Where is Samui. Samui Island is the most picturesque resort in Thailand

Today more and more people choose as rest island states. One of the most sought-after travel directions is Thailand, Samui. This island has a second place in popularity, after Phuket. Despite the tourist boom, which collapsed on the state in recent years, nature here has been preserved almost in priority.

Features of Samui

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

The main feature of the island is that it offers for the most part calm beach holidays. Night clubs, of course, work, but parties that are there, cannot be attributed to too noisy. Thanks to the magnitude of the island and the presence of a large number of beautiful beaches you can find a calm deserted place in the ocean even in the midst of the season. In addition, the weather on Samui is not exposed to strong drops, and due to the fact that the island is in the Gulf, he is not terrible even tsunami.

It is noteworthy that until the twentieth century, Samui is practically no connections with the mainland, and there was not even no roads until the 70s, when the first tourists were landed. Until now, the island is not allowed to build hotels above palm trees, so the resting bungalows are mainly offered.

Airport Islands Samui

Of course, the fastest and easy way to get to the island is the airfare. At the same time, Samui has its own airport, which can be safely attributed to the sights of the island. This beautiful airport is private, owns the company "Bangok Airlines". She carries most of the flights, although since 2008 the company started there

Samui Airport produces an indelible impression on tourists. Immediately after convergence, the atmosphere of the rest and holiday is felt.

Misces passengers a road train with open trays, which delivers them to the arrival hall. Although the hall to call this place is very conditional, given that the buildings at Samui airport almost without walls. After receiving your luggage, a visa and stamp into a passport, you need to exchange money and choose how to get to the hotel. Right at the airport offer a shuttle service to hotels, individual or group. You can use a taxi service, however, if this is the first visit to the island, it will not be easy to figure out the schemes of roads. And by selecting a group transfer, you can decently save on a trip to the hotel. Thanks to the absence of walls, Samui Airport allows you to admire the tropical beauty of the island all the time staying in it.

Others on the island

Of course, the aircraft is the only transport where you can get from Russia to Thailand. Samui also offers another type of transport, with which it is possible to get to it after arrival in the country. This is a ferry message that is well developed on the island. Message with the mainland is carried out with the help of ferries of the three main companies of Samui and high-speed catamarans. The first get to the island on average for 1.5 hours, and the catamarans in 40 minutes. There is also regular running boats that are sent to different archipelago islands. Thus, the transport links between the islands and the mainland is quite good enough.

At Samui itself there are public transport - SongTEO. This is a pickup, whose awning covers the back of the back, and there are benches for seats under it. There are still shops without seats, in this case the passenger is offered a handle for which you can stay during the trip. On the island there are still taximimeters and motorcycles.

Beach island Samui

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

The most popular of them is Chaweng, which most often travels. The fact that he is quite close to the airport also contributes to the fact that it is most often chosen for recreation. On Chawenge there is a large number of hotels, beach bars, and trade is actively being done. Due to its popularity, this is the most crowded beach, so, despite the length of 6 km, it is not realistic to find a secluded place.

The second most popular beach is Lamai. It is not so crowded here, as in Chawenge, but nevertheless infrastructure is well developed.

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

Kitchen Samui

On the island there are a huge variety of a wide variety of places where they offer to eat delicious. It can be an inexpensive cafe 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 here is also presented.

Island cuisine - a real paradise for gourmet.

Fans of exotic can try the most unusual options, and supporters of traditional food can pamper themselves with their favorite dishes. At the same time, the prices on Samui are quite democratic and allow everyone without exception to enjoy exactly what you want. During the rest in this exotic country, you can taste a great many of a variety of dishes from chicken, rice, noodles and pork. Each of them is offered sauces of varying degrees of acute, which give a special piquancy food.

Many, having tried Thai cuisine once, become her faithful fans. Often, tourists are carrying all sorts of spices and paste to enjoy loved by dishes at home.

Entertainment on the island

Samui Island, in addition to bathing in the ocean, offers other entertainment. All of them are mostly associated with the movement. This is a banana riding, parachute, water skiing, flyboard, and a high-speed boat. Tourists also offer four-hour fishing in the open sea. Of course, on Samui, it is impossible to do without immersion in crystal clear water. On the island there are diving schools that help beginners enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. Amateurs extreme species Recreation can also make a rope descent that has 7 levels of complexity.

In addition, on Samui there are fields for golf, cartridges, shooting and the most modern cinemas. You can also go to nature Park Or the garden of butterflies. It is noteworthy that to visit these places it is not necessary to pay a tour, you can independently get to the place of interest and admire amazing beauty Nature.

Most of the entertainment places are described in detail on maps and booklets that can be found in Russian.

Also there is a safari park, aquarium and a tiger zoo, which are open to everyone every day.

In addition, most vacationers do not miss the opportunity to try the Thai massage and spa treatments known to the whole world, which are presented here in a huge amount.

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

Children's rest on Samui

Many parents face the problem of choosing a holiday destination with children, because not all resorts take into account the specifics of age. From this point of view of Samui - the perfect choice. Beautiful beaches with soft sand, dazzling sun, a sea of \u200b\u200bfruit and friendly Thais - all this will be only in the joy of the child. At the same time, the level of tourism allows you to minimize all the inconvenience that may be during the rest. In addition, the Safari Park, the zoo and animal shows will not leave a single child indifferent.

If we are talking about several months of rest, then there are several international schools on the island that will allow the child to keep up with the school program. Among other things, it is a great way to pull english language.

on Samui

For loving young people who have just connected themselves with marriage, Samui will be the best place for wedding Travel. Silence and peacefulness of this paradise Will not interfere with newlyweds to enjoy each other's society, and hotels offer special bridal rooms. White sand beaches, untouched beauty of nature and dimensional noise of waves - all this will give young people the opportunity to feel the depth of their feelings. And the photos made on this beautiful island will retain the memory of the most wonderful days of the beginning of a family life.

Sights of Samui

The main entertainment of the island is beautiful beaches that are its main attraction. However, not everyone wants the whole rest just lying on the seashore. And for those who want to diversify their vacation and get fresh impressions, all conditions have been created here.

The most famous landmark of the island is the Angong Marine Park, which consists of 42 uninhabited islands. it beautiful place In order to do diving, snorcling or just enjoy beauty wildlife In its primordial form.

Like the rest of Thailand, Samui is rich in all sorts 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, however, there is on the island and several mosques and one Orthodox church.

The next sight of the island, interesting for tourists, is his beautiful waterfalls. The most famous of them is Na Mueang1, which is also known as a purple waterfall. It is possible to drive up to it on transport almost closely, which is very convenient, given the presence of a small pool in which you can swim. This waterfall is of particular importance for local residents, as members of the royal family have repeatedly come there.

Also, the sights of Samui, who are known far beyond the limits of the island are two cliffs called Grandma and Grandfather. They are famous for the whole world and every year attract many tourists to the island.

Cultural center of Samui, which is in retaining from the main tourist places, infrequently visited by the guests of the island. Therefore, deciding to go there, you can hope for a calm and peaceful contemplation of unusual statues and a beautiful stream flowing between them.

Excursions to Samui

Due to the fact that tours on Samui, as a rule, already include an excursion program, tourists are waiting for a very saturated vacation. Excursions are quite diverse, so everyone can choose a program suitable for him personally. During the Thai holiday, you can see the sights of the island, visit national parks, watch various shows with animals, go fishing into an open ocean or just enjoy the beauty of the waves, making sea walk. Also, excursions on Samui include trips to neighboring Island Tao, which is also called the Turtle Island. This is a very popular place for diving place, which is an independent resort.

Also popular is Angona Marine Park, which takes 250 square kilometers.

All these attractions can be seen independently, but it is more complicated, and more expensive. Therefore, choosing an excursion program, it is worth paying attention to the list of places to visit and choose the most interesting for yourself.

Weather on the island

On Samui there are only two seasons - dry, from January to April, and the rainy season - from May to December. However, unlike the other islands of Thailand, there are very short rains, and due to the location in the bay, the tsunami is not terrible for the rest of the state. In addition, only two months the amount of precipitation is much greater than the norm - this is May and June. Therefore, the weather on self-soft and is not susceptible to large differentials. All this contributes to the fact that the flow of tourists on the island does not stop round year.

Best time to relax on Samui

To date, Nasamui tours are among the most popular. Thanks to mine weather conditions The island offers excellent holidays all year round. Therefore, regardless of what a month I had a vacation, you can safely go there. However, if there is a choice, then, of course, it is better to choose a dry season, which begins 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 holidays.

Thus, Samui in January - an ideal place to relax.

Samui (Koh Samui) - takes a second position largest among the islands - 228.7 km². The form resembles a rectangle with parties 21 and 25 km. The island is approximately 35 km from the mainland city of Surathathani and 700 km from.

Island Koh Samui is surrounded by 60 islands, many of whom are desert. Rocks, virgin impassable jungle in the center of the territory, banana and coconut groves, on which monkeys work, luxurious snow-white beaches, clean water, silence and solitude is the island of Samui.

Tourist fame Island began to acquire, since the 70s of the last century. His hippies were hippies, which were attracted by beautiful secluded beaches and exotic unique landscapes. A little later, the island was loved by barkpeckers from around the world. All this contributed to the development of infrastructure, which in turn led to an increase in the flow of tourists, organized travelers in Thailand began to come to the island.

To date, Samui can offer tourists of 10 equipped beaches, and also kept their pristine prostitutes. In general, there are about 30 beaches on the island.

You will be delighted with pure azure water of the South China Sea. The entire beach area is separated from the island district road to buildings from hotels, shops, bars, other institutions. The island has an airport known for its uniqueness - it is built of palm trees that were cut down for the equipment of the runway. All the benefits of civilization are concentrated in the coastal areas of the island of Samui.

How to get

The fastest option is the aircraft. There is no direct regular report with the CIS countries, only charter flights. Therefore, our tourists have to fly with transfers. The transplant can be made in Bangkok, on, as well as in Penang, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. The cost of tickets on average is 3000-5000 baht and can reach 7,000 baht in one direction from Bangkok.

Cheap, but the tedious way is the bus. From any city of Thailand on Samui Island go bus routes. Passengers have to overcome the distance to the city's cargo pier, and then about one and a half hours on the ferry to the island of Samui. You can independently get to the passenger ferry.

Most purses are on Chumbon, Surattani, as well as on Tao and Pangan.

Most ferries arrive in main city Ko Samui - Naton. The cargo pier is a little further south of Naton. On the pier on duty, Songteo, the fare is 60 baht. There are also taxis and air-conditioned minivans. The price of travel in the latter is 150 baht.

Pierce Naton on the map

In the northern part, in accordance with Samui's card, there is a Big Buddha Pier, ferries from Pangan arrive here. Here, too, there is Songteo, but they follow only to Chawenga and the airport, the price is 100 baht ($ 3). In case of need, you can use a taxi. From the pier of Lipa Noah public transport does not go, from here you can get to the beach exclusively by taxi.

Transport

There are no problems with transportation and movement on the island, if you are located near the roundabout. Here they constantly run Songteo, Minivans, Tuk-Tuki, Mototaxi, air-conditioned taxis or rented transport. But the transport system is less developed than on Phuket or Pattaya. Songteo will have to wait 10-15 minutes.

• The most economical type of transport is Songteo 50-60 BAT (1.5-1.7 $).

• The price for the air-conditioned taxi from 300 baht ($ 9) even if you need to a nearby beach.

• The ride in the rear seat of Mototaxi is from 30 baht ($ 1) per 1-2 kilometer.

• Minivani transport tourist excursionsAlso delivers passengers on hotels from the airport and from the pier, located in the capital to Samui - Naton.

• Motobica rent you will cost 150-300 baht (4-9 $) per day, and the car from 800 baht ($ 24).

• The popular type of transport is a bike, its rent 50-70 baht (1.5-1.8 $) per day. The most widespread shipping offer is in Naton, Lamaya and Chawenge.

The road system here is represented by the district road, which originates in the capital of the island and runs along all the beaches. As well as branches from her leading to hotels and beach infrastructure.

If you do not plan to lie on one beach the whole rest, then very a good option This is a car rental. The roads are smooth here and without serpentines, and the traffic is not tense. In addition, the territory of the island is not big, and the infrastructure is very understandable.

Beach

Beach areas are located all over the perimeter of the island. The beaches are different here: both by infrastructure and fullness of tourists, and by the variety of entertainment offered. Sand on the beaches may be large, and can resemble a white powder. They are different in the landscape: somewhere flat territory, and somewhere rocky.

The most advanced infrastructure has the most popular on Samui. There are many bars, shops, markets, restaurants, entertainment venues, massage salons, hotels.

Less developed infrastructure on Lamai Beach. Typical daytime entertainment on these beaches: water skiing, banana, water bikes, paragliding.

The rest of the beaches offer more relaxed and removed from civilization. They have only a few small restaurants, bars, mini markets and hotels. And of course, the sea, the sun, sand and palm trees are all exactly as on the advertising photo of the island of Samui.

In the capital of Samui, tourists are rarely stopped, as there is not a very comfortable beach.

Entertainment

In addition to the entertainment listed above, rest on Samui involves hiking in the jungle, maritime excursions, in particular in the National Marine Reserve, ang Tong. The footage of the famous film "Beach" was filmed here, so tourists try to capture memorable landscapes on the video.

A visit to zoos, plantations, where the main workforce is monkeys. Subjects for neighboring uninhabited islands for the class of diving and snorkeling, as well as visiting local attractions are possible.

Lovers of shopping will also be pleasantly surprised. Although there are no shopping giants, as in Bangkok or Pattaya, but the choice of goods is quite wide and the price is lower. It is worth navigating in the location of markets, shops and shopping centersAfter after studying the map of Samui.

Most Popular Shopping Places: Central Festival, Tesco Lotus, Big C, Makro, Khun Chaweng Shopping Center. On what beach you did not stop, shops 7 Eleven and Family Mart will be within walking distance.

Night entertainment programs are not so diverse and saturated as in Bangkok or Pattaya, but to supporters of the night lifestyle there are where to spend time. Most of Vehicles are located on Chawenge, these are restaurants, and discos, and popular tourists show transvestites.

sights

The main - natural, but there are man-made objects that attract the attention of tourists.

• Big Buddha - a 12-meter "The statue of a deity, designed to guard the island, is located on the tiny island of Fahan, which is connected to Samui Dambia.

• Wat Khunaram (Wat Khunaram) is located in the south of the island, not far from Lamai Beach. Here, the mummy of the former abbot of the temple, who died in 1973, was placed in the glass sarcophagus.

• The temple of the Plai Laem is located in the north-east of the island, next to the Bopt Beach. It's the biggest and beautiful temple complex On Samui.

• The magic garden of the Buddha (Magic Buddha Garden) created a local gardener for 20 years. In beautiful violent vegetation, the sculptures of the deities and a variety of buildings were skulpture.

• The garden of butterflies and the museum of insects are located near the local aquarium.

• The tigrine zoo is immediately behind the Samui Aquarium. In the zoo, you can feed small animals from the bottle. Without photos and video from here, tourists do not leave.

• Park Paradise Park Farm is located on top of the most high mountain Islands. It contains manual as wild and pets and birds. They with pleasure communicate with tourists.

• On the crocodile farmLocated near the airport, twice a day give the artist-crocodiles.

• The theater of the monkeys is located near Bopt Beach. Good mood and funny video cards are provided.

Accommodation

There are no problems with housing on Samui. Here you will find a hotel on any wallet, because there are more than 1000 there. If you are selected with a luxury apartment with a private pool, get ready to post from 40000-60000 baht (1175-1765 $) for a month. You can remove the more modest bungalow for 15,000-25,000 baht (450-740 $) per month.

For lovers budget recreation In the port village of Chaweng, you can rent a room with minimal amenities for 200-300 baht (6-9 $) per day. There is an opportunity to also install a tent on the island.

But even recently (by historical standards) Samui Island was in the literal sense of the word is isolated from civilization. Current contacts with the mainland were absent until the beginning of the last century. Until the 70s, there was no road on the island. Meanwhile, evidence was preserved that the fishermen settled the future resort another 1500 years ago: they sailed here from the coastal regions of the South China and the Malacca Peninsula. The Chinese were the first to deliver Samui to their cards, it happened in 1687. They only called it otherwise: Poil-Corn. The current name of the island is derived from the Chinese Sabea, which is translated as "refuge" or "serene heaven."

A closed fishing community is the island left until the second halves XIX. Century, when the mass flow of emigrants from neighboring China began here. "Aliens" violated his measured life. They mercilessly raised with the coastal jungle, having shuting them, and planted in return to the whole groves of coconut palms, to this day decorating the beaches of the sunny resort. Since then, one of the articles of revenues of the local economy remains coconut oil, which is among the main products that are exported. The method of collecting coconuts is interesting: this is an important and responsible thing trusted ... specially trained monkeys. How they do it, you can see, for example, in the monkey theater of Samui.

The only means of communication of the island with the outside world was a ferry for a long time, cruising to Naton, the capital of Samui, and the nearest major city On the mainland - Surathathani, the administrative center of the province of the same name, the largest in Thailand. In 1967, the governor appealed to the government with a proposal to build a road network on Samui. The leadership of the country gave the green light, and it became a turning point in the history of the island.

Laying roads occupied as many as 6 years, since the terrain relief is very complex, there are many hills and impassable jungle in it. However, the titanic efforts of the builders were worth it, and in 1973 an annular road with a length of 52 km appeared on the island. Despite the fact that the width of the track was only 2 meters, it became for Samui a real "dear life." Over time, all costs - both labor, and financial - steel with a bit much at the expense of the development of tourism.

Pioneers in mastering the island of steel hippie and the so-called "backpackers" (backpackers) - they laid the first tourist routes here. Travelers settled right on the beaches, which then, in the 70s, were truly wild. The roof over the head they served simple huts. Samui became a real shelter for those who sought to hide from urbanization, which began to "capture" more and more countries.

The time of this tourist boom on the island was in the 90s. Named in their beauty, but more recently wild beaches turned into major resorts. The development of Samui has begun by numerous hotels around which tourist infrastructure has rapidly developed: how shops, restaurants, entertainment facilities appeared after the rain. Labor migrants managed to the island from all Siam, increasing the population of the island (in aggregate with tourists) a few dozen times.

One of the tragic pages in the history of the island of Samui was the destructive tsunami of 2004. A lot of damage was brought to the resort and flood of 2011, which was sinking not only many beaches, but also a number of attractions. However, the element did not affect the tourist attraction of the island did not affect his stern nature. If only because this kind of distress is rather an exception than the rule. At the heart of its local climate "Mirny" and big inconveniences does not deliver rest. Read more about him below.

Climate and weather

On Samui, the most uncomfortable for Europeans a month is April. The daily temperature here often "overcomes" the mark of +40 ° C. And since tourists from the old continent go here for a warm, but not the scorching sun, for many such conditions become a kind of testing "for strength".

You can call December and January with respect to other months, but to say that at this time really cold weather is installed, it would be wrong: the sun is still generously on heat and weakens his "grip" except that non-empty.

As in any tropics, there is a rainy season on Samui. Formally, it begins in May and ends at the end of the autumn, but the lion's share of the annual rate of precipitation falls for September, October and November. During this period, it pours like a bucket: abundant lines can go and two, and even longer. The sea, in which tourists in love so in love, it is impossible to know in the "wet" season: it becomes dirty and, accordingly, unsuitable for swimming. As for flooding, long rains can truly provoke them. However, the real danger from them is rare: water quickly flows into the sea.

In general, the climate of Samui differs from other resorts of Thailand, and, despite the April heat and autumn shower, for the better. Even in the most hot months, it is breathing lighter here than in many regions of the mainland country. The average annual temperatures fluctuate in the range of + 25 ... +34 degrees. Agree, these indicators are quite commensurate with Russian climatic realities in the warm season. With the difference that on Samui such temperatures reign all year round.

The high season at the resort comes in mid-December and lasts until April. The greatest influx of holidaymakers can be observed in December and January. And the point here is not only in comfortable temperature, but also in local traditions. New YearFor example, it is celebrated three times. Yes, and the atmosphere itself on the island during this period becomes some kind of special, it seems that some kind of miracle will surely happen. However, the temperature of +30 ° C, the warm and calm sea and the absence of precipitation is in itself the real magic created by nature.

In the high season on Samui, you should not hope only for one miracle - cheap holiday. Prices from year to year are held at a high level, for many services they even double in comparison with other periods. A comfortable stay at a more reasonable price is available in the hot season, which begins in March-June. True, the scorching sun is able to withstand not everyone, so before the trip, be sure to consult a doctor for the presence of cardiovascular diseases. Well, if there are no contraindications, in the hot season you can enjoy not only rest, but also exotic fruits. There are so many of them here at this time that they are sold literally for a penny.

And finally, the low season. It starts in June and ends in mid-December. This is the very season of rain, about which we have already told a little higher, so we will not repeat. Unless to add to what has been said that increased air humidity is also a contraindication in diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as a number of neurological ailments, bronchial asthma and others. Low season on Samui - a real paradise for those who want to save on vacation. Prices at this time on everything and all decrease by 2-3 times.

Attractions and entertainment

The main city and port of Samui is Naton, located on his west coast. The business cards of the local capital are Buddhist attractions: the 12-meter statue of the Buddha, famous for the whole world, LEAM-SOR with a pagoda and temple of Wat-Hunaram, famous for the mummy of the real monk. The body of the coal servant is placed in a glass box and has become an object of worship of believers carrying flowers and incense.

On the southern tip of the popular Lamai beach are cliffs grandparents, in Thai - Hin-Yai and Hin-Ta. Such unusual names were obtained because of the amazing similarity with the genital organs of a woman and a man, respectively. This is a cheerful and relaxed temper that allows you to call things with your own names.

The overwhelming interest of tourists is the Oceanarium of Samui, in which exotic tropical fish live. It is necessary to look at the "Tiger Zoo", where other representatives of feline - leopards live in addition to Bengal tigers. Of the natural attractions, it is worth highlighting a two-level waterfall of a hint of Mueang, whose height is about 20 meters. Right here and take a dip: there is an excellent pool nearby. Note, not man-made.

Popular excursion directions on the island of Samui are also: crocodile and snake farm, butterflies Park, Hin-Lat Fall and Divers Waterfall So-called "Turtle" ko-Tao Island. Europeans are happy attending the local show transvestites.

Samui's nightlife is not as stormy, as in many other resorts, not to mention the major megalopolis of the world. However, after sunset, you do not have to miss you. Powered by adventure (in good sense Words) You can go on the beaches of Lamia and Chaweng - all night entertainment are focused on them. In the area of \u200b\u200bChawenga, on the main street, all popular shops, restaurants and entertainment establishments of this sunny Thai resort are located. The youth prefers to relax at the Green Mango disco, while tourists are older than the age of older to the Irish Pub "Tropical Murphy" and "Reggae Pub". If the evening is extincting especially hot, be sure to look at Ice Bar. It is more spacious and more comfortable here than in Pattaya.

On the beach of Lamai, the number of entertainment institutions is less, but here there are its advantages, such as night battles Muay Thai. If such competitions passing at the chief stadium of Chaweng, let's say, are not too emotional, then they produce the impression of real and uncompromising. Those who are not interested in similar sports can safely go through the night market or sit in bars, prices in which are able to surprise: a cocktail costs from 200 baht and higher.

What are we about adults, yes about adults: what about the leisure of the youngest tourists? After all, many vacationers come on vacation with their children. In this regard, you can not worry: Samui has long and firmly conquered a reputation as an ideal place for family holiday. On the beaches of the northern part of the island, nightlife with its peculiar rhythm and noise is practically absent. At hotels there are playgrounds and special pools. In the hotel, four and five stars are also offered animators services. From other entertainment, we highlight Paradise Park in the heart of Samui - exotic animals are inhabited here - and attractions in the Coco Splash water park.

Moms are worried about local kitchen I did not affect the children's stomachs, so buying tours to the tropical resort island, you are interested in getting yogurt, kefir. Do not worry: These dairy products, including cottage cheese, are available in local outlets. In case, if a child, God forbid, still sick, at your service modern clinics, equipped with everything necessary. Having in her arms medical insurance, on Samui you will get the full range of services for diagnosis and treatment.

Beaches Samui

Most tourists prefers to relax on the beaches of the eastern coast of the island, however, in October-January, the sea may be presented by unpleasant surprises. Here, although rarely, are beyond, during which the beaches covers a solid drought.

The most popular beach Samui is already mentioned Chaweng, just on eastern coast. Easy bias to the sea, crystal clear water, fine sand and picturesque bays - all this Chaweng stretching for as much as 6 km. The holiday users are provided with a wide range of accommodation opportunities, ranging from five-star hotels and ending with simple bamboo bungalows. This beach is at the same time a recognized center of water sports, fans of windsurfing and aquabay come here with pleasure. Do not miss the evening when it turns into one solid dance floor.

Lamai Beach spread out south of Chawenga. Sand here is not so snow-white, and not particularly small, but the coast itself is rocky. The second name of the beach is Hat-Lapai. It has long been like a magnet, manitis of surfingists, as the sea here is somewhat deeply good than on other beaches of the resort. Lamai is famous for its SPA-centers, where you will make a Thai massage. And also - fall in you in the sauna or will be offered a course of mud.

Tourists who are going on Samui often ask: Sun loungers on the beaches are free or not? If you stop at the hotel located on the seafront, you can count on a free chaise lounge. If you are "the sucked" rest, then for the rental of this mandatory beach attribute will have to put an average of 40 TNV per hour. The rental chairs for the whole day is within 200 bahms.

The coast in the northern part of Samui Island is almost entirely occupied by cozy bays, there are three of them here. In the West of the Sun Thai resort is Bopchut Beach. It can be called a genuine embodiment of internationalism: tourists and local people live here in friendship and harmony as good neighbors. Moving further to the West, be sure to get to the beach Maenam, where the hippie colonies are located near the luxury hotels. Sand here, however, there is no special white: it is rather yellowish and slightly larger than on the east coast.

Characterizing the beaches of the southern and western coast Samui as a whole can be noted that they are secluded and the annular expensive are not connected with each other. However, it will not be difficult to get here. Vacationers are often visiting the beach of Laem Set. For swimming, he is not deep enough, but the indescribably beautiful. Easureness to him give huge sleek boulders and coconut palms. They are bizarrely inclined at different angles, and admire these landscapes can be infinite. But an ideal place For walking is the beach Hat Taling-Ngam. Its length and deserts have relaxes and thought.

Kitchen and restaurants

Samui is not only a paradise for a beach holiday, but also a present for gourmet. Food here is much all and different, and, for every taste and wallet. It is possible to eat or thoroughly to eat in establishments of the most different levels and directions - from small Thai cafes to fashionable restaurants with European cuisine.

Vacationers seek to taste, first of all, local delicacies perceived by them, and quite fairly like real exotic. Some are acutely seasoned soups with pork and shrimp based on coconut milk what is worth - the taste is unforgettable! Business card national Kitchen Thai - tom-yam soup, characterized by sour-acute taste.

If you are conservative in food and abstain from experimenting with your own stomach, pay attention to rice dishes. You will probably like the rice soup "Kao-Tom-Mu" - a simple, but very tasty dish. And on the second, try the fried rice "Kao-Pat", into which the egg and vegetables are added in different proportions.

Most local dishes have a sharp taste. Separate gourmets are drunk too burning the first dish or water salad with ice, which is a mistake: from this "fire" in the mouth only flares. Capsaicin - a substance, "responsible" for the severity of chili pepper - can be neutralized with a glass of milk, coconut cervical or lime oil.

Despite these features of local dishes, tourists literally fall in love with Thai cuisine and would like to learn how to prepare her dishes at home when they return from vacation. For such a category of vacationers, local cookies organize special training courses. Schools of culinary skills are focused mainly on the east coast of Samui. Coming on them is recommended with a tight wallet: an hour of occupation costs from 600 baht.

Do not believe it, but in some places of the island, namely on the beaches of Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut, you can order traditional Russian dishes: borsch, cabbage rolls, dumplings, salad "Mimosa", pies and even a herd under a fur coat. Enjoy the masterpieces of Soviet cooking will cost you from 50 to 300 baht. Russians are very loved - as-in no way, once lived in one state - and Central Asian cuisine. You will be pleasantly surprised, but on Samui there is a real Uzbek restaurant, which serves pilaf, kebabs and manta.

Transport system

There are no flight buses on Samui, and to move around the island, you must choose one of two ways: Songteo or a regular taxi.

The first is the most common transport on Samui, more known as Tuk-Tuk. This is such a local analogue of the minibuses familiar to us. Traditional Songteo is an ancient Japanese pickup, a tiny body of which is equipped with a pair of benches. The design is venged by a canopy that serves protection from the rain, but it almost does not cover the wind. The back board of the Tuk-Tuka leans: in the peak hours and in the high season it is used as a footboard for passengers who did not get space on benches.

Songteo looks somewhat unusual, but this species public transport It is quite reliable and safe. I am glad that the trip on it is relatively inexpensive. For travel through the territory of one beach you pay only 20 Thai baht. Sitting at the starting point of the route and reaching the final stop, the passenger will have to post 60 baht. Songteo the presence of regular lines with something like the subway: they run along the entire coast of Samui. The ring of routes in the capital of the island, the city of Naton is closed. Experienced tourists advise novice: when landing in Tuk-Tuk, never ask how much fare will cost. The driver immediately recognizes in you an inexperienced traveler and will break the price several times.

Songteo begins to run early in the morning, and until 6 pm, the fare is fixed. But after 18:00 the chauffs translate their vehicles into a taxi mode. How much will the passage cost at this time, it is very difficult to predict. After sunset, only two factors are influenced on the tariff: the driver's appetites will be, and whether the tourist who threw a discount of a discount will be able to agree. Argued, trying to insist on the daytime faith, completely useless. Free market prices for travel at night are allowed by law: the state allows drivers to work.

As for a taxi, it is preferred by those for whom on the trip are primarily comfortable: kickers on samui machines with checkereds are equipped with air conditioning. Taxis also choose those tourists who have a lot of luggage. And everything would be fine, but not all taxi drivers prefer to carry passengers on the counter, since it is unprofitable. Be prepared for the fact that drivers will offer you to negotiate them directly.

How much is a taxi trip? Start tariff - 200-300 Thai Batov, and how much you pay in the end, depends on your ability to bargain. You need to do it persistently, but at the same time correctly, politely and compulsory in Thailand a smile.

Communication and Internet

Despite the remoteness from civilization, there is no problem with the connection on the samui. Almost every hotel has its own wireless Internet access network; Points of connection to Wi-Fi are in most public places. However, problems with access to the Internet on the island still exist, but they are not connected with a shortage of wireless networks, but with their quality. In hotels, for example, it is considered the rate of only 10 megabits per second. In addition, it is divided between all guests, so on your laptop or smartphone the actual access speed will be slightly lower. It is unpleasant that in local networks often occur binding communication. All these moments encourage tourists to use Mobile Internet - it is more reliable!

Of the advantages should also be distinguished the fact that the network 3G and 4G tightly cover the whole island, so without a connection you will not even be on the most remote beaches. In Thailand, three leading mobile operators: DTAC, AIS and True Move. You can buy their SIM cards right in place. On the DTAC website there is even a Russian-speaking page where tourists from Russia and CIS countries can order a sim card for you online.

What to bring to remember

Tourists really like inexpensive and high-quality local pearls. Products from it most often brought with them as gifts and souvenirs.

The second place in popularity on Samui occupies local coconut products, ranging from cosmetics based on palm oil and ending with decorative dishes.

Closes the top three "leaders" Local ceramics. Equally in demand among tourists stylized images of the symbol of Thailand - Elephant and various variations of the statues of Buddha. But remember that local legislation prohibits the statues of Buddha statues with a height of more than 5 inches (approximately 13 cm) beyond the country.

On the beaches of Chaweng or Lamai are the main shopping centers. On the beach Tong cool that southern coast Resort, there is a Naga Pearl Shop store: the cheapest local pearl is sold here.

Once in the city of Naton, be sure to visit souvenir shops and shops with Thai cosmetics - there are many in the capital of the island. Sellers smiling and friendly and necessarily help you with a choice. They know how to bargain, doing it with pleasure and excitement.

Hotels and accommodation

Samui is an island resort with a long-generated tourist infrastructure. A traveler with any unexploding can be found here for overnight on its requests and financial opportunities, ranging from modest hotels for small money and ending with luxurious hotels of 4-5 stars.

Luxury hotels are usually on coastline And even have own beaches. They also provide additional services. For example, guests can take advantage of the pools, spa, tennis courts, golf courses. Rooms in such multi-star hotels are spacious and necessarily equipped with air conditioning.

Hotels "3 stars" are the very popular among holidaymakers on the island of Samui. And not because they are more here or they are better "unwound." The secret of success is that they enclose the perfect combination of quality and prices. In the number of services, of course, we are inferior to fashionable hotels, however, those services that are available at the same quality level. The three-star hotel may not be a bar or restaurant, but most likely there will be a private pool. Without finding a place where you can have a snack, tourists are not even upset, because it is possible to eat on Samui literally at every step - just go out into the street.

In the cheapest hotels on the island there are often no air conditioners, but even hot water. Are you really wishing to settle in them, you will be surprised? Strangely enough, are. And, as a rule, these are tourists who do not have large financial capabilities and indifferent to comfort.

How to get

To be on Samui to soak on its famous beaches, you can or air, or by sea. The latter is not too comfortable and takes more time, but it saves.

Let's compare: In order to transport a whole family to the sea, it will be enough 4500-6500 baht, while the same money will cost a plane ticket for one person by flight Bangkok - Samui.

Many hotels offer their guests transfer from the airport or pier. In cases where such a service is not provided, tourists can order a taxi and get to the destination on their own. The minimum amount that you have to pay the taxi driver is 100 baht. It includes landing and payment of the first 2 km of way. If you need to go further, then for each additional kilometer it will be necessary to pay 12 baht.

Low prices calendar for flights

* Prices are shown in flights to Bangkok, to select Samui, enter the code "USM" or "Samui" to the destiner field.

In addition to Phuket, another unsolving Thai resort is the island of Samui. Its territorial length is only 25 km long and 21 km wide, but this does not prevent many of our compatriots every year to order last minute trips to Samui and fully rest there. Samui is only 700 km from the capital of Thailand, so tourists get there very quickly. You can fly there like Bangkok (spend about an hour in the way), and from Pattaya (the route will take no more than 40 minutes). If you firmly decide to go to rest in Samui, then you must make amendment on climatic features of this region. For example, in the period from October to December, it is not recommended to go to this island, because it is quite often strong rains, and the sea from time to time is a storm. The most optimal time for visiting this resort is the period from January to February, as well as from the second half of July to August.

History of the resort
For the first time (about 1500 years ago), local sailors were opened and founded their settlement on it, but the official confirmation of the existence of Samui appeared only after 1000 years - representatives of the Ming Dynasty made it to their navigation maps. It is worth noting that Samui was actively used by China and Thailand as shopping port. This is evidenced by many historical facts, as well as an abundance of sunken Chinese vessels with various cargo ceramic products on board. During World War II, the city survived the occupation by Japanese troops. Now the population of the island is 35,000 people. Many people order tours in Samui, so as not only to relax, but also to get acquainted with the traditions and culture of the nationality of Shao Samui - this is exactly what the indigenous people of this island are called.

Beach
The most predisposed part of the island is the eastern. That are there best hotels in Samui Of course, in the west of the island too good beaches With a developed infrastructure, but they are less noticeable, because the shore is more stony. If you eat on the island for the first time, then you will definitely visit Lamai and Chaweng Beach Complexes. Here you can see the sunrise and capture it on the camera or the camera. South part Lamai Beach meets tourists with two rocks of Hanai and Hink (grandparents). It is here that you can meet not only holidaymakers from all countries of the world, but also the locals who also love to spend their leisure here. No less famous beaches on the island are considered to us, Bo Phut, as well as the Beach of the Big Buddha.

Hotel complexes
Hotels in Samui have only three floors. Why? - you ask. Everything is very simple - more than 3.5 million palm trees grow on this island, which are considered local heritage. This indicates absolutely everything. For example, Samui laws do not allow the builders to build the building above the palm size. That is why you will not meet skyscrapers and large hotel complexes on the island. All hotels, bungalows and villas on the island are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay of tourists. Absolutely with every hotel complex there is a restaurant or café, offering dishes of national cuisine, so you will not have to starve you. It is worth noting that most restaurants work up to 10 pm (such are the rules on the island), but if you wish, you can find institutions and around the clock service.

Entertainment and Leisure
Resorts and prices in Samui are ideal for having fun and relax by 110%. Tourists are available as an ordinary rest, which assumes lying on the beach and active pastime provided various species water transport. For example, diving lovers will surely like this resort complexbecause the underwater world of Samui is very multifaceted and diverse. Here you are waiting for virgin coral reefs, rocks, grots, etc.

Samui is an island located in the Siamese bay and being one of the provinces of Thailand. Located in the southeastern part of the country. It is considered the most popular after Phuket tourist centerSo thousands of tourists from all sides of the world comes to Samui every year.

Samui - pretty large Island With an area of \u200b\u200bnearly 230 square meters. km. It is located 40 km from the southern part of the mainland Thailand and is extremely rich in natural and cultural attractions.

Tourists are in full delight from snow-white beaches, coral reefs, vintage Buddhist temples, good tourist infrastructure and quite democratic prices. Especially very popular is the island of Samui among Russians.

Geography

Around Samui has about 60 small islands, which are part of the National Marine Park. All of them are uninhabited, thickets of jungle. They are trying to preserve in untouched by form, only as much as possible show the wonder tourists.

The total area of \u200b\u200bSamui is 228.7 km². The central part is mountainous and also overgrown with jungle, and lowlands are located on the coast. Along the shore there is a roadconnecting beaches in a circle, settlements and towns.

On the southwest bank of Samui is the capital of Naton Island. It is also the main port, and tourists fall through it, and the local fish catch is exported. Here is the island administration, shops, etc.

Climate

Samui Island in Thailand is one of best places In the world for a beach holiday. Here is a stunning sand, sea, landscapes and an excellent climate. There is a lot of sun and warmth on the island, but in the rain there are enough lovers to relax on Samui.

Conditionally all year on the island can be divided into a dry season and rainy season. Dry or high season begins from mid-December and ends at the end of March. At this time, the air temperature is about + 30c, and sea water is about + 28c.

Since April, small rains begin, they continue to go all summer. But prices are significantly falling, the number of tourists decreases, so this time is perfect for economical recreation. Air temperature in the afternoon rises for several degrees.

Since August to November, strong monsoons begin, rain pours, like from the bucket, the air temperature ranges about + 27c. There are no longer on the beach, but there are tourists who are loving at this time to philosophize at the hotel. In December, the rain stops.

History

Historians believe that on the island of Samui, the first settlers appeared in the VI century AD. These were fishermen from Malaysia and China. In the XVII century, during the Chinese dynasty, he was applied to Chinese geographical maps.

The exact origin of the name "Samui" is unknown, there is a version that it happened from the Chinese Sabey's Chinese word, in Russian translated as "shelter". Indeed, a long time islanders lived autonomously from around the world.

During WW2 Samui was occupied by the Japanese. At the end of the war, the island again lived autonomously, almost independently from Thailand. Here only in the 70s the first roads were built.

And in the 80s of the XX century, tourists from all over the world discovered the charms of Thailand, in general, and the islands of Samui, in particular. Today, 45 thousand indigenous people live here, the main income is brought to tourism, collecting coconuts and rubber.

About 10 years ago, Samui received the status of an independent city, i.e. continues to be autonomous education. The presence of tourists on the island not only brings serious money, but also generates conflicts due to the damage of the once untouched nature.

Transport

1. International Airport

This is the only airport on Samui, with the help of it the island of air supports communication with the outside world by air transportation of passengers and their goods. It was built in the late 1980s of the last century and is located next to Chaweng Beach.

Built the airport Samui Kompaniya Bangkok Airways, she has been the only air carrier on the island for a long time. Today, the second air carrier Wai Airueis International appeared. Flights fly to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc.

2. Ferry message

The second way to get to the island or from the island to the mainland Thailand is to use the ferry or high-speed catamaran. The catamarans passes the distance of 40 km in 40 minutes, and ferry - for an hour and a half.

3. Island transport

The length of the island ring road is just over 50 km. It is completely asphalted, has a concrete coating and two strips - one in each direction. Popular local road transport - SongTeo, Taximer and Mototaxi.

Beach

The best beaches of Samui Island are Lamai, Maenam, Chaweng. They successfully combine natural beauty and convenience, as well as the presence of beach infrastructure, hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping stores. Total on the island more than 30 beaches.

Excellent beach for those who rest without children and does not like a large cluster of the people. It is located in the north of Samui, has a dense building on its territory (hotels, restaurants, bars) and high-quality beach infrastructure. Nearby is the road.

Cons Bang Software: or bottom bottom with a variety of large stones and turbid water. Children on the beach will be uncomfortable. Here are a large yellow sand and not too much entertainment, night rest lovers will be boring here.

Ban Tai

This place was chosen by parents with young children. Here is a gentle bank and a clean entrance to the small sea. Many palm groves forming a natural shadow. There is a restaurant and hotel "Mimosa", where you can relax and spend the night.

Calm beach where annoying sellers rarely come with goods or drunk youth with rumbling music, there are practically no parties. This beautiful place for a relaxing family holiday is located in the north of Samui.

May us

Another family-run beach, where you can cheap accommodation and stay for a few days. After sunset, all the inhabitants of the beach are moving to local bars, but the stormy nightlife is almost absent here.

On May we have a lot of palm trees, saving holidaymakers from the hot sun. Sand here is yellow and soft, the sea is deep enough, but there are minor places for kids. Youth here does not stop, because Mommies look at her with suspicion.

Beach Chaweng

One of the most beautiful and crowded beaches on Samui. Here is an excellent infrastructure and a large number of hotels and resorts for every taste and wallet. Tourists on the beach can find everything you need for life and a comfortable stay.

In the center of Chawenga, the sea quickly gaining depth. Sand - white and soft, clean entrance to the water. Vacationers are offered to choose a lot of water entertainment. It offers magnificent sea landscapes, as well as restaurants with good cuisine and bars.

This is the second in demand the beach on Samui. It is very long, so it is conditionally broken into three parts. His central partperhaps the best. In addition to natural beauty, the Hypermarket "Teso" works here.

In this Buddhist temple, one local resident served almost all his life and achieved holiness. When he died, his body did not rot and decompose, and immediately mumfied. The islanders are confident that this is a consequence of his holy life.

Since then, for many years, Mummy of this Saint is located near the Kuanamora temple, and every believer or a tourist can inspect it, to see non-relics. Here you can get a bracelet on the wrist, which has special protection.

This temple was erected quite recently for donations. Play Laem is the most beautiful and large Buddhist landmark of Samui. In the architecture of the temple, the styles of China, India and Thailand were intertwined.

Three styles symbolize three branches of Buddhism. AT south-East Asia There are no heresies and sectarians, everyone can adhere to Buddhism, which he soul. In the center of the temple, the statue of the Hindu deity Guanin, embodying mercy.

In the north-west near Samui island, an archipelago consisting of a variety of microscopic islets can be seen in the sea. This is the National Maritime Park, which is under the protection of the state, which requires particular environmental purity here.

Near the archipelago surprisingly clean water, which you can safely drink from the palms. The painteriness of the islands is so incredible that it is impossible to remove the eyes. Not only tourists come here, artists and directors cannot leave.

In the center of Samui Island, in the mountains, smoking jungle, you can see the unique creation of human hands. In the middle of the XX century, an old man lived here, after 70 years he suddenly decided near his home to create a large garden of sculptures.

It is the sculptures of Buddha, other mythical deities, real and fantastic animals and birds, snakes and frogs, self-created from stone. After the death of the sculptor, he was buried with his wife in the same garden.

A lot of insects are inhabited on the island of Samui: beautiful and disgusting in the view of man. To admire them or terrify them, you can go to the garden of butterflies or the insect museum located on the eastern shore of the island.

Here you will learn a lot about tropical insects, and be sure to interest them. And as a gift you will be invited to local looking platformTo enjoy the views of the beaches of this bank of Samui. Tourists left a lot of positive feedback on this place.

Near the garden of butterflies is a local zoo. It is small, but it contains real Bengal tigers, primates and unique tropical birds. Your children will extremely attend this zoo.

Tigers give a daily idea for visitors, but the children will play much more interesting to play with small crucibles, feed them with a bottle with a nipple with milk. A visit to the zoo always causes a special delight of kids.

This natural attraction is located in the middle of the island in the mountains, in the middle of the jungle. There one local river gives two beautiful waterfallAnd each of them creates several cascades. Not far is the Safari Park selected.

Having seen on the splendor of the falling water flow, you can go to the farm located near the elephant, to ride on elephants, see the show of these natural giants, etc.

This is a significant center of cult and Thais. social Life Islands. In essence, we have a local cathedral. Buddhist rituals are held regularly, festivals, holidays, bazaars, weddings and funeral are organized.

The Lamai Temple is a place where foreigners should behave with emphasized reverence in relation to believers. Local monks will tell tourists a lot of interesting things from the history of Samui. Next to the temple is a pond with fish, their children are allowed to feed.

This is a huge zoo located in the center of the small island of Kao Pom, not far from the shores of Samui Island. He is very similar to the biblical paradise, because Here, among beautiful trees and flowers, a person can walk around by wild animals.

These animals have long fed up with all sorts of delicacies, and they caustiously absorb people in people yet, but they do not show aggression. Paradise Park is a wonderful natural attraction of Samui for family holidays.

Entertainment

1. SPA salons These are therapeutic procedures, their goal is to improve the patient's body. For this purpose, various therapeutic and cosmetic drugs, massage, therapeutic diet, etc., are used, and Avei on Samui a large number of centers where spa treatments are held.
2. Elephants and horse riding. This is one of the main entertainment on Samui, which adored both adults and children. Even more interesting - to chat with a small elephant. On the island there are horsepower farms, as well as horses capable of riding anyone.
3. Diving. , Siamese Bay is a great place to teach diving, many there turn into real professionals. Here is the most beautiful underwater world, just delight and look.
4. Thai massage. This is truly a fabulous massage capable of completely relaxing your body. Many come to Thailand for the sake of this pleasure. Only here you can find a real and completely inexpensive Thai massage.
5. Tours. To learn better than this island, the excursions on Samui will great. The route can be made independently, ask for help from a professional guide or local resident. Get an unforgettable impression.
6. Thai boxing. Today in Russia there are many fans of various martial arts, but Thai boxing is quite special, if you watch him in His homeland in Thailand or to become a Thai boxer. A very exciting sport.
7. Wakeboarding. One of the most popular types of water sports in Thailand, in general, and on Samui, in particular. There are many island on the island sports campswhere you can join wakeboarding.
8. Aquaparka. This is a sought-after family entertainment that takes place on Samui. In the local water park there are many American slides and other types of water entertainment, so you can spend the whole day here and not to notice how time flies.
9. Nightlife on the island. The youth from all over the world at night rushes into clubs and bars of the island. All this is available on Samui. Most such institutions are on local beaches, so some vacationers get stuck on them for several days.
10. Golf. This sport on Samui is quite popular. There are 18 hole golf courses, and there is less - for mini-golf, football, golf, etc. on vacation such entertainment in joy and beginners, and professionals.

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