Koh Samui

    Thailand's third largest island is just 21 km wide and 25km long , and was first discovered by the backpacker scene more than 30 years ago. Since then it has developed beyond measure and is now described by some as the "Caribbean of the East".

    From its idyllic white sand beaches... to the pounding baselines in the many clubs... to its jungle interior and waterfalls, Koh Samui has gained a great reputation for its varied sights, tours and activities. Koh Samui is surrounded by stretching white sand beaches, rocky bays, and coral reefs . Some of these beaches are backed by busy resorts, while others still remain largely inaccessible to the tourist crowd. 

    The interior of the island is predominantly covered with coconut plantations … there are estimated to be four million coconut palms on Koh Samui! … changing to lush tropical jungle at the higher elevations. Activities available on the island include elephant jungle treks, island tours, waterfalls, crocodile, butterfly, and snake farms, diving and snorkeling trips, an aquarium, a tiger zoo, go-carting, golf, windsurfing, jet-skis …"a tropical paradise with something for everyone."

 Na Thon Ban

     Na Thon, or Na Thon town, was first settled by Hainanese fishermen more than 100 years ago, and has today turned from a sleepy village into a busy port town. Here all major banks can be found, along with telecommunications, post office, police station, immigration and shopping. There is a local hospital a few kilometers south of Na Thon.

    Mae Nam

     On the north coast of the island, Mae Nam is a 4km long stretch of fine white sand holding the complete range of accommodation from palm beach huts through to the Santiburi Dusit Resort, sponsor of the annual 'Koh Samui International Regatta' which recently saw its inauguration in May 2002. A large town is rapidly growing up behind this gently shelving beach, with many restaurants, supermarkets and services available - although nightlife is quiet here.

    Bo Phut 

    The fishing village of Bo Phut is the oldest settlement on Koh Samui. It's 2km long calm sandy beach is a favourite anchorage among fishing boats and yachts alike. Bo Phut's fine restaurants, more laid-back approach to life, and quaint village atmosphere makes this bay a popular stopover for a night or two.

    Big Buddha Beach 

    Named after the famous golden Buddha statue that can be seen from the beach here, this is a quiet bay in the north and a perfect anchorage from which to explore the island. The steeply sloping white sandy beach is good for swimming and many dive schools operate their tours from here. Motorbike rental is, as everywhere, cheap and easy, and all supplies are available. Samui airport is just a 5 minute drive inland from Big Buddha.

    Choeng Mon 

    This delightful white sand beach in the NE is a long term favorite with many returning Samui visitors . This bay looks out over the water to Koh Phangan's Haad Rin in the distance. Dine under the stars here by candlelight and enjoy the most romantic evening on Koh Samui.

     Chaweng

 Chaweng has the longest beach and the largest town on the island. All budgets are catered for, from backpackers to international movie stars. Hotels are plenty and the array of food to choose from is truly dazzling. Its fine white sandy beach is perfect for relaxing and swimming, and for those who like a little more excitement, various 'water toys' can be rented by the hour or day. Around dusk the town transforms into a busy night market with many shops, and restaurants open late. Nightlife is second to none on the island, and with hundreds of small bars and many clubs it's possible to dance till dawn every night of the week. All services are available in Chaweng: banks, restaurants, boutiques, clinics, supermarkets, the American-owned Samui International Hospital, situated at north Chaweng next to the Amari Hotel, and a Tesco Lotus.  Lamai has the second longest beach on the island, and some say the most beautiful. Nightlife is more relaxed than Chaweng but Lamai still has many bars and restaurants offering everything from simple local dishes to 5 star international cuisine.

    Ko Taen & surrounding islands Just south of the village of Thong Krut lie the small islands of Ko Taen, Ko Mat Sam, Ko Raap and Ko Mat Daeng. All offer good beaches, peace and solitude, and at Koh Mat Daeng, good coral. There are a few bungalow set-ups with restaurants, making this area a nice day cruise or night stopover .

Big Buddha on Koh Samui

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