Koh Samui, the beautiful island is the 3rd largest Thai island. According to the evidence found on Koh Samui Island, historians believed that it was first inhabited by man at most 1,200 years ago. It was only in the early 1970's that Koh Samui became a dream destination discovered by backpackers. Today tourists from the whole world visit this easy going paradise.
Located in the Gulf of thailand in the South China Sea it's area is about 247km2 and about 700km south of Bangkok. There are 10 lovely beaches located on this island and each has its down dynamic personality.
1. Chaweng - Chaweng is the longest and most popular beach on Samui. Its is also the largest tourist centre with ore than 1.5 million travelers visiting annually. Five- star luxury resorts share the space with more economical accommodation choices, along with a five km street of stalls and shops that sell everything thailand is famous for. Prices are a little higher here than in other areas of the island, but the range of choices in food, accommodation and entertainment is impressive, making this beach its surroundings, the centre of activity for many visitors
2. Lamai - Lamai has often been referred to as Samui's second beach, but there are many who believe it has a greater beuaty than that of Chaweng. The waters are excellent for swimming and the beaches and streets are less crowded. The southern end of the bay features elegant granite boulders while the breach itself seems endless. The nightlife in Lamai hosts some excellent restaurants and bars scattered along it strip. THe surrounding area notably hosts some of the island's best spas and health resorts available. if you wander off the beaten track here, you will get a glimpse of some true Thai Culture.
3. Big Buddha Beach - If your stay is brief, the Big Buddha Beach area offers convenience due to it close proximity to the airport, as well as to boats chartered for Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao. Prices for accommodation and provisions remain reasonanle and there is a growing number of fine dinning options to complement the local Thai restaurant and beach bungalow cuisine. Facilities and services are abundant along the main road, making this one of the best locations for a vibrant night life.
4. Mae Name- This beach is the shape of a huge horseshoe, featuring soft sand that offers a spectacular view of the neighboursing island of Koh Pha-Ngan. There is a number of good local restaurant and businesses along the beach, as well as on the main ring road.
5. Bo Phut- Bo Phut stands out as one of the few villages on Samui that exudes authentic island charm. It consists of a single street lined with traditional shop-houses, many of which have been converted into restaurants, modern shops and guesthouse. The distinct designs of the beachside dining sector, as well as the chosen cuisine that is available, have creates an exceptional international and Thai atmosphere. Despite its growth, the essential seaside appeal remains, making it one of the island's most attractive locations.
6. Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam - The unspoiled south- west coast of Taling Ngam and Lipa Noi has seen the least change of any area on the island. The Romantic coastline here overlooks the spectacular Five islands and Angthong National Marine Park. Several excellent beachside seafood restaurants, bungalows and resorts can be found scattered along the coast, offering the most idyllic locations to watch the sun getting into the sea. Palms come right down to the water's edge, dense greenery right up to the sands, providing an incredible swimming experiences.
7. Hua Thanon - The Muslim fishing village of Hua Thanon offers a handful of seafood restaurants, but it main attraction lies in the ancient culture of the local fisherman. Intricately painted wooden boats are still used to this day to catch and deliver fish directly to the local markets. Take a troll through its market and capture a glimpse into the lives of one of the island's original communities.
8. Nathon - This is the island's main administrative centre. It also boasts a number of original teak shop housing lining the quiet middle road, showing the more traditional Chinese influenced Samui life. A night food market establishes itself here, giving visitors their first taste of the delights available on Samui.
9. Choeng Mon - Choeng Mon is made up a series of bays speckled with white sandy beaches upon its coastline. Despite its close proximity to Chaweng, which is about 15 minutes north and 5 minutes from Big Buddha, the beaches have remained quiet and the waters clean. Choeng Mon's Wide sandy beaches features a rock formation on one side, and an island, which you can easily paddle out to, on the other. This is a family friendly area, with exclusive resorts abundantly situated along the water's edge.
10. Bang Rak - This area has become home to some of the most driven entrepreneurs, leaders of business and tourism operators that have inhabited the island. The preservation of the ancient village character has been kept a priority and as the name Bang Rak translates into " THE VILLAGE OF LOVE" in the Thai Language, so had the charm been reserved that this village resonates. Harbour and home for many of the island's yachting members, including the speedboat charters and touing veseels that make their way to the neighbouring islands, this is where you can find day charters to all-inclusive excursions around Samui and beyond.
Koh Samui, host a series of exciting sighting seeing and activities for both the young and old. Start of your day by visiting Laem Din Market, a typical thailand market with particular varieties of fruit, vegetables and meat and many location shopper. Travel to visit a popular attraction Hin Ta Hin Yai ( Grandfather and Grandmother rock) which are two very unique rocks .Not forgetting to go on an elephant trek and watch both the tiger, otter and bird show which is at the aquarium. Learn how to train a monkey in the midst of all these. A hidden away fall in which you could jump into the nice cooling water and relax the afternoon away. Afterwards, do visit the mummified monk and if you crave for more exciting adventures join in the Samui Go- karts, bungy jump and an ATV Adventure.
As night falls, do visit Baan Boran which is a Thai puppet show that allows you to enjoy the rich flavors of the Thai culture and cuisine. There are lots of fine dinning restaurants on the island as well, do remember to pick up a dinning guide upon arriving at Koh Samui international airport. The late night entertainment, do visit star cabaret for a entertaining ladyboy show at Chaweng and following that walk down to stretch of road and a series of pubs and bar awaits for you!
For those who are going for a more relaxing options, there are an abundant of spa establishment on the island. Do remember to pick up the spa guide when you arrive at the airport.
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