Koh Samui
A tropical dream come true, Koh Samui has so much more to offer than just the white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife it is so famous for. In this article, we take you on a journey through the fascinating history of the island, share the best sights and hidden gems, and reveal the most beautiful beaches that Koh Samui rich.
Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island and is only 25 by 21 kilometers in size, but the interior is mountainous with some nice places to visit. You have some beautiful waterfalls, such as that of Na Muang, which are located in a protected park and plunge down from cliffs of twenty and sixty meters. This is also a favorite family trip with the Thai, because the first waterfall flows into a natural pool where you can bathe.
Around Koh Samui are another 80 smaller islands, including those of the Ang Thong Marine Park, with spectacular rocks and caves, tropical forests and beautiful beaches. From Koh Samui you can book an excursion to go snorkeling, kayaking, swimming or walking in nature on the islands. Also located nearby Koh Tao. Koh Tao has a laid back atmosphere and is especially popular with divers. In a bay you can snorkel on a coral reef where the fish are as colorful as they are original. And if you throw some bread in the water, you are immediately surrounded by hundreds of fish that want to get their share.
The boat from Koh Samui to nearby Koh Pha Ngan is often used by backpackers, as the famous 'full moon' party place.
Read on and prepare yourself for an unforgettable holiday full of culture, adventure and relaxation.
History and origin of Koh Samui
Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, has a rich and fascinating history. The island was originally settled by fishermen from Malaysia and southern China. Over the centuries, Koh Samui developed from an unknown fishing village into an island for the export of coconuts. And later to a popular holiday destination, thanks to its discovery by backpackers in the 70s. Today, Koh Samui offers a perfect blend of nature, culture and modern amenities for travelers from all over the world.
Special sights on Koh Samui
Koh Samui is bursting with must-see sights. Some highlights are:
- The Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai): This 12 meter high golden Buddha statue is the most iconic symbol of Koh Samui and offers a breathtaking view of the island.
- Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks: Resembling male and female genitals, these unique rock formations are a popular visit.
- The Monk's Mummy: A special attraction where you can admire the mummified monk Luang Pordaeng, who still sits upright in his glass coffin.
Wat Plai Laem temple
The best unknown tips for Samui
Koh Samui is an island full of surprises. In addition to the well-known sights, there are many unknown gems to discover. Some of our favorite hidden gems are:
- Secret Buddha Garden: A serene place, hidden in the jungle, with dozens of statues depicting the life of Buddha.
- Laem Sor Pagoda: A beautiful golden pagoda on the quiet south coast of Koh Samui where you can enjoy a quiet moment away from the crowds.
- What Kiri Wongkaram: A lesser-known temple with an impressive white statue of Buddha, surrounded by lush greenery.
The best beaches
Koh Samui is known for its breathtaking beaches. Here are our top 5 beaches and why you should visit them:
- Chaweng beach: This is the most popular and lively beach on Koh Samui, with a wide range of water sports activities, restaurants, bars and accommodations. Ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
- Lamaï Beach: A quieter alternative to Chaweng, but still with enough facilities and activities. Lamaï Beach is known for its crystal clear waters and fine sand, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
- Bophut beach: Located in the charming fishing village of Bophut, this beach offers a blend of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities. It's a great place to swim and enjoy the local atmosphere.
- Maenam beach: This quiet and unspoilt beach is ideal for travelers looking for a relaxing holiday away from the crowds. The calm waters and lush greenery make it a perfect place to unwind.
- Taling Ngam Beach: For a pristine and secluded beach experience, Taling Ngam Beach is the ideal choice. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this beach offers a peaceful and romantic atmosphere.
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Best nightlife on the island
Koh Samui is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide variety of bars, clubs and beach parties to choose from. Here are some of the best nightlife spots on Koh Samui and where to find them:
- Ark Bar Beach Resort (Chaweng Beach): Ark Bar is one of the most popular nightlife spots on Koh Samui. Located on Chaweng Beach, the resort offers a combination of beach parties, DJ sets and all-night fire shows.
- Green Mango Club (Chaweng Beach): This legendary nightclub is a must-visit for anyone looking to party on Koh Samui. Green Mango Club offers a large dance floor, multiple bars and a fantastic mix of international and local DJs.
- Cha Cha Moon Beach Club (Chaweng Beach): For a more relaxed evening, visit Cha Cha Moon Beach Club. This stylish beach club offers delicious cocktails, comfortable seating and great ocean views.
- Nikki Beach Club (Lipa Noi): Nikki Beach Club is a luxury beach club known for its stylish parties and exclusive events. Enjoy sophisticated drinks, delicious food and a glamorous atmosphere as you dance to the beats of top DJs.
- Fisherman's Village (Bophut): For a more authentic Thai experience, visit Fisherman's Village in Bophut. This charming area has plenty of lively bars and restaurants where you can enjoy live music and local dishes.
- Soi Reggae (Chaweng Beach): Soi Reggae is a popular street in Chaweng with a large number of bars, pubs and clubs. This lively place is perfect for a night out with friends or meeting new people.
- Coco Tam's (Bophut): Coco Tam's is a laid-back beach bar located on Bophut Beach. Here you can enjoy delicious cocktails, bean bags on the beach and spectacular fire shows.
These nightspots are mainly located in the popular areas of Chaweng Beach and Bophut, but there are also plenty of other great places to explore on the island. Don't forget to enjoy Koh Samui's vibrant nightlife, but keep it safe and respect the local culture and regulations.
(ArtWell / Shutterstock.com)
Practical tips and advice for Koh Samui
To make your holiday on Koh Samui as pleasant as possible, here are some practical tips and advice:
- Best time to travel: Koh Samui has a tropical climate. The best time to visit the island is between December and April, when temperatures are pleasant and chances of rain are lowest.
- Safety: Koh Samui is generally a safe destination. Nevertheless, it is wise to remain vigilant and to properly store your valuables.
- Budget: Koh Samui offers accommodations and dining options for every budget. From luxury resorts to cozy hostels, you will find it all on this island.
- Local customs and etiquette: Respect the local culture by dressing modestly in temples and holy places. In addition, it is advisable to take off your shoes when entering homes and some shops.
- Eeat and drink: Taste the local cuisine, such as the famous Thai curries, fresh seafood and refreshing tropical fruits. Avoid drinking tap water and opt for bottled water.
Transport and events
On Koh Samui there are several transport options to explore the island. You can choose a scooter, car, taxi or songthaew (a local open bus). Please note that traffic on Koh Samui can be chaotic, so drive carefully.
There are numerous events on Koh Samui throughout the year, including:
- Samui Regatta: An annual sailing competition that takes place in May, with the participation of sailboats from all over the world.
- buffalo fighting festival: A traditional event in which water buffaloes compete against each other. This takes place several times a year.
- Loy Krathong: A colorful festival in November where participants launch small, decorated baskets in honor of the goddess of water.
(Newland Photography / Shutterstock.com)
What's the best way to travel to Samui?
There are several ways to travel to Koh Samui, depending on your starting point and budget. Here are the most common options:
- Plane: Koh Samui has an international airport (USM) that receives direct flights from several cities in Thailand such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, as well as from some nearby countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. The airport is mainly served by Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways, but there are also other airlines that fly to Koh Samui. Please note that flying to Koh Samui is generally more expensive than to other Thai islands due to limited airline capacity.
- Ferry from the mainland: If you're traveling from Bangkok or other parts of Thailand, a combination of bus or train and ferry is a popular and budget-friendly option. Take a bus or train to Surat Thani, the closest mainland city in Thailand, and then a ferry to Koh Samui. There are several ferry companies serving the route such as Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery and Raja Ferry. Travel time varies depending on the route chosen and the type of ferry, but it usually takes 1,5 to 2,5 hours to reach Koh Samui from the mainland.
- Ferry from nearby islands: If you are traveling from nearby islands such as Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, ferry services are also available to take you to Koh Samui. Travel time varies depending on the departure point and ferry company, but it usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
Don't forget to plan and reserve your trip in advance, especially during peak season, as transportation options can fill up quickly. Please also consider weather and sea conditions when planning your trip as this may affect ferry services.
Conclusion
Koh Samui is a paradise island with beautiful sights, a rich culture and many activities to discover. With our tips and advice you are well prepared to get the best out of your holiday. Enjoy the breathtaking nature, the delicious cuisine and the warm hospitality that Koh Samui has to offer.
Additional Resources
For more information on Koh Samui, visit Thailand's official tourism website (www.tourismthailand.org) or consult travel guides and blogs to plan your trip even better.