All about Samui Thailand. Thailand, Samui: attractions, recreation, reviews. Where to buy tickets

Koh Samui is an island located in the Chumphon Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 700 km south of Bangkok and 80 km from the eastern coastline of Southern Thailand.

It is the second most popular tourist destination in Thailand and amazes tourists with its amazing natural beauty and diversity. Home to nearly 40,000 full-time residents, 90% of whom are Buddhist.

The territory is surrounded by palm trees, coconuts and fruits are grown on the coastline and in the coastal lowlands, and the slopes of the central granite massif are covered with virgin tropical forest. The length of the island is 25 km and the width is 21 km.

Samui is big enough for adventure, even though you can drive around it by motorcycle or car in a couple of hours.

Short video about Samui

How to get there

Planning a trip to Koh Samui? Do you want to know the most convenient way to get to this city? Then the list of options below is for you!

By plane

Koh Samui Airport (USM) is a private airport originally built by Bangkok Airways. It is the main operator and was for a long time the only airline with services to Koh Samui. This airport has almost hourly flights to/from Bangkok and by Thai standards, tickets with advance booking are expensive at 3,000-4,500 baht one way, while without advance booking they can cost twice as much. There are also daily flights to/from Phuket for 2,000-3,000 baht. There are two daily flights from Chiang Mai, but only one direct flight in the opposite direction.

The peculiarity of the international boarding gate is a special place where all passengers are offered food and drinks in a cozy lounge, there is Wi-Fi provision - it becomes much more comfortable to wait for boarding.

In addition to Bangkok Airways, Koh Samui is served by two flights daily from Bangkok with Thai Airways, Berjaya Air and Firefly from Subang airport (a small airport 30 minutes from the city center (Kuala Lumpur) and International Penang International Airport in Malaysia.

You can monitor promotions and special offers for air tickets on various aggregator sites, or, for example,.

Visa on arrival and visa-free entry are available at Samui Airport for some nationalities.

Transport from the airport is easy to find. A 20-minute bus ride to Chaweng costs 120 baht per person; a taxi will cost more - 400 baht. Make sure you set the fare to your destination before you get into the taxi because many drivers refuse to use the meter.

If you're visiting as a couple or family, you'll probably be accosted by some young women holding signs from some of the high-end hotels. They'll ask you where you're staying and upon answering, they'll offer you a free taxi ride if you promise to attend their hotel's presentation during your stay. Avoid such offers.

Alternative airports

Other airports that fly into Koh Samui are Surat Thani Airport and Chumphon Airport from the mainland with a good ferry to Koh Samui. They are often significantly cheaper and serve as excellent low cost carriers for Air Asia and Nok Air.

• Nok Air offers 4 daily flights + ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui or fly with Nok Air from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat and ferry to Koh Samui. You can book your ticket on their website.
• Flights to Surat Thani are operated by Thai Airlines and low-cost airlines Air Asia and Nok Air (departing from Don Muang Airport, then by road to the coast and by ferry to your destination.

Flights to Nakhon Si Thammarat are carried out by Air Asia and Nok Air, then by bus and catamaran.

By ship

From Chumphon via Ko Tao, Ko Phangan

Lomprayah offers a shared bus/high-speed catamaran service from Bang Kong to Koh Samui, which takes 11 hours (5.5 by ship) and costs around 1,250 baht (1,000 baht return). The bus stops at Hua Hin and then Chumphon, where passengers transfer to a ship that calls at Ko Nang Yuan, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan on the way to Koh Samui. The road is scenic (including a trip to 2 islands), and the ferry is convenient to Seatran.

This trip to Koh Samui will take longer, but is a good way to see the countryside and islands. The bus option is a 50-minute flight from Bangkok to Chumphon Airport via Nok Air and transfers to high-speed ferries stopping at Koh Tao along the way.

High-speed catamarans "Lomprayah" are a good and fast option to get to Samui from Koh Tao or Koh Phangan, as well as a good way to arrive to these islands from Bangkok. There are also regular speedboats from other operators.

By ferry

From Surat Thani

Surat Thani Train Station and Airport (URT) include mixed bus/ferry services to Koh Samui for 200-300 baht. Some involve a 60-minute bus ride to Donsak pier, followed by a 90-minute ferry ride. Others involve a 30-minute bus ride, but the ferry takes longer. Tickets are sold by numerous agents who can be found in every train and airport. It costs less than 300 baht.

At Donsak Pier you can choose from one of the listed ferry companies "Songserm", "Travel" And "Seatran"(departures every 30-60 minutes), which ends at Nathon Pier. If you book your trip through a travel agency, you are traveling on a small, two-deck ferry that is often crowded, so always arrive early as all the seats on the lower deck may be full.

An air-conditioned upper deck costs more. If you don't feel like paying extra, you might end up next to a pile of backpacks at the back of the boat. There is a small overpriced shop on the lower deck (instant noodles that cost 15 baht are sold here for 50 baht). It's better to bring snacks with you to avoid overpaying. The passengers on the Songserm ferry are mostly foreigners.

The Seatran ferry is much larger and has multiple decks (most are free to enter, including air-conditioned areas), fills up slower due to its size, and has numerous TVs (with Thai channels). There is a large cafeteria (with much friendlier prices, such as 20 baht for the same instant noodles). Passengers are mainly Thais and tourists.

Raja Ferry Port operates services between Donsak Pier and Lipa Noi Pier on the west side of Koh Samui (a few kilometers south of Nathon). The ferry includes a free air-conditioned deck and comfortable seating. The ferry also transports car. You can use it if you decide to come by your own transport. Transfer from Songthaew pier to Koh Samui or Lamai will cost 100 baht per person. A taxi will cost more, about 1000 baht.

There are numerous ferry services from Surat Thani, including fast boats (3 departures daily, duration 3 hours and cost 150 baht) and slow night boats (lasting 6-7 hours). The number of the operator "Songserm Travel" is +66 25 29 654 in Bangkok to clarify the schedule, which changes depending on the season.

Clue:

Koh Samui - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 4

Kazan − 4

Samara − 3

Ekaterinburg − 2

Novosibirsk 0

Vladivostok 3

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Samui's weather is slightly different from other parts of Thailand. From April to September, when most of the country is in the rainy season, Koh Samui remains fairly dry, but from October to December it is quite damp. From Koh Samui, the dry season lasts from January to March. You can find your way around prices for tours to Koh Samui from Russia.

Samui in summer

The summer months on the island cannot boast of impeccable weather. The air temperature is quite democratic, but the humidity increases sharply, resulting in terrible stuffiness. Added to this is the approaching rainy season; in the evening and at night, vacationers may be upset by passing downpours, although not very long (no more than an hour). With sunrise, the soil quickly dries out, and the sun does not spare vacationers. The sea is quite calm, the only drawback may be the daytime low tides. On some beaches, it is especially noticeable how the water moves several meters away from the shore, and for some, such a picture may seem frightening.

Samui in autumn

The beginning of autumn can easily please tourists who come to Samui. When to go if not in summer? - the sun warms well, there is no wind, and the sea is quite calm. Almost the whole of September can be spent on the beaches of Samui and enjoying the beautiful weather, although this month is considered the end of the beach season. Starting in October, the island is gradually enveloped by a cyclone of rain and gusty winds. The temperature drops monthly by about 1-2 degrees, and on average is 27 degrees in air and 26 degrees in water. Torrential rains, which last about 5 hours a day, and intense gusty winds make it impossible to enjoy the island as a beach resort. The water is warm, but due to weather conditions, it is very cloudy. Several autumn days threaten a month's worth of precipitation. Cloudy weather prevails. Autumn is perfect for sightseeing tours. Due to the absence of a significant flow of tourists in the fall, you can safely visit the temples or study the history of this place in more detail.

Koh Samui in spring

Everything blooms in spring, and Ko Samui is no exception. The variety of colors that the rich flora of the island can demonstrate attracts a new flow of tourists here. In April, the scorching sun heats the air up to 35 degrees, often the thermometer exceeds this mark, but even this cannot stop exotic lovers.

The sea is still calm, its temperature reaches 29 degrees, and only occasionally vacationers can frolic in small waves. With the end of spring, the weather begins to decline. The rainy season is soon approaching, so the air at the end of April may seem stuffy.

Samui in winter

Winter is considered the peak of tourist holidays on Koh Samui. In winter, the weather is very stable and the “velvet season” begins. It is still recommended to fly to the island in the second ten days of December, since the beginning of this month may be cloudy and rainy, it is almost impossible to predict this. Such weather vagaries can occur due to the change and development of the season. Otherwise, the winter months delight vacationers with bright sun and evening freshness, the sea is clean with rare, small waves - an ideal time to enjoy all the advantages of a seaside resort.

Koh Samui - weather by month

Clue:

Koh Samui - weather by month

Main attractions. What to see

The most popular attractions in Koh Samui are presented below.

Top 5

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Ko Samui

Located on Ban Harn beach. The Oceanarium features an amazing collection of tropical fish and other marine animals such as turtles and colorful coral. The Tiger Zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. Samui Oceanarium and Tiger Zoo are open daily from 09:00-18:00.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

At Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Great Buddha Temple, the Buddha statue is 15 meters tall. It was built in 1972 in the north of the island.

Samui Butterful Garden/Insect Museum

This butterfly garden can be found in the southeast of the island. You can see a huge collection of different butterflies, with a wingspan of up to 25 cm. Visitors can also visit the insect museum, where you can see a variety of insects from rare beetles to beehives.

Bophut Elephant Camp

The Funny Day Safari Jeep Safari takes place at the Elephant Park, a couple of minutes from the fishing village, and visit it to enjoy the peaceful nature while sitting on the back of a magnificent mammal, or to watch and feed the cute little baby elephants. You can also learn how Samui monkeys work and watch a professional performance of crocodiles. Additional information, maps of the area and a photo gallery can be found on their website.

Secret Buddha Garden

This beautiful garden was built by a 76-year-old Samui gardener in 1976. It is surrounded by green bushes, rocky hills and is decorated with sculptures depicting both sexes in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the highest point on the island, you can see stunning views from there. Organized garden tours last almost 2 hours.

Other attractions of the island:

• Monkey Shows - You can enjoy this show at the open air theater on the main road behind Bophut Beach. The show also includes trained elephants. Catching and training wild animals is ethically questionable.
• Old House - A Chinese-style house almost 200 years old, it represents the cultural heritage of Samui. Grandpa Xi and Grandma Meng Tancharoen open the house to visitors.
• Airport hut. The airport on Samui is very small, the peculiarity is that it is made in the form of a small, but very cozy and beautiful hut. Thanks to this, Samui Airport is one of the five most original airports in the world.
• Coral beds at Laem Set and Thong Takhian;
• Namtok Hin Lat Waterfall - The main waterfront settlement of the island, where shops, restaurants and travel agencies are concentrated;

• Namtok Na Mueang Waterfall - A local road leads to Na Muang Waterfall 1. The 30-minute walk ends at the more scenic Na Muang Waterfall 2. Crimson cliffs surround a watery stream that falls from an impressive height of approximately 79 meters;
• Snake farm;

• Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks - These strange rocks located on Lamai Beach bear a striking resemblance to the genitals of men and women. They have become one of the most important attractions of the island. For those who would like to listen to the legend or see the rocks, you only need to ask a local;
• Water Buffalo Fights - The island has a rich tradition of water buffalo fighting arenas. There is no fight schedule, but locals will know the dates and you may see the occasional sign on the road announcing the day of the fight.

Beaches. Which ones are better

The main reason to visit Koh Samui is the beaches, as it is a fairly large island with fabulous beaches. The most popular and commercialized beaches are Lamai, while the northern beaches of Mae Nam, Bophut, Bang Rak (Big Buddha) and Choeng Mon and their surrounding villages are the quietest places, and the beaches on the west coast are relatively quiet. Clarification: Due to the murky water, Bophut and Choeng Mon are not very good for swimming. The beaches and Lamai have cleaner sea water.

• Nathon is the port and administrative center of Samui, which attracts tourists.
• Laem Yai is located on the northwestern edge of the island; secluded beach overlooking the Ang Thong Islands.
• Mae Nam is a quiet and beautiful beach on the northern coast.
• Bophut is known for its tranquil but rapidly growing fishing village.
• Bang Rak is on the northeastern edge, home of the Big Buddha.
• Choeng Mon is a quiet northern beach of the coast.
• Chaweng is the largest and most developed beach with an unusual mixture of luxury hotels and small inns for tourists and an active nightlife.
• Lamai is the “second” beach of Samui, south of Chaweng, with a lot of active nightlife and chic resorts and restaurants.
• South Coast of Samui - small beaches Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai, Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut.

Chaweng beach

The main beach on Koh Samui, which has developed since the early 1990s. Just 20 years ago the beach was home to a handful of wooden bungalows, but now the area is dotted with hotels, Italian pizzerias, Irish pubs and even go-go bars. Samui's nightlife is becoming legendary, but, unfortunately, does not always attract exemplary tourists. Hippie tourists have lost Chaweng to "beer hooligans". Now it's a place for a noisy and reckless party.

Lamai beach

Like Chaweng, Lamai has been transformed from a hippie hangout to a party and fun destination with bars and an exciting nightlife. However, the beach is in better condition than Chaweng and a place to relax is not so easy to find because it is always crowded. If you want to relax in a quiet place, Lamai is not the ideal place for you.

There are some interesting rock formations on the southern edge of Lamai Beach.

The island of Lamai itself is located in the southeast of Samui, almost 10 kilometers from Chaweng.

BeachMaenam(Mae Nam Beach)

This is a calm beach located in the north of the island, suitable for swimming and sunbathing, especially for families with children, due to its shallow waters.

Bophut Beach

Located in the north of the island, it is a popular starting point for diving. This place is not as developed as Chaweng, but there are many restaurants, shops and bars.

Choengmon Beach

Located in the northeast of Samui just 10 minutes from Chaweng. Unlike the latter, this is the perfect place to relax.

BeachBigBuddha(Big Buddha Beach)

Located in the northeast of Koh Samui, it offers visitors good swimming and beautiful views. The area has developed over the years and now offers many restaurants, shops and bars.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Wat Khunaram Ko Samui

This temple is the most famous temple because of its mummified monk, which is displayed publicly. The mummy sits upright in a glass coffin and fans offer him flowers and incense. In reality, the mummy is the body of a highly revered former abbot of the temple, who was also a master of meditation and was able to predict his own death.

However, what is interesting is the fact that the mummy wears a large pair of sunglasses and is surrounded almost everywhere by huts selling overpriced drinks and fritters.

Samui Pagoda Laem Sor (Laem Sor Pagoda Koh Samui)

This chedi (pagoda) is located at Laem Sor Temple, one of the most famous temples on Koh Samui. The building, with its yellow tiles that exude a golden aura, is quite an impressive and enchanting sight.

Food. What to try

Samui is famous for its coconuts, which are available everywhere and are quite tasty. The island has a good selection of seafood, although during peak tourist season demand often exceeds local supply. Larger beaches, such as Bophut, have international restaurants with good reputations (often owned by foreign couples living in Thailand).

Southern Thai food is notorious for its spiciness. Most of the cuisine comes from Malay, Indonesian and Indian cuisine. Southern favorites include Indian-style Muslim curry (Massaman), rice noodles in curry fish sauce (Kanom Jin), and chicken biryani. Popular local foods include salted eggs and nephelium.

Double price is unfortunately common: some restaurants have two menus, one for tourists, the other for locals, for whom the price is 1/4 of the price for foreigners. Main courses in a standard Thai restaurant should cost less than 100 baht (excluding seafood dishes). If the prices seem unreasonably high, go to another restaurant. Always check the prices and menu first so you don't have to argue when the bill arrives.

Beverages

There are countless options for drinking establishments, ranging from pubs for loud tourists and erotic ones to candlelit romantic bars in Bophut. Price - 80 baht for local beer (Singha, Tiger, Chang, Heineken) and up to twice as much for imported beer. The wine is particularly expensive and usually costs over 2,000 baht per bottle.

Safety. What to watch out for

• Tap water is not potable. Drinks in sealed bottles are sold everywhere. Be safe in restaurants too, as some use unsafe tap water for ice in drinks (others make it from bottled/safe water). Tap water in most hotels should not be used for drinking or brushing teeth unless it is clearly labeled as safe.
• Motorcycles are more dangerous than jeeps, trucks and other vehicles that are available for rent at reasonable prices and are much safer. If you are going to use a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and never drive while intoxicated, as the roads are dangerous and have a lot of potholes.
• After a good time partying in , Bophut and Lamai, take a taxi to take you home. Be careful. Taxi drivers often cheat drunk people. It is not uncommon for an auto-rickshaw driver to ask for 50 baht per kilometer of travel (for example, in the main market).
• Recently, a large number of ATVs have appeared on the roads. Please take care as ATVs are not registered.
• Also be careful on the beaches at night due to the crimes that often occur there.
• If you are traveling to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao by bus, do not keep any valuables in your luggage. Songserm Travel reports thefts from buses. Don't leave things unattended when getting off the train to the islands.

Things to do

Here are some places to visit if you don't know what to do in Koh Samui:

• Ang Thong National Marine Park - scuba diving and snorkeling.
• Champhun - by high-speed catamaran to the mainland and then to Bangkok via Champhun Airport.
• Koh Phangan is home to the infamous full moon party in Haad Rin and features almost untouched landscapes.
• Koh Tao is one of the best places to learn diving, in fact, the best school on the planet is in Koh Tao. In addition to diving, you can go sailing.
• Khao Lak is a diving center for the islands of Similan and Surin.

Extreme Sports

Diving

The south of Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear waters and stunning coral. For this reason, the number of divers visiting the island has gradually increased over the past decade. Even though the best time of the year to dive in Koh Samui is from June to August, diving in Koh Samui is popular all year round. Considered one of the safest places in the world for diving and snorkeling, it is ideal for beginners.

Visibility at sea in some places around Samui is good (distance 10-30 m). One can enjoy magnificent views of seamounts, coral gardens, underwater rock formations, hard and soft coral, whale sharks in season.

• Samran Mountains (Samran Pinnacles). Because the currents in this area are very strong, this site is recommended only for experienced divers. Due to the currents, the place is a haven for large sea creatures that swim by. Near Sail Rock there are three mountains hidden under water.
• Ko Kra & Koh Losin. These two small islands are located in the southeast of Samui, which due to their remoteness are not visited by tourists. Here you can see black-tail sharks, manta rays and snapping turtles, which are difficult to find.
• Koh Tan (also known as Koh Tan, Koh, Koh Taen Kataen, Coral Island). This small island is located on the southwestern edge of Koh Samui. This is the perfect place for an amazing dive. Local experts tell travelers that this is an ideal place for people who don't want to travel more than two hours to dive.

Koh Tan

Located 15 minutes from Ko Samui, Koh Tan offers travelers 14 sites with rich underwater life, including soft and hard corals. From Thong Krut, tourists can leave for a reasonable price on long-tail boats. If you want to go to Koh Tan, you can book your trip through any good travel agent or search online, or you can go directly to Thong Krut.

There are 5 restaurants on Koh Tan. There are three restaurants in Ao Tok Bay. One of them is located at the end of the beach with both housing and excellent Thai cuisine. The third restaurant is located in the middle and is owned by a French gentleman. On the other side of the island there is a beautiful Ao-Tok bay with 2 restaurants and 2 large premises serving excellent food.

Accommodation is of a high standard with an asking price of 500 baht, Koh Tan is surrounded by coral and rocky reefs and there are 10 beaches on the island.

How to get around the region

Cellular communications, telephones and Internet

There are many internet cafes on Koh Samui. The hourly rate is almost 30 baht.

The GSM networks of all major Thai cellular operators cover the island quite well. Buying a local SIM card will save you a lot of money on international calls. Moreover, GPRS/EDGE service is a cheap and convenient way to access the Internet almost everywhere.

Medical institutions

Koh Samui has a well-equipped Bangkok Hospital. For those who are not seriously ill, there are countless clinics and pharmacies, especially on the beach.

• Bangkok Samui Hospital, 57 Moo 3, Samui Ring Rd, Chaweng, Bophut, telephone: +66 77 429500 (fax: +66 77 429540).
- you can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?

Denis

Koh Samui is the most picturesque resort in Thailand!

Koh Samui Island in Thailand in popularity confidently competes with. There is so much picturesque nature here, impenetrable jungles, snow-white beaches, smiling Thais that once you get here, you don’t want to go back. And for party lovers, a grand party is held every month on a nearby island, where you can have a blast until the morning so that you won’t have the strength to walk to the hotel.

The waters around Samui are not only rich in life, but also very transparent - depending on the time of year and the set (dive location), the visibility distance reaches twenty or even thirty meters. Therefore, diving in Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Nang Yuan is one of the most developed...

An excursion on the Red Baron yacht on Koh Samui is one of the most popular attractions for tourists. This is a sailing-motor yacht with a length of thirty and a width of almost seven meters, the largest pleasure boat on the island in terms of displacement. Usually people relax on board...

If you come to relax on Koh Samui, then an excursion to the islands of Koh Tao and Nang Yuan will definitely be included in the program of your stay there. And this is not surprising, because they are one of the most picturesque pieces of land in the middle of the water. All over the world you will find...

The cable car on Samui is a very exciting and extreme excursion for those who constantly lack adrenaline in their blood. For her alone it is worth visiting this island. The total length of all routes is more than 9 kilometers and 50 intermediate...

Koh Samui is two times smaller than Phuket, but confidently competes with it in the fight for the attention of tourists. This is facilitated by magnificent beaches with white coral sand, picturesque lagoons, mountain waterfalls and bottomless blue skies. One of the most sought after...

Thailand is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of the number of attractions per capita. And we will not be too far from the truth if we say that the Angthong National Marine Park near Samui is the main one of them. This is a group of islands in the Gulf of Thailand...

Koh Samui, part of Surat Thani Province, is believed to have been settled by the 6th century AD, when Chinese fishermen and settlers from Indochina arrived there. Some of the first mentions of this place can be found on ancient Chinese maps from the Moon Dynasty. It is possible that the name Koh Samui is of Chinese origin and is derived from the word saboey, which means “shelter”. However, there is another version - according to it, Samui got its name from the name of the local mui trees. As for the prefix “Koh”, it means “island”.

Be that as it may, the “Chinese trace” is still present on Samui in the form of ancient houses in the center of the capital Nathon - today most of them have shops. In the infrastructure of the cities you can also find remnants of the Japanese past - they invaded here during the Second World War.

However, until the 80s of the 20th century, Samui still remained a quiet, distinctive place without strangers and almost without any economic ties with the rest of the country. The islanders lived mainly by fishing, collecting coconuts, and farming. The first asphalt roads appeared here only in the 1970s, and before that, crossing from one side of Samui to the other was only possible for the most courageous - those who were ready to spend about a day traveling through the jungle.

In the early 80s, with the development of infrastructure, this place became attractive to tourists, and tourism gradually became one of the leading components of its economy. Today, in terms of attendance, Samui is second only to another super-demanded resort in Thailand.

Currently, the main tourist center remains the capital Nathon, where the administration of the island is located. Here, as well as in Chaweng and Lamai, you can find the largest number of hotels, entertainment venues, car rental offers, etc.

In 2008, Koh Samui gained the status of a separate city (before that it was considered part of Surat Thani). Moreover, in addition to the island itself, the tiny islands of the Ang Thong archipelago were included in the city boundaries.

Beaches

If there's one thing Koh Samui has in abundance, it's beaches. They are here for every taste - from the busiest and most modern to the quiet, secluded, conducive to a relaxing holiday. There are 34 beaches in total on Koh Samui, but about 26 of them are the most popular - those that have well-developed infrastructure and everything necessary for safety.

Most often, tourists stay on the north and east side, near Chaweng, Lamai or Bo Phut, since these places are the easiest to find affordable housing, supermarkets and all kinds of services. The beaches of Samui are fully landscaped and are great for both entertainment and relaxation with children.

Separately, it is worth mentioning about safety: many tourists wonder if there are sharks near the island. Yes, they are. However, these are basically tiger, whale and leopard sharks that are not dangerous to people and feed on plankton and small fish.

The best beaches of Koh Samui

Chaweng- the leader among Samui resorts; in terms of infrastructure, it resembles the famous Phuket Patong. On this beach you can find everything you need: sufficient depth of water, almost white sand and a lot of entertainment for every taste. And even the most beautiful sea on Koh Samui will be right here. Separately, it is worth highlighting Chaweng Noi - equally comfortable, but more calm, and Chaweng Yai - poorly suitable for swimming, but ideal for water activities. And if you go from the coast into the interior of the island, you can get to Lake Chaweng - this is a very beautiful place where people come not to swim, but to admire nature and take interesting photos. Next to it is the Chaweng Boxing Stadium, where Muay Thai competitions are held twice a week.

Chaweng beach webcam

Lamai- together with Chaweng and Maenam, it is one of the three most popular beaches on Koh Samui. Conventionally, it is divided into three sections: the northern zone with dense buildings, the central part with an abundance of tourist services and the poorly developed southern part. The central area has all the necessary infrastructure; its disadvantages are that it is crowded and lacks natural shade. In the north it will be interesting for fishing lovers - fishing boats are based here. The southern part may be of interest to divers - here you can find coral thickets, and the rocks remain deep even at low tide.

Maenam- one of the largest beaches on Koh Samui, an interesting place for a family holiday. On the coast you can find not only hotels, but also a lot of bungalows offered for self-rental. There is also beach infrastructure, rental of everything necessary for diving, restaurants and cafes, but there is practically no nightlife. A special feature of Maenam is a beautiful palm grove and a pier for catamarans and boats going to the islands of Ang Thong National Park.

Bang Po- located on the northern side of Samui near Maenam. This is a calm, well-appointed place where it is easy to find accommodation. Due to its shallow depth, the beach is optimal for families with children; another advantage is the presence of a children's restaurant with a playground. The downside will be the muddy sea.

Ban Tai(or "Mimosa") is another ideal place on Koh Samui for a holiday with small children. The beach got its second name from the name of a large hotel where there is a restaurant and a children's playground. The advantages of this place are the absence of noisy discos and the abundance of natural shade on the shore. The downside is that part of the ocean here is overgrown with algae, and there is only one entrance to the water.

Bo Phut(Bophut) is a crowded, lively and very popular neighbor of Maenam, located in the northeast of Samui. Over a 3-kilometer stretch, there are wild areas where you can go sea fishing from a boat, and well-maintained tourist spots. Like Maenam, the beach has good infrastructure, many hotels on the coast, as well as a pier for boat trips to Ang Thong Park. A plus for those who vacation on their own will be the presence of Makro Cash&Carry and Big C supermarkets nearby.

Bang Rak(Bangrak) - it is interesting mainly because of its location, since it is located near Samui airport, and tourists who come for a short time often stop there. In general, this is a comfortable place with a wide range of entertainment, but the sea here is not the most beautiful. In addition, not everywhere has access to water due to dense buildings.

Thong Son Bei- a calm shallow beach with poorly developed infrastructure. This is another place on Koh Samui that families with children often come to. However, the cove to the right of the main entrance, securely hidden from view by a rock, is known for purely “adult” recreation - nudists gather there.

Chong Mon- a nice place with shallow sea and plenty of natural shade. There are 4 hotels on the shore, many bars, cafes and all kinds of entertainment. Perhaps the only disadvantage of this beach can be considered difficulties with parking, because in terms of popularity it is not much inferior to the top three.

Crystal Bay(Thong Takian) is a nice 300-meter beach on the eastern shore of Samui, not far from the northern section of Lamai. It is located on hotel grounds, but access is open to everyone. This is a very beautiful corner with white sand, picturesque stones, and tall palm trees.

Tong Yang(Lipa Noi) is a long beach near the capital Nathon. There are two sections on it, of which Lipa Noi itself is located to the south. The Nikki Beach Hotel with its wide entertainment area brought fame and popularity to this place (sometimes the beach itself is called by the name of the hotel). There is also a ferry pier for one of the largest carriers on Samui - the Raja Ferry company.

Thong Yang Beach

Bang Kao- this beach is the longest on the island, but it is not one of the main tourist spots. Housing here is represented mainly by private villas and bungalows, so lovers of secluded recreation and fishing come here. There are few places for swimming in this area, the bottom is muddy and rocky in places, but there are few people and there are channels for launching boats.

These are not all the beaches of Samui - only the most interesting from the point of view of tourists and the most popular.

Interesting fact: in Thailand, hotels cannot prevent access to the beach even to those tourists who are not their guests. Therefore, you can safely go through the reception to areas where access to the sea is located on the hotel territory.

Entertainment and attractions

Koh Samui, despite its relatively short tourist history, is full of entertainment for every taste. Connoisseurs of a relaxing holiday here can enjoy the beautiful ocean and visit massage houses - massage services are offered in all major hotels and on popular beaches (Chaweng, Lamai, Maenam and others). Fans of mild extreme sports will appreciate a jeep safari through the tropical jungle in the depths of the island. And fans of a healthy lifestyle will certainly want to come for a workout at one of the yoga studios, which are located in almost every area on the coast. The largest of them are in Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut.

Water activities on Koh Samui

• - there are good places for this sport on the beaches of Maenam and Bophut, where the much-needed wind blows all year round. From November to April there are suitable conditions on the large beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, but at other times of the year it is too quiet.
• - with this sport the situation is approximately the same: in Bophut and Maenam you can practice it at any time, and it is better to go to the popular resorts of Lamai and Chaweng only during the “windy season” from November to April.
• - in order to snorkel, a trip to Koh Samui should be planned in the summer, when the water is as clear as possible. In general, there are few suitable places for this, but you can go to the rocks behind Chaweng Noi beach (you need to go down to the sea near the Coral Cove Chalet hotel). If you want to see something really interesting, take a ferry from Lipa Noi Beach and go to Toi Island.
• Boat trips(rent a yacht, boat) - near the major beaches of Samui you can rent almost any type of water transport, from a large boat or yacht to a boat for two. Romantic boat trips are often booked for wedding ceremonies and other celebrations.
• - for thrill-seekers, Koh Samui has several wake parks. You can race on a board behind a boat in Lamai, Bang Rak, Bo Phut.
• - this park, located in the northern part of Samui (on Maenam), can hardly be called the best in Thailand, but it is still quite interesting. There are 2 high slides, a funnel, a lazy river, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi and a children's area.

If we talk about the entertainment of Samui, we cannot fail to mention the “red light street”, or rather, even two - near Chaweng and Lamai. These are the places where Go-go bars with girl dancers of very free morals are concentrated.

Main attractions of Koh Samui

• (Wat Phra Yai) or Big Buddha Temple - this structure with a statue of the Big Buddha is located on a separate island, where a road leads along a dam. You can get here from Bang Rak beach if you move along the coast towards Bo Phut. The arch from which the path to the temple begins is located near the pier. The statue itself is hard to miss, since it is about 12 meters high and is clearly visible from the coast.

• Observation deck with Buddha statue- the highest point of Samui, located on a mountain in the interior of the island. In addition to the statue of another Big Buddha, there are 12 sculptures of animals of the Chinese calendar and a small exhibition of Buddhist figurines. You can get here from Lamai in about 30 minutes by car.
• (Wat Plai Laem) - located a little further than the Buddha statue, about 1 kilometer towards Bo Phut. This place is interesting for its collection of national sculptures, among which the main one is the 18-armed goddess Guanyin.

• (Wat Sila Ngu) is an unusual Samui temple, made of mahogany with intricate carvings. It is interesting that the sanctuary received its red color and original appearance, which attracts the attention of tourists, only due to the fact that it was not completed (it was not covered with traditional golden paint). You can get here by taking the ring road from Lamai to Hua Thanon.

• (Na Muang) - a large entertainment area with a zoo and an elephant farm, located near the Na Mueang waterfall in the interior of the island. Here, visitors are offered several programs, including jeep safari, elephant riding, and various shows. You can get to the park on your own by minibus running from Lamai to the capital Nathon (get off at the Namunag Safari Park sign and then walk about 1.5 kilometers).

• (Magic Garden) - strictly speaking, this place is not a garden; rather, it is a composition of many stone sculptures installed near the small Tarnim waterfall. The original stone “garden” with figurines of Buddha, Hindu gods and animals was created in 1976 by a Thai farmer named Nima Thongsuka. To get here, you need to take the ring road to the Wat Khunaram temple, and then follow the signs.

• (Wat Khunaram) - one of the most interesting on Samui, it is also called the temple of the mummified monk. The main attraction here is the mummy of the founder of Luang Pho Daeng, who managed to predict the date of his own death. According to legend, he died while meditating in the same position in which his mummy is found today. The temple is located approximately 6 kilometers from Lamai and is easily accessible via the ring road.

• (Hainan Temple) is an ancient building dating from 1862, located in Nathon, the capital of Koh Samui. As you might guess, it was built by immigrants from China. This temple is easy to recognize - it is bright and colorful in Chinese style, with numerous images of dragons and red lanterns hanging everywhere.

• Monkey show(Samui Monkey Theater) - the zoo-theater is located in the southeastern part of Samui, near the 7-Eleven supermarket. Every day there are 3 performances with monkeys, and before or after the show you can see the enclosures and feed the inhabitants nuts.
• Crocodile farm(Samui Crocodile Farm) is a nursery and zoo located 650 meters from Samui Airport. The visit program includes a walk around the territory and inspection of enclosures, as well as a show with crocodiles and snakes.
• Snake farm- a nursery in the southwestern part of Samui, in the Taling Ngam area, where you can see shows with snakes and other reptiles, as well as take photos with them. On the farm's territory, guests are offered a free medicinal tincture of python bile.
• - located in the western part of Samui, near Nathon, it is entirely dedicated to coconut products. Since ancient times, many coconut farms have remained on the island, and in the museum you can find out how this nut is collected and what products are obtained from it. Guests can also squeeze out the coconut oil themselves and take it with them!

• (Butterfly Garden) - located in the depths of Samui, along highway 4169. You can get here if you drive southeast from Nathon to the Na Mueang waterfalls. There are more than 20 species of butterflies in the garden, which fly freely around the area covered with a special net.

• (Hin Ta and Hin Yai) - a natural attraction on Lamai Beach, which consists of two stones resembling the female and male genital organs. “Grandfather” is clearly visible from the shore, but “Granny” can only be seen from the water.

• Tiger Zoo(Tiger Zoo) - a circus and menagerie rolled into one is located on Barn Harn Beach, south of Lamai. It is usually visited together with the Samui Aquarium located here. In the zoo you can see tigers, leopards, as well as monkeys and fur seals, however, the conditions of their detention leave much to be desired. There is a daily animal circus show, usually starting at 1:30 p.m.
• - a village in the northern part of Samui, in the Bophut area. Tourists come here to look at the colorful fishermen's huts, visit the largest fish market, and also go to one of the local restaurants and try amazing fish dishes.

Of course, this is not all the attractions and entertainment of Samui. The Thai resort will find something to surprise even the most experienced tourist! For example, in almost any large hotel you can book a speed boat excursion to pink dolphins. You can visit the Deepabhavan meditation center, located in the Lamaya area, and go on a Buddhist retreat with the practice of Vipassana (Vipashyana) - silent meditation. If you want to spend time usefully in terms of gifts for loved ones, you can go shopping and inexpensively buy jewelry from the Thai jewelry factory Gems Gallery.

Finally, another way to have fun on Koh Samui is to spend a day or more exploring unknown attractions, such as taking a boat to Ang Thong Marine Park. Here on one of the islands there is a cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

Samui attractions map

Shopping on Koh Samui

Shopping on the island is a different story, because there are so many interesting things here that few people can limit themselves to banal magnets. So, what should you bring from your trip to Koh Samui? First, of course, coconut oil, it is sold everywhere here. Secondly, natural Korean cosmetics, herbal and salt scrubs, and pearl jewelry can be an interesting gift for women. And as an inexpensive souvenir you can buy a miniature copy of a tuk-tuk, a statue of Buddha, or a wooden or ceramic figurine of an elephant. Many also bring alcohol from Samui, in particular, rum from the French rum distillery Magic Alambic.

And at the end of the story about shopping, it is worth mentioning such a phenomenon as Walking Street - this is shopping and entertainment at the same time. Several days a week, usually on Thursdays, Fridays and weekends, in the evening one of the streets of Samui is closed to traffic and turns into a pedestrian zone. Throughout the street, from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, numerous merchants sell their wares, and locals and visitors to Samui come to have a good time. On Walking Street you can try Thai dishes (including even such exotic things as fried cockroaches), watch performances by street magicians and dancers, and buy clothes and souvenirs. You can only find out which Samui street will turn into an entertainment zone the day before, but usually this event takes place in the busy areas of Chaweng, Lamai, Nathon, and Moenam.

How to get to Koh Samui

Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand in the South China Sea, approximately 700 kilometers from Bangkok and 35 kilometers from Surat Thani. It has its own airport, owned by a private company. IATA airport code Koh Samui: USM. There is also a whole network of piers for ferry crossings from other islands of Thailand.

Important: For Russians, a visa is not required for entry for a period of up to 30 days.

Option 1

Airplane: There are no direct flights to Samui, but you can get there with 1-2 transfers by purchasing a single ticket. Flights are operated by the following airlines: Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Bangkok Airways and Aeroflot. The last (or only) connection is usually made at, from where you can take a local charter flight to Koh Samui.

Option 2

Airplane: in this case, you only need to take a ticket to Bangkok.

Catamaran: At Bangkok South Bus Terminal you can buy a ticket for the 09:00 flight, which includes a bus ride to Chumphon and a catamaran to Samui. The total travel time is about 13 hours.

Option 3

Airplane: as in the previous case, you need a ticket to Bangkok.

Train: There are up to 10 trains from Hua Lamphong Station to Surat Thani every day (starting at 08:05 am). Travel time is from 9 to 12 hours.

Ferry: Ferries to Koh Samui leave every hour from Donsak Pier in Surat Thani. Travel time is 1.5 hours.

Option 4

Airplane: from Moscow you can fly with 1-2 transfers to Surat Thani, but the trip will take from 18 to 28 hours. S7, Thai Lion Mentari, Aeroflot have flights.

Ferry: From Surat Thani Airport you can get to Koh Samui by purchasing a single ticket, which includes a bus and a ferry.

The travel pattern will generally be the same as from Moscow - you can get to Bangkok or Surat Thani by plane, and from there go by bus or train and ferry to Samui.

Important: the most expensive option is a flight to Samui airport; travel by bus and train will be cheaper. You can plan a budget route from Bangkok or Surat Thani, for example, using the service:

Ferry crossing

The ferry is the cheapest way to get to Koh Samui from any other part of Thailand. At the same time, carriers from hotels, bus stations and railway stations in Thai cities often offer a combined transfer, which includes bus travel to the pier and the crossing to the island itself.

Water transport from four major carriers travel to Koh Samui from the city of Surat Thani:

In addition, there is a ferry from the pier at the Big Buddha to Koh Phangan (this is the cheapest way to get to this island) and an overnight ferry that runs from Nathon to Surat Thani and back. The last one departs at 22:00 and arrives at its final destination at 04:00.

Important: All ferries, except the night one, cover the distance from Koh Samui to Surat Thani in 1.5 hours. Catamarans can make the journey in about 40 minutes, but they cost more.

All piers of Koh Samui:

• Nathon- the busiest marina, from where you can go to any area of ​​Samui by transport or rent a motorbike.
• Raja Ferry- pier on Lipa Noi beach, where cargo and large passenger ferries arrive. You can only leave from here by minibus.
• Lomprayah- a pier on Maenam beach, used by catamarans and speed boats. Located 15 minutes walk from the ring road.
• Bang Rak Pier- pier on Bang Rak beach, where Seatran Discovery ferries arrive. The only way to leave here is by taxi.
• Big Buddha- boat pier at the Big Buddha, budget high-speed boats leave from here 2 times a day.
• Petcherat Marina- another pier on Bang Rak, but used mainly for yachts and expensive speed boats.
• Bo Phut- a pier on the beach of the same name for private boats and excursion transport.

Important: When planning a trip to Samui, keep in mind that the time difference with Moscow is +4 hours.

Transport - how to get around the island

To get around Samui, you can use public transport or get everywhere on your own by renting a motorcycle (scooter).

Public transport

A ring road runs along the perimeter of the entire island of Koh Samui - it includes highways 4169 and 4170, from which many secondary roads branch off. Both routes are paved, the first of them is single-lane, and the second has two lanes in each direction.

Along the ring road of Samui there are original minibuses - songthaews, which are pickup trucks with a tent-covered rear end. As a rule, there are benches for passengers, although sometimes there are songthaews without seats. During the day, until 18:00, they run along the route from Nathon to Chaweng, but some minibuses go along the southern part through Lamai, while others go along the northern part through Maenam and Bophut. You can find out where the songthaew goes only by asking the driver (just name the point you need).

Important: During the day, the cost of travel around Samui is fixed, depending on the destination it is 40-60 baht ( ~127 rub. ), but drivers spoiled by European tourists are unlikely to give you change. Moreover, many of them expect tourists to pay at least 100 baht ( ~212 rub. ) for travel.

Cost of travel to Koh Samui

The beginning of the way	Ending station	Price
Nathon	Maenam	60 baht ( ~127 rub. )
Nathon	Bophut	60 baht ( ~127 rub. )
Nathon	Chaweng	60 baht ( ~127 rub. )
Nathon	Lamai	60 baht ( ~127 rub. )
Nathon	Tongtakian	60 baht ( ~127 rub. )
Nathon	Coral Cove	60 baht ( ~127 rub. )
Nathon	Linden Noah	50 baht ( ~106 rub. )
Lamai	Tongtakian	40 baht ( ~85 rub. )
Lamai	Coral Cove	50 baht ( ~106 rub. )
Lamai	Chaweng	50 baht ( ~106 rub. )
Maenam	Bophut	40 baht ( ~85 rub. )
Maenam	Chaweng	50 baht ( ~106 rub. )
Maenam	Tesco, Big C, Macro	50 baht ( ~106 rub. )
Bophut	Tesco, Big C, Macro	40 baht ( ~85 rub. )
Within the beach		20 baht ( ~42 rub. )

In the evening, after 18:00, all songthaews turn into taxis - in this case, the route and fare are practically not regulated in any way, everything needs to be negotiated with the driver. There are also tuk-tuks, which look about the same, but act as taxis at any time without a fixed fare (and rarely agree to go for less than 150-200 baht ( ~424 rub. ) per person).

Rent a motorcycle, motorbike or car

A very popular way to move around the island for those who come here for a long time. There are motorcycle and scooter rental points near large stores, tour agencies, and even just on the street. The cost of renting a bike for 2018 is about 200-250 baht ( ~530 rub. ) per day. They often require a cash deposit, a photocopy of a passport or bank card.

Renting a car on Samui will cost significantly more, from 700 ( ~1,484 rub. ) up to 2,000 baht ( ~4,240 rub. ) per day (depending on the brand and condition of the car). It is advisable to use the services of large network rental companies to be sure that you have full insurance for the car and that everything is in order with the rental agreement.

How to get there from the airport

Unfortunately, there is no public transport to Samui Airport. Tourists traveling light can walk to Chaweng, and from there go where they need to go by songthaew.

You can also rent a car or motorbike directly at the airport - for example, using the service, or order a taxi. In the latter case, a trip to Chaweng will cost approximately 500-600 baht ( ~1,272 rub. ), but keep in mind: taxi drivers, like songthaew drivers, do not like to give change and try not to use the meter. Those who like to take risks can try riding a motorcycle taxi - this is, in fact, an ordinary motorcycle where the passenger sits behind the driver.

Interesting fact: On Koh Samui you can rent an ATV, but driving on the main roads of the island is prohibited - this is a vehicle for traveling into the jungle.

Internet and mobile communications

There are three operators on the island: DTAC, TRUE Move and AIS. True provides the most stable cellular connection and the ability to use the 4G Internet. If possible, it is better to take a SIM card in Bangkok - then you will not have problems, even if there are power outages on Samui (which happens here from time to time). However, there are quite a lot of Internet cafes near large beaches and populated areas and, if necessary, it is easy to find an area with wi-fi.

Where to eat

Even if tourists come to Samui not for the sake of delicious food, this factor can also be considered one of its advantages. Here you will find an abundance of fruits, vegetables and fresh fish, and prices for local products are quite affordable. Expensive goods include cheeses and sausages, as well as tea, coffee and European sweets.

Cafes and restaurants

While vacationing on Samui, it is not at all necessary to eat in restaurants and cafes - many tourists prefer to snack on street food during the day. But more on that later. If you want restaurant service, on the island you can find establishments for every taste - from national cuisine to European and even Russian.

For fans of domestic food, there is the Russian restaurant “Samovar” on Chaweng Noi, which offers traditional borscht, potato pancakes, pancakes and other familiar dishes. Also on Chaweng beach there is a Russian cafe “Arbat” with cottage cheese, Borodino bread and even kvass.

Among the expensive restaurants on Samui where you can eat delicious European dishes, it is worth highlighting Zazen in the hotel of the same name on Bophut beach, surrounded by tropical greenery Poppies and sophisticated Made in Italy in Chaweng. National food is offered by Sala Thai on the beaches of Lamai and Maenam (interestingly, prices in Maenam are higher with the same level of quality). It is also worth going to the more modest but pleasant Le Virage in the fishing village of Fisherman Village - here Thai cuisine is skillfully combined with French.

Among the budget establishments on Samui, Uncle Noah in Maenam, the Mexican restaurant Gringos in Bophut, and the Thai cafe Krua Mapraw on the road to Chaweng are popular. And fans of good coffee will enjoy the chain coffee shops Black Canyon Cofee, where they offer not only this drink, but also a lot of other dishes.

Interesting fact: on Koh Samui, in particular on the beaches of Maenam and Bophut, there are BBQ buffets where you can take raw food and cook it yourself over charcoal. The portion size is not adjustable - take as much as you need for a fixed price.

Street food

The best way to get acquainted with the national cuisine of Samui on a budget is, of course, street food stalls, the so-called makashnitsa. They offer not only fast food, but also Thai tom yum soups, rice with various sauces, egg noodles, meat skewers, shrimp and other seafood on skewers, as well as all kinds of pancakes and assorted fruits. On average, street food in Koh Samui costs from 20 baht ( ~42 rub. )(small kebab) up to 60-80 baht ( ~170 rub. )(meat and seafood), and will be an excellent alternative if restaurants and bars do not fit into the travel budget.

Supermarkets and markets

For tourists who come to Samui for the winter or just for a few weeks, it makes sense to explore the local supermarkets and food markets. The largest shopping center on the island is located in the Chaweng area - the three-story Central Festival Samui, where a huge range of goods is presented, from groceries to appliances. But if you only need groceries, it's better to look at other stores. For example, to one of three Tesco Lotus supermarkets: in Nathon, in the Lamai beach area and on the road between Chaweng and Bophut. For bargain small wholesale purchases, it is better to go to Macro (also found in Lamai and on the road between Chaweng and Bophut).

If you need ready-made food, it is sold in the Big C supermarket, which is located on the Samui ring road near Bophut beach. Here you can find a large selection of meat and vegetable dishes to take away, as well as dine in the food court on the second floor. Finally, in almost every village there are small chain stores 7-Eleven and Family Mart, most of them open 24 hours a day. In short, organizing your own meals on Samui is not a problem.

As for food markets, one of the largest is located in the Nathon area, it is open from morning to 17:00. Another one can be found in Hua Thanon, but it closes at 14:00. There are also night markets - in Chaweng, Maenam, Lamai and in the fishing village.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the fruit markets, of which there are three on Samui: near Chaweng Beach (open from noon), near the road near Lamai (open from 17:00) and near the Chaweng Boxing Stadium. But inexpensive fruits can be purchased not only there; it is much easier to buy them from one of the merchants located along the ring road.

And briefly about prices for food and drinks on Koh Samui:

• Bread - from 27 ( ~57 rub. ) up to 60 baht ( ~127 rub. );
• Chicken meat - from 50 ( ~106 rub. ) up to 70 baht ( ~148 rub. );
• Fish - about 50 baht ( ~106 rub. );
• Shrimp - from 200 baht ( ~424 rub. );
• Milk - from 80 baht ( ~170 rub. );
• Potatoes - 30-40 baht ( ~85 rub. );
• Bananas - from 30 baht ( ~64 rub. );
• Pineapples - from 30 baht ( ~64 rub. );
• Mango - from 30 ( ~64 rub. ) up to 80 baht ( ~170 rub. );
• Water in vending machines - 1 baht ( ~2 rub. ) for 1.5 liters.

Weather

The climate of Samui has its own characteristics - there are practically no hurricanes and tsunamis possible in Thailand, and rains are usually short-term. The dry season, for which everyone is rushing to book tours, lasts from mid-December to early March. But those who decide to come here in winter should take into account that prices at this time rise by at least 10-15%.

The hot season, when even the water warms up to +30 degrees and above, lasts from March to May. And the rainy season on Samui begins in the summer, but there is one caveat: from June to August the rains are short-term, often lasting no more than an hour, after which the weather is good again. More prolonged downpours are possible only from August to early December.

Where to stay

Samui is great for both summer holidays and wintering. If you are traveling for a few weeks or for the whole season, it is better to choose the areas of Chaweng or Lamai - these are busy places with urban infrastructure and supermarkets, but at the same time beautiful beaches.

The island has the following accommodation options: private villas and bungalows, hotels and spa hotels, camping. And, of course, you can agree to rent a room in a private house.

Expensive offers with impeccable service are Panalee Resort (Bang Por), Royal Muang Samui Villas (Chong Mon), W-Retreat Koh Samui (Bophut), Chaweng Cove Beach Resort (Chaweng), Samui Jasmine Resort (Lamai). Booking a room in one of them during the high season will cost from 4,000 rubles/day and above.

Cheaper options on Samui include: Palm Point Village and Hutcha Resort (Maenam), Anna Resort (Bang Po), Bill Resort (Lamai), Laguna Resort (Lamai) and others. Rent a room in a hotel of this class will cost on average 1,000 rubles/day and more.

Of course, on New Year's and other holidays prices increase noticeably.

The best campsites in Samui according to tourist reviews:

• Samui Caravans in Laem Sor village;
• By Beach Resort in Maenam;
• Full Moon Bungallows in Lamai.

It is worth considering that camping on Samui involves accommodation in small bungalows on the ocean shore or in houses on wheels (but you can also put up your own tent). As a rule, there are showers, an electric stove, and free wi-fi on site. And a bonus - every evening a view of the magnificent sunset over the sea!

Safety

As on all islands of Thailand, on Koh Samui the greatest danger for tourists is fraud from local residents. For merchants, taxi drivers and waiters, getting more money from a tourist than a particular service costs is a matter of principle and the main entertainment. But theft, oddly enough, is more likely to be expected not from Thais, but from other tourists.

Main dangers on Koh Samui:

Important: when going to Koh Samui, take care of health insurance - one day of hospital stay here can cost up to 1,000 baht ( ~2,120 rub. ). Meanwhile, not only mosquitoes, but also mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases, so it is better to get insurance, especially if you are traveling with a child.

And finally, a few words about a question that interests many: how much money to take on a trip to Koh Samui? Let's calculate an approximate budget for a month for two. If we are not talking about a trip with a paid hotel, renting a house will cost at least 10,000 - 15,000 baht ( ~31,800 rub. ), renting a motorbike to get around the island - approximately 3,500 baht ( ~7,420 rub. ) and another 1,000 baht ( ~2,120 rub. ) for gasoline, for purchasing food at the market and food in inexpensive cafes it will cost 15,000 - 20,000 baht ( ~42,400 rub. ). Another average of 15,000 baht ( ~31,800 rub. ) may be required for entertainment: jeep safari, Thai massage, all kinds of shows, as well as excursions to the neighboring islands of Koh Phangan and Langkawi, which are very close. The total is 44,500 - 54,500 baht ( ~115,540 rub. ), excluding travel to Samui. Of course, this is a very rough estimate, and the numbers can change significantly in one direction or the other.

• Tours for the New Year to Thailand
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Discounts for children up to 30%. Hurry up to book!

If a hotel transfer is not provided, the most convenient way to get to your final destination from the airport or pier is by taxi. The minimum cost of the trip is 100 THB, this amount includes a landing fee and a fee for 2 km - then you will have to pay 12 THB for each km.

Search for 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 active nightlife.

The northern coast is favored by fans of family holidays: 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. During the summer months, low tides make it difficult to swim in the sea, but the west coast is a paradise for lovers of beautiful sunsets.

The southern coast is considered by locals to be a wilderness. There is almost no civilization here, but there is pristine nature and wild beaches. Due to the wide selection of inexpensive houses for rent, the south of the island is chosen by “winterers” - tourists living in Thailand for several months. The solitude 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 right here.

Transport

On Samui, there are not even regular buses familiar to Europeans, so travelers actually have to choose from only two methods of transportation - taxi or songthaew.

The first option is chosen by those who are interested in relative comfort during the trip (all taxis on Samui are equipped with air conditioning) and the ability to transport luggage. However, it is worth considering that taxi drivers may refuse to carry passengers according to the meter and will prefer to negotiate directly.

The cost of a taxi trip starts from 200-300 THB and depends on the ability of tourists to bargain persistently, but with a smile, which is obligatory in Thailand. You can calculate it at the office. SamuiTaxi website (in English).

The most common transport on Samui is the songthaew (both locals and tourists often call it simply tuk-tuk). With some stretch, it can be considered an analogue of our minibuses. The classic songthaew is an ancient Japanese pickup truck with a pair of benches installed in its tiny body. The structure is crowned with a more or less durable canopy that protects from rain, but not from wind. During rush hour and busy holiday months, the folding tailgate is used as a step for additional passengers.

Despite its unusual appearance, it is a completely reliable and safe form of transport. Moreover, it is the most budget-friendly on the island: travel within one beach will cost only 20 THB, and from the starting point of the route to the end - three times more expensive. Regular songthaew lines run along the entire coast, the ring of routes closes in Nathon. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to travel around the entire island in one tuk-tuk - the full circle consists of three route lines that go into one another.

When boarding a tuk-tuk, you should never ask the price - this immediately reveals an inexperienced tourist, and the fare can immediately increase several times.

From early morning to 18:00, tuk-tuk drivers work at fixed rates, and in the evenings songthaew switch to taxi mode - the fare will depend only on the greed of the driver and the ability of the night reveler to negotiate. It is useless to argue and insist on the official daily price: such night work is completely legal in Thailand.

Maps of Samui

Renting cars, scooters and bicycles

The easiest way to get a car is right at the airport - most international car rental companies have counters there. If you don’t want to freeze about THB 30,000 on a deposit, it makes sense to look for a car at local rental offices - they are less demanding on documents and often agree to pay in cash. If the rental period is a month or more, small offices are much more profitable than world-famous companies. Renting a middle class car will cost approximately 1200 THB per day. The price of fuel on Samui is on average 1-2 THB higher than on the mainland, but you most likely won’t have to spend money on paid parking - they are very rare on the island (as are police ambushes). The roads are in good condition; a motorist's mood can only be spoiled by left-hand traffic and numerous scooters scurrying along the median strips - and tourist riders are often much more dangerous than locals.

The most economical and at the same time the most popular way to get transport on Samui is to rent a scooter (from 200 THB per day). Many hotels offer this service to their guests, and there are dozens of companies on the island specializing 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 clients: 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 communication situation on Samui is not bad: almost every hotel has its own Wi-Fi network, and access points are located in most public places. The main problem with Wi-Fi on Samui is not related to the number of wireless networks, but to their quality: a speed of 10 Mbit/s is considered the norm in hotels, and it’s not easy to get it - the Internet is divided between guests. Local networks are also notorious for frequent connection interruptions, 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 connection. SIM cards from any of the three leading mobile operators in Thailand - AIS, DTAC and True Move - can be easily purchased on the spot, and the DTAC operator even offers ordering on the Russian-language page of its official website.

Beaches of Koh Samui

5 things to do in Koh Samui

1. At least once, meet the sun on the eastern beaches and spend time on the western ones.
2. Experience the vibrant nightlife of Chaweng and Lamai.
3. Enjoy the untouched nature of the southern coast.
4. Meditate in the peaceful silence of local Buddhist temples.
5. Appreciate all the gastronomic nuances of local cuisine.

Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park

35 km west of Koh Samui is Mu Koh Ang Thong National Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 islands with huge limestone cliffs covered in pristine rainforests that rise from the blue-green waters. 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 sea kayak around the intricate limestone formations.

Night life

Full nightlife is concentrated in two main resorts - Chaweng and Lamai. In the area of ​​Chaweng Beach, on the main street, all the famous shops, restaurants and entertainment venues of the island are located. The Green Mango disco is popular among young tourists; older vacationers love the Reggae Pub bar and the island's main Irish pub, Tropical Murphy. On a particularly hot evening, it’s worth going to the Ice Bar - it’s 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: the night Muay Thai fights in the small Lamai area have a reputation for being real and uncompromising - unlike the shows for tourists at the main stadium in Chaweng. Those who like a more peaceful pastime will enjoy the night market and moderately priced bars (from THB 200 per cocktail).

Samui for children

The island has long and firmly gained a reputation as an ideal place for a quiet family holiday - there is practically no noisy nightlife on the beaches of the northern coast, many hotels are equipped with special swimming pools and children's playgrounds, and 4-5 star hotels offer animator 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 your child gets sick, guests of the island have well-equipped clinics where you can get full medical care with travel insurance.

Is it worth going to Koh Samui? Of course, without a doubt, definitely, on the first flight! Ask why there is so much emotion in response to such a simple question? Because I just returned from this wonderful island a month ago and I still can’t calm down from the emotions and impressions that have captured me.

This vacation left only positive emotions, a lot of positivity and a great desire to return to Koh Samui again.

Judge for yourself: magnificent nature; clean beaches that are cleaned every morning; gentle warm sea without a single wrinkle of the waves; very smiling and friendly Thai people. Without exaggeration, the food on the island is very, very tasty. Compared to Phuket, European food here is much better. If you ask for something not spicy, then the dish they bring is not spicy according to European standards, and not according to the standards of the Thais themselves (as was the case with us in Phuket).

Getting around the island is a pleasure. All roads are either asphalt or concrete with a very good quality of road surface. On the island you can rent a car or a motorbike and calmly travel from one end to the other, completely independent of the whims of excursion tour operators. We rented a motorbike and enjoyed traveling around all corners of the island, and the road in the center of the island is also excellent, so it’s quite possible to overcome it even on a bike. The island itself is not large, and if you plan a trip to any attraction in the morning, you can calmly and leisurely ride there and back, and still have time... read more

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Weather on Koh Samui by months:

Month	Temperature		Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Water temperature in the sea	Number of solar hours per day
	During the day	At night
January	29.3°C	27.3°C	37.8%	8 days (180.9 mm.)	28.0°C	11 o'clock 36m.
February	29.4°C	27.4°C	35.4%	4 days (53.7 mm.)	28.3°C	11 o'clock 49m.
March	30.3°C	28.1°C	28.8%	5 days (95.1 mm.)	29.2°C	12h. 4m.
April	31.4°C	28.9°C	23.0%	5 days (93.0 mm.)	30.2°C	12h. 20m.
May	32.3°C	29.6°C	25.2%	7 days (78.5 mm.)	30.8°C	12h. 33m.
June	32.1°C	29.1°C	35.2%	8 days (104.3 mm.)	30.2°C	12h. 40m.
July	31.7°C	28.7°C	37.1%	9 days (104.8 mm.)	29.6°C	12h. 37m.
August	31.6°C	28.5°C	35.7%	6 days (90.3 mm.)	29.4°C	12h. 26m.
September	30.8°C	28.2°C	40.0%	10 days (125.7 mm.)	29.3°C	12h. 10m.
October	30.9°C	28.3°C	35.5%	12 days (173.8 mm.)	29.3°C	11 o'clock 55m.
November	30.7°C	28.5°C	39.1%	16 days (308.3 mm.)	29.2°C	11 o'clock 42m.
December	29.9°C	27.9°C	40.4%	12 days (238.3 mm.)	28.4°C	11 o'clock 35m.

*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years

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How much does a holiday on Koh Samui cost? August 2017.

tour cost

I planned the excursions and the entire trip myself. Tickets for two adults + one year old child (Novosibirsk-Bangkok-Samui-Hong Kong-Novosibirsk) about 60 thousand rubles (tickets were purchased in Tomsk, at the place of residence). Visas for a month are free, we went to Madaisia ​​for a visa run once, after which we lived peacefully for another month. We didn’t pay for the transfer - we were met by a guy we knew in a car. In total, we lived for 2 months without 4 days. We rented a house for 2 months for 15,000 baht (30,000 rubles/month).

We took only 1 excursion from the SamuiDays company - to the Paradise Park National Park (with a child it cost 6,500 rubles for three)

Food and products

On average, food cost 500 baht per day - about 1000 rubles. With this money we could easily eat in large shopping centers like BigSea on the 4th floor in the food court, in small eateries, of which there are a lot on the island. Sometimes we bought ready-made food at 7/11 or FamilyMart. We didn’t cook it ourselves. We didn’t go to expensive restaurants either. For example, a large portion of Tom Yam, or chicken noodles, costs 40-50-60 baht (80-120 rubles). Beer on average is about 90-120 rubles. We bought fruits at the markets, but they were more expensive than we even got - bananas from 70 baht (140 rubles), pineapple 80 baht (160 rubles).

Where is the best place to stay?

Hotel Anjali is a 3* mini-hotel located next to Maenam Beach. I had a room with an ocean view. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby. Of the minuses: glass doors did not provide good sound insulation, as a result of which street noise was often heard. Despite this, I was very pleased with the choice: reasonable price, nice spacious room, very friendly staff and magnificent view.

The breakfasts seemed a little overpriced to me (as it later turned out), so I went to nearby cafes.

Maenam Beach is a very long beach located in the north of the island. Pleasant sand, good deep sea, practically no waves. Gentle entry into the sea. Along the beach there is a palm grove where you can hide from the sun. The beach, in my opinion, is suitable for people who prefer a relaxing holiday or for families with children. There are few cafes and bars, and the beach is generally not crowded. In the evening, only a few bars are open and you will hardly see anyone on the beach.

Next to Maenam Beach is Bo Phut Beach and is radically different from its neighbor: in the evenings it is fun and crowded. I really liked the embankment. It seemed to me that the place was more suitable for youth recreation.

Lamai Beach is a sparsely populated beach (at least it was like that in March). Hotel beaches are equipped with everything necessary; there were no showers in the rest of the territory; toilets are only for cafe visitors. You can get sun loungers there, but there are not too many of them and not enough for everyone (100 baht). If you don’t have an umbrella, you’ll have to bask in the sun, since there is no natural shade on the beach (or almost none). The beach is quite long. I was in its southern part: a deep sea with large boulders that you can suddenly stumble upon while swimming. It was stormy for several days, I understand that this is not uncommon in March.

Where can I eat?

I really liked Mae Nam (Maenam Beach): excellent cuisine at the level of a good expensive restaurant, despite the fact that the prices are average. I note that they are not lower in comparison with other places, but in most cases the cuisine was inferior in comparison with Mae Nam. In addition, the establishment is distinguished by high quality service. Excellent presentation of food.

About the quality of food and service

Good cuisine (with rare exceptions). The service is different, sometimes there was a long wait.

How much does it cost to eat? About food prices.

Breakfast is around 150 baht (not far from the hotel) - mainly coffee and something to go with it. Lunch cost me about 150-200 baht: as a rule, it was limited to one or two dishes, depending on the size of the portions, since the portions are often large, and I am, in principle, a restrained eater. It could be: pizza (180-280 baht), seafood salad (80-130 baht), vegetable salad (70-90 baht), chicken salad (100-130 baht), fresh juice (60-80 baht), soup (60-80 baht). Fast food was also present: burgers (130-150 baht), tuna or chicken sandwich (100-130 baht). As for dinner, it turned out differently depending on the place and mood.

Mae Nam: rice with shrimp and vegetables - 120 baht, fresh juice - 60 baht, tom yam - 150 baht, seafood salad - 139 baht, burrito - 195 baht, pineapple baked rice - 160 baht, coconut shake - 80 baht.