About Koh Samui
Samui is the second largest island of Thailand and the largest in Chumpon Archipelago of more than 80 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It is one of the most popular touristic destinations in the world and has been in the top 10 lists of travel magazines numerous times as places to visit. The structure of the island is so versatile that makes it ideal for couples, honeymooners, families and party animals.
There are several areas and beaches worth seeing and visiting on the island. Chaweng Beach, no doubt is the largest and the most popular beach of the island. It is only a few minutes drive from the airport. The beach itself is around 7km long and this beautiful white sand beach lies parallel to the main road. The biggest entertainment venues, from big shopping centers where you can find original brand stores to small local shops are all located here. The night life goes until morning lights in the bar street which will be a small walk from your hotel if you are already staying in Chaweng Beach. We would recommend Chaweng Beach to anybody. Either you are a family with children, or just a couple or group of friends, depending on the part you stay at, you will not be disappointed!
Another area worth seeing and visiting would be Bophut Beach where the famous Fisherman’s Village and its night market is. Compared to Chaweng Beach, it is much smaller and quieter except Thursday nights. The night markets in Koh Samui are mobile. it is set in a different part of the island on different days of the week but it is safe to say that the best night market experience in Koh Samui is in Fisherman’s Village on Thursday nights It usually starts with the sunset and goes until midnight but your night does not have to end there, as some of the best restaurants and bars in Samui are here, located on the beach where you can comfortably lie down on cushions, watch fire shows and sip your cocktail.
If you like private and quiet, Chaweng Noi Beach is the place to stay! It is the South of Chaweng Beach. For us, it is the most beautiful beach of Koh Samui and there are almost only 4 and 5 star hotel options here. As much as it is private and quiet, you will still be very close to Chaweng Beach in the North which is literally 5 minute drive from Chaweng Beach. We would recommend Chaweng Noi Beach for couples and families.
For the people who like private and quiet, another option would be Choeng Mon Beach. Especially popular among couples and honeymooners, this small beach is just perfect getaway. As you can find limited number of budget hotel options in this area, it is mostly 5 star hotels and luxury villas if you want to stay on a beachfront accommodation. Once you are here, you will not need a transport to get around as everything in the area is in walking distance. Choeng Mon Beach is just 5 -10 minutes drive from both Chaweng Beach and Samui Airport.
Lamai Town is another worth mentioning part of Samui. In every aspect, it is not wrong to say that it is a smaller version of Chaweng Beach. There are various type of accommodation available in this small town and on its beautiful white sand beach. You can walk the whole area without needing a transport. Lamai is located towards south of Koh Samui and approximately 30 minutes drive from Samui Airport. Nearby are the famous grandfather & grandmother rocks which is a group of rock formation in funny! shapes on the seaside.
Not very touristic but one of the places to see real local life is Nathon Town. It is simply the old town where the first dwellers of the island settled and lived. All major ferry companies operating between Koh Samui and mainland are also here. They run daily and several times a day starting early at 5.30AM until 7PM. Needless to say that almost everything from accommodation to shopping and food, the lowest prices on the island are here in Nathon Town as well.
Apart from places to see, visit and stay at in Koh Samui, there are nearby islands and areas that will be definitely worth seeing during your stay. Koh Samui is only a small distance from two Northern islands, Koh Phangan where the famous full moon parties are held and Koh Tao, a nature’s wonder and known as one of the best scuba diving sites in the region. Ang Thong National Marine Park (a natural park that consists of more than 40 islands) is another worth visiting natural wonder nearby. Between Koh Samui Island and mainland (Suratthani) is a region where pink dolphins can be observed. In South of Koh Samui, in an eyesight distance, there are 2 uninhabited islands, Koh Taen and Koh Mudsum otherwise known as Pig Island. These two islands are known to be the best snorkeling site nearby after Koh Tao and Ang Thong Marine Park.
While Koh Samui is a relatively small island (it takes around 2 hours to drive around it), it offers so much to do in and around. Samui International Airport has also helped the tourism industry grow bigger in the recent years and now island also offers a wide range of accommodation from small bungalows to luxury villas and 5 star resorts. The climate is also another factor that makes Samui a very popular destination among travelers as its tropical climate is warm and sunny almost all year around.
