Ko Samui
Overview
Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) is a beautiful island with spectacular natural resources off the eastern coast of Thailand. The country’s third largest island, Ko Samui has a bustling tourist center of Chaweng Beach and is only an hour flight from Bangkok. Away from Chaweng Beach are plenty of smaller, quieter beaches such as the romantic Bo Phut beach; however overall Ko Samui is much more lively and action-oriented than any other islands around. Compared to Ko Tao, Ko Samui might as well be New York City.
This island is blessed with soft white sand beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, green lagoons, brightly colored tropical flora and rich jungles full of coconut trees. There are so many coconut trees, in fact, that the fruit was the island’s main source of income for many years, recently replaced by tourism. Discovered by backpackers only in the 1970’s, Ko Samui is now one of the top tourist attractions in Thailand for its scenic beauty, opportunities for fun and laid-back atmosphere. You will find no shortage of souvenir shops, boutique hotels, backpacker hostels, internet cafes, bars, and scooter rental shops.
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Ko Samui
Destination Reviews
What to See and Do in
Ko Samui
Much of the action on Ko Samui centers around Chaweng Beach, a long strip of soft sand and blue-green waves that has a chill vibe during the day and a festive energy at night when lights, fires and paper lanterns illuminate the sand and the spirit. Chaweng is a good place to pick up supplies, check your email, hit the dance club or go to a ladyboy show- a popular tourist attraction involving the most convincing cross-dressers that you have ever seen.
Chaweng is only one of Ko Samui’s beautiful beaches however, and all around the island you will find water sports and adventure activities like parasailing, jet ski rentals and banana boat rides. Many resorts located on further beaches don’t have a lot going on outside of the hotel grounds, so if you want more action that relaxation, you would prefer a hotel on Chaweng Beach. For singles, choose Chaweng or Lamai, another ‘happenin’ place for the party set- unless you truly want peace and quiet.
A thirty-minute boat ride away from Ko Samui brings you to Ang Thong National Marine Park, an enjoyable slice of paradise that you can discover above or below the waterline. Islands jut out of the water and into the sky, resting on a glassy green sea and begging you to hop in a kayak and explore their sharp exteriors. Snorkeling is quite fantastic in the park, and from spiky black urchins to harmless jellyfish, coming mask-to-face with this underwater world is a real adventure. Feed the fish in the sheltered green lagoon, and then feed yourself with a fresh Thai lunch before heading back to Ko Samui.
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Ko Samui
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Ko Samui
Montra Hotel: peaceful villas, spacious and clean, great pool, close to Lamai
The Waterfront: on Bophut Beach, clean, ocean view rooms, very friendly staff
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Ko Samui
Hotel Reviews
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Ko Samui
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