Holiday Guide to Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is one of the top holiday spots in Thailand and entire Southeast Asia! The city is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 35 kilometers northeast to Surat Thani. It is surrounded by about 60 other islands which host the Ang Thong National Marine Park. This region includes other popular travel destinations such as Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan.

Koh Samui is a actually a circular island roughly 15 kilometers wide. In its central part is an uninhabitable mountain jungle and the various lowland areas from shores are connected by a single road that encircle the island. There is just one town named Na Thon, located on the western coast, which has a port used for fishing and transportation. Even it seems a "wild" place to go for holiday, beach resorts in Koh Samui feature a large number of luxury hotels, restaurants and bars!

Resort Hotels & Tours in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is mostly visited by holiday makers seeking to "get away from all", its main tourists attractions beign represented by the white-sand beaches and the warm sea.

The beach called Chaweng covers most of the eastern coast, being generally clean but sometimes suffering of overcrowding! There was built a huge Western-style tourist town, full of resort complexes, restaurants, bars, shops, markets and nightclub.

On the eastern coast is Lamai, smaller than Chaweng, but with cleaner and less crowded beaches! On the northern coast of island is Maenam, where can be admired spectacular views of Koh Phangan to north and Ang Thong National Marine Park to east. The waters are calm and clean, being protected by currents. Much less crowded than Lamai and Chaweng, Maenam's restaurants and bars offer more of the Thai flavor, as well as more reasonably priced food! Generally, Maenam is quieter and more relaxed and as result is a perfect holiday spot for tourists who want to spend peaceful holidays in Thailand.

Bophut is the next beach near Maenam. Its atmosphere is more relaxed and more traditional than close to the larger beach resorts, being named by locals as "Fisherman's Village". It is a very popular vacation area amongst French tourists and features also a few good French-owned restaurants.

Bangrak is often named the "Big Buddha Beach" due to the 19-meters statue that overlooks the area. Bangrak is very close to airport, still is one of the calmest beaches in Koh Samui!

Choeng Mon is one of the smallest beaches and lies in a secluded bay on the northeastern shore, making it perfect for those who want peace and quiet all day. There are a few small restaurants and a couple shops, in addition to the luxurious and expensive hotels which line the bay.

Ao Tong Takian is also a small beach located north to Lamai Beach. It is very popular amongst travelers due to the white-gray sand, for this reason being nicknamed "Silver Beach". Tourists find there a few good resorts with excellent accommodation.

Big Buddha is a high statue of Buddha that lies in temple of Wat Phra Yai, representing one of the main tourist attractions in the area. In Koh Samui can be taken tours to other impressive temples including Wat Khunaram, where can be seen the mummified body of Loung Pordaeng, a monk who past away into a meditating position.

The mountain jungle in the interior of the island is an excellent travel destination to people who like adventure! Top points of interests include the magnificent gardens built by the legendary farmer Nim Thongsuk, the impressive waterfalls at Na Muang and the amazing views over the Ang Thong archipelago.

Along with temples, numerous other attractions are available on the island such as a crocodile farm, monkey zoo, elephant trekking, a snake farm, an aquarium and a butterfly garden. Most vacationers who spend holidays in Koh Samui take day tours by boat to the beautiful Ang Thong National Marine Park at least once during their stay on this island.

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