Koh Samui

Set in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Surat Thani and accessible by air from Bangkok, Koh Samui is a tropical isle that vies with Phuket as the country's most popular beach destination. Like Phuket, it combines natural beauty with an excaptionally good standard of hotels, spas and other tourism facilities that afford the luxury, the dining and the entertainment to complete the perfect holiday in the sun.

The kingdom's third largest island, after Phuket and Koh Chang, Koh Samui lies 84 km. from the coast and covers an area of 247 sq. km. A mountain ridge runs east to west and most of the hinterland comprises forested hills and coconut plantations, while the coast is dotted with palm-fringed beaches and quiet coves.

Given its varied topographical make-up, Samui provides plenty of options for your preferred style of holiday. The most famous beaches are Chaweng and Lamai on the east coast, which are long majestic sweeps of sand, hugely popular and backed by a host of hotels, restaurants, shops, bars, and discos. However, if the traveller seeks a quieter scene, the smaller beaches and coves on the south, west, or north shores afford tranquil hideaways. Moreover, each locale has its own character and ambience, offering a refreshing change of scenery as one tours the island.

Matching the blue of the sea with the green of lush tropical vegetation is Samui's hilly interior, where there is plenty of scope for excursions to such picturesque sights as Na Mueang Waterfall. There is also a wide choice of things to do and see, ranging from cultural attractions, such as the impressive Big Buddha statue, to elephant shows, bytterfly parks and, not least, a whole host of health spas offering all kinds of massage and other treatments to rejuvenate, invigorate and relax both body and mind. With it classic tropical island looks and splendid range of facilities, Samui Really does fulfil dreams of the ideal escape.

History of Koh Samui

According to the appearance which was found on Samui Island, archeologists believe that there was the man who inhabited here over 1200 years ago. In 1940s, the island was still isolated from the outside world because of it was difficult to go there; it took about 6 hours by boat from Surat Thani to the island. However, in the early of 1970’s, the island became the new best destination which was discovered by the backpackers.

With the evolution of infrastructure, the number of tourists per year has been increasing since the island was developed. In 1973, the main road, which was well-known as Samui’s concrete ring road, was built. The route passes beautiful beaches around the island and connects sub-district areas. The Tourism Authority of Thailand explored the island in 1980 and realizing the high tourism potential of Samui, a plan to develop and promote tourism on the island was implemented. As a result, it has become and will continue to be a popular tourist destination in Thailand.

Getting There

From Bangkok

By air

Bangkok Airways flies from Bangkok to Koh Samui 13 times daily. The trip takes about one hour and 10 minutes. The airways also offers daily flights between Phuket and Samui. For more information, call Bangkok Airways office, +66 2229 3456, +66 2229 3434, Samui office, +66 7742 2512 - 9 or Samui Airport Office +66 7724 5601-8.

By bus

Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal for Surat Thani several times daily. The trip takes about 11 hours. For further information, call +66 2435 1199, +66 2435 1200 (air-con), +66 2434 5557 - 8 (non-air-con).

By car

From Bangkok, take Highway 4 (Buddha Monthon Road) through Phetchaburi and Chumphon Provinces and then drive on to Highways 41 and 401 to Surat Thani Province. From Surat Thani, visitors can take their cars to Koh Samui through a vehicle ferry at Donsak Pier. The trip takes 1.30 hours.

By rail

Several trains board from Bangkok’s Hualamphong Station to Surat Thani daily. The trip takes about 12 hours. Train / bus / ferry combination tickets are also available. For more information, call Hualamphong Railway Station, +66 2223 7010, +66 2223 7020.

From Surat Thani to Ko Samui

Express boat

An express ferry boat of Songserm Travel departs from Tha Thong Pier in Surat Thani at 8.00 a.m. and arrives at Na Thon Pier in Samui at 10.30 a.m. every day. For the return trip, the boat leaves Na Thon Pier at 2.00 p.m. and reaches Tha Thong at 4.30 p.m.

Express boats of Seatran Express operate three times a day between Ban Don and Koh Samui. Departure times are 7.00 a.m., 12.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. The trip takes two hours.

Ferry Boats of Seatran

Seatran Ferry, which can accommodate 60 cars and 400 passengers, operates several trips per day between Don Sak (Surat Thani) and Koh Samui, from 5.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The trip takes about 1.30 hours.

Night ferry

A slow night ferry leaves Ban Don Pier nightly at 11 p.m. and reaches Na Thon Pier at Samui around 5 a.m. (6 hours). For the return trip, the boat leaves Na Thon Pier at 9.00 p.m. and arrives at Ban Don Pier at 4.00 a.m. (7 hours).

Getting around Koh Samui

The scenery of the island is best seen by taking songthaews (red local bus) which operate around the island. The fare starts at 20 baht, depending on the distance of the trip.

By Taxi

Taxi Meters are available for getting around Koh Samui. The taxi fare is shown on the meter with a surcharge of  90 Baht to the driver.

Note: if you have any problem with taxi services on Koh Samui, please report to Public Bus Passenger Protection Center, Suratthani Provincial land Transportation Office, Koh Samui branch. or Call 1584

By a rented Jeep 

Rented Jeep, 4WD, is available from many family-owned agencies and some well known large companies. The vehicle will serve as the basic means of transportation taking visitors around many hillside natural and man-made attractions which are easily accessible from the ring road. Some of these vehicles come with insurance, but the coverage is limited. Always ask for details first. The minimum price is from 800 baht.

By Motorcycle

A more flexible way to get around the island, rented motorcycle costs approximately 200 baht / day. Beware, as roads other than the main roads on Koh Samui are quite rough in some parts.

Accommodation in Koh Samui

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