Introduction
Ko Samui, often referred to simply as Samui, is an island resort that lies off the Kra Isthmus in the Gulf of Siam.
After Phuket, Ko Samui is the second largest island in Thailand, boasting a population of around 50,000 inhabitants.
It enjoys a good tourist trade, seeing well over one and a half million travelers annually.
Each beach well developed, with a number of restaurants and hotels that make up each coastal area.
In contrast, the middle section of the island is uninhabitable as it is comprised primarily of jungle and vegetation.
The coast is a tourism hub, though, with white sandy beaches, coconut palms and coral reefs.
Types of Holidays
Ko Samui attracts a variety of tourists because the island offers a diversity of sites and activities.
There are isolated spots for sunbathing away from the crowds, as well as developed areas, with all types of water sports available, such as snorkeling and jet skiing.
Travellers can choose to eat at local food stalls or high-class restaurants, with everything from Western to Thai cuisine on offer.
Everyone from families to younger tourists can enjoy a trip here.
The Best Time to Visit Ko Samui
The best time of the year to visit Ko Samui hotels is from February through late June, which marks Ko Samuiâs dry season.
However, if you want to avoid the crowds, you may prefer traveling to the island in the early autumn, or during September.
Strong winds can develop after that time and occur on and off up until January.
Wet weather often bars travel in late autumn or November too.
December to July is the most popular time of the year to travel here, but tourists will face higher rates as a result.
Activities
Visitors to the island can find a number of ways to spend their time.
Shoppers can visit the modern retail strips or buy knock-off designer goods in at the various markets and stalls.
Visitors can escape the sunâs hot rays by taking to the water to jet ski, snorkel, surf, or swim.
You might also be interested in taking an eco tour while you are enjoying your stay on Ko Samui as well. The half-day journey features touring the jungle on the back of an elephant, and includes transfers from and to your hotel, as well as an English-speaking guide.
Beaches
The more popular beaches are situated on the east side of the island, such as Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach.
Chaweng Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Ko Samui. As well as a number of hotels around the beach, itâs also one of the nightlife hotspots on the island.
Lamai Beachis second only to Chaweng Beach. Lamaiâs water s are deeper and its coast a little rockier.
Buddha Beachlives up to its name as it is home to a large statue of Buddha, which can be seen for miles.
Maenam Beach, which is less crowded than the other beaches, is home to a Chinese temple and a number of authentic shops. The tranquil beach is popular with families.
Bo Phut Beach, once a fishing village, now features bistros, boutiques and bars â" all designed for younger travellers, specifically the 18-30 crowd.
Lipa Noi Beachis a family beach as its waters are more shallow, making it a good childrenâs beach.
Sights and Attractions
Besides the Buddha on Buddha Beach, youâll want to visit the Wat Plai Laem at the same location - a newly built Buddhist temple showcasing a large white Buddha sitting on a fish-filled lake. Donate money towards maintenance of the temple and you will be thanked with a bag of food to feed the fish.
The Na Muang Waterfall is located in Nathon on the southwest coast of Ko Samui and another of the main attractions on the island.
Another site of note is the temple that houses the mummy monk at Wat Khunaram on Lamai Beach. The remains of the monk, Luang Phor Daeng, are displayed there. Dying over twenty years ago, the monk is featured in a glass case in the temple. Entry is free but a donation is requested to maintain the building. While you can go any time during the day before dark, the preferred times to see the temple is early in the day or the later part of the afternoon. Visitors are expected to dress appropriately; men should wear trousers instead of shorts and women should dress in skirts that reach past the knee and in conservative blouses with sleeves.
Another attraction that draws a lot of visitors annually to Ko Samui is the Aquarium in Hua Tanon. Visitors can see a variety of tropical fish here as well as Asian tigers, eagles, parrots, otters, and hornbills at the zoo next door. The site is open seven days a week.
Nature lovers will love the Secret Buddha Garden, in the hills of Ko Samui. The garden showcases the religious temples and statues of Nim Thongsuk, a farmer who built the monument.
Nightlife
Chaweng Beach plays host to the most active nightlife on Ko Samui with major clubs, such as the Green Mango and Reggae Bar, drawing crowds nightly.
The Green Mango is the largest bar on the island. The club features two main sections â" one which caters to techno dance music and the other which highlights rap-style music and R&B. The music and drinking starts to gain momentum after 10:30 p.m. until the club closes around 2:00 a.m.
Like the Green Mango, the Reggae Barâs pace begins to pick up after 10:30 in the evening. True to its name, reggae music is featured as well as some rock music. A large dance floor and the barâs famous bucketsof libations ensures that all who visit the club will have a good time.
A Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island is held each month on the beach of Haad Rin. Party-goers number anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000, with the party beginning after sundown and going on into the early hours of the morning.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Ko Samui ranges from budget to luxurious.
A lovely retreat, the Villa Tanamera is located on Big Buddha Beach. As well as the incredible location, it offers spacious rooms and excellent service at affordable rates.
The Nara Garden Beach resort can also be found on Big Buddha beach as well and is close to the airport. The hotel offers budget room rates that are ideal for anyone travelling on a budget.
A resort on Chaweng Beach that is worth noting is the Ark Bar Beach Club, which is situated on the shore off the Gulf of Siam. Located in the center of Chaweng Beach, the hotel is the ideal place to stay for the younger crowd who want to take advantage of the nightlife.
Restaurants
Along with hotels, Ko Samui also features a variety of restaurants.