Koh Samui is the most picturesque resort in Thailand! Koh Samui - infrastructure, recreation and entertainment

Today, more and more people are choosing island nations as their vacation destination. One of the most popular travel destinations is Thailand, Koh Samui. This island belongs to the second most popular place, after Phuket. Despite the tourist boom that hit the state in recent years, nature here has been preserved almost in its original form.

Features of Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the third largest among all the islands of Thailand and the largest in the Champon archipelago, which includes more than 80 islands, mostly uninhabited.

The main feature of the island is that it offers mostly peaceful beach holiday. Nightclubs, of course, work, but the parties that take place there cannot be classified as too noisy. Due to the size of the island and the presence of a large number of beautiful beaches, you can find a calm, deserted place by the ocean even in the peak of the season. In addition, the weather on Koh Samui is not subject to strong drops, and due to the fact that the island is located in the bay, even tsunamis are not afraid of it.

It is noteworthy that until the 20th century, Koh Samui had practically no connections with the mainland, and there were not even roads there until the 70s, when the first tourists landed on it. Until now, the island is not allowed to build hotels higher than palm trees, so vacationers are mainly offered bungalows.

Koh Samui airport

Certainly the fastest and easy way to get to the island is an air flight. At the same time, Koh Samui has its own airport, which can be safely attributed to the sights of the island. This beautiful airport is privately owned by Bangkok Airlines. She carries out most of the flights, although since 2008 a company has started working there.

Koh Samui Airport makes a lasting impression on tourists. Immediately after the descent from the atmosphere of relaxation and celebration is felt.

Passengers are met by a road train with open wagons, which delivers them to the arrivals hall. Although this place can be called a hall very conditionally, given that the buildings at Samui Airport are practically without walls. Having received your luggage, visa and passport stamp, you need to exchange money and choose a way to get to the hotel. Directly at the airport they offer a transfer to hotels, individual or group. You can use taxi services, however, if this is your first visit to the island, it will be quite difficult to understand the road maps. And by choosing a group transfer, you can decently save on a trip to the hotel. Due to the absence of walls, Koh Samui airport allows you to admire the tropical beauty of the island during your stay in it.

Others on the island

Of course, the plane is the only transport by which you can get from Russia to Thailand. Koh Samui offers another mode of transport, with which you can get to it after arriving in the country. This is a ferry service, which is quite well developed on the island. Communication with the mainland is carried out using the ferries of the three main companies of Koh Samui and high-speed catamarans. The first get to the island in an average of 1.5 hours, and catamarans - in 40 minutes. There are also regular boats that go to different islands of the archipelago. Thus, transport links between the islands and the mainland are well established.

On Koh Samui there is public transport - songthaew. This is a pickup truck, in which the awning covers the back, and under it there are benches for seats. There are also benches without seats, in this case the passenger is offered a handle to hold on to during the trip. Taximeters and motorcycle taxis still operate on the island.

The beaches of Koh Samui

Each beach on this amazing island is unique in its own way. In total, it has 34 tourist beaches, among which there are closed, open and beaches where it is comfortable to relax with children.

The most popular of them is Chaweng, where tourists often go. The fact that it is located very close to the airport also contributes to the fact that it is most often chosen for recreation. Chaweng has a large number of hotels, beach bars, and is actively traded. Due to its popularity, this is the most crowded beach, therefore, despite the length of 6 km, it is not possible to find a secluded place.

The second most popular beach is Lamai. It is not as crowded as in Chaweng, but nevertheless the infrastructure is well developed.

The rest of the beaches are not as popular, and therefore offer more privacy. In general, the quantity and quality of beaches is one of the advantages of the state of Thailand. Koh Samui from its wide variety allows you to choose the one that is most suitable for every tourist.

Koh Samui Cuisine

The island has a huge variety of places where they offer delicious food. It can be inexpensive cafes with real Thai cuisine, and gourmet restaurants with dishes from the most different countries. At the same time, given the popularity of the resort among Russian tourists, Russian cuisine is also represented here.

Island cuisine is a real paradise for gourmets.

Exotic lovers can try the most unusual options, and fans of traditional food can treat themselves to their favorite dishes. At the same time, prices on Koh Samui are quite democratic and allow everyone, without exception, to enjoy exactly what they want. While relaxing in this exotic country, you can try a great variety of different dishes from chicken, rice, noodles and pork. Each of them are offered sauces of varying degrees of spiciness, which give a special piquancy to food.

Many, having tried Thai cuisine once, become its loyal fans. Often tourists bring home all sorts of spices and pastas to enjoy their favorite dishes at home.

Entertainment on the island

Koh Samui, in addition to swimming in the ocean, offers other entertainment. All of them are mainly related to movement. It's a banana ride, a parachute ride, water skiing, flyboard, and speedboat. Tourists are also offered a four-hour fishing trip on the high seas. Of course, on Koh Samui you can not do without immersion in crystal clear water. There are diving schools on the island that help beginners enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. Fans of extreme recreation can also make a rope descent, which has 7 levels of difficulty.

In addition, Koh Samui has golf courses, karting tracks, shooting ranges and state-of-the-art cinemas. You can also go to nature Park or a butterfly garden. It is noteworthy that to visit these places it is not necessary to pay for an excursion, you can independently get to the place of interest and admire the amazing beauty of nature.

Most of the island's entertainment places are described in detail on maps and in booklets, which can also be found in Russian.

There is also a safari park, an aquarium and a tiger zoo, which are open to everyone every day.

In addition, most vacationers do not miss the opportunity to try the world-famous Thai massage and spa treatments, which are presented here in large quantities.

Thus, on Koh Samui you can find entertainment suitable for any age and physical activity.

Children's holidays on Koh Samui

Many parents are faced with the problem of choosing a vacation spot with children, because not all resorts take into account the specifics of age. From this point of view, Koh Samui is an ideal choice. Beautiful beaches with soft sand, dazzling sun, sea of fruits and friendly Thais - all this will only please the child. At the same time, the level of tourism allows you to minimize all the inconveniences that may be during the holidays. In addition, a safari park, a zoo and animal shows will impress any child.

If a we are talking about a few months of rest, there are several international schools on the island that will allow the child to keep up with the school curriculum. Among other things, this is a great way to improve your English.

on Koh Samui

For loving young people who have just tied the knot, Koh Samui is the perfect honeymoon destination. The silence and tranquility of this paradise will not prevent the newlyweds from enjoying each other's company, and hotels offer special rooms for newlyweds. The white sand of the beaches, the untouched beauty of nature and the measured sound of the waves - all this will give young people the opportunity to feel the depth of their feelings. And the photos taken on this most beautiful island will keep the memory of the most wonderful days of the beginning of family life.

Sights of Koh Samui

The main attraction of the island is the beautiful beaches, which are its main attraction. However, not everyone wants to just lie on the beach for the whole vacation. And for those who want to diversify their vacation and get fresh impressions, all conditions are created here.

The island's most famous attraction is the Angthong Marine Park, which consists of 42 uninhabited islands. This is a great place to go diving, snorkeling or just enjoy the beauty wildlife in its original form.

Like the rest of Thailand, Koh Samui is rich in all kinds of temples. Some of them are known only to local residents and are not visited by tourists, while others are included in various excursion programs. Most of them are Buddhist temples, but there are several mosques and one Orthodox temple on the island.

The next attraction of the island, interesting for tourists, is its beautiful waterfalls. The most famous of these is Na Mueang1, which is also known as the Purple Falls. You can drive up to it by transport almost close, which is very convenient, given the presence of a small pool in which you can swim. This waterfall has a special meaning for the locals, as members of the royal family have repeatedly come to bathe there.

Also, the sights of Koh Samui, which are known far beyond the island, are two rocks called Grandmother and Grandfather. They are famous all over the world and annually attract many tourists to the island.

The cultural center of Koh Samui, which is located away from the main tourist spots, rarely visited by guests of the island. Therefore, deciding to go there, one can hope for a calm and peaceful contemplation of unusual statues and a beautiful stream flowing between them.

Excursions on Koh Samui

Due to the fact that tours to Koh Samui, as a rule, already include an excursion program, tourists will have a very eventful vacation. Excursions are quite diverse, so everyone can choose a program that is suitable for him personally. During a Thai holiday, you can see the sights of the island, visit national parks, watch various shows with animals, go fishing in the open ocean, or simply enjoy the beauty of the waves by taking a boat trip. Also excursions to Koh Samui include trips to the neighboring island of Koh Tao, which is also called the turtle island. This is a very popular diving spot, which is an independent resort.

Also popular is the Angthong Marine Park, which covers 250 square kilometers.

All these sights can be seen on your own, but it is both more difficult and more expensive. Therefore, when choosing an excursion program, you should pay attention to the list of places to visit and choose the most interesting one for yourself.

Island weather

There are only two seasons on Koh Samui - dry season from January to April and rainy season from May to December. However, unlike the rest of the islands of Thailand, here the rains are very short, and due to the location in the bay, tsunamis are not terrible, which are dangerous for the rest of the state. In addition, only two months the amount of precipitation is much more than the norm - these are May and June. Therefore, the weather on Koh Samui is relatively mild and not subject to large drops. All this contributes to the fact that the flow of tourists on the island does not stop. all year round.

Best time to go to Koh Samui

To date, tours on Koh Samui are among the most popular. Thanks to its weather conditions, the island offers excellent holidays all year round. Therefore, no matter what month the vacation fell on, you can safely go there. However, if there is a choice, then, of course, it is better to choose the dry season, which starts in January and lasts until the end of April. At this time, the amount of precipitation is minimal, which, of course, is better for a full-fledged beach holiday.

So Koh Samui in January - the perfect place to relax.

Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand. You can often hear Koh Samui (Koh Samui) or Koh Samui - this is the name of the same island, but the prefix "Koh" in Thai means Russian word"island", hence the name, Koh Samui.

Thailand, Koh Samui - is a popular holiday destination among foreign tourists, they come here when there is a cold winter in their homeland. Among the tourists you can meet anyone: parents with children, vacationers, pensioners and even party-goers.

The size of the island is not so large when compared with Phuket. It occupies a length of 25 km and a width of only 21 km, surrounded by very small islands of the Ang Thong nature reserve. This island is located 700 km south of the capital of the country.

Search for cheap flights

The total population of the island is 35 thousand people. The pride of every inhabitant of this island is that they have a rather specific culture and mentality.

Tourism on the island began its development only in the 80s of the 20th century, when large-scale road construction began here. Today, tourism has become the island's main source of income.

See also about another island in Thailand.

How to get there

It is not difficult to get to it from Bangkok, such a trip will take no more than an hour by plane, if you get from Pattaya, then the U-Topao airport is no more than 40 minutes. However, it is necessary to take into account all natural features that are directly related to this region.

What is Koh Samui?

The relief of the island cannot be called flat, there are predominantly mountainous hills and dense jungles, low-lying areas are built up with residential areas, even along the sea coast. Koh Samui has many classic beaches with white sand and lagoons, the usual urban infrastructure is highly developed, and the most amazing thing is coconut groves.

It is no coincidence that Koh Samui is called the Island of coconut trees, there are more than 3.5 million species of them. The coconuts of this island are the best in the world. Local buildings are bungalows, villas are located on the seashore and among palm trees.

Popular destinations are Lamai and Chaweng beaches. Sunrise on this island is considered the most unforgettable sight. The two cliffs of Hinta and Hanai rise at the southern end of Lamai Beach.

Not only tourists love these places, they are also of interest to local residents. The surrounding nature is insanely beautiful, only the sand is not very good - large and not so white on the beaches of Big Buddha, Mae Nam and Bo Phut.

Thailand, Koh Samui on the map

Why do people love Koh Samui so much?

- - All kinds of infrastructure are quite well developed on the island;
  - There are good, clean, quiet and cozy beaches;
  - The mild climate of Koh Samui is great for families and even small children;
  - Koh Samui is really big, so there really is everything here: both calm and more active beaches, nightclubs, markets, shops and supermarkets, kindergartens and schools, waterfalls and mountains, temples and other attractions - everyone will find something to your liking.

When the season comes

From mid-December until the very end of March, Koh Samui stands. This is the time when prices are constantly rising, and people come to rest all the time. From December to February, it rains, and when there is no rain, the sky is still cloudy. But since February you will find only a bright, pleasant sun.

Between April and May, Koh Samui experiences unbearable heat and drought, and only on the western part of the island can it sometimes rain. But finding cheap housing during this period is not difficult.

A trip from October to December is undesirable, because in this area the owners are the northeast monsoons and therefore there are heavy rains and a small storm is observed at sea.

Landmark Koh Samui

In addition to coconut trees, sandy beaches and quirky, exotic cuisine, there are many interesting places to visit on this small island.

Wat Kunaram is a Buddhist temple where you can see with your own eyes the mummy of a great monk. Touching it, of course, will not work, but the spectacle will not leave you indifferent. By making a small donation to the temple, you can receive a bracelet from local Buddhist sages as a gift. They say it protects its owner from evil spirits and even grants wishes.
The monument to the Big Buddha, although it has the same name as its counterpart from Phuket, however, its height is several times lower: “only” 12 meters.
The magical garden - this place evokes various emotions in visitors - from interest to horror. The garden contains sculptures of the Buddha, as well as various animals, idols and demons. The picture is completed by huge ubiquitous vines, which are literally shrouded all around.
Paradise Park, which includes an excellent swimming pool, a zoo (including a petting zoo), a children's playground and the largest collection of various outlandish plants on the island.
Safari Park - thrill-seekers will be able to ride an elephant, and for those who prefer a spectacular holiday, there are personal show programs with animals.

The island is famous for its huge number of temples, most of which are Buddhist. To visit all the temples in one vacation is an impossible task, since their number is actually large. Most popular temples:

Mummy of a monk;
Wat Ratchathammaram (red temple);
Laem sor;
Buddha's footprint;

Khun Aram Temple

Plai Laem Temple

Red Temple - Wat Ratchathammaram

Entertainment

The main types of recreation on Koh Samui are boat trips to the nearest islands, beach holidays, visits to real Buddhist temples, and the most popular among tourists is jungle trekking.

A lot of establishments on this island close at 22.00 and therefore the fading of life occurs very early, of course, there are many restaurants on the island with round-the-clock service.

It may not be easy to lie down and sunbathe, but try some water sports, it is here that a lot of entertainment is offered. Coral reefs, a rather fascinating sight, are located on the islands of Nang Yunan, Tao, Koh Phangan.

Beyond life beautiful fish you can watch diving.

Two holidays that take place on Koh Samui are the celebration and celebration of Chak Phra.

Where to live on the island?

Finding accommodation on Koh Samui was only a problem until the 20th century. Now, travelers love Thailand, and it, in turn, creates everything the necessary conditions for comfortable rest.

Any guest of the island will be able to choose accommodation for himself and his budget - from a modest hotel for a nominal fee to luxurious five-star hotels.

Bungalows are comfortable enough to live in, although they are not equipped with air conditioning. The restaurants of this island offer seafood, European dishes and of course tropical fruits.

Koh Samui hotels are usually located on the beachfront, and in addition to the fact that almost every hotel has its own beach, it also strives to provide a host of other services - from spas and swimming pools to tennis courts and golf courses. Rooms in such hotels are necessarily equipped with free internet access and air conditioning.

- Most hotels do not recommend drinking tap water, moreover, even in order to brush your teeth, it is better to buy bottled water;
- There are a lot of swindlers on the island, so if you are carrying valuables with you, do not leave them even in the luggage of the bus;
- Shopping on the island is not very developed, but this does not apply to the purchase of T-shirts, souvenirs or glasses. The main trade on the island is in the market, as well as in the area of Chaweng, Nathon and Lamai beaches;
- Feel free to haggle no matter what you buy. The price of all goods in Koh Samui is significantly overpriced, but the sellers are condescendingly inferior in almost everything;
- Do you love cashew nuts? On Koh Samui, you can meet them right in the middle of the street growing on trees. But in no case do not pick them - without proper heat treatment, nut juice can be poisonous to the human body.
- If necessary, you can extend your visa at the immigration office located right on the island, just don't delay it until late - it's open until 16.30

Prices

The pricing policy of Koh Samui is slightly higher when compared with the mainland cities of Thailand. However, during the high tourist season, the difference in prices can be significant. Vegetables such as potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes are not grown on Koh Samui, respectively, they are imported and are more expensive than on the mainland.

Who is the holiday for?

It is worth noting that Koh Samui is most suitable for people who prefer a relaxing holiday, unity with nature and love good beaches. Fans of a more active holiday will not get bored either, as everyone will find something for themselves in the local variety of excursions.

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We wish you to plunge headlong into an unforgettable vacation in Thailand!

Koh Samui

5 (100%) 1 vote Koh Samui Thailand.

It is the third largest island in Thailand. It is located 40 kilometers from the provincial capital of Surat Thani (700 kilometers from Bangkok), in the eastern part of Southern Thailand. Square Koh Samui islands in Thailand is 228.7 km². The diameter of the island is just over 20 km - it can be driven around by car in an hour.

Twenty years ago, when the first Western tourists discovered Thailand, Koh Samui, it was a virgin corner of tropical nature and was a real paradise for hippies wandering around the world. Today, Koh Samui is visited by more than a million foreign tourists a year.

Koh Samui Thailand, attractions

Affordable accommodation, great beach holidays and rich nightlife make Koh Samui one of the most popular resorts Thailand.

mountainous center Koh Samui covered with lush tropical jungle. Here is the highest point of the island - the peak of Khao Pom. Major settlements and tourist attractions Koh Samui islands in Thailand located along the coastline.
Along the main beaches of Koh Samui runs the main highway of the resort - the ring road, 50 km long.

The main reason why tourists from all over the world return to this resort in Thailand year after year is the white sand beaches. Even taking into account that best beaches Koh Samui - Chaweng and Lamai have become very busy in recent years, they still continue to impress with their natural splendor.

Sunbathing on white sand and swimming in azure sea waves are far from the only entertainment that a holiday on Koh Samui can offer. Lovers of aesthetic spectacles should definitely visit attractions such as the natural sculptural group "Grandma and Grandpa" on Lamai Beach, magic garden Buddha, located high in the mountains or the temple of Prai Yai with a statue of the Big Buddha in the north of the island.

Among the natural attractions of Koh Samui, local waterfalls are very popular, the largest of which are Na Muang waterfalls in the south of the island. A chain of more than 40 jungle-covered islands stretches off the coast, which are part of the Ang Thong National Park, which is an ideal place for lovers of a "wild" holiday as far from civilization as possible.

Koh Samui in Thailand, Entertainment

The island's beaches are a real paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Snorkeling, fishing, diving, various types of surfing - active entertainment on Koh Samui can please the tastes of even the most demanding tourists.

Holidays on Koh Samui are not limited to beaches. For those who want to go out there is provided whole line entertainment, among which the most popular are the Moulin Rouge cabaret show, buffalo fights and visiting Thai boxers at Chaweng Stadium.

Tourists who come to rest on Koh Samui with children will be interested in watching the performance of the Monkey Theater, visiting the Snake and Crocodile Farm or visiting the local Butterfly Garden.

Cities of Koh Samui

Koh Samui, together with the adjacent Ang Thong archipelago, is a self-governing municipal region within the province of Surat Thani, and is divided into 7 sub-districts.

The main settlements are located around the largest beaches, which have the official status of cities. The list of cities is headed by the old capital of Koh Samui, Nathon.

Nathon still retains its leading role as the largest port of Koh Samui and the administrative center of the district of the same name (which also includes several adjacent islands). Here are the main government offices and banks of Koh Samui.
The city of Nathon is not such a popular tourist center as Chaweng or Lamai, so the prices here are somewhat lower.

Chaweng is the largest beach and the city of Koh Samui, located in the northeast of the island. It is located in close proximity to the airport, has the most developed infrastructure and is the central resort of Koh Samui. The most expensive hotels, the best restaurants, shops and entertainment venues of the island are located here.

Lamai is the second largest and most popular beach on Koh Samui, located south of Chaweng. This resort is distinguished by an abundance of bars, restaurants and cafes. Lamai is ideal for those who want the most comfortable stay, away from large concentrations of tourists and the noise of entertainment facilities working at night.

Bophut village is a small fishing village in the northern part of the Thai island of Koh Samui, the only major street of which is lined with colorful Chinese shops and cozy cafes. Bophut is a short drive from International Airport Samui.

Many tourists are attracted by exotic countries and islands. So in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand is the island of Koh Samui. This place is amazing in its beauty, culture, traditions and sights. Rest here will be just magical. I have seen this from my own experience. The wonderful beaches of Koh Samui are especially conquering, which will delight you with their beauty, cleanliness and picturesque views.

By the way, it is this promised land that occupies the third largest position in Thailand. The size of the island is not too large, but when traveling around the territory, car rental on Koh Samui can greatly help out. Of course, it will be possible to use public transport, but viewing the beauty of this place by private car will be much more comfortable, convenient and faster.

You can also enjoy living on the island. Even renting a luxury villa on Koh Samui will not cost you too much. From the stunning building, you can admire the scenery of the nearby small and large islands, which “float” alone in the waters of the bay.

Before leaving for the island, it is very important to find out if the holiday season is on Koh Samui. After all, almost the entire rest depends on this factor. If the rainy season dominates Koh Samui, then you are unlikely to be able to see anything. It is important to get to the island in right time when the weather is right, it will be interesting to explore the beauty and sights of the local land.

Thailand Koh Samui

The weather on Koh Samui is not always kind to visitors, so you need to catch the moment when "she's in a good mood." If you are interested in how I spent time on the Thai island, what I managed to see and where I had to live, read on.

When does the holiday season open on Koh Samui? And why is it profitable to visit Koh Samui during the rainy season?

You can relax on Koh Samui all year round. It is only necessary to choose the season for the rest in advance. I visited an exotic place in March and got just in time for the dry season, when the influx of tourists was at its maximum. As it turned out, this period lasts from January to April. This is just the perfect time when a holiday on Koh Samui will be especially enjoyable.

There is almost no rainfall from the beginning of the year until mid-spring, and the temperature is perfect for walking and excursions. It's not too hot and not too cold here. The only thing that changes is the price. I would not advise visiting this place for the New Year holidays, since Koh Samui is still in transition. At the beginning of January, it is not always possible to catch good weather.

From May to September begins the moderate or intermediate season on Koh Samui. This is both the rainy season and comfortable weather. Prices during this period will be slightly lower, as the number of tourists decreases markedly. It rains sometimes, but they are short-lived (from a few seconds to a couple of minutes), so they are unlikely to spoil the rest. It's amazing that Koh Samui has just wonderful weather at this time, despite the fact that all of Thailand is immersed in the monsoon rainy season.

The low tourist time on Koh Samui is called the rainy season, which begins in October and lasts until December. Sometimes even until mid-January. During this period, you can see the most varied weather.

These are long-term downpours, and strong winds, and huge waves on the sea. The weather on the island begins to rage a little. During the monsoon season, you can also have a good rest on Koh Samui, especially since the prices for any goods fall significantly.

How often does the weather change on Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is a very warm resort place, so it is a pleasure to relax here. Even in March, when I was resting, it was quite hot here. I was just lucky that I visited Koh Samui in Thailand in the middle of spring, because April would have been very hot. Often the temperature here reaches +40°C.

January and December are considered the coldest months, but the temperature drops slightly. Heavy showers on Koh Samui happen most often in September-November, although all of Thailand has been flooded with rain since May. At this time, it is better not to get on the island, as it can rain for several days without a break. You won’t be able to swim either, because due to heavy rains it will be dirty.

From January to April, when the picturesque nature is fragrant around, the air temperature warms up to +32..+34°C. The sea is also quite warm +23..+25°С. It's nice to swim in the warm sea in early spring.

The weather on Koh Samui practically does not change in the summer, in early September. The temperature drops only a couple of degrees. In autumn and early winter, the sea is still so warm, but because of the rains it is dirty and muddy. On average, the temperature during the day does not exceed +31°C.

The best and most beautiful beaches of Koh Samui

Of course, everyone comes to the exotic island of Koh Samui to relax, admire nature, and get a magnificent chocolate tan. Upon arrival, I also began to take a fancy to the various beaches of Koh Samui. First, I began to look for the most beautiful places on the coast.

It turned out that the best beaches of Koh Samui are located in the eastern part of the island. You should be careful here from October to January, because the deep sea can prepare many dangerous surprises. By the way, there are also droughts here, when tides occur, but this happens quite rarely, so I did not find this phenomenon.

Chaweng beach

Looking at the beaches of Koh Samui here, I found the Chaweng area. These are picturesque coves, pleasant fine sand, crystal clear sea, as well as a small descent into the water. Koh Samui can really be proud of this place, because this beach area is the longest and most beautiful. There are quite a few 5-star hotels and small bungalows on the sandy spit.

I even decided to spend the night in such an unusual colorful house. Chaweng Beach had a lot of activities during the day, which mainly related to water sports. I managed to ride a jet ski, although you could also try windsurfing. At night I went to a local disco.

Here is an example of a “cheap” hotel and a “5 star” hotel on Cheweng Beach:

Lamai beach

The next day I decided to visit Lamai Beach, which is located south of Chaweng. The sand here is coarser and not as white. The coast is often rocky, and this is not very convenient and traumatic. This beach area belongs to the east coast.

A lot of surfers rest here, as the sea is deeper than on other beaches. I was not very interested in it, so after sunbathing a little, I decided to go further. Along the way, I noticed that there are a couple of spa resorts on the coast, where tourists relax in saunas, try mud masks, Thai massage.

By the way, you won’t be able to get a sun lounger just like that, because they are given out for free only to those who are guests of a hotel located on the coast. For other tourists, like me, rent costs 40-200 Thai baht, or 70-347 Russian rubles.

I have selected for you 2 examples of hotels on Lamai beach, “Cheap” and “5 stars”:

Bophut beach

There are 3 bays on the northern coast. It is here that the island of Koh Samui in Thailand will reveal its flavor, traditions, hospitality. The photos turn out great too. At Bophut Beach, tourists and locals can relax together

An example of Bophut hotels "2 stars" and "5 stars".

Maenam beach

On the beach area called Maenam, there are excellent hotels, next to which there is a colony of hippies. The sand here is a little different - yellow, more familiar to my eyes. The beaches themselves are not as rich, large-scale, luxurious as on the east coast.

Hotels on Maenam Beach:

If you look at Koh Samui on the map, you will notice that it is surrounded by beach areas on all sides. There are also wonderful beaches in the south and west, but they are more secluded.

They are not connected by road, but you can get here. Once on the Laem Set beach, I saw a beautiful area with smooth huge boulders and fancy coconut palms, a wonderful sea, but it was too shallow here. Hat-Taping-Ngam Beach pleased with its scale and spaciousness. The long desert countryside is very charming and just perfect for evening walks.

How to get to Koh Samui on your own? Traveling from the capital of Thailand or how to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui?

Even before traveling to a paradise place, I was worried about the question: “How quickly and conveniently to get to Koh Samui?”. Only two roads lead to the island: air and sea. Since I have a fear of water, I flew by plane. The flight decently saved time and effort, although the cost of the ticket was an order of magnitude higher than on a water vessel. I personally had no doubts about how to get to the desired beaches.

Airplane

There is a direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui, which costs 4500-6500 Thai baht or 7870-11370 rubles. To get back to Bangkok you need to lay out a rather big amount. Air tickets to Koh Samui are almost always expensive and their price does not change due to the change of the tourist season.

Since the transfer was not provided for in my trip, I had to get on my own. Koh Samui Airport is far from the center, so it was necessary to leave a considerable amount here. The minimum starts at 100 baht (175 rubles), which already includes a 2 km fee and a landing fee. Each next kilometer is already considered 12 baht (21 rubles).

But if you just arrived at Bangkok airport, then the flight to Koh Samui leaves directly from it

I booked a ticket several months in advance here:

bus + ferry

There is also an option with a bus and a ferry - it is more budgetary. For those who like to see the country in more detail, I advise this option. Tickets can be viewed and pre-booked here:

Rent a car + ferry

Rent a car in Bangkok and drive it to Koh Samui (by ferry) - I dream of doing this since the first flight to Koh Samui, it's a pity that I'm a coward, but sooner or later I will try this method. My friends always move to the island like this and at the end of the trip they rent a car in Bangkok.
You can rent a car here: RentalCars.com and you can buy a ferry ticket on the spot. For motorcycle lovers, I recommend this site: BikesBooking.com

Do we have a luxurious holiday or how much does it cost to rent a villa on Koh Samui?

The tourist infrastructure on Koh Samui has long been formed. Every tourist can find a convenient, comfortable and suitable place to stay for the night. To really feel the charm of the rest, it is best to rent a villa on Koh Samui.

Walking around, I decided to see what villas are offered on the island. I was attracted by the huge building, designed for 2 couples or families. There are a couple of bedrooms, beds and bathrooms. I was pleased with the presence of a 32-inch LCD TV, DVD player, fan, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Villa on Koh Samui

On top of all this, Koh Samui villas offer a private pool, an amazing view of the tropical garden, an excellent terrace, an open-air bathroom, which seemed very surprising to me.

Renting a villa on Koh Samui is also not too cheap. For example, my home cost 15,332 Thai baht, which comes out to Russian rubles as 26,825. This is a high price for a day, but you can completely relax, enjoy the delights of an exotic vacation.

I looked at another villa, which was identical to the previous one in terms of the number of rooms. It was located on the territory of the complex, in which, in general, there were 69 elegant and spacious buildings. You can rent a house on Koh Samui with a private pool, where you can swim at any time.

Each room is decorated in a different style, so it is unlikely that similar rooms can be found. Spaciousness and comfort are fully guaranteed here. The villa I was looking at occupied an area of 326 sq. m. There were 2 huge bedrooms with outdoor baths in the middle of lush gardens. Looking at this picture, I realized that Koh Samui is truly a heavenly place. This would make some great photos.

Also on the territory of the villa was a swimming pool of 30 square meters. m., one of the largest in the complex. The room was fully equipped: internet, fan and air conditioning, cable and satellite TV, minibar and safe, work desk, TV, refrigerator and hair dryer.

In addition, there was a beautiful terrace and a balcony with a picturesque view of the surrounding nature. Renting such a luxury home on Koh Samui would cost me 16,907 Thai baht, or 26,600 rubles.

And now I will show you the most expensive 5 star hotel on the island!
There he is:

How much does it cost to rent a car on Koh Samui?

In order not to bother for a long time in search of a guide, profitable excursions, I decided to explore the island on my own. On foot it would be very long, in principle, as well as by public transport. Just in time, I came across a car rental on Koh Samui, which was located right at the airport. But I didn’t take a car here, since I had to freeze 30,000 Thai baht (or 52,500 Russian rubles) on my deposit, and I was afraid to go from Bangkok to Koh Samui.

I decided to look for other rental offices already on the island, where there were more favorable conditions. Above, I wrote that my friends constantly rent a car here: RentalCars.com But I decided to look for a rental on my own, although the price is the same.

I came across a company where they were not too strict about documents, and it was possible to pay the rent in cash. I took a middle class car, which cost me 1200 baht (2100 rubles) per day. Despite the fact that Thailand is located next to the island, on Koh Samui fuel prices were overpriced by 1-2 baht.

I was very pleased with the roads, because they are just in excellent condition. The only thing that scared me a little was left-hand traffic and a huge number of scooters, motorcyclists and cyclists.

Impressions of Koh Samui: reviews

My overall impression of the Thai island is very good. Despite the fact that this is a rather small area, it was a pleasure to relax here. The tourism industry is quite developed here, so there is an influx of travelers almost all year round. The weather and climatic features of the island are fully consistent with a pleasant stay.

It is worth coming here because of the stunning beaches that immediately attract attention. Snow-white sands, the availability of the necessary infrastructure, beautiful views- all this attracts the tourist. I managed to visit several beaches and appreciate all the beauty of the sea breeze, sunburn, which you can get under the Thai sun.

I would like to pay special attention to the villas. Living here was simply wonderful, because it is in such comfortable conditions that all the pleasure of a paradise vacation is felt. As for traveling around the territory, it is absolutely not necessary to take a guide, because you can rent a car on your own and go on a 2-3-day trip to the mysterious island.

Koh Samui is almost a little-known place, but it is worth visiting. A small, green area is sure to surprise and delight. Have a nice holiday!

A large number of people from all over the world choose this country for their holidays. Why is she so attention-grabbing? There are several islands here. One of the most popular is Koh Samui. How to get to it and why tourists love it so much? What sights are there on the island and what should you definitely take with you when going to Thailand, Koh Samui in particular? You will find answers to these and other questions related to the island in this article. Using the advice of tourists who have already been here, you can plan an unforgettable time in one of the most picturesque places on the planet.

Thailand: Koh Samui

One of the warmest countries in the world is at the same distance from India and China. Its area is more than five hundred thousand square kilometers. The inhabitants of the country are very hospitable, but at the same time they are jealous of their traditions and customs. If you know and respect them, then the atmosphere of carelessness, joy and fun envelops those who come to Thailand.

Koh Samui is one of the largest and most popular holiday destinations. Every year thousands of tourists come here, most of them Russians. It is good to come here with children. Sandy beaches, clean and warm water in the sea, all the benefits of civilization are just some of the reasons why they choose to vacation in Koh Samui (Thailand). How to get to the island for tourists from Russia? By plane from Moscow or other major cities to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. There is a transfer to Koh Samui airport. A natural question arises as to why there is no direct flight. The fact is that Koh Samui has a private airport and it only works with a small number of airlines that it chooses.

Benefits of a holiday on the islands

Among the large number of reasons why travelers choose Thailand, Koh Samui in particular, the following can be distinguished:

Getting bright unusual emotions, which are so poor in everyday life.
You can come here at any time of the year, as even in winter the air temperature is plus 30.
Low housing and food prices compared to other Asian and European countries are one of the reasons why tourists choose Thailand.
Koh Samui is a huge amount of finished products: rolls, sushi, barbecue, rice, salads and much more. It is impossible to stay hungry here.
Plenty of convenience stores. In many of them, they can even warm up food.
Lots of friendly, smiling people.
Lack of drunks, in Thailand it is not customary to drink a lot.
There are no problems with public transport, you can get very quickly to any place on the island.
Snow-white beaches, banana and coconut trees, clear water and places where no human foot has set foot.

Transport

There are no problems in vehicles on Koh Samui. Here you can use the following types of vehicles:

Songteo - fixed-route taxi. The cheapest form of transport.
Taxi with air conditioning.
Mototaxi.
Motobike.
A bike.
Minivans - a passenger car with three rows of seats.

If you plan to do a lot of walking while exploring the local sights, it is best to rent a car.

Popular tours

Travel agencies offer a wide range of vacation options with departures from the airports of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Among the most interesting tours to Thailand:

Samui - Phuket. This tour is for outdoor enthusiasts. The two most popular islands bring truly heavenly pleasure and a serene pastime. Tour duration - from 7 to 14 days.
Thailand: Samui. Tours to the island in the Pacific Ocean are in great demand among vacationers. coconut trees, impenetrable jungle, decent beaches and coral reefs delight everyone who comes here.
Thailand: Pattaya. One of the most popular Asian resorts. Picturesque nature, magnificent beaches, comfortable accommodation in hotels will allow you to have a great vacation.

There are over 200 hotels on Koh Samui.
In Thailand, there are still places where no human foot has set foot.
Koh Samui has many other names: the Island of Smiles, Coconut Paradise, the Island of Freedom.
It is not customary to conflict and engage in heated discussions.
English is taught in schools in Thailand.
Not far from Koh Samui is an island called Turtle Island. This is a favorite vacation spot for divers.

Food

In Thailand, you can discover a completely new, unique world of taste sensations. True, there is one but ... It can be both insanely tasty and disgusting. It is customary for Thais to mix sweet with spicy, so dishes familiar to Russians can have a completely different taste. Using the advice of tourists, choose for yourself those dishes that you will like.

Soups. They are cooked with seafood, mushrooms, onions, garlic, etc. It is best to order soup in a cafe, as the portions are very large and the prices are low.
Fish and meat balls. As a rule, they are strung on small sticks in several pieces. Served with spicy sauce.
Calamari with garlic. For lovers of spicy and seafood.
Thai pancakes with various fillings. Tasty and inexpensive.
Fried crickets, grasshoppers, grubs. Here everyone decides for himself whether it is worth trying such an unusual delicacy.
Snake dishes. Soup, vegetable stew and more.
Crocodile meat. Reminiscent of chicken meat or fish, it all depends on the preparation.
Fruits and dishes from them.

Thailand. Hotels in Koh Samui

There are a huge number of them here. Focusing on the reviews of tourists, we offer you several options with an impeccable level of service and reasonable prices.

Chaweng Garden Beach Resort. This hotel is located on the coast, in the middle of the beach. It has everything you need for a great holiday. Several accommodation options for tourists, including: standard rooms, villas, bungalows.
"Ark Bar Beach Resort". The hotel is located near the airport. Also around is a large number of shops, restaurants and nightclubs. All rooms with air conditioning, satellite TV, bathrooms, minibars.
"Escape Beach Resort". One of the most inexpensive hotels with a high level of service. Located next to the beach.
Chaweng Noi Pool. A huge swimming pool, tropical greenery, a balcony in every room are the distinguishing features of this hotel.
Chaweng Cove Beach Resort. The hotel is located next to tropical plants. If you come here with a large company, then you will be offered a villa with a pool or a beach bungalow.

Attractions of the island

Koh Samui is not only the sea and beaches. The island has a huge number of attractions: temples, parks, waterfalls, shops, restaurants and much more worthy of attention. Focusing on the reviews of tourists, we highlight several places that you should definitely take the time to get to know:

Angthong Marine Park. The tour lasts for eight hours, includes a tour of about forty islands. Here you can swim under water in a mask, take pictures, take a boat trip along the rocks.

"Paradise Park". In this place you can see a large number of exotic birds and animals. Distinctive feature park - you can get very close to the animals and take pictures with them.

Magic garden. There are many fairy tales and legends about this place. According to one of them, the garden was created by a man whose name was Nim. Here he grew durians (this is one of the most popular Thai fruits). There are many beautiful sculptures in the garden.

Big Buddha Temple. Here is a sculpture, the height of which is about 12 meters. To get to it, you need to overcome 60 steps. At the bottom of the stairs, you need to take off your shoes. Near the temple there are shops with souvenirs.

Play Laem. One of the most famous temples of Koh Samui (Thailand). The sights of the island are worth spending both time and money. But since Plai Layem is located next to the Buddha temple, it is best to combine their inspection. It is amazing beautiful place, on the territory of which there is a small pond.

Snake farm. There are more than a hundred species of snakes on the island, most of which are poisonous. You can meet them at one of the most extreme farms in the world.

Zoo. Despite the fact that it occupies a small area, here you can see tigers, leopards, monkeys.

The most beautiful waterfalls of Koh Samui

There are eleven on the island. This is one of the reasons why you should definitely come here. Most the best time in order to admire the waterfalls - from May to December. The most famous include:

Royal, or Purple. It is quite small, about 20 meters. The water falls into a round rocky depression in which you can swim. The spectacle is simply mesmerizing. Even members of the royal family come here. But unfortunately, during the dry season, the waterfall dries up and you can’t see it.
Hin Lad. To get to this waterfall, you need to walk about two kilometers through the real jungle. On the way, you can go to the temple and make a wish. In the jungle you can see a large number of fruit trees. Many tourists do not even realize that the waterfall has three tiers, rare people climb to its very top. Here you can take pictures and swim all alone.
A waterfall, next to which is a statue of a girl. It has several cascades. On the way to the top there are viewing platforms and places to rest.
Namuang waterfall. Its height reaches eighty meters. To get to it, you can make a trip through the jungle on elephants.

Souvenirs and gifts

When we go somewhere to rest, we try to buy something that reminds us of our vacation. Especially if we are going to a country like Thailand. Koh Samui offers a wide range of unusual souvenirs and gifts for family and friends. Here are just a few options:

Unusual orchid tea.
Local spirits in which you can see a snake or scorpion in alcohol.
Coconut oil.
Whitening cosmetics.
Crocodile leather belt.
Soap in the form of flowers and fruits.
Various body scrubs.

7 most popular vacation activities

Helpful information

So that no troubles and inconveniences overshadow your vacation, take into account the following information:

Take with you sunscreens and mosquito repellents.
The national currency of Thailand is the baht. For comparison: one US dollar is equal to 30 baht. It is better to take cash on a trip in small denominations, here they don’t really like to give change.
If you are going to visit local temples, then you should pay special attention to your clothes. Women must wear a long skirt or dress, as long as the arms and legs are covered.
In no case do not drink tap water, so as not to be subsequently treated for gastrointestinal infections.
It is customary to enter many places on the island after leaving your shoes at the entrance to the building. These include: pharmacies, hospitals, temples and some shops.
Thais are very kind to their king, so there should be no dissatisfied statements about this.
Never pat children on the head or shake hands in greeting.
Photography is prohibited in the temples. Posing near various Buddhist sculptures is neat. It is advisable not to touch them with your hands. By respecting a foreign culture and country, you will avoid a huge number of problems and enjoy your vacation with pleasure.