|
Located in the gulf of Thailand 80 Kms off the coast of Surat Thani and about 560 Kms south of Bangkok,
is the magical island of Koh Samui.
The island, Thailand's third largest and measuring 21 kilometers at its widest point and 25 kilometers in
maximum length, is one of a group of 80 tropical islands, most of them are deserted. A mountain ridge runs
east to west and most of the inner-land comprises forested hills. The rich hues of wild vegetation are
dappled throughout with the contrasting greens of coconut palms and emerald paddy fields.
With a land superficy of approx. 280 sq. Km, Koh Samui has a local population of a mere 34,000.
Samui was the bohemians paradise - carefree, exotic with an abundance of white sandy beaches and swaying
tropical palms, indeed paradise on earth. The lack of accessibility, kept Samui basking in the sunshine away
from the rest of the world and especially mainstream tourism. Back then, you could get a room on the beach for
as little as 200 Baht.
The local population consisting mainly of Buddhist Thais is very friendly. Until
the recent arrival of tourism, coconut farming and fishing were the main sources
of income. The latter are still practiced though to a lesser
extent. The fish you will eat in the many restaurants and hotel dining rooms comes
from the surrounding Gulf of
Thailandí waters.
The largest and most popular beaches on Samui are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Maenam. For those
looking for a quieter place to spend their holiday or business trip, there are another 20
or so other beaches to choose from.
As to the activities and if you are not a beach or water sports type, there is still a lot to
do and visit (Buddhist temples, boat trips, waterfalls, ...).
Koh Samui is the rare gem of the Gulf of Thailand. Conserving the idyllic simplicity of a tropical hideaway,
it is mostly characterized by its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and welcoming locals
where you will delight yourself in a late-day Robinson Crusoe experience in comfort.
 Getting there & around
Located some 80 kilometers off the coast of Surat Thani and about 560 kilometers from Bangkok,
the easiest and fastest way to reach Koh Samui is air from Bangkok, Phuket or Singapore with
Bangkok Airways,
the only airline to serve Koh Samui.
The airport must rank as one of the most beautiful in Asia and further. Its tropically planted gardens
burst forth with flowering glory and greenery, year round.
A 50-kilometre ring road skirts Samui's coastline, giving ready access to all beaches and the little
administrative center of Nathon with its beachside huddle of houses, shops and restaurants. The best
and safest form of transport is a self-drive air-conditioned vehicle (car or 4 wheel drive jeep); motorbikes
can also be hired (be cautious of traffic hazards and wear a crash helmet). You then have the freedom to explore
the island and its treasures at your own pace.
It takes about an hour to drive around the island if you don't stop along the many beaches or take some of the
side tracks (all of the rough trails crossing the mountainous interior are strictly 4WD or dirt bike trails).
Sights, scenes & Sports
Against the backdrop of hills, the beaches of Koh Samui stands out as one of palm-fringed beaches, with strands
of fine sand. The best spots are Chaweng and Lamai. Both are on the east coast where each day greets you with a
spectacular sunrise.
In such an idyllic setting the temptation is simply to laze peacefully on the beach and soak up a tropical sun tan.
But if you want more there are amenities for water sports, such as windsurfing, kyaking and snorkeling. The coastal
waters are exciting to explore and are especially rich in shoals of brightly colored fish and exotic coral formations.
Principal among Samui's natural sights are two picturesque waterfalls, Hin Lat and Na Muang.
Island hopping is another attraction and boats can be easily hired for trips to Koh Pha Ngan (the nearest and
largest island next to Samui), and to the smaller islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan, where beautiful bays
with colorful coral formations offer excellent conditions for snorkeling.
A more adventurous full day excursion can be made to Ang Thong Marine Park, a group of 40 islands northwest of Samui.
Here you will see spectacular limestone formations, caves, blue lagoons and amazingly beautiful beaches.
Dining & entertainment
Most beach bungalows have their own restaurants, while other small establishments are
common. Fresh seafood and
tropical fruits are the natural specialties of Samui, though you will find menus sufficiently varied to cater to
all tastes. International favorites as well as spicy Thai dishes are available. We recommended you to use the
Dining Guide as a reference when selecting your evening venue. Local markets and restaurants also offer great
value for money with their traditional Thai food and specialties from all region of the country.
Climate
Thailand, and therefore Samui, is fast becoming a country to be visited all year round. Samui benefit from a good
weather season for about 10 months of the year and another 2 that are considered as the monsoon.
The ëdryí season is from January till May and July through to September. Temperatures regularly reach 30 to 35 degrees
till May and then 35 to 40 degrees till September with odd showers from July to September.
The ëwetí season is from mid October to mid-end December when temperatures are around the 25 to 30 degree mark.
Brief tropical rain showers may occur late December and early January.
All in all, Samui, like the most of Thailand, is a place for all seasons.
|
