong
National Park which is the least spoilt of all and accessible from Samui with a
guide.
Avoid the hassle of bargaining with local taxi drivers or tour operators, by
booking the packages online here which includes options for lodgings transfers,
tours and activities as below.
Activities
If you need a break
from all that lounging on the beach, there are options on the activities that
you can do during your stay in Koh Samui.
Full Moon Party
World famous full moon parties are "wild beach parties" at Ko Phangan island
north of Samui. Check out this one-of-a-kind party in Samui and where the real
action is.
Diving & Snorkeling
Off northern Samui are a cluster of smaller islands, perfect for diving and
snorkelling. snorkeling locations include Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan while diving
can be made at Koh Tao with speed boat transfer, 2 dives with equipment & lunch
provided.
Spas
Sαmui is Thailand's Spa Haven. Selected spa sessions will rejuvenate tired
bodies for a blissful holiday. This is a must try in Samui with spa package
inclusive of transfer,30 min Jacuzzi & Steam,30 min Pandan Body Scrub, 60min
massage
Golfing
The Santiburi Samui Country Club is an 18-hole championship course located north
of Samui commanding a scenic view of Maenam Beach & Koh Phangan.
Round Island Tour
Besides temples and waterfalls, the most unique is the phallic Grandfather and
Grandmother rocks. At each stop, there are plenty of souvenir shops to browse
through. Some of the sights are as listed in the Sightseeing topic below.
Sightseeing
Take a tour, or hire a
car around the island and just go exploring. While the coastline offers unusual
rock formations and lovely beaches, there are waterfalls and forest off the
beaten track in Samui's fascinating interior.
Big Buddha
Located on the northern coast of Koh Samui is the famous Big Buddha shrine. A
well known landmark, the 12 metre high golden Buddha can be seen from several
kilometres away. Inside the surrounding temple are many different shrines and
other smaller ornate Buddhas. There is also a small market selling a wide range
of lucky charms and other souvenirs, alongside numerous food stalls.
Buffalo Fights
This local sport was traditionally held as entertainment after the rice harvest
but now is a regular gig with sometimes millions of baht changing hands over the
winner.
There are several "stadiums" around the island, most being a basic cleared area
under the palms with a wall of bamboo matting or coconut leaves to hinder the
view of those who haven't paid for a seat. Men pay about 100 Baht, women enter
free. The fight ends when one animal runs away, usually well before either
animal gets hurt.
Butterfly Garden
Located in the south of the island, Na Tian Butterfly Garden is a kaleidoscope
of colour provided by hundreds of spectacular butterflies. For bug enthusiasts
there's also an Insect Museum, featuring rare insects from Thailand and other
countries, and a bee house, which allows the visitor to observe the activities
of bees.
Crocodile Farm
A fascinating look at some of Thailand's jaws and claws! They're all here. Siam
crocodiles, Caimans, Saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys and many
others. Showtime twice a day 14:00 and 16:30. Located behind the airport and
easy to find.
Na Muang Waterfalls
Although Samui has several waterfalls, the two Na Muang waterfalls are probably
the islands most stunning. The name Na Muang (meaning purple in Thai) refers to
the massive purple rocks that create the waterfalls. Rocks and tree roots form a
natural staircase that leads to the base of Na Muang 1. A large natural swimming
pool sits under the waterfall, although beware of the hidden rocks when diving
and swimming. The water is always icy cold, so it's perfect for a hot day. A
gentle walk 10 minutes further up the mountain leads you to Samui's most
beautiful waterfall, Na Muang 2. Na Muang waterfalls are easily accessible from
the main ring road between Nathon and Lamai and are well signposted. Elephant
trekking is also available at the Nu Muang waterfalls.
Monkey Business
Koh Samui is synonymous with coconut trees - there are literally plantations all
over the island, and until tourism arrived, coconuts were the main industry
here. Used to pluck the coconuts, these industrious little animals are greatly
prized and give a demonstration of their incredible dexterity (and not just at
picking coconuts) in the outdoor theatre. The entertainment also includes
performing elephants. Look for the theatre on the main road behind Bophut
Village.
Snake Farm
Some of the most famous scary and poisonous snakes in Asia are goaded into
action by experienced snake wranglers, who dodge and weave, duck and dive, as
the snakes try to grab their attention. A must-see for almost anyone visiting
the island. A ringside view! Also includes displays of centipedes and scorpions,
as well as demonstrations of Thai Cock Fighting.
The programs are both informative and entertaining in typical Thai style. Great
fun for the entire family.
Koh Samui Nightlife
Koh Pha Ngan, original home of the
legendary Full Moon Party is still party central, but Koh Samui's nightlife,
especially in Chaweng Beach, offers from basic beach bars to sophisticated
cocktail lounges.
Chaweng Beach
Chaweng deserves its reputation as the place to party on Samui. There is a huge
range of venues to sample on a night out, everything from relaxed lounge bars to
full-scale dance clubs. From classy air-conditioned places with imported DJ's
and loud, loud, sound systems, to outdoor venues featuring live Thai and foreign
bands. If you need to chill out, before hitting the semi-regular beach parties,
try beachside dining.
In the warm-up to a night on the town, a stroll along the main beach road offers
ample choice of European style pubs and bars where you can while away the
after-beach hours, grab a bite and a drink, watch world sport or just let the
world go by.
Lamai Beach
Smaller than Chaweng, the scene at Lamai is slightly older with everything from
the ubiquitous bar beers, to discos, music venues with lots of foot stomping,
classical Thai dancing, mud wrestling (yes) to weekly Thai lady boxing....
Maenam
Romantic Maenam, where a quiet evening with your loved one is bound to be more
than sipping cocktails with your partner as the sun sets. Despite what many will
tell you, this quaint coastal village has far more on offer, nightlife wise,
than meets the eye. We have mentioned a few popular venues below, which will be
added to as further nightlife establishments open up or are discovered.
Bophut
From beer and wine, to cocktails, Bophut has earned an excellent reputation on
the alcoholic beverage front with the island's locals. If you seek a pleasant
location for a quiet evening drink, or want to catch up on local gossip as you
chat with a local pub owner, this is the place to do it.
Best Way to Visit -
4 to 8 Days Fly & Stay in Koh Samui
TRAVEL PACKAGES FROM KL
To Destinations Within Malaysia /
To Overseas Destination /
Air Tickets
|
