From Wikitravel

Ko Samui (เกาะสมุย) [1], often called just Samui (สมุย) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, some 700km south of Bangkok and about 80km from the eastern coastline of southern Thailand.

[edit] Slogan

Based upon the Surat Thani, Ko Samui holds the same slogan as the province, i.e. Hundreds of islands, tasty rambutan, huge oyster, fermented eggs, Dharma land and Chak Phra Festival Tourist will called Dream's island, Coconut islands( 1st coconut trees in the world), Monkey islands

[edit] Understand

An island of great natural beauty and variety, Samui is home to about 40,000 full-time inhabitants, 90% of whom are Buddhist. The palm fringed shoreline and coconut and fruit cultivation of the coastal lowlands rise to a central granite massive, the slopes of which are cloaked in virgin rainforest.

At 247km² Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and the largest island in an archipelago of over 80 (mostly uninhabited) islands which form the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a kayaking and snorkeling paradise. At 25km long and 21km wide, Samui is big enough for serious exploration by the adventurous and fit, but can be circumnavigated in just a couple of hours by motorbike or car.

Tourism has long since overtaken coconut farming and fishing as the main sources of income. The latter are still practiced though to a lesser extent and the pleasant aroma of charring coconuts can still be smelt on many parts of the island. Many of the fish on local restaurant and hotel dining room tables come from the surrounding Gulf of Thailand's warm waters, although increasing amounts are imported from elsewhere as demand outstrips supply.

[edit] Climate

Ko Samui, like the rest of the south of Thailand has only the two seasons. The rainy season is from May to December and the dry season is from January to April. Since the weather is tropical however, the rain when it does fall, does so heavily but doesn’t last long.

[edit] History

The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula[1] and Southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam. The name Samui is mysterious in itself. Perhaps it is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui, or it is a corruption of the Chinese word Saboey, meaning "safe haven".

Until the late 20th century, Samui was an isolated self-sufficient community, having little connection with the mainland of Thailand. The island was even without roads until the early 1970s, and the 15km journey from one side of the island to the other involved a whole-day trek through the mountainous central jungles.

[edit] Geography

Ko Samui is located some 84 kilometres east of the provincial capital. The island measures some 21 kilometres at its widest point, and 25 kilometres at its longest. There is a 51-kilometre ring and largely coastal road encircles the island. Altogether, the area comprises of 42 islands featuring lime stone massifs, tropical rainforests and secluded beaches. Among the islands, Koh Wua Talap (island of the sleeping cow) is the largest.

[edit] Districts

Administratively, Ko Samui is an Amphoe (district) of Surat Thani Province. The district is subdivided into 7 subdistricts (tambon). Also the complete island is one municipality (thesaban tambon). The district covers the island, as well as the Ang Thong archipelago and some other small islands nearby.

1. Ang Thong
2. Lipa Noi
3. Taling Ngam
4. Na Mueang
5. Maret
6. Bo Phut
7. Mae Nam

Ko Samui is all in all a fairly big place. The most popular and commercialised beaches are Chaweng and Lamai, while the northern beaches and their adjacent villages of Mae Nam, Bophut, Bang Rak (Big Buddha) and Choeng Mon are more peaceful choices, and the west coast beaches are still (comparatively) quiet.

Clockwise from Nathon on the west coast, the main beaches are:

• Nathon - Samui's port and administrative center, but with little to attract the tourist

• Mae Nam - a quiet and beautiful beach on the northern coast

• Bophut - known for its Fisherman's Village, laid-back but growing fast

• Bang Rak - at the northeastern tip, home of the Big Buddha

• Choeng Mon - quiet North shore beach

• Chaweng - the largest and most-developed beach, with a curious mix of luxury hotels and backpacker guesthouses and a hopping nightlife

• Lamai - Samui's "second" beach south of Chaweng, more backpackery than Chaweng

• South Coast - the small beaches of Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai, Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut

[edit] Boundary

To the west of Ko Samui is the mainland province of Surat Thani. It is surrounded by the Andaman Sea.

[edit] Get in

Samui Airport departure taxes A 300 baht surcharge is levied on domestic departures, as well as the 500 baht surcharge on international departures. If you fly via Bangkok to an international destination the tax is only 200 baht as the Bangkok international departure tax is already included in your ticket ex Bangkok. These charges are not included in the ticket price.

[edit] By plane

Ko Samui Airport (USM) is a private airport originally built by Bangkok Airways [2], which is still the main operator and was for a long time the only airline with services to Ko Samui from Thailand until Thai Airways operated the flights between Bangkok and Ko Samui from April, 2008. They have near-hourly departures to/from Bangkok; tickets are expensive by Thai standards, with advance bookings costing 2000-3500 baht, while a walk-in booking may be twice as much. There are also daily flights to/from Phuket for 2200 baht, U-Tapao, and Singapore; four direct flights a week from Chiang Mai (but no direct flights in the opposite direction); and twice weekly flights to/from Hong Kong.

In addition to Bangkok Air, Ko Samui is served two flights a day from Bangkok on Thai (starting February 2008) as well as by Berjaya Air [3] from Kuala Lumpur and Firefly [4] from Penang and Subang airport (Kuala Lumpur) in Malaysia.

Visa-on-Arrival and Visa-Free entry is available at Samui Airport for some nationalities - see Thailand for more information.

Ground transportation from the airport is readily available. A seat in a minibus for the 20-minute ride to Chaweng costing 100 baht/person; a faster taxi will cost 150-300 baht. Be sure to negotiate the rate to your destination before you get into the taxi since many drivers refuse to use their meters. Recently a regular shuttle bus service was introduced that uses listed prices and allows internet booking and payment - Samui Shuttle [5].

A cheaper but less convenient option is to fly to Surat Thani and connect by road and then ferry.

[edit] By boat

From Surat Thani train station and Surat Thani Airport (URT), combined bus/ferry services to Ko Samui cost 200-300 baht - some entail a 60 minute bus ride followed by a 90 minute ferry crossing, others a 30 minute bus ride but longer on the ferry. Tickets are sold by numerous agents who meet each train and airport.There are 2 Ferry compannys (departure every 30 mins).

Numerous ferry services direct from mainland Surat Thani include an express boat (3 departures daily, taking around 3 hours and costing 150 baht) and slow night boats (taking 6-7 hours). Call operator Songserm Travel (252 9654 in Bangkok) for the latest schedules, which vary according to the season.

There are also regular speedboats and ferries to Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao.

Lomprayah [6] offers a combined bus/high speed catamaran ferry service from Bangkok to Ko Samui which takes about 11 hours and costs around 850 baht (1000 baht in the opposite direction). The bus pauses in Hua Hin and then stops at Chumphon where it connects with the ferry, which calls at Ko Nang Yuan, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan on its way to Ko Samui.

[edit] Get around

As on many islands in Thailand, small motorbikes are available for rental. Compared to other nearby islands, Samui's road systems is very developed and there are plenty of taxis cruising about, although it's a challenge to get them to use their meters.

Taxi

The Ko Samui Taxi Service is a public taxi service, which cost around 50 Baht.

Songthaew Pickup trucks/public passenger pick-up vehicles (songthaews) also serve as group taxis. Hail one on any major road with a wave or yell, negotiate a fare, and sit down on the bench in the back. Fares are around 10 Baht per person. In the event you wish to hire own personally then you ought to negotiate the cost first.

Motorbike Motorbikes can be rented virtually anywhere on Ko Samui for between 120-700 Baht per day depending on the size. It is recommended though, to hire only from a reputable company as there have been reports of scams; that is where some places deliberately steal bikes that they have rented out. If hiring a bike doesn’t appeal to you then there are motorbike-taxis willing to take you around for a small fee.

Bicycles Bicycles can be hired very cheaply on Ko Samui, one shouldn’t cost anymore than a couple of US dollars per day.

[edit] Tourism

It was only the early 1970s that the first backpackers traveling on the back of a coconut boat arrived on Ko Samui. And for years after that the island just had a few bungalows and a trickle of travelers. Things started to change however, in the early 1990s; tourists started arriving in the boat-full and since then the place has soared in popularity. Samui is now the second most popular place as an island destination in Thailand (first is Phuket). Ko Samui may not be the country’s most beautiful island but it is still an oasis of natural beauty with its white sandy beaches, dazzling coral, luscious lagoons, picturesque waterfalls, swaying coconut trees and crystal clear water. Tourism is now ahead of coconuts as the islands main industry.

Unfortunately, development on Ko Samui is starting to take its toll and the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are as overcrowded as anywhere on the Costa-del-Sol. Other than that however, there are still legions of quieter locations to ‘get away from it all’.

[edit] Culture

The south of Thailand is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai Chinese, Muslims and even sea gypsies. The majority of the population in the rural areas is Muslim. Ko Samui however, does not suffer from any religious tension and the folk live in peace and harmony. Outside of the tourist areas, the rural folk speak with a thick Southern dialect which is difficult for even other Thais to understand. With this kind of mixture, Ko Samui is always celebrating something be it part of Thai Buddhist, Thai-Chinese or Thai-Islamic tradition.

[edit] Lifestyle

Even though, Ko Samui is located in the south of Thailand the original inhabitants of the island are predominantly Buddhist. Once upon a time, most the island folk made their living by the coconut business, however many of them now work in tourism. A lot of them have become wealthy due to the cost of their land they have had for decades. Due to the development of the island, Thai-Chinese Bangkokians have come to Samui by the plane-load to do business. And because of the manual labour needed to keep up with the island’s growth, a great deal of folk from the country’s poorer north-eastern region have come to work and reside there.

[edit] Events & Festivals

Buffalo Fighting Festival One of the most famed festivals coming out of Samui is its Buffalo Fighting Festival which is held on special occasions such as New Years Day and Songkran. Unlike Spanish Bullfighting, where the bulls get killed while fighting sword-wielding men, Buffalo Fighting Festival, Ko Samui is fairly harmless. The fighting season varies according to some ancient customs and ceremonies. The buffalos are beautifully decorated with ribbons and gold-painted leaves. Before the contest which lasts just two rounds, monks spray them with holy water. This is a big money event with the winning owner going home with millions of baht in prize money.

Bowling Championship This is an annual bowling event held in May every year.

Avis Samui Tennis Open The annual amateur tennis tournament held in July.

The Fisherman's Village Festival This five-day long festival is celebrated with great fun and lots of music and food. The music is usually played by well-known artists and the amount of food (and quality of it) dished up is just amazing. A number of food tents sell a wide range of inexpensive and tasty cuisine provided by many local hotels. All these things make this festival the best on the Samui calendar.

Triathlon Event The International Triathlon Union organizes this event every year. This event in Ko Samui draws a more than five hundred participants from all round the globe. The event attracts not only competitors but visitors at the same time. Local people participate enthusiastically and at same time cheer up the participants. This Triathlon Event is a lot of fun.

Samui Regatta The Samui Regatta, Ko Samui is a sailing tournament, which is a grand attraction on this island every year. The tournament is internationally acclaimed around the world and has become one of the major sailing events on Samui. The organizers put in a lot of preparation for the successful completion of this event. Locals as well as tourists take part; racers come from as far away as Australia, Singapore, Japan and China. This event began in 2002. The yacht racing association of Thailand organized this popular yachting festival and the event is recognized by the prestigious international sailing federation. Boats of all sizes and shapes are used in this event. The “Radical Bay 8000” is one such boat that is used in this event. During the festival, spectators are treated to an assortment stalls serving up delicious Thai cuisine at reasonable prices. Drinks, both alcohol and non-alcohol can also be had.

Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan) Once upon a time Had Rin Beach on nearby Ko Phang-ngan was a secret haven for a few ‘hippy’ backpackers who could only get to the beach by boat. Nowadays however, Had Rin is packed with bungalows, bars, pizza joints and even a 7-11. Every month on full-moon a huge party is held, one that has become internationally renowned. All through the night party-gors can drink and dance to the latest rave sounds played by well-known DJs from around the world. Literally tens of thousands appear solely for the point of joining in the action.

Getting there: Koh Phangan takes approximately 45 minutes from Samui Island by boat. There are special services on the night of the full-moon, though there tend to be many more tickets sold than actual seats in boats, resulting in very long waits in line, especially on the Phangan side.

[edit][add listing] See

The major reason why people come to Samui is, quite simply, to enjoy the beaches. Even though the two main beaches of Chaweng and Lamai have generally suffered due to mass development over the past decade, they are still relatively impressive. Development has been thwarted slightly however, because of the island’s regulation governing height restriction.

Other than lying on the beach with a cold beer in hand and ogling at the babes and hunks sauntering past, there isn't all that much to see on the island. A certain pair of rocks on Lamai amuses some visitors, Bang Rak has a large but nondescript Buddha statue, and there are some waterfalls (notably Na Muang) of minor interest.

Chaweng Beach Chaweng is the major beach on Ko Samui and one that has developed tremendously since the early 1990s. Just 20 years ago the beach was home to just a sprinkle of wooden bungalows but now the place is swamped with 4-5 star hotels, Italian pizza joints, Irish pubs and even go-go bars. In fact, Samui’s nightlife is becoming legendary but unfortunately not always attracting the best standard of tourist. Chaweng’s once ‘hippy’ only backpackers have given way to a lot of ‘lager louts’. But if it’s a rowdy reckless party scene you are after, then Chaweng is the place for you.

Lamai Beach Like Chaweng, Lamai has transformed from a ‘hippy’ hangout into a fun, party place packed out with bars and exciting nightlife. The beach though, is still in better condition than Chaweng and the place doesn’t get quite so crowded. If it’s a quiet relaxing location you are after, then Lamai won’t be the ideal place for you. At the southern end of Lamai, there are some odd-looking rock formations.

Maenam Beach This quite beach, located in the north of the island is decent enough for swimming and sunbathing especially for families with children due to the shallow water.

Bophut Beach Bophut, situated in the north of the island, is a popular starting point for diving tours. The place isn’t in any way as developed as Chaweng but there are still plenty of restaurants, shops and bars.

Choengmon Beach Choengmon is located in the North-East of Samui just 10 minutes from Chaweng. Unlike the latter however, it is a perfect place for relaxing.

Big Buddha Beach Located in the north-east of Samui, Big Buddha offers visitors good swimming and lovely views. The area has developed a lot over the past few years and there are now a plentitude of restaurants, shops and bars.

• Na Thon - The island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.

• Namtok Hin Lat – This waterfall is easily accessible by car. Some of the numerous tiny levels have a large basin for swimmers.

• Namtok Na Mueang – A local road leads to the Na Mueang 1 Waterfall. A walk of about 30 minutes ends up at the more scenic Na Mueang 2 Waterfall. Purple rocks surround the stream of water, which gushes in from an impressive height of around 79 meters.

• Ban Lipa Yai – This village grows high quality fruits, including rambutan, durian, mangosteen and the famed langsat.

• Old House – This Chinese-style house, aged almost 200 years, represents Samui’s cultural identity. Grandpa Si and Grandma Maen Hancharoen, the present owner, open the house to visitors.

Other island attractions include coral beds at Laem Set and Thong Takhian; the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay; the nearby butterfly garden and aquarium; a snake farm; a monkey theatre at Bo Phut and a massive seated Buddha image on Fan isle.

Wat Khunaram Ko Samui This temple is the island’s most famous temple for its mummified monk on display. The mummy sits upright in a glass casket and devotees offer it flowers and incense. The mummy is in fact the body of a very revered former abbot of the temple who was also a meditation master that was able to predict his own death.

Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks These odd-looking rocks situated on Lamai beach bear a striking resemblance to male and female sexual organs and they have turned into one of the island’s biggest attractions. For those who would like to hear a legend or two surrounding the rocks, they need only ask a local.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Ko Samui Located at Ban Harn beach, the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo offer a fun day out for the family. The undersea world of the aquarium has an amazing collection of tropical fish and other vibrant aquatic animals such as turtles and colorful coral. The tiger zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. For those who are daring enough, they can have their photograph taken with the awesome animals. The Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo are open daily from 9 am till 6 pm.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) Also known as the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), has a 15 meter tall statue of the Buddha. It was built in 1972 and is located in the north of the island.

Laem Sor Pagoda Ko Samui This chedi (pagoda) situated at Laem Sor temple is one of the most important shrines on Ko Samui. The structure with its yellow tiles which gives off a golden aura is quite impressive.

Samui Butterful Garden / Insect Museum This butterfly garden can be found in the south-east of the island. There is a huge collection of different butterflies, some quarter of a meter wide. The visitor can also enter the insect museum nearby to see a variety of rare bugs and a bee house.

Secret Buddha Garden This beautiful garden was made by a 76 year-old Ko Samui fruit farmer in 1976. It is surrounded by lush jungle, rocky hills and is adorned with sculptures depicting both humans, in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the highest point on the island, there are also some awesome views to be had. Organized tours to the garden last for about 2 hours.

Monkey Shows These shows can be enjoyed at the open-air theater on the main road behind Bophut beach. The entertainment also includes performing elephants

[edit][add listing] Do

The usual panoply of watersports are available, including plenty of dive shops, but most diving is done either in the nearby Angthong Marine National Park or Ko Tao as the visibility around Samui's sandy beaches tends to be poor. You can book diving day trips at dive shops, most of which are based in Chaweng. The dive boats tend to leave from the pier at Bophut and Bang Ruk.

Diving Without a doubt the south of Thailand is home to some of the finest and most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear water and stunning coral. And that is the main reason why the number of divers coming to Thailand has escalated over the past decade or so.

Even though the best time year of the year to dive in the Ko Samui is between June and August, it is still perfectly possible to dive virtually all year round. As diving in Thailand is considered one of the safest destinations for diving and snorkeling in the world, it is perfect for first-timers wanting to try these pastimes out.

The sea visibility in some places around Ko Samui is almost unbelievable, I mean we are talking about distances of up to 10-30 meters. One can enjoy splendid sights of underwater mountains, coral gardens, undersea rock formations, hard and soft coral, whale sharks.

Leading the way in environment conservation [7] is Samui's award winning 5 Star PADI Dive Resort, BSAC Resort Centre and PADI Go Eco Operator 100 Degrees East [8] that provides you with diving in a safe, friendly and supportive environment in which you can relax, have fun and enjoy your diving. To learn more about saving the underwater world contact - Ph: +66 (0) 77 245 936, info@100degreeseast.com.

Sailing is beginning to become more popular in Samui being led by the success of the Ko Samui Regatta [9] and the continued popularity of the day crusies and sunset cruises aboard the 52 foot sailing catamaran Kia Ora [10]. The major hindrance to sailing in Ko Samui is the lack of a marina to provide safe mooring, the support infrastructure and services. There have been many rumours about marina construction being imminent but nothing has yet been done. So when you get to Samui, expect to find it hard to locate a suitable provider and also expect to either clamber over rickety wooden jetties or be ferried out on the tender dinghy – all adding to the wonderful Thai style sailing adventure.

Santiburi Samui Country Club boasts the only 18 hole golf course on the island. Located inland from Mae Nam, the neighbouring town to Bophut, the challenging mountain-side and high valley fairways offer stunning views of the bay area and distant Ko Pha Ngan. Golf carts are compulsory, to prevent the exhaustion of players otherwise following the steeply rising and falling fairways. Large greens offer some compensation to players distracted by the fabulous views and lush tropical setting. The clubhouse includes locker rooms, dining, conferencing rooms as well as a driving range, practice green and shop.

Other golf courses include the Samui Golf Club and Driving Range and the Lamai Driving Range. For those interested in playing mini golf, there is the Mini Golf International. Other golf courses include Samui Frisbee Golf and Samui Football Golf. One can also finds a large number of golf shops, like the Samui Golf and Sports Center from where golf clubs, hats, and shoes can be bought or rented.

Thai Boxing Thai Boxing or Muay Thai has risen in popularity in Koh Samui and there are a number of gyms such as Lamai, WMC and Pinyo. Big bouts can be watched at the Muay Thai Boxing Stadium at Chaweng Beach.

Beach Volleyball Lots of beach volleyball is played on the two main beaches; Chaweng and Lamai.

Kayaking is a great way to see the Angthong Marine National Park. Look for a credible tour operator when on the island.

There is a nice natural pool at the top of the Na Muang waterfall 2. It's about 30 minutes steep hike from the point where the road ends. There are also some elephant ride businesses, that can take you to the bottom of the waterfall.

Shooting you can visit the Samui shooting range and fire various 9mm and revolver pistols and even the famous AK-47. Turn up and shoot - prices are quite steep around 1000 baht for a magazine of ammo but it does make for a memorable experience and is suitable for small groups.

Bungy Jump situated on the Reggae Street side of Chaweng lake. Samui Bungy offers a free pick up service from your hotel. Soi Reggae, ChawengBeach. Telephone: 07 741- 425-2

Bird Watching Samui with its lush forests offers the ideal spot to go for bird watching. The wilderness of the area has made it a nesting ground for several rare species of birds.

Tiger Zoo and Tropical Bird Show - south of Hua Thanon

Trekking & Elephant Trekking Due to diversity of the landscape and tropically lush forests, Samui is a great place for trekking, either on foot or by elephant. This activity has become extremely popular recently, especially with the younger crowds.

Snooker & Pool There are snooker clubs at the main beaches in Thailand and they are popular with the local Thais. More popular with the western tourists is pool which can easily be found at the island’s bars. At most bars, pool can be played for free.

Tennis Tennis can be found at a few selected places on the island.

• Ang Thong Marine National Park With a total of 42 islands in the vicinity, the overall scenery is simply quite stunning. Ko Wao and Ko Yippon are probably the two most popular locations for diving.

Diving Sites around Ko Samui

• Samran Pinnacles: Since the currents in this area are often quite strong, this site is recommended therefore, for experienced divers. Due to the currents being like this, the site is a haven for bringing in larger pelagics such as barracuda, jacks. There are three submerged pinnacles near Sail Rock.

• Ko Kra & Koh Losin: These two small islands located to the south-east of Samui, which because of its remotest, don’t get too many divers. Blacktip sharks, manta rays and hard to find loggerhead turtles can be seen.

Snorkeling This pastime is also popular with many tourists, especially with those who can’t dive. All the diving centers arrange snorkeling tours too.

Yachting One of the major Yachting festivals, which has gained international recognition worldwide, is the Ko Samui Regatta festival organized by the Ko Samui Regatta Committee. Visitors, if they wish, can charter a yacht or use their own.

Windsurfing On Samui, some companies conduct various workshops and courses on windsurfing.

Canopy Koh Samui Canopy Adventures arrange canopy through the forest. They are located Bophut Beach and can be contacted at 077-414-1501

Fishing Lovers of fishing will adore the idea of going fishing off Samui and they won’t be disappointed. The majority of the fishing tours leave from the south-west corner of Ko Tong Krut.

Horse Riding Horse on Samui are of a European standard, they are calm, patient and well-trained. For package deals and more information, telephone: 09-972-4241. Route 4169, near Tesco Lotus, Chaweng.

Kiteboarding This exciting new and trendy activity has finally reached Samui and the Ko Samui Kite Center based at the Samui Orchid Resort in Laem Set offers a complete range of courses from beginners to advance. The ideal time of the year for this activity is from November to March. The center can be contacted at 077-424-017-501.

Paintball This fantastic activity, which fathers as well as sons will love, has also arrived on Samui. Paintball has been organized in the hills above Maenam Beach. There is a great selection of guns to choose from, take your pick of an M16 or a Kalashnikov.

Spa For those who love to ‘spa’, Thailand is the perfect destination to indulge in this pastime therapy. The country prides itself in countless spas offering the highest world class services at extremely reasonable rates. Much of the recent success of this therapy is due to the tremendous support given by the Thai Spa Operators Association. Not only have they assisted in the training of therapists to international standards but also trained them in keeping methods traditionally and distinctively ‘Thai-style’. Spas can be found at major hotels and resorts on Samui, such as:

• Ban Sabai Spa [11] (E-mail: info@vipassana.co.th)
• Chedi Spa [12]
• Santiburi Dusit Resort [13] (E-mail: santiburi@dusit.com)
• Tamarind Retreat [14] (E-mail: info@tamarindretreat.com)

[edit] Learn

Thai Cooking

Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts, Tel: 0 7741 3172 provides basic skills sufficient to prepare a Thai meal in your own home, or even training to professional standards. Some hotels that have their own in-house Thai restaurant offer cooking classes to their customers. Contact Central Samui Beach Resort Tel: 0 2230 5000, Imperial Samui Tel: 0 7742 2020-36, Poppies Samui Tel: 0 7742 2389; Santiburi Dusit Resort Tel: 0 7742 5031 for details

Thai Boxing

Samui has a few gyms where wanna-be kick boxers can learn this unique martial art which is embedded in culture and tradition.

Meditation

For those suffering from a bugging, moody, monkey-like or impatient mind, they can be treated with the help of meditation. If practicing at a temple isn’t your cup-of-tea, then never mind there are monthly meditation courses at the Samudra Retreat lead by an expert meditation master monk.

• The Samudra Retreat Samui: 24/73, Moo 5, Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84320, Thailand. Tel: (6677) 428-100 Fax: (6677) 428-133

Yoga

Kamalaya Yoga Synergy Retreats. Yoga immersion for beginners that includes learning basic postures, breathing practice and meditation, supported by wellness treatments, healthy cuisine, inspiring setting. Phone +66 (0) 77 429800

[edit] Local Food

Samui is well known for its coconuts, which are available everywhere and quite tasty. Being an island, seafood is generally a good choice, although in high season demand often exceeds local supply. The larger beaches have a number of international restaurants as well (often run by Thai-farang couples), with Bophut having a particularly good reputation.

Dual pricing is regrettably common: some restaurants have two menus, one for tourists and the other for Thai people, at about 1/4 of the foreigner prices. Main courses in a standard, low-key Thai restaurant should be under 100 baht (except some seafood dishes), so if prices seem unreasonably steep, head elsewhere.

Traditional Food

In general, Southern Thai food is renowned for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian and Indian food. Favourite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Khanom Jeen) and chicken birayani.

Local food in Koh Samui and its province of Surat Thani are salted eggs and delicious rambutan.

[edit] Local Product

Besides coconuts, Samui is also famed for its silk, handicrafts and precious gems and these can easily bought at great prices from reputable shops and companies. There is also lacquerware, silverware, nilonware, pewterware, wood-carvings, brassware, gold and tailor-made suits.

• Tailor-made suit for next-to-nothing (4500+ baht for good quality).

Recommended Tailor - Timmys Massschneider [15] established since 1984. Pride ourselves as being one of the leading custom tailors on Koh Samui, Thailand. Come discover the quality, cut and lifestyle of perfect made to measure clothes which are exquisite as well as elegant, designed and created to perfection. Tel: +66 77 230 954, Mobile: +66 8 1892 8923, E-mail: timmys@loxinfo.co.th.

• Sarongs and other tropical souvenirs.

[edit][add listing] Drink

There are innumerable options for a drink, ranging from the loud and brash tourist pubs and girlie bars of Chaweng to the candle-lit romantic bars of Bophut. Figure on 80 baht for a local beer (Singha, Tiger, Chang, Heineken) and up to twice as much for any import.

Wine is especially expensive, usually over 2,000 baht per bottle.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

With an estimated 60,000 rooms accommodation is basically not a problem, and the most difficult decision will be picking a suitable beach. Head for Chaweng or Lamai if you want nightlife, Mae Nam or the South Coast for a quieter beach experience, or Bophut for a good compromise. For some people who love being quiet and hideaway retreat, Cheong Mon is a good choice.

• Karma Samui Resort, 80/32 Moo 5, Bophut, ☎ (66) 77 230 833, [16]. Karma Samui resort is nestled in a serene cove and rises gracefully from the blue seas and golden sands of a stunning tropical beach. Four minutes drive to the south one finds the bustle and excitement of the island’s major shopping and entertainment center – Chaweng Beach, while the international Samui Airport is conveniently placed only 15 minutes away. The 36 pool villas are arranged in 5 terraces, maximizing the sea view and creating a village-like atmosphere. Gay/Lesbian friendly staff and management. Various lifestyle choices include private in-villa dining with the option of personal chefs and waiters, dining in Padma beachfront restaurant or a romantic beach dinner under the stars. Member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World. $700US+ edit
• X2 Resort Samui, 442 Moo 1, Hua Thanon, Maret, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand 84310, ☎ +66(0)77 233033, [17]. X2 Koh Samui is located on Hua Thannon beach on the southeast coast of Koh Samui island. The general area is underdeveloped and peaceful with the only a few high-end residential villa projects sharing the beach. The resort occupies 5 acres (12 Rai) of land, with 27 villas. Most have private swimming pools, and outside areas. The 100 meter beachfront and 50 year old trees help provide the X2 atmosphere the owners were striving to achieve, and gave designers the background on which to recreate the resort. The resort has a unique spa, and impressive outdoor massage pavilion. The Pavilion houses only two beds and is situated on 1 acre (2.5 rai) of land featuring 30 meters of beachfront. This extravagant use of prime land provides an unbelievable sense of space and freedom so typical of X2 Resorts.  edit

[edit] Retirement

• Weather: Ko Samui is ideal for those wishing for a warmer climate.
• Safety: Outside of Chaweng and Lamai, Ko Samui is a relatively safe island where crime against foreigners is quite rare.
• Cost: One can enjoy a high standard of living on Ko Samui at a fraction of the cost than in a developed Western country.
• Accommodation: Ko Samui has a variety of different accommodation at cost-effective prices.
• Transportation: One can travel around easily cheaply without the need of a private car.
• Communications: Ko Samui now has a communications system on par with Bangkok
• Health Care: Hospitals offer a high quality of service, again at a fraction of the cost of which is the norm in the West.

[edit] Media/Contact

Internet

Dial-up connection in Thailand is getting rarer as people are turning to ADSL. Typical monthly charges including the telephone line are around 20USD+. Thailand also has more than its fair share of Internet cafes, the hourly charge is about 1USD. For those residing in rural areas, hooking up to the Internet can be done via broadband satellite.

Cable TV

Most foreigners living in Ko Samui soon get fed up with Thai language TV and yearn for something in the English language. Western TV is available on UBC with all the usual channels such as BBC, CNN, MTV and Star Sports etc… the monthly charge for the full package is around 50USD+.

[edit] Local Tips

[edit] Travel Tips

The best time to visit Ko Samui is between the months November to March when the area’s climate is less hot than usual. Then, down on the beaches one can enjoy nice sea breezes. From June to November the area gets a lot of rainfall, more on average than the rest of the country. Visitors however, coming in this period will find it cheaper.

Travel Thailand Cultural Tips The best time of the year to see Ko Samui is from November to March when the weather is slightly cooler and the seas are calmer. For visitors who like crowds and excitement they come in July and August. The temperatures throughout the year are from 28-32 degree Celsius.

Do's

• Do buy gems from a reputable company
• Do carry around small change
• Do take water when jungle trekking and do drink a lot in such a hot climate
• Do bargain with vendors
• Do take as many photos as you can
• Do make sure your scuba diving instructor is fully accredited
• Do keep your alcohol consumption under control
• Do be sure to use plenty of mosquito repellent.

Don’ts

• Don’t take any boat unless it has life jackets
• Don’t go into the jungle alone
• Don’t touch narcotics
• Don’t go to the beach at night either to walk or swim
• Don’t get involved with any narcotics
• Don’t, as a woman, go topless on the beach
• Don’t, as a man, walk around shirtless, other than at the beach.

[edit] Stay safe

Motorbikes are somewhat risky, but jeeps, trucks, and other cars for rent are readily available at very reasonable rates, and are considerably safer. If you must use a motorbike always wear a helmet and never drive drunk; the roads are hazardous with many large potholes. After a good time drinking in the party areas of Chaweng, Bophut, and Lamai, taxis are readily available to take you home.

A recent development has been the appearance of Quad Bikes to rent for use on the roads. These do not appear to be registered for road use so care should be taken as they may not be insured.

Be careful about beaches in night time as crime often occurs there.

[edit] Suggested Itinerary

4 Days / 3 nights

• Day 1: Arrive by ferry from Surat Thani early in the morning. Check in at hotel on Chaweng Beach. Spend the afternoon swimming and sunbathing. In the evening go to a bar and listen to live music. After that, check out a disco.
• Day 2: Get up early and try a bungee jump, then go to the aquarium and zoo, see the Samui Gardens and try a bit of elephant trekking. In the evening have a romantic seafood dinner and listen to soft music at one of the top hotels.
• Day 3: Go diving or snorkeling at one of the nearby islands. Go to admire the sunset. In the evening, go on a bar-crawl and play pool at a few of the beer bars. Finish the night with good-old fashioned Thai-style karaoke.
• Day 4: After breakfast fly to Bangkok, Phuket or Krabi.

[edit] Useful Contacts

• Emergency call Tel 191
• Tourist police emergency hotline Tel 1155
• 24 hours emergency service (Bangkok Samui Hospital) 42 9500
• Samui International Hospital: 23 0781 2
• Samui Tourist Police 42 1281
• Suratthani Tourist Police 28 1300
• Samui Rescue: 42 1444
• Marine Police: 42 1245
• Koh Samui Airport: 42 5012
• Koh Samui Immigration Office: 42 1069
• TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) office - Koh Samui: 42 1230

[edit] Get out

• Ang Thong National Marine Park - scuba and snorkeling within striking distance

• Ko Pha Ngan - home of the infamous Full Moon Party in Haad Rin, but the island has to offer lot's of untouched landscapes and is renowned for it's detox centers.

• Ko Tao - among the best places in Thailand to learn to dive, actually the biggest dive school on the planet. Apart from diving, Ko Tao is base of Island Cruises, the sailing charter [18] specialist for the Ang Thong Marine National Park.

• Surat Thani The Main's islands

• Pattaya & Phuket - Bangkok Airways [19] operates direct flights to both.

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