Koh Samui is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand and is one of the provinces of Thailand. It is located in the southeastern part of the country. It is considered the most popular after Phuket tourist center Therefore, thousands of tourists from all over the world come to Koh Samui every year.
Koh Samui is quite large island with an area of almost 230 sq. km. It is located 40 km from the southern part of mainland Thailand and is extremely rich in natural and cultural attractions.
Tourists are completely delighted with snow-white beaches, coral reefs, ancient Buddhist temples, good tourist infrastructure and quite affordable prices. The island of Koh Samui is especially popular among Russians.
Geography
Around Koh Samui there are about 60 small islands included in the national marine park. All of them are uninhabited, overgrown with jungle. They are trying to keep them intact, only they show the curiosity to tourists as carefully as possible.
The total area of Koh Samui is 228.7 km². The central part is mountainous and also overgrown with jungle, and lowlands are located on the coast. Along the shore the road goes, connecting in a circle beaches, settlements and towns.
On the southwestern coast of Koh Samui is the island's capital, Nathon. It is also the main port, and through it tourists enter the island and the local fish catch is exported. Here is the island administration, shops, etc.
Climate
Koh Samui in Thailand is one of the the best places in the world for beach holiday. It has amazing sand, sea, landscapes and an excellent climate. There is a lot of sun and heat on the island, but even in the rains there are enough lovers to relax on Koh Samui.
Conventionally, the whole year on the island can be divided into the Dry season and the Rainy season. The dry or high season starts from mid-December and ends at the end of March. At this time, the air temperature is about +30C, and sea water- about + 28С.
From April, light rains begin, they continue to go all summer. But prices are falling significantly, the number of tourists is decreasing, so this time is perfect for an economical vacation. The air temperature during the day rises by several degrees.
From August to November, strong monsoons begin, the rain pours like a bucket, the air temperature fluctuates around +27C during the day. You can no longer sunbathe on the beach, but there are tourists who like to philosophize at the hotel at this time. In December the rain stops.
History
Historians believe that Koh Samui the first settlers appeared in the 6th century AD. They were fishermen from Malaysia and China. In the 17th century, during the Chinese Ming Dynasty, it was put on Chinese maps.
The exact origin of the name "Samui" is unknown, there is a version that it comes from the Chinese word "Saboy", translated into Russian as "Refuge". Indeed, for a long time the islanders lived autonomously from the whole world.
During WW2 Samui was occupied by the Japanese. At the end of the war, the island again lived autonomously for a long time, almost independently from Thailand. The first roads were built here only in the 1970s.
And in the 80s of the XX century, tourists from all over the world discovered the delights of Thailand, in general, and Koh Samui, in particular. Today, 45 thousand indigenous people live here, their main income comes from tourism, collecting coconuts and rubber.
About 10 years ago, Koh Samui received the status of an independent city, i.e. continues to be an autonomous entity. The presence of tourists on the island not only brings in serious money, but also gives rise to conflicts due to damage to the once untouched nature.
Transport
1. International Airport
This is the only airport on Koh Samui, with the help of which the island communicates with the outside world by air through the air transportation of passengers and their cargo. It was built in the late 80s of the last century and is located next to Chaweng Beach.
Built an airport Koh Samui company Bangkok Airways, She has long been the only air carrier on the island. Today, the second air carrier, Wai Airways International, has appeared. Flights fly to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc.
2. Ferry service
The second way to get to the island or from the island to mainland Thailand is to use a ferry or a high-speed catamaran. Catamarans cover a distance of 40 km in 40 minutes, and ferries in 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 surface and two lanes - one in each direction. Popular local road transport are songthaews, taximeters and motorcycle taxis.
Beaches
The best beaches on Koh Samui are Lamai, Maenam, Chaweng. They successfully combine natural beauty and convenience, as well as the availability of beach infrastructure, hotels, restaurants, bars and shops for shopping. There are more than 30 beaches on the island.
An excellent beach for those who relax without children and do not like a large crowd of people. It is located in the north of Koh Samui, has dense buildings (hotels, restaurants, bars) and high-quality beach infrastructure on its territory. There is a road nearby.
Cons of Bang Po: muddy bottom with many large stones and cloudy water. Children on the beach will be uncomfortable. There is coarse yellow sand and not too much entertainment, lovers of nightlife will be bored here.
Ban Tai
This place was chosen by parents with small children. There is a gentle coast and a clean entrance to the shallow sea. There are many palm groves that form a natural shade. There is a restaurant and hotel "Mimoza" where you can relax and spend the night.
A calm beach, rarely visited by annoying sellers with goods or drunken youth with roaring music, there are practically no parties. This beautiful place for a calm family vacation located in the north of Koh Samui.
Mae Nam
Another family beach where you can cheaply rent a house and stay for a few days. After sunset, all the inhabitants of the beach move to local bars, but there is practically no nightlife here.
On Mae Nam, there are many palm trees that save vacationers from the hot sun. The sand here is yellow and soft, the sea is deep enough, but there are shallow places for kids. Young people do not stop here, because. mothers look at her with suspicion.
Chaweng beach
One of the most beautiful and crowded beaches on Koh Samui. It has excellent infrastructure and a large number of hotels and resorts for every taste and budget. Tourists on the beach can find everything they need for life and a comfortable stay.
In the center of Chaweng, the sea is rapidly gaining depth. Sand is white and soft, clean entrance to the water. Vacationers are offered a choice of many water activities. Magnificent seascapes are at your service, as well as restaurants with good food and bars.
This is the second most popular beach on Koh Samui. It is very long, so it is conditionally divided into three parts. Its central part is perhaps the best. In addition to natural beauties, the Tesco hypermarket operates 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, but was immediately mummified. The islanders are sure that this is a consequence of his holy life.
Since then, for many years the mummy of this saint has been near the Kunaram temple, and every believer or tourist can examine it, see the imperishable relics. Here you can get a wrist bracelet with special protection.
This temple was recently built with donations. Plai Laem is Koh Samui's most beautiful and largest Buddhist attraction. The architecture of the temple intertwined the styles of China, India and Thailand.
The three styles symbolize the three branches of Buddhism. IN South-East Asia there are no heresies and sectarians, everyone can adhere to the Buddhism that he likes. In the center of the temple is a statue of the Hindu deity Guanyin, the embodiment of mercy.
In the northwest, near the island of Koh Samui, you can see an archipelago in the sea, consisting of many microscopic islands. This is a national marine park, which is under the protection of the state, requiring special ecological cleanliness to be observed here.
Near the archipelago, there is surprisingly clear water that you can safely drink from the palms of your hands. The picturesqueness of the islands is so incredible that it is impossible to look away. Not only tourists come here, artists and directors cannot leave here.
In the center of Koh Samui, in the mountains covered with jungle, you can see a unique creation of human hands. In the middle of the 20th century, an old man lived here, after 70 years he suddenly decided to create a large sculpture garden near his house.
These are sculptures of Buddha, other mythical deities, real and fantastic animals and birds, snakes and frogs, which he himself created from stone. After the death of the sculptor, he was buried with his wife in the same garden.
On the island of Koh Samui, there are many insects: beautiful and disgusting to the eye of a person. To admire them or be horrified by them, you can go to the butterfly garden or the insect museum located on east coast islands.
Here you will learn a lot about tropical insects, and be sure to get interested in them. And as a gift you will be invited to a local observation deck to enjoy the views of the beaches of this coast of Koh Samui. Tourists have left a lot of positive feedback about this place.
The local zoo is located next to the butterfly garden. It is small in size, but it contains real Bengal tigers, primates and unique tropical birds. Your kids will absolutely love visiting this zoo.
Tigers give daily performances for visitors, but it will be much more interesting for children to play with little tiger cubs and feed them milk from a bottle with a nipple. A visit to the zoo is always a special delight for 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 waterfalls, and each of them creates several cascades. Nearby is the safari park of the same name.
After watching the splendor of the stream of water falling from the rocks, you can go to the nearby elephant farm to ride elephants, watch the shows of these natural giants, etc.
This is a significant center of worship and culture for Thais. social life islands. In fact, we have a local cathedral. Buddhist rituals are regularly held here, festivals, holidays, bazaars, weddings and funerals are organized.
Lamai Temple is a place where foreigners should behave with emphatic reverence towards believers. Local monks will tell tourists a lot of interesting things about the history of Koh Samui. Near the temple there 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 Khao Pom, off the coast of Koh Samui. It is very similar to the biblical paradise, because. here, among the beautiful trees and flowers, a person can walk alongside wild animals.
These animals have long been fed with all sorts of goodies, and they shamelessly beg from people for more, but they do not show aggression. Paradise Park is a wonderful natural attraction of Koh Samui for family holidays.
Entertainment
- SPA salons These are medical procedures, their goal is to improve the patient's body. For this, various medical and cosmetic preparations, massage, therapeutic diet, etc. are used. There are a large number of centers on Koh Samui where spa treatments are performed.
- Elephant and horse riding. This is one of the main attractions on Koh Samui, which is loved by both adults and children. Even more interesting is to chat with a little elephant. There are also horse farms on the island, as well as horses that can ride anyone.
- Diving. , The Gulf of Thailand is a great place for learning to dive, many of them turn into real professionals there. Here is the most beautiful underwater world, just a delight and a feast for the eyes.
- Thai massage. This is truly a fabulous massage that can completely relax your body. Many come to Thailand just for this pleasure. Only here you can find a real and very inexpensive Thai massage.
- Excursions. To get to know this island better, excursions around Koh Samui will be a great help. You can make the route yourself, ask for help from a professional guide or from a local resident. Get an unforgettable experience.
- Thai boxing. Today in Russia there are many fans of various martial arts, but Thai boxing is very special if you watch it in its homeland in Thailand or become a Thai boxer yourself. A very exciting sport.
- Wakeboarding. One of the most popular types water sports in Thailand in general and Koh Samui in particular. The island has many sports camps where you can join wakeboarding.
- water parks. This is a sought-after family entertainment that also takes place on Koh Samui. The local water park has a lot of roller coasters and other types of water activities, so you can spend the whole day here and not notice how time has flown by.
- Nightlife on the island. Young people from all over the world flock to the clubs and bars of the island at night. All this is available in abundance on Koh Samui. Most of these establishments are located on local beaches, so some vacationers get stuck on them for several days.
- Golf. This sport is quite popular on Koh Samui. There are 18-hole golf courses, and there are smaller ones for mini-golf, football golf, etc. On vacation, such entertainment is a joy for both beginners and professionals.
Video tour of Koh Samui
- Hot tours to Thailand
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If a hotel transfer is not provided, it is most convenient to get from the airport or from the marinas to the final point by taxi. Minimum cost the trip is 100 THB, this amount includes a landing fee and a fee for 2 km - further for each km you will have to pay 12 THB.
Search flights to Koh Samui
Districts of Koh Samui
The most popular beaches are located in the east of the island - accordingly, the east coast boasts a developed infrastructure with hotels for every taste and budget, a variety of catering outlets and an active nightlife.
Family lovers have chosen the northern coast: the prices of local hotels are on average lower than in the east of the island, and the vegetation in those places comes close to the beaches, making it possible to relax in the shade without losing sight of the child.
On the west coast is Nathon - the administrative center of the island. The main pier and bus station are also located here, and the largest local food market on the island is located nearby. Swimming in the sea is not easy during the summer months due to low tides, but the west coast is a paradise for lovers of beautiful sunsets.
The southern coast is considered by the locals to be wilderness. There is almost no civilization here, but there is pristine nature and wild beaches. For a rich selection of inexpensive houses for rent, the south of the island was chosen by "winterers" - tourists living in Thailand for several months. The desertedness of these places at one time was also to the liking of Buddhist monks - the pagoda of the Laem Sor temple, famous throughout Thailand, is located here.
Transport
On Koh Samui, there are not even regular buses that are familiar to Europeans, so travelers actually have to choose from only two ways to travel - taxi or songteo.
The first option is chosen by those who care about relative comfort during the trip (all taxis on Koh Samui are air-conditioned) and the ability to carry luggage. However, it is worth considering that taxi drivers may refuse to take passengers according to the meter and prefer to negotiate directly.
The cost of a taxi ride starts from 200-300 THB and depends on the ability of tourists to bargain persistently, but with a mandatory smile in Thailand. You can calculate it at SamuiTaxi website (in English).
The most common transport on Koh Samui is songteo (both locals and tourists often call it simply tuk-tuk). With some stretch, it can be considered an analogue of our minibuses. The classic songteo is an ancient Japanese pickup truck with a pair of benches in its tiny body. The design is crowned with a more or less durable canopy that protects from rain, but not from the wind. During rush hour and during the busy holiday months, the tailgate is used as a step for additional passengers.
Despite the unusual appearance, it is quite reliable and safe view transport. In addition, the most budgetary on the island: travel within one beach will cost only 20 THB, and from the starting point of the route to the final one - three times more expensive. Regular songteo lines run along the entire coast, the ring of routes closes in Nathon. Unfortunately, it will not work to go around the whole island on one tuk-tuk - a full circle consists of three route lines that pass one into another.
When boarding a tuk-tuk, you should never ask the price - this immediately betrays an inexperienced tourist, and the fare can immediately increase several times.
From early morning until 18:00, tuk-tuk drivers work at fixed rates, and in the evenings, songthaews switch to taxi mode - the fare will depend only on the greed of the driver and the ability of the night reveler to negotiate. Arguing and insisting on the official daily price is useless: such a night job in Thailand is completely legal.
Maps of Koh Samui
Rent a car, scooters and bicycles
The easiest way to get a car is right at the airport - there are counters of most international car rental companies. If you don’t want to freeze about 30,000 THB on a deposit, it makes sense to look for a car in local rental offices - they are less demanding on documents and often agree to pay in cash. If the lease term is a month or more, small offices are much more profitable than world-famous firms. Renting a middle-class car will cost about 1200 THB per day. The price of fuel on Koh Samui is on average 1-2 THB higher than on the mainland, but you probably won’t have to spend money on paid parking - they are very rare on the island (like police ambushes). The roads are in good condition, the mood of a motorist can be spoiled only by left-hand traffic and numerous scooters scurrying along the median lanes - and tourist riders are often much more dangerous than local ones.
The most economical and at the same time the most popular way to get transport on Koh Samui is to rent a scooter (from 200 THB per day). Many hotels offer this service to their guests, moreover, there are dozens of offices on the island that specialize in this type of rental. Bicycle rental is not very popular here - there are only a few small firms in Lamai and Chaweng. Although renting a bike costs half as much as a scooter, there are few customers: due to year-round heat, humidity and numerous elevation changes, the island is not very comfortable for European cyclists.
Communication and Wi-Fi
In general, the situation with communication on Koh Samui is not bad: almost every hotel has its own Wi-Fi network, access points are located in most public places. The main problem with Wi-Fi on Koh Samui is not related to the number of wireless networks, but to their quality: the speed of 10 Mbps is considered the norm in hotels, and it is not easy to get it - the Internet is shared between the guests. Even local networks are notorious for frequent disconnections, so many tourists prefer to use mobile Internet.
The island is covered with dense 3G and 4G networks, even on the most remote beach it is difficult to remain without a connection. SIM cards of any of the three leading mobile operators in Thailand - AIS, DTAC and True Move - can be easily bought on the spot, and the DTAC operator even offers an order on the Russian page of its official website.
Koh Samui beaches
5 things to do in Koh Samui
- Meet the sun at least once on the eastern beaches and spend on the western ones.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Chaweng and Lamai.
- Enjoy untouched nature south coast.
- Meditate in the peaceful silence of local Buddhist temples.
- Appreciate all the gastronomic nuances of local cuisine.
Mu Ko Angthong Marine Park
35 km west of Koh Samui is the Mu-Ko-Angthong National Marine Park - an archipelago of 42 islands with huge limestone cliffs covered with virgin rainforests that rise from the greenish-blue water. From here you have fantastic views of Koh Wua Talap. Excursions around the park include a visit to the secluded lagoon at Ko Mae Ko, as well as the opportunity to go on sea kayaks around the bizarre limestone formations.
Night life
A full-fledged nightlife is concentrated in two main resorts - Chaweng and Lamai. In the Chaweng Beach area on the main street, all the famous shops, restaurants and entertainment venues of the island are located. Among young tourists, the Green Mango disco is popular, older vacationers have chosen the Reggae Pub bar and the island's main Irish pub, Tropical Murphy. On a particularly hot evening, you should go to the Ice Bar - it is much larger here than in Pattaya.
Lamai is inferior to Chaweng in terms of the number of entertainment venues, but it has its own trump cards: Muay Thai night fights on a small Lamai site have a reputation for being real and uncompromising - in contrast to the performances for tourists at the main Chaweng stadium. Fans of a more peaceful pastime will enjoy the night market and moderately priced bars (from 200 THB per cocktail).
Koh Samui for kids
The island has long and firmly gained a reputation as an ideal place for a quiet family vacation - there is practically no noisy nightlife on the beaches of the northern coast, many hotels are equipped with special pools and playgrounds, and 4-5 star hotels offer animation services.
On the island, you can easily get the usual yoghurts, kefir and even cottage cheese - an important point for mothers whose children cannot adapt to the local cuisine. If the child falls ill, the island offers well-equipped clinics where you can get full medical care with travel insurance.
Apart from warm sea and luxurious beaches, gentle sun and tropical fruits, Koh Samui offers a lot of entertainment for children of all ages - from the exotic Paradise Park August
September
October
November
December
Koh Samui is hot 12 months a year. The most uncomfortable month for a European is April, when daytime temperatures can easily exceed +40 °C. The coolest months are December and January, but even at this time you should not hope for coolness. It is believed that the rainy season begins in May and lasts until the end of autumn, although the bulk of the annual rainfall falls in September-November. Tropical showers this season can last for several days without a break, and the sea becomes dirty and unsuitable for swimming. Sometimes rains cause short floods, but they are rarely dangerous - the water quickly goes to the sea.
- Is it worth going to Koh Samui in July
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, is the second largest island after and no less popular in terms of tourist attendance. I would like to emphasize that it does not matter for what purpose you want to make a trip to this island - to explore natural attractions (snow-white beaches, coconut palms, coral reefs, etc.) or to pursue sexual interests (for example, in area)... The important thing is that in order to travel through this area, you will need Koh Samui maps.
To find Koh Samui on the map of Thailand, draw from the conditional line to the south. Where the coast of the Malay Peninsula curves to the southeast, you will see several pieces of land - islands, Koh Samui and other small islands.
Interactive map of Koh Samui
An interactive map of Koh Samui showing streets, hotels, beaches, attractions, hospitals, parks, cafes and other establishments. To find the route to the point you have chosen, you need to click on the marker and in the window that opens, click on the link "Calculate route". You will be redirected to a new page where your location will be determined and a convenient way for you to get to your destination will be automatically selected.
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Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui: 9.530691 , 100.065891
Immigration office. Koh Samui: 9.520629 , 99.942321
Koh Phangan: 9.731875 , 100.013593
Paradise Park Farm on Koh Samui: 9.486398 , 99.982452
Waterfall Na Muang 1 on Koh Samui: 9.466312 , 99.983987
Lamai Temple on Koh Samui: 9.474101 , 100.042598
Tiger Zoo and Aquarium on Koh Samui: 9.431091 , 100.016474
Butterfly Garden on Koh Samui: 9.423211 , 100.012026
Magic Buddha Garden on Koh Samui: 9.482884 , 99.994501
Temple Plai Laem on Koh Samui: 9.571107 , 100.067661
Temple Wat Kunaram on Koh Samui: 9.450162 , 100.000691
Big Buddha on Koh Samui: 9.570494 , 100.060558
Lamai Beach on Koh Samui: 9.462269 , 100.044980
Bophut Beach on Koh Samui: 9.562771 , 100.024252
Maenam Beach on Koh Samui: 9.575360 , 99.991851
Choeng Mon Beach on Koh Samui: 9.573096 , 100.081179
Bang Por Beach on Koh Samui: 9.578566 , 99.948442
Laem Yai beach on Koh Samui: 9.570526 , 99.914839
Nathon Beach on Koh Samui: 9.544044 , 99.931555
Lipa Noi beach on Koh Samui: 9.496683 , 99.932928
Bang Kao Beach on Koh Samui: 9.416548 , 99.975801
Hua Thanon Beach on Koh Samui: 9.431562 , 100.019569
Koh Samui Airport: 9.550054 , 100.062704
Makro store on Koh Samui: 9.542372 , 100.040667
Big C store on Koh Samui: 9.545314 , 100.039616
Central Festival store on Koh Samui: 9.531686 , 100.061545
Tesco Lotus store on Koh Samui: 9.533252 , 100.041182
Samui Lapidary store on Koh Samui: 9.578111 , 99.979652
Bowtiful Samui store on Koh Samui: 9.465910 , 100.045216
Volkin Street Fair on Chaweng (Koh Samui): 9.521888 , 100.057125
Volkin Street Fair on Maenam (Koh Samui): 9.569182 , 99.996786
Volkin Street Fair on Lamai (Koh Samui): 9.470058 , 100.048509
Volkin Street Fair on Choeng Mon (Koh Samui): 9.569296 , 100.082652
Fair Volkin Street on Bophut (Koh Samui): 9.559623 , 100.031482
Laem Din Market on Koh Samui: 9.521296 , 100.052340
Market on Koh Samui: 9.569690 , 99.992838
Night Food Market on Koh Samui: 9.536109 , 99.934763
Fresh Market on Koh Samui: 9.531834 , 99.936018
Tesco Lotus store on Nathon (Koh Samui): 9.536045 , 99.936672
Market 2 on Koh Samui: 9.442140 , 100.023082
Waterfall Na Muang 2 on Koh Samui: 9.474037 , 99.991379
Hin Lat waterfall on Koh Samui: 9.520671 , 99.956167
Tarmin waterfall on Koh Samui: 9.483509 , 99.994458
Waterfall Siva Tara on Koh Samui: 9.458650 , 100.037019
Khao Yai waterfall on Koh Samui: 9.467159 , 100.003266
Stones Grandmother and Grandfather on Koh Samui: 9.451980 , 100.039830
Namuang Safari Park on Koh Samui: 9.464915 , 99.984126
Hotels on the map of Koh Samui
An interactive map of hotels in Russian will help you find suitable accommodation options on Koh Samui with subsequent booking. To find the right option, click on the hotel icon, you will see information about the living conditions, the price of the reservation, and the reviews of the tourists. It is possible to immediately weed out offers that are not suitable for the price. To do this, move the cost selection slider. Read more about how easy and simple it is to book any hotel in Thailand on the websites and.
Maps of Koh Samui in digital format
Our website has detailed maps Koh Samui in JPG format. They have big size in pixels, and therefore are presented in the form of small images - thumbnails. To download the full size, click on the link "Download original", then wait for the image to fully load on the new page, then right-click and click on the menu item "Save image as...". Opening a full-size map, you will see that they are rather schematic plans that allow you to determine the relative position of hotels, beaches, plan an excursion route (read more about, which you can book on the SamuiTours.ru website). Most of these cards were scanned from those that are offered for free in hotels, shops on the island.
Attractions of Koh Samui on the map
Map of Koh Samui with attractions in Russian- this is an exclusive offer for those who do not want to bother on the eve of the holidays. The names of attractions are the same as those mentioned on the Internet. Therefore, you can easily find what you liked on the virtual pages. Everything that is written in Latin letters is the local names of beaches, bays, islands or marinas.
Map of Koh Samui with attractions in Russian ()
Map of the island with hotels
Island Koh Samui on the world map very small. Therefore, on the presented map, the hotel icons are so dense that there is no space between them. Turn the mouse wheel and zoom in, then you can imagine the real distance between the hotels and the beaches near them. Map of Koh Samui with hotels also contains additional information - it shows large shopping centers, hospitals, visual landmarks - hills, temples. This plan gives an understanding that the main parties and entertainment centers are on the north and east coast islands. Those who dream of quiet relaxation should go to the western one, where there are also good hotels.
Map of the island with piers and heights
Map of Koh Samui in Russian, where piers and heights are indicated - this is the most specific plan. It even shows golf courses where professional coaches give lessons to beginners. Seeing Koh Samui piers on the map, you will get an idea of where you are and where to go just by stepping off the .
But more recently (by historical standards) Koh Samui was literally isolated from civilization. There were no close contacts with the mainland until the beginning of the last century. Until the 1970s, there were no roads on the island. Meanwhile, there is evidence that fishermen inhabited the future resort 1500 years ago: they sailed here from the coastal regions of South China and the Malay Peninsula. The Chinese were the first to put Koh Samui on their maps, this happened in 1687. Only they called him differently: Pulo-Kornam. The current name of the island is derived from the Chinese "saboy", which translates as "refuge" or "serene skies".
The island remained a closed fishing community until the second half of XIX century, when a massive flow of emigrants from neighboring China began here. "Aliens" violated his measured life. They mercilessly cracked down on the coastal jungle, cutting it down, and instead planted entire groves of coconut trees that adorn the beaches to this day. sunny resort. Since then, one of the sources of income for the local economy has been coconut oil, which is among the main products for export. The method of harvesting coconuts is interesting: this important and responsible business is entrusted to ... specially trained monkeys. How they do it, you can see, for example, in the Monkey Theater of Samui.
For a long time, the island's only means of communication with the outside world was a ferry that ran to Nathon, the capital of Samui, and the nearest major city on the mainland - Surat Thani, the administrative center of the province of the same name, the largest in Thailand. In 1967, the governor approached the government with a proposal to build a road network on Koh Samui. The country's leadership gave the green light, and this was a turning point in the history of the island.
The laying of roads took 6 whole years, because the terrain is very difficult, it has a lot of hills and impenetrable jungle. However, the titanic efforts of the builders were worth it, and in 1973 a ring road 52 km long. Despite the fact that the width of the track was only 2 meters, it has become a real "road of life" for Koh Samui. Over time, all costs - both labor and financial - began to more than pay off through the development of tourism.
The pioneers in the development of the island were hippies and the so-called "backpackers" (backpackers) - it was they who laid the first tourist routes. Travelers settled right on the beaches, which then, in the 70s, were truly wild. Simple huts served as a roof over their heads. Koh Samui became a real refuge for those who sought to escape from the urbanization that began to "capture" more and more countries.
The time of the real tourist boom on the island fell on the 90s. Primordial in its beauty, but more recently, wild beaches have become the main resorts. The construction of Samui began with numerous hotels, around which the tourist infrastructure was rapidly developing: shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues appeared like mushrooms after the rain. Labor migrants rushed to the island from all over Siam, increasing the population of the island (together with tourists) by several dozen times.
One of the tragic pages in the history of Koh Samui was the devastating tsunami of 2004. A lot of damage was brought to the resort by the flood of 2011, which sank not only many beaches, but also a number of attractions. However, the elements that showed their harsh nature did not affect the tourist attractiveness of the island in any way. If only because such disasters are the exception rather than the rule. Basically, the local climate is “peaceful” and does not cause great inconvenience to vacationers. More about it below.
Climate and weather
On Koh Samui, the most uncomfortable month for Europeans is April. The daytime temperature here often “steps over” the mark of +40 °C. And since tourists from the Old Continent come here for a warm, but not scorching sun, for many, such conditions become a kind of “strength test”.
December and January can be called the coolest relative to other months, but it would be wrong to say that really cold weather sets in at this time: the sun is still generous with warmth and weakens its “grip” perhaps only slightly.
As in any tropics, Koh Samui has its own rainy season. Formally, it begins in May and ends in late autumn, but the lion's share of the annual precipitation falls on September, October and November. During this period, it pours like a bucket: abundant lines can go for a day, or two, or even longer. The sea, which tourists are so in love with, is impossible to recognize during the “wet” season: it becomes dirty and, accordingly, unsuitable for swimming. As for floods, prolonged rains can really provoke them. However, the real danger from them rarely comes: the water quickly flows into the sea.
Generally speaking, the climate of Koh Samui differs from other resorts in Thailand, and, despite the April heat and autumn showers, for the better. Even in the hottest months, it is easier to breathe here than in many regions of the mainland. Average annual temperatures fluctuate within +25… +34 degrees. Agree, these figures are quite commensurate with Russian climatic realities in the warm season. With the difference that on Koh Samui such temperatures reign all year round.
The high season in the resort begins in mid-December and lasts until April. The largest influx of tourists can be observed in December and January. And the point here is not only in a comfortable temperature, but also in local traditions. New Year, for example, here it is celebrated three times. And the very atmosphere on the island during this period becomes somehow special, it seems that some kind of miracle will definitely happen. However, the temperature is +30 °C, the warm and calm sea and the lack of precipitation are in themselves a real magic created by nature.
In the high season on Koh Samui, you should not hope for only one miracle - cheap vacation. Prices from year to year are kept at a high level, for many services they even double in comparison with other periods. Comfortable stay for more moderate price available during the hot season, which starts in March-June. Truth, scorching sun not everyone is able to withstand, so be sure to consult a doctor for the presence of cardiovascular diseases before the trip. Well, if there are no contraindications, in the hot season you can enjoy not only relaxation, but also exotic fruits. There are so many of them here at this time of the year that they are sold literally for a penny.
And finally, low season. It starts in June and ends in mid-December. This is the same rainy season, which we have already mentioned a little higher, so we will not repeat it. Unless we add to the above that high humidity is also a contraindication for diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as a number of neurological ailments, bronchial asthma and others. The low season on Koh Samui is a real paradise for those who want to save money on vacation. Prices at this time for everything and everything are reduced by 2-3 times.
Attractions and entertainment
The main city and port of Koh Samui is Nathon, located on its western coast. Business cards of the local capital are Buddhist sights: the world-famous 12-meter Buddha statue, Laem Sor temple with a pagoda and Wat Khunaram temple, famous for the mummy of a real monk. The body of the clergyman was placed in a glass box and became an object of worship for believers who brought flowers and incense to the shrine.
At the southern end of the popular Lamai beach are Grandmother and Grandfather rocks, in Thai - Hin Yai and Hin Ta. These hills received such unusual names due to the amazing resemblance to the genitals of a woman and a man, respectively. Here is such a cheerful and laid-back disposition among the Thais, which allows them to call a spade a spade.
The enduring interest of tourists is the Koh Samui Oceanarium, which is home to exotic tropical fish. The Tiger Zoo is also worth a visit, where, in addition to Bengal tigers, other feline representatives, leopards, also live. Of the natural attractions, it is worth highlighting the two-level Namtok waterfall on Mueang, whose height is about 20 meters. You can swim right here: there is an excellent swimming pool nearby. Note that it is not handmade.
Popular excursion destinations on Koh Samui are also: crocodile and snake farms, Butterfly Park, Hin Lat waterfall and the so-called "turtle" idolized by divers Koh Tao island. Europeans are happy to visit the local show of transvestites.
The nightlife of Koh Samui is not as vibrant as in many other resorts, not to mention the major metropolitan areas of the world. However, after sunset you will not be bored. Seeking adventure (in good sense words) you can do on the beaches of Lamai and Chaweng - it is on them that all nightly entertainment is concentrated. In the Chaweng area, on the main street, there are all the popular shops, restaurants and entertainment venues of this sunny Thai resort. Younger people prefer to relax at the Green Mango disco, while older tourists flock to the Irish pub Tropical Murphy and Reggae Pub. If the evening turns out to be especially hot, be sure to check out the Ice Bar. It is more spacious and comfortable here than the similar one in Pattaya.
Lamai Beach has fewer entertainment venues, but it has its own advantages, such as Muay Thai night fights. If such competitions taking place at the main stadium of Chaweng are, let's say, not too emotional, then on Lamai they give the impression of real and uncompromising. Those who are not interested in such sports can easily walk through the night market or sit in bars, the prices of which can pleasantly surprise you: a cocktail costs from 200 baht and more.
What are we about adults, but about adults: what about the leisure of the smallest tourists? After all, many vacationers come on vacation with their children. In this regard, you do not have to worry: Koh Samui has long and firmly gained a reputation as an ideal place for a family vacation. On the beaches of the northern part of the island, nightlife with its characteristic rhythm and noise is practically absent. The hotels have playgrounds and special pools. In hotels of the same level of four and five stars, animation services are also offered. Other attractions include Paradise Park in the heart of Koh Samui - exotic animals live here in their natural environment - and rides at the Coco Splash water park.
Moms are worried local kitchen did not affect children's stomachs, therefore, when buying tours to a tropical resort island, they are interested in the opportunity to get yogurt, kefir. Don't worry, these dairy products, including cottage cheese, are available at local retail outlets. In case a child, God forbid, gets sick, modern clinics equipped with everything you need are at your service. Having on hand medical insurance, on Koh Samui you will receive a full range of services for diagnosis and treatment.
Koh Samui beaches
Most tourists prefer to relax on the beaches of the east coast of the island, but in October-January the sea can bring unpleasant surprises. Here, although rarely, low tides are possible, during which the beaches are covered by continuous drought.
most popular Samui beach is the already mentioned Chaweng, located just on the east coast. A slight slope to the sea, crystal clear water, fine sand and picturesque bays - all this is Chaweng, stretching for as much as 6 km. Vacationers have a wide choice of accommodation options, ranging from five-star hotels to simple bamboo bungalows. This beach is also a recognized center of water sports; fans of windsurfing and aquabike come here with pleasure. You will not be bored with the onset of the evening, when it turns into one continuous dance floor.
Lamai Beach is located south of Chaweng. The sand here is not so snow-white, and not particularly fine, and the coast itself is rocky in places. The second name of the beach is Hat Lapay. It has been attracting surfers for a long time, like a magnet, since the sea here is somewhat deeper than on other beaches of the resort. Lamai is famous for its SPA-centers, where, at your request, they will make a Thai massage. And also - they will steam you in a sauna or offer a course of mud therapy.
Tourists going to Koh Samui often ask: are sun loungers on the beaches free or not? If you stay at a hotel located on the seafront, you can count on a free sun lounger. If you are an “alien” vacationer, then for renting this mandatory beach attribute you will have to pay an average of 40 TNV per hour of use. Sun lounger rental for the whole day costs around 200 baht.
The coast in the northern part of Koh Samui is almost entirely occupied by cozy bays, there are three of them. In the west of the sunny Thai resort is Bophut Beach. It can be called a true embodiment of internationalism: tourists and the local population live here in friendship and harmony, like respectable neighbors. Moving even further west, be sure to get to Maenam Beach, where hippie colonies are located next to luxury hotels. The sand here, however, is not particularly white: it is rather yellowish and slightly larger than on the east coast.
Describing the beaches of the southern and western coasts Koh Samui as a whole, it can be noted that they are secluded and are not connected by a ring road. However, getting here is not difficult. Vacationers often visit Laem Set Beach. It is not deep enough for swimming, but it is indescribably beautiful. Irresistibility is given to it by huge smooth boulders and coconut palms. They bizarrely bend at different angles, and you can admire these landscapes endlessly. And here perfect place Hat Taling Ngam Beach is considered for walking. Its length and emptiness are conducive to relaxation and contemplation.
Cuisine and restaurants
Koh Samui is not only a paradise for a beach holiday, but also a real expanse for gourmets. There is a lot of food here and different, moreover, for every taste and budget. You can have a bite to eat or thoroughly refresh yourself in the establishments of the different levels and directions - from small Thai cafes to fashionable restaurants with European cuisine.
Vacationers tend to taste, first of all, local delicacies, perceived by them, and quite rightly, as a real exotic. The spicy coconut milk-based pork and shrimp soups alone are worth something - the taste is unforgettable! Business card national cuisine Thais - Tom Yam soup, which is distinguished by a sour-spicy taste.
If you are conservative in eating and refrain from experimenting with your own stomach, pay attention to rice dishes. You will surely enjoy Khao Tom Mu rice soup - a simple but very tasty dish. And for the second, try Khao Pat fried rice, to which egg and vegetables are added in different proportions.
Most of the local dishes are spicy. Some gourmets wash down a too hot first course or salad with ice water, which is a mistake: this “fire” in the mouth only flares up. Capsaicin - the substance "responsible" for the spiciness of chili peppers - can be neutralized with a glass of milk, a coconut shake or a lime wedge.
Despite such peculiarities of local dishes, tourists literally fall in love with Thai cuisine and would like to learn how to cook it at home when they return from vacation. For this category of vacationers, local chefs organize special training courses. Schools of culinary excellence are concentrated mainly on the east coast of Koh Samui. It is recommended to come to them with a tight wallet: an hour of classes costs from 600 baht.
Believe it or not, in some places on the island, namely on the beaches of Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut, you can also order traditional Russian dishes: borscht, cabbage rolls, dumplings, mimosa salad, pies and even herring under a fur coat. Enjoying the masterpieces of Soviet cuisine will cost you from 50 to 300 baht. Russians are very fond of - after all, they once lived in the same state - and Central Asian cuisine. You will be pleasantly surprised, but on Koh Samui there is a real Uzbek restaurant that serves pilaf, kebabs and manti.
Transport system
There are no regular buses on Koh 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 Koh Samui, better known as tuk-tuk. This is such a local analogue of minibuses familiar to us. A traditional songteo is an old Japanese pickup truck, the tiny body of which is equipped with a couple of benches. The design is crowned with a canopy that serves as a protection from the rain, but it practically does not cover from the wind. The tailgate of the tuk-tuk leans back: during peak hours and in high season, it is used as a step for passengers who do not get seats on the benches.
Songteo looks somewhat unusual, but this view public transport quite reliable and safe. The good news is that the trip on it is relatively inexpensive. For travel on the territory of one beach you will pay only 20 Thai baht. Sit at the starting point of the route and reach final stop, the passenger will have to pay 60 baht. Songteo, with its regular lines, is somewhat reminiscent of the subway: they run along the entire coast of Koh Samui. The ring of routes closes in the capital of the island, the city of Nathon. Experienced tourists advise beginners: when boarding a tuk-tuk, never ask how much the fare will cost. The driver will immediately recognize you as an inexperienced traveler and inflate the price several times.
Songthaews start running early in the morning and fares are fixed until 6pm. But after 18:00, drivers switch their vehicles to taxi mode. It is very difficult to predict how much the fare will cost at this time. After sunset, only two factors affect the fare: how exorbitant the driver's appetites will be and whether the tourist who has gone on a spree before dark can negotiate a discount. Arguing, trying to insist on a daily rate, is completely useless. Free market prices for travel at night are allowed by law: the state allows drivers to earn extra money.
As for the taxi, it is preferred by those for whom comfort is most important during the trip: checkered cars plying around Koh Samui are equipped with air conditioners. Taxis are also chosen by those tourists who have a lot of luggage. And everything would be fine, but not all taxi drivers prefer to carry passengers according to the meter, since it is unprofitable for them. Be prepared for the fact that the drivers will offer you to negotiate with them directly.
How much does a taxi ride cost? The starting rate is THB 200-300 and how much you end up paying depends on your bargaining skills. This must be done persistently, but at the same time correctly, politely and with a mandatory smile in Thailand.
Communication and Internet
Despite the remoteness from civilization, there are no problems with communication on Koh Samui. Almost every hotel has its own wireless Internet access network; Wi-Fi hotspots are available in most public places. However, there are still problems with Internet access on the island, but they are not related to the lack of wireless networks, but to their quality. In hotels, for example, only 10 megabits per second is considered the norm. In addition, it is shared among all guests, so that on your laptop or smartphone, the actual access speed will be slightly lower. It is also unpleasant that communication breaks often occur in local networks. All these moments encourage tourists to use the mobile Internet - it is more reliable!
Of the pluses, one should also highlight the fact that 3G and 4G networks densely cover the entire island, so you will not be left without a connection even on the most remote beaches. There are three leading mobile operators in Thailand: DTAC, AIS and True Move. You can easily buy their sim cards right on the spot. The DTAC website even has a Russian-language page where tourists from Russia and the CIS countries can order a SIM card for you online.
What to bring to memory
Tourists really like inexpensive and high-quality local pearls. Products from it are most often brought with them as gifts and souvenirs.
The second place in popularity on Koh Samui is occupied by local coconut products, ranging from cosmetics based on palm oil to decorative dishes.
Closes the top three "leaders" local ceramics. Particularly in demand among tourists are stylized images of the symbol of Thailand - an elephant and various variations of Buddha figurines. But remember that local law prohibits the export of Buddha figurines more than 5 inches high (about 13 cm) outside the country.
On the beaches of Chaweng or Lamai are the main shopping centers. On the beach of Thong Krut, on the south coast of the resort, there is the Naga Pearl Shop: the cheapest local pearls are sold here.
Once in the city of Nathon, be sure to visit souvenir shops and shops with Thai cosmetics - there are many of them in the capital of the island. The sellers are smiling and friendly and will definitely help you with the choice. They are good at bargaining, doing it with pleasure and excitement.
Hotels and accommodation
Koh Samui is a resort island with a long-established tourist infrastructure. A traveler with any level of income will be able to find accommodation here according to their needs and financial capabilities, ranging from modest hotels for little money to luxurious hotels of the 4-5 "star" level.
Luxury hotels are usually located on coastline and even have own beaches. They also provide additional services. For example, guests can use the pools, spas, tennis courts, golf courses available to them. Rooms in such multi-star hotels are spacious and necessarily equipped with air conditioning.
The most popular among holidaymakers on Koh Samui are 3-star hotels. And not because there are more of them here or because they are better promoted. The secret of success is that they contain the perfect combination of quality and price. In terms of the number of services, of course, they are inferior to luxury hotels, but the services that are available are provided at the same quality level. A three-star hotel may not have a bar or restaurant, but will most likely have its own pool. Not finding a place to eat at such a hotel, tourists are not even upset, because on Koh Samui you can eat literally at every step - just go outside.
The cheapest hotels on the island often lack not only air conditioning, but even hot water. Are there really those who want to settle in them, you will be surprised? Oddly enough, they are. And, as a rule, these are tourists who do not have great financial resources and are indifferent to comfort.
How to get there
You can get to Koh Samui to soak up its famous beaches either by air or by sea. The latter is not very comfortable and takes more time, but it saves money.
Let's compare: in order to transport a whole family by sea, 4500-6500 baht will be enough, while the same money will cost a plane ticket for one person from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
Many hotels offer their guests a transfer from the airport or marina. In cases where such a service is not available, tourists can order a taxi and get to their destination on their own. The minimum amount you will have to pay the taxi driver is 100 baht. It includes the landing fee and payment for the first 2 km of the journey. If you need to go further, then for each additional kilometer you will need to pay 12 baht.
Airfare low price calendar
*Shown prices for Flights to Bangkok, to select Koh Samui, enter the code "usm" or "Koh Samui" in the direction field.
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