Travel between Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta, Railay, Ao Nang, Krabi, Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan or one of the other beautiful small islands of the Andaman Sea or Gulf of Thailand.
A variety of everything tropical and beautiful, historic and fun on Koh Samui…
If you are looking for a beautiful, tropical place to relax, Koh Samui is it. This beautiful island off the coast of Thailand epitomizes tropical paradise. Explore, eat, relax in a gorgeous tropical setting. Whether you are strolling the sands, exploring lagoons, or dining at a local restaurant, Koh Samui has everything you could want in a tropical paradise.
Koh Samui, often referred to as “Samui” by the locals (“Koh” just means “island”), is Thailand’s second largest island, after Phuket. Although people have settled here as long ago as 500 A.D., it’s been virtually unknown and untouched by outsiders until the 1970’s. Even then, Samui did not have any modern roads. It is this “unspoiled” and natural setting which draws as many as 1.5 million tourists per year to such a laid back island of 55,000 permanent residents.
Samui, though just a small island in the fabled Gulf of Thailand, has a very broad range of natural environments. The center of the island consists of mountainous jungles, parts of which are virtually untouched by humanity. The scenes along the beach, however, are particularly suited for human recreation.
There are dozens of beaches to explore on Samui, each one with its unique character and flavor. The east side of the island is more established as a tourist center, with three major hubs of Chaweng on the east, Bophut on the northeast, and Lamai on the southeast. The west of the island has opened up to tourism more recently, and features posh, 5 star resorts with the most modern accoutrements.
The beaches are definitely the centerpiece of Samui, but there are tons of other options of the fun-hungry tourist. The old port town of Nathon, where your ferry lands, is one place you will definitely not want to miss during your stay. With a history stretching back to immemorial days of fishing and coastal trade, there are very old Chinese shop houses here still serving one purpose or another. A very worthwhile jaunt if you develop an aversion to all the “touristy” things.
Hotels on Samui start around $95 per night. Restaurants are everywhere, with friendly service and high quality food at every turn. If you really want to enjoy some local food, just wait until Friday evening in Bophut and Sunday in Lamai. Every week the main streets are blocked off from automotive traffic, vendors set up their famous street-food booths, and happy pedestrians stroll about nosing.
The largest island in a group of archipelagos, Samui is the perfect base for further exploration. The famous beaches of Ang Thong are a short ferry ride away, and smaller islands dot the lovely turquoise waters. Koh Samui is a hub for many ferry boats with rides readily available from Samui to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Hua Hin, Trang, Kaosok National Park, and Khaolak, www.phiphi-ferry.com forms a backbone for a time of exotic excursions, fun recreation, and deep relaxation.