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Things to see and do in Samui
Along with Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao, Koh Samui forms a breathtaking archipelago. Its location in the Gulf of Thailand is ideal for holidaymakers as it enjoys fine tropical weather all year round and is widely spared by the monsoon in July and August. As a result it offers all sorts of fun activities which range from simply lying about on the beach to diving, snorkelling, fishing, boating, island day-trips, hikes to waterfalls, eating and spa session and sightseeing.
Koh Samui has beaches to meet the needs of everyone: quiet sandy beaches with only the sound of the ocean, thumping spots with discos and bars in the background, and luxurious holiday resorts. The range of choices is impressive: Chaweng and Lamai are renowned among night clubbers, but also among those who like yummy restaurants and lively bars. If you are looking for a more peaceful atmosphere, you’d better head to Mae Nam or Bophut, but any of Samui’s beaches will offer you valuable time between crystalline waters and placid palm trees. Lamai and Chaweng offer the best swimming conditions, while little Choeng Mon in the northeast is quaint and picturesque. If you want the whole beach to yourself try the undeveloped and natural Taling Ngam in the south.
Starting with the most leisurely of activities, health and beauty possibilities perfectly match Koh Samui’s way of life. Ranging from cheap massages on the shores of the ocean to luxurious options in stunning resorts, Koh Samui is an ideal place to go to feel relaxed. Massage therapies and beauty treatments will help you take it easy, and you will appreciate time spent being pampered by expert hands at prices that won’t break the bank.
Snorkelling is another way of spending a great time; just grab your mask and flippers and go and swim with tropical fish, full of colours and funny shapes. You might not have much luck off the beach, but there are plenty of dive operators and tour companies offering day trips. Ang Thong National Park offers beautiful spots for scuba divers, such as Samsao, Thaiphlao or Wua Kantang Islands, and you may also choose to head to the nearby Ko Pha Ngan for a memorable one-day excursion. The more serious will already know that Koh Tao – an hour away by speedboat – is Thailand’s premier dive island with some excellent reefs and a well supported industry on the island.
Fishing is becoming more popular with the chance to hook some big game fish in these waters and several operators now run trips. Alternatively, if you want to simply get out on the water with a day-trip to the Ang Thong Archipelago (which inspired the movie The Beach) is certainly worthwhile.
Sea and sand are not the only options in Koh Samui. Sightseeing in the inner island will allow you to discover its major highlights. The impressive Big Budha temple (or Wat Phra Yai) facing the Gulf of Thailand is the number one sightseeing attraction, especially during big festivals, such as Songkran or Loi Kratong. Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks, or Hin Ta and Hin Yai, resemble male and female genitalia and provide for a giggle at the southern end of Lamai beach. Excursions usually allow a stopover at Nathon town, where you can find food and souvenir shops.
Waterfalls spread around the island give the visitor a fresh break from the tropical heat. Na Muang 1 is one of the most popular waterfalls of the island and Na Muang 2 is the island’s most beautiful, with its rock formations and pleasant surroundings. The island also offers elephant shows and you may also opt to ride one of these gentle beasts. Attending monkey shows are also a favourite activity among tourists and you will be amazed to see how quickly the monkeys harvest coconuts.
There is a single golf course on the island at Santiburi, offering a decent course with excellent views, though it’s not a cheap day out relative to other Thailand green fees. Other activities on land include mountain biking, bungy jumping, kick boxing schools, Jet skiing and sailing, and even improptu beach volleyball.
Then there is the nightlife, and you have very lively centres at both Chaweng and Lamai with a heady mix of fine dining, the smell of seafood, sports bars and live music, and of course the ubiquitous girlie bars in selected areas. If you’re on the island at the right time, you might want to take the one-hour ferry from Big Buddha beach to haad Rin on Koh Pha Ngan for the famous Full Moon Parties, and return in the morning.
Thailand Traveller's Guide Online
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