Koh Samui
…or often simply Samui as it is referred to by the locals, is an island off the east coast of the Kraisthmus in Thailand. It is located close to the mainland town of Surat Thani in Surat Thani Province. Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island (after Phuket) with an area of 228.7 square kilometres, a population of over 63,000 and an annual tourist population of 1.5 million. Abundant natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees are all present on the island which is part of Mu Koh Samui.
The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and Southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687 under the name of Pulo Cornam. The name Samui is mysterious in itself. Until the late 20th century, Koh Samui was an isolated, self-sufficient community with little connection to mainland Thailand. The island had no roads until the early 1970s and the 15km journey from one side of the island to the other could involve a whole day’s trek through the mountainous central jungle.
Koh Samui’s economy is now based primarily on a successful tourist industry, together with the more traditional exports of coconut and rubber. Whilst the island presents an unspoiled image to the public, economic growth has brought not only prosperity but also major changes to the island’s environment and culture which in turn has been a source of conflict between long established local residents and newcomers from other parts of Thailand and abroad. Reflecting Samui’s growth as a tourist destination, the Cunard ship MS Queen Victoria (a 200+ passenger ship) docked at Samui during its 2008 World Cruise.
Taling Ngam
Taling Ngam is one of the last regions of Koh Samui to remain largely untouched. Only a couple of the larger, high-end hotel groups have set up resorts here and they are tucked away and secluded so as not to impact on the natural surroundings and maintain the inherent beauty of Taling Ngam.
Located in the far south western corner of the island, it is one of the most pleasant spots on the island to watch the sun setting over the Five Islands and there are some lovely restaurants and bars dotted along the coast.
The beach is one of Koh Samui’s best ; perfect for children and swimmers alike.
For the most part, Taling Ngam seems to have let progress and tourism pass by ; a small fishing village carrying on as it has done for hundreds of years. It is a great place for the visitors to get away from the more animated tourist areas on the island and enjoy untouched beauty and authentic Thai life.
Things to do during your stay
Taling Ngam is one of the last regions of Koh Samui to remain largely untouched. Only a couple of the larger, high-end hotel groups have set up resorts here and they are tucked away and secluded so as not to impact on the natural surroundings and maintain the inherent beauty of Taling Ngam.
Located in the far south western corner of the island, it is one of the most pleasant spots on the island to watch the sun setting over the Five Islands and there are some lovely restaurants and bars dotted along the coast.
The beach is one of Koh Samui’s best ; perfect for children and swimmers alike.
For the most part, Taling Ngam seems to have let progress and tourism pass by ; a small fishing village carrying on as it has done for hundreds of years. It is a great place for the visitors to get away from the more animated tourist areas on the island and enjoy untouched beauty and authentic Thai life.
Sunset Beach Speedboat
Water Skiing Two Island Tour with snorkeling and picnic lunch on the beach Private Sunset Cocktail Cruise Private Picnic Cruise (half day or sunset)
Samui Golf
Situated on the mountains of Samui Island, the Santiburi Samui Country Club offers a par-72, 18-hole championship golf course over 6,930 yards.
With magnificent views of the ocean and beach, the course challenges golfers with its uphill and downhill slopes and winding fairways that cut into the coconut forest, cliffs and mountain creeks.
Samui Diving
Diving Koh Samui offers high-quality diving most of the year. The most famous dive site in the area is Sail Rock, North of Koh Phangan, which has an 18m natural rock chimney swim through and is a good place to see whale sharks.
Other sites can be found in the North of Ang Thong National Park and close to the Gulf’s diving mecca Koh Tao, which has 21 sites off its shores.
Na Muang Waterfall
Located about 10 km south of Nathon. It is about 80 meters high. There is a short walk to get to the waterfall.
Hin Lad Waterfall
Located 2 km south of Nathon Town. Take a walk in the forest and enjoy a soft drink or why not a refreshing Thai beer such as Singha, Beer Chang or Leo afterwards.
Snorkeling
Get to see the beaches of Koh Samui in a different way! During a boat trip around the island you will pass some of the most stunning beaches and coves: Big Buddha Bay, Choengmon Bay, Chaweng Bay, Lamai Bay, Hua Thanon Bay, Koh Mudsum and Koh Tan.
A BBQ style picnic lunch will be prepared on a sandy beach along the way and there will be opportunities for snorkeling.
- Speed around the track in go-karts
- Visit a snake farm or safari park
- Shop till you drop
- Dance the night away, beach side, at one of Samui’s hip and happenin’ night clubs
- People watch from a street side restaurant
- Take in one of Thailand’s best Cabaret Shows complete with music that will keep you moving, outrageous costumes and well choreographed dance numbers.
Big Buddha
Wat Phra Yai is a more than 12-meter tall Buddha statue, first built in 1972. It is located on a small island but today connected with main land with a bridge.
Please show respect and wear proper clothes and shoes while visiting.
This is not just a tourist attraction, but also an important Buddhist symbol for the local Thai people here. In 2005 and 2006, Big Buddha has been extended with a Dharma wheel and a traditional Suphannahong boat.
Hin Ta & Hin Yai
The grandfather and grandmother rocks located on south Lamai beach.
Hin Ta Hin Yai are the most famous and most visited rocks in Koh Samui.
Reminding the shape of the male and female genitals, Grandpa and Grandma rocks are located at the end of Lamai Beach.
Buffalo Fighting Festival
There are several “stadiums” around the island, most being a basic cleared area under the palms with a wall of bamboo matting or coconut leaves to hinder the view of those who haven’t paid for a seat.
Some companies take visitors up into the hills for magnificent views over the island; others go through waterfalls, where riders run the risk of receiving a cooling shower.
Elephant Trekking
Over fifty elephants call Samui home and all work in the tourist industry. A typical ‘trek’ lasts between 15 minutes and half an hour and is an excellent way to see the island’s jungle clad interior.
The 50-meter jump is held over a large specially designed plunge pool.
Bungee Jump
not for the fainthearted! Samui bungee jump is located next to the reggae pub, which is handy for those needing some Dutch courage beforehand!
