It is worth to know about Koh Samui
Introduction
Welcome to paradise, it says with a large text on a large poster showing directions from the airport. Koh Samui is exotic, beautiful and different. Simply a great place to be. The island is full of houses and hotels in all ranges of price and you can choose to stay in lively and intense Chaweng or in the quieter Natien, Buddha Beach and Lipa Beach.
Koh Samui’s Attractions
Beaches
From the bustling Chaweng Beach with its vibrant nightlife to the tranquil shores of Maenam Beach, Koh Samui offers diverse beach experiences catering to every traveler’s preference.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
This iconic temple features a 12-meter tall golden Buddha statue visible from afar. It’s a significant cultural site and offers panoramic views of the island from its hilltop location.
Na Muang Waterfalls
Visit these picturesque waterfalls set amidst lush tropical jungle. The first waterfall, Na Muang 1, is easily accessible, while Na Muang 2 requires a short hike but offers a more secluded experience.
Lamai Beach
Known for its laid-back atmosphere and golden sands, Lamai Beach offers a range of activities from water sports like snorkeling and kayaking to beachfront massages and vibrant nightlife. The shallow waters make it a family-friendly destination, and nearby attractions include the impressive Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks).
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Popular through its role as home to a utopian beach community in the film version of Alex Garland’s novel “The Beach”. Ang Thong National Marine Park consists of an archipelago with about 40 small islands that combine clean limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, chalk-white sandy beaches and dense vegetation – a place where you can take perfect postcard pictures every time you are there.
The many caves and cracks that exist are home to nesting swallows and you will also find a beautiful coral reef in the southwestern part where you like to take a quiet moment snorkeling.
From Koh Samui, there are a couple of tour operators who run day trips to the Ang Thong archipelago from Na Thon or Mae Nam. Bungalows are available at the park centers on Koh Wat Ta Lap but it can be difficult to reserve one if you are not going on a trip.
Na Muang Falls
At 30m, Na Muang Falls is the highest waterfall on Koh Samui. The water falls on incredibly beautiful purple rocks and a nice pool has formed at its base. This is the most worth seeing but not particularly visited of all Koh Samui’s waterfalls.
The Big Buddha
This is probably the most popular attraction on Koh Samui. The Buddha statue sits on its very own small island, is completely in gold, 15 meters high and is located near the airport in the northern part of Koh Samui.
Magic Buddha Garden
Visit the slopes of Koh Samui and find the magical Buddha Garden with a variety of statues and Buddha figures. Most impressive, however, is that most of all the statues and figures are created by a single man. Expect a two-hour drive inland from the resort of Lamai. To get there, it is easiest to go on a trip or rent a jeep.
Butterfly Garden
Na Tian Butterfly Garden is located at the bottom of the hill in the southern part of the island. In addition to the many species of butterflies found here, you will also find other things in the garden such as a Thai-style beehive that gives visitors the opportunity to see how bees organize and work. At the Insect Museum you will find rare insects from Thailand and other parts of the world.
Location: Southern part of the island.
Diving, snorkeling and fishing – in general
Diving, snorkeling and fishing. There are many different schools to learn to dive and take diving certificates on Koh Samui. You will also find a number of different actors who organize excursions for snorkeling and fishing. Koh Samui, along with Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Ang Thong Marine National Park are known for being great waters to dive and snorkel in.
Location: Around Koh Samui
Canopy Cable Rides Adventure, Koh Samui
Ride a cable car on wires In the jungle between different stations. An adventure that you will soon forget and which is not really for those who are afraid of heights or do not like adventure.
The Temples of Koh Samui
Exploring Koh Samui’s Buddhist temples provides a rewarding break from all the beaches.
Wat Phra Yai
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
One of the most iconic landmarks on Koh Samui, Wat Phra Yai or the Big Buddha Temple, is home to a 12-meter tall golden Buddha statue visible from several kilometers away. The temple complex includes other smaller statues, shrines, and a viewpoint offering panoramic views of Bang Rak Beach and beyond.
Wat Samret
Plan a trip to see Wat Samret. It is an ancient temple, housing an impressive white marble Buddha
Wat Plai Laem
Known for its elaborate statues and the 18-armed Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, this temple is a serene place for reflection and admiration of intricate Thai-Chinese architecture.
Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)
Pay respects to the mummified monk, Luang Pho Daeng, who sits in a meditative pose inside a glass case. It’s a unique cultural experience reflecting Buddhist beliefs in life and death.
Wat Khao Hua Jook
Located near Chaweng Beach, this hilltop temple offers panoramic views of Chaweng and its surroundings. It’s a peaceful spot with statues of Buddha, pagodas, and a meditation area. The climb up is rewarded with breathtaking vistas, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Wat Sila Ngu (Snake Temple)
Known for its large collection of snakes, this temple is unique in that visitors can handle and interact with various species of pythons. It’s a fascinating place for those interested in wildlife and traditional Thai beliefs.
Excursions & Sights in the Area
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Embark on a day trip to this archipelago of 42 islands known for their limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and diverse marine life. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking to viewpoints.
Angthong Discovery Tour
Experience the natural beauty of Koh Samui’s surroundings with boat tours that take you to hidden coves, pristine beaches, and snorkeling spots around Angthong Marine Park.
Koh Tao
Known as the “Turtle Island,” Koh Tao is a renowned destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. It offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, including sea turtles. Day trips from Koh Samui often include snorkeling stops at popular sites like Shark Bay and Ao Leuk.
Elephant Sanctuary
For a meaningful and ethical wildlife experience, consider visiting an elephant sanctuary where rescued elephants are cared for in natural habitats. These sanctuaries offer opportunities to feed, bathe, and learn about these gentle giants in a responsible manner.
Shopping
What you buy on Koh Samui
In Koh Samui, you can buy clothes, tailored suits, blouses, skirts and dresses. Tailors are all over the island, but most are of course focused on tourism especially around Chaweng.
Most tailors are good and honest people and the price of a tailor-made shirt or blouse must still be seen as a pretty good deal, even though the tailors can be both numerous and assertive around the beaches.
You can also buy photos and paintings at a reasonable price. There are a number of craft stores that offer all types of paintings, including copies of famous masterpieces, at reasonable costs. Otherwise, it is a joy to go to the local markets that offer vegetables, fruits, food, meat and fish. A visit to one of the local markets is an experience you should take the time to do.
Markets in Koh Samui
Fisherman’s Village Walking Street
Held every Friday night in Bophut, this market offers a blend of local handicrafts, street food, and live entertainment in a charming setting lined with old wooden shop houses.
Lamai Night Plaza
Visit this bustling market for souvenirs, clothing, and a variety of street food stalls offering delicious Thai dishes. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local evening atmosphere.
Maenam Walking Street
Held every Thursday evening, Maenam Walking Street is a charming market offering a mix of local crafts, clothing, souvenirs, and street food. It’s a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling markets of Chaweng and Lamai, making it perfect for leisurely shopping and dining.
Chaweng Night Market
Located in the heart of Chaweng, this market comes alive after sunset with rows of stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to sample authentic Thai street food, from spicy curries to freshly grilled seafood.
Bars and nightlife
Koh Samui, especially Chaweng, has become one of the top destinations for entertainment and nightlife in Thailand just after Phuket and Pattaya.
After a day of beach life, many people want to end the day by going to a club or a bar on the island for a little extra fun and relaxation.
Most bars and nightclubs close around two at night, but some clubs have a special permit that allows them to be open a few hours longer than usual, so for those of you who like to be out late, it is rarely a problem on Koh Samui.
Nightlife in Chaweng
Chaweng is the beach on Koh Samui where you will find the most bars, discos, clubs and pubs. This is simply where you should go if you are looking for a wild night party. Chaweng Beach Road is 6-7 km long so it may be wise to take a taxi when traveling between places.
As usual, it is not very expensive to take a taxi in Thailand so you will not be ruined by it right away. However, it can be good to agree on a price with the taxi driver before you leave because otherwise there is a risk that the driver will see you as inexperienced and charge an expensive premium.
Nightlife around Lamai
Lamai’s nightlife is not as intense as in Chaweng but there are plenty of bars, a few smaller nightclubs and English pubs here. Two perfectly okay places to go to here are Fusion and Seed which are located in central Lamai, but if you are looking to really party, it is better to go to Chaweng – it only takes around 15 minutes to go there from Lamai.
Nightlife on the rest of Koh Samui
The other beaches and places on Koh Samui do not offer the same kind of intense nightlife as Chaweng or Lamai, but smaller bars and pubs are very common no matter where on the island you are and finding the nearest place is rarely particularly difficult.
If you feel that it is a good evening for something romantic with your partner, there are good places to go to around the northern beaches; Bo Phut (Fishermans Village), Choeng Mon or Maenam. If you prefer a beautiful sunset as a backdrop over a glass of wine or two, you should head to the east coast where you, among other things.
Food and restaurants
You will never have to go hungry on Koh Samui. Here you will find everything from Thai food to international five-star dishes. There is something for everyone. It does not matter much what your preferences are – you will find what you like somewhere on Koh Samui. The range of restaurants, cafes, street stalls, bakeries and local hooks is huge.
Hotels and accommodation
With almost 500 hotels and almost 60,000 rooms incl. beach bungalows, apartments and private villas, finding a place to stay in Koh Samui is hardly a challenge.
The trick is to find the right part of the island to suit your needs or needs. Chaweng Beach offers various types of accommodation as well as most activities and activities while Mae Nam Beach is more suitable for those seeking tranquility, sedentary and just relaxing.
Koh Samui was once a haven for backpackers who were happy with thatched roofs, budget bungalows, etc. but these have now generally been replaced by the middle class, air conditioning, bungalows and luxury spa resorts.
No matter what you are looking for, most things can be found within your budget and provide the perfect beach environment for your Koh Samui vacation.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Best Time to Visit
Koh Samui enjoys a tropical climate with a dry season from December to February, making it the ideal time to visit for sunny days and cooler nights. The wet season from September to November can bring heavy rainfall but also quieter beaches and lush greenery.
Getting Around
Renting a scooter or car is popular for exploring the island at your own pace. Taxis and songthaews (shared trucks) are also available, though negotiate fares in advance.
Local Etiquette
Respect the local culture by dressing modestly when visiting temples, removing shoes before entering sacred spaces, and refraining from public displays of affection.
Go forward
Although there are a lot of regional services, the bus network on the island is not very widespread. The most popular way to get around is by using tuk-tuks (motorcycle taxi) or Songtaews (shared trucks). It is also possible to rent mopeds and cars. However, taxis can be very difficult to find on the island.
Renting a moped or motorcycle can be done in most places in Na Thon, Chaweng and Lamai but also from various tourist destinations around the island. For longer rent you can easily get the price down.
However, be careful if you rent a motorcycle or moped as every year there are many tourists who have accidents on them every year so it is better to drive safely and carefully than to step on the gas at the bottom and be king over the road.
It is legal to wear a helmet, so if you rent a motorcycle or moped, make sure you also rent a helmet or make sure it is included in the price.
Jeeps can be rented per day and can be rented from most hotels or tourist agencies around Koh Samui.
Conclusion
Koh Samui captivates visitors with its natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, cultural immersion at ancient temples, adventure in natural landscapes, or culinary delights in bustling markets, Koh Samui promises an enriching and memorable journey for every traveler. Koh Samui’s unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality ensures a memorable experience that will linger in your heart long after you leave this tropical paradise. Embrace the island’s charm and discover why it’s a beloved destination in Thailand.