Ko Samui
Ko Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 84 kilometers
east of Surat Thani Province, or approximately 700 kilometers south of
Bangkok. Known as the Coconut Island, Ko Samui is one of the most famous and
popular attractions of Thailand. With an area of 247 square kilometers, Ko
Samui is the third largest island of Thailand after Phuket and Ko Chang (of
Trat Province). The topography of the island is that of a plain with a
mountain range in the middle and 7 important streams. In addition, there is
a 50-kilometer paved road that encircles the island. Moreover, the area of
the island stretches to a group of 48 surrounding islets.
Despite the fast pace of development, Ko Samui has been able to maintain
its charm – its classical image of a tropical beach resort fringed by
coconut trees. Travelers to the island can enjoy a mixed blessing of vibrant
day and nightlife along side with tranquility which can easily be found
across different parts of Ko Samui as the archipelago is a peaceful home for
fishermen and a natural den for seagulls and other rare birds.
Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai are Ko Samui’s most beautiful and most popular
beaches. Both have a huge selection of accommodations suitable for every
budget. Please note that room rates increase during the high season, from
December to July, when Samui sparkles. The nightlife of each beach is
different: Hat Chaweng is better for couples, women and families, while
single men are drawn to the beer bar culture of Hat Lamai. These resorts, as
well as Na Thon (Samui’s main town), have communications, exchange and
car/motorcycle hire facilities. Other beaches include Hat Choeng Mon, Hat
Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement
where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.
Apart from its many lovely beaches and tranquil bays, Ko Samui is also
noted for its high quality coconuts that grow densely everywhere. The best
time to visit Ko Samui is from February to April when the sea is calm. The
Southern dialect and the standard Thai language are spoken while English is
widely understood in tourist areas.
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Koh
Samui Airport Arrival Transfer
Professional, competent and reliable. From the moment you arrive, this
service will provide a comfortable and efficient transfer from Koh Samui
Airport to your Koh Samui hotel. The chauffeurs are carefully selected
for their professionalism, knowledge and discretion. Transfers are
available on shared or private basis, simply select your preference at
time of booking.
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Animal Farms and Shows
Phang Ka Snake Farm
at Tambon Taling Ngam, has daily shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., 250 baht
per person, Tel: 0-7742-3247.
Buffalo Fights:
Buffalo fights
with one buffalo battling another are unique to Samui Island. Check with
local authorities for the venue and times. There is an admission fee of 200
baht for tourists.
 Hua
Thanon:
Hua Thanon
means a village at the head of the road. It is a busy Muslim community with
a fishing village feeling. You can find a lively market and a couple of
restaurants, but probably not much more than that. In a sense, the village
offers just local and authentic ways of life. There are no bungalow resorts,
but a number of houses for monthly rental. The only recommended thing to
enjoy is to go shopping for food. Hua Thanon is the best place to buy superb
fresh seafood at reasonable prices. You are guaranteed that seafood here is
better than anywhere else on the island. One can take a songtaew from
anywhere on the island as they run to almost every nook and corner around
Samui with the price depending on the distance.
Butterfly Garden and Honey Farm
In the south of the island, open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 120 baht
per person, Tel: 0-7742-4020-21.
 Monkey
Training Center
At Tambon Bo Phut, has daily shows at 10.30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., 150
baht per person, Tel: 0-7724 -5140.
Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo
At Ao Laem Set, opens daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 250 baht per person,
Tel: 0-7742-4017-8.
Crocodile Farm
Near Na Mueang Waterfall, daily shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., 250 baht per
person.
Monkey & Elephant Shows
At the show, it is actually possible to see how monkeys collect coconuts
and present their other exceptional abilities. In addition, visitors will be
impressed by the intelligence and loveliness of elephants that can perform
many lovely tricks, or even play football.
On Ko Samui, the coconut island, the monkey is considered man's best
friend. Local people have used monkeys to climb up and pick the ripe
coconuts for centuries. At present, monkeys are not just good at picking
coconuts, they are also good at entertaining.
Snake show
A stunning show that is not suitable for a people with heart diseases.
The show offers a thrilling experience especially when the poisonous
reptiles are skillfully caught by a handler with bare hands. Shows feature
snakes indigenous to Ko Samui as well as centipedes, scorpion and cock
fighting shows.
Samui Crocodile Farm
Siam crocodiles, Caimans, Saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys
and many others are gathered here for entertainment.
Ban Lamai Cultural Hall
Serving as a folk museum, the Hall houses many local ancient objects.
Interesting objects on display include earthenware, household utensils,
hunting weapons and equipment used in coconut planting.
Ban Thale
This is the oldest house on the island which was built approximately 150
years ago of teakwood without any nails. In addition, there the house
displays elaborative wood carvings.
Bungy Jumping
For adrenaline lovers who seek the thrill of facing their own fears, this
is definitely a challenge. The site is located behind the Reggae Pub and the
operation is under professional control of British Jumpmasters. This
activity is guaranteed as safe.
Canopy Adventures
For those interested in gliding from tree houses, Ko Samui provides
visitors with this unique chance. No experienced required. Visitors just
glide from tree house to tree house above the magnificent jungle canopy.
Hat Chaweng (Chaweng Beach)
The longest, most popular and developed beach on the east coast of Ko
Samui, this 7 kilometer beach has clean white sand and sparkling water.
In addition to numerous accommodations, this charming beach is packed
with restaurants, spas, souvenir shops, bars and discos catering to all the
needs of visitors. In addition, there are a number of dive shops on the
beach, some of which also organize night dives.
Hat Na Thon
This is the island's major settlement on the west coast offering a wide
selection of souvenirs and handicrafts, silks and jewelry. In addition to
being the shopping center of the island Na Thon Bay also provides visitors
with the necessary facilities -- a post office, banks, a police station,
telephone services, and a hospital. Moreover, this is where express and
night ferries from the piers in Surat Thani dock.
 Hin Lat Waterfall
Located at the end of Route 4172, 3 kilometers south of Na Thon Bay, the
waterfall is encircled by palms, ferns and creeping plants. Hin Lat
Waterfall also provides a few natural pools for bathing. An enjoyable
2-kilometer walk to the top allows visitors to get a panoramic view of the
waterfall.
Hin Ta - Hin Yai
 Strangely shaped rocks south of Lamai Beach are locally dubbed Hin Ta –
Hin Yai. According to legend, an old couple were shipwrecked in the bay and
died and their bodies washed ashore creating the rocks. Viewing these
astonishing creations, even scientific purists would be tempted to believe
that nature too, can be as whimsical as the most eccentric artist. Also
known as "Grandfather and Grandmother rocks"; entirely formed by the
elements, two extraordinarily accurate male and female genitalia-shaped rock
formations share a perch overlooking the sea.
Jungle tours
Adventure lovers will enjoy the virgin forest on a mountain on the
island. Please contact only certified guides and tour agencies.
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Coral Island (Koh Tan and Koh Mus-Sum)