KOH SAMUI
DESTINATION GUIDE

The Ultimate Guide Before You Plan for your Next Trip

Koh Samui is the ideal island in Thailand to have the most bizarre and exotic experiences in the country. With lush green rain forests and coral reefs the island itself is a land of great natural beauty and spectacle. Moreover, you can indulge in crazy night-parties or get pampered in a lovely Thai spa. From fascinating ladyboy cabaret dancers to mind-boggling crocodile shows you are bound to have some rocking time in Koh Samui. Talking about rocks the limestone cliffs offers a great spectacle as the crystal clean water of the Gulf of Thailand helps you see the rich marine life surrounding the islands.

Attractions in Koh Samui

From serene waterfalls to ornate Buddhist shrines the attractions in Koh Samui will leave you all mesmerized.

Wat Chalong

Like any other Thai destination Phuket has a lot of Buddhist temples and shrines. But no other wat is as beautiful or popular as the Wat Chalong. Along with Lord Buddha this temple is dedicated to the monks like Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang. Visitors to this temple can see their life-like wax figures and an exhibition hall describing their life and achievements. The Grand Pagoda of this place has some fragmants of Lord Buddha's bones and you can find murals which depicts the story of his life. There are also various golden statues of Lord Buddha placed in various corners of the temple and you can actually savor some peace and tranquility once you visit this place.

Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach

This is another popular beach of Phuket with many tourists visiting this place from all around the world. The beach is very beautifully maintained and unlike some other beaches you will not find it cluttered with lots of tourists. The beach is characterized by its powdery white sand and the crystal clean water as the large palm trees cast nice and cool shade on the shores. Some travelers also suggest that it is the best place in entire Phuket to get some nice Thai street-food. There are also some nice and charming souvenir shops where you can get various novelty products.

Rawai Village

The island of Phuket is home to many fishing villages and also some charming and friendly fishning tribes. Rawai is one such exotic village which is actually home to a tribe of "sea gypsies" known as Moken. This semi-nomadic tribe has actually come from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and they stick to their customs and beliefs. Barring the tribes there is also a huge fishing community in the Rawai Village and they would happily serve you with fresh seafood or take you down for a trip around the sea. Rawai is also known for its huge fishing harbor and the entire area is covered in large trees.

Karon Beach

Karon Beach might not be the largest or the popular beach of Phuket but it is certainly the most beautiful destination in the entire island. The 3.5 kilometers stretch of golden sand is lined by both coconut and palm trees. It is the most cherished relaxing location for the tourists and it would not be difficult for you to find the perfect spot for sun-bathing. Over the years, this beach has attracted many couples and family as it offers the perfect sunset viewing platform for the honeymooners. The open shorelines allows you to take a dip in the water and if the water is calm enough you can also go for a long swim. The area is pitted with many good resorts and restaurants where you can grab a bite after a crazy swim session at the sea.

Namuang Waterfall

Phang Nga Bay

Hidden inside a thick green tropical rain forest is this enchanting waterfall. There is actually two big streams falling down from the rocky hills which are known as the Na Muang 1 and the Na Muang 2 and the water accumulates in a huge lake. The best part of this place is that you can actually dive, swim, and bathe in this lake and take some thrilling photographs with the beautiful waterfalls in the background. The park which features the waterfalls is covered in dense forestation and you can also find some small huts from where you can buy some souvenirs. There are also some good food stalls where you can sit and relax after a fun-filled swimming season.

Secret Buddha Garden

Secret Buddha Garden

The ornate garden was created back in the year 1976 when Nim Thongsuk started decorating the area by putting one stone statue after another. This hidden spot, located at the middle of the lush green rain forest, was owned by him and his family and this art loving Thai made sure that this became a major tourist attraction. The entire area evokes a peaceful and serene appeal as you can hear the flow of a constant stream down the hill. However, trekking up the hills to come to this garden is a challenge but there are several rented taxis which will help you reach the place in no time.

Big Buddha

Standing (or rather seating) at a staggering height of 12 meters this Buddhist monument is an iconic landmark of this island. The golden statue shines brightly from the top of the hill, up north of Koh Samui and plenty of pilgrims and tourists visit this place to show their respect. Surrounding the statue is some smaller temples and shrines where you can see other ornate statues of Lord Buddha. There are also some smaller markets and shops selling you small mementos and souvenirs to take back home. There are also some stellar food stalls from where you get to have scrumptious dim sums.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Comprising of 24 big and small islands this archipelago is a superb destination for the tourists to come and explore. Hire a kayak from the main island of Samui and cruise past the enchanting coastline pitted with limestone cliffs and dense forest cover. Then once you reach to the top of the Mae Koh you can enjoy the mesmerizing view of the famous Emerald Lagoon and witness the shimmering green color of the water there. You can enjoy a hearty lunch on the boat itself before you again Wua Talap island. This wee island is the ideal location for snorkeling as you can encounter some of the most vibrant marine creatures.

Wat Chalong

Nai Harn Beach

Rawai Village

Karon Beach

Namuang Waterfall

Phang Nga Bay

Secret Buddha Garden

Big Buddha

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Wat Chalong

Nai Harn Beach

Rawai Village

Karon Beach

Bophut Fisherman Village

The charming Fisherman Village is located at the historic part of Bophut, in the island of Koh Samui. The slice of beach, facing the sea, is quite narrow as the pubs, restaurants, and the boutique shops lining the beach set their tables and chair on the beach. The architectures of the shops and the eateries have a rustic appeal as this place can prove to be a good shopping destination for the Indian tourists to hit a good bargain. The beach itself might not be as happening and lively like the Chaweng Beach of Koh Samui but nonetheless you can find a nice spot enjoying the trendy crowds and some nice live performances held in this place.

Ladyboy Cabarets

You cannot possibly miss this mind-blowing spectacle once you visit the Chaweng Beach as these cabarets are performed by the well-renowned third-gender of the Thai community. Third-genders or the ladyboys of Thailand has gained recognition in the fields of art and entertainment for few decades now as people from all over the world gather here to see their stellar performances. Wearing gorgeous costumes on well-decorated stage they lip-sync and dance and present you some stories and songs of this wonderful island. With your in-experienced eyes you will hardly figure out the difference between a ladyboy and an actual lady as this feminine and colorful event will certainly capture your imagination.

Crocodile Farm

If you are thinking that all the performances of Koh Samui will be feminine in nature then you are wrong. Visit the famous Crocodile Farm of Koh Samui and grab a seat for the famous Crocodile Show of the island. In this show a man will show his tricks with a crocodile and on few occasions he will also put his head right into the open jaws of the crocodile. Nothing happens, obviously! But taking little children to the show can be a problem because they might get frightened by the spectacle. There is also a separate Snake Show held in the same firm as reptiles like Siamese crocodiles, lizards, salt water crocodiles, caimans, and snakes live in this farm. There is also a huge collection of monkeys in different exhibits.

Maenam Beach

If you are thinking that Chaweng is the only notable beach in Koh Samui then you are mistaken. Amongst many other white-sand and palm frilled beaches Maenam is a very popular name. The place is particularly famous among back-packers due to its affordable hotels and restaurants. Koh Samui is an expensive destination but due to its remoteness this particular beach will definitely not burn a hole in your purse. Stretching for almost 7 kilometers this beach has less number of vendors and hawkers and it offers a much needed calm and peace from the otherwise noisy streets of Thailand. The locals are friendly here and if you are looking forward to avoid a wild night-party then it is definitely a place to visit.

Khun Si Waterfall

Not as famous as the other waterfalls, like in the form of the Namuang Waterfall, Kun Si Waterfalls has its own charm and appeal. Hidden amidst the lush green rain forest and boulders this waterfall is less popular due to its remoteness. However, the daring and adventurous travelers accept the challenge of a 500 meters walk from the nearest drop-in point. The hike is also quite sensational as you will get to see many flora and fauna around this part of the island as you will experience far fewer crowds when compared to the more popular destinations. The ideal time to visit this enchanting stream of water is early in the morning as then you can catch some glimpse of the exotic birds.

In the Spotlight

From beach side patio setting to live cabaret performances, the restaurants of Koh Samui has many surprises up their sleeves. Eating at Koh Samui is always a wonderful experience as you will find nice balance of restaurants serving both Thai and Italian platters. As many back-packers from the West visit this magical archipelago on a regular basis you will find many fine-dining and European restaurants in this part of Thailand. These restaurants have not only excelled themselves in terms of their choice of menu and items featured in them but they have also made sure that the decor and ambiance is also that of the European standards.

Baitong The Baitong Restaurant is a nice and charming beach-side eatery, located inside the famous Banana Fan Sea Resort. Read More

It is a basically a riverside terrace kind of an arrangement where you can order all sorts of seafood delicacies. It is a traditional Northern-Thai outlet where you can order many kinds of foods and the menu is written in both Thai and English and they also have added pictures of the items making it easier for the tourists to order. So whilst you are on it you should definitely order the jumbo prawn grill recipe because it is the most popular item on the list. Read less

Samui Seafood Grill & Restaurant : Now if it is seafood you are looking for then the Samui Seafood Grill & Restaurant is the perfect place for you.

This affordable eatery is known for serving traditional southern-Thai recipes which have delighted the people of coastline for decades. The likes of prawn, lobster, and a whole lot of crab dishes feature in the menu as all of the items are served fresh from the sea. The place is always a bit crowded because it is located in the prime location in the Chaweng Beach and it can host about 150 people at a time. The constant clatter of the lobster and crab shell on the china and the chatter of the people fill the air of this restaurant as you will experience a happy vibe. Read less Read less

Dr. Frogs Italian Bar & Grill : Koh Samui is known for its huge collection of Italian restaurants and bars and none gets better than Dr. Frogs. Read More

This Western-style eatery cum cafe also serves Thai food but with a twist. The menu comprise of both hard-core traditional Thai food and also some cool and delectable fusion food. For instance you can order the Tum Yum spaghetti which is definitely a direct combination of the East and the West. Needless to say that the overall decor of the place is quite charming with various swanky seating arrangements like beanbags and wooden pallets replacing tables. Read less

Poppies Restaurant : The The Established in the year 1995, this restaurant is one of the most popular multi-cuisine eateries of the island Read More

The restaurant offers wide range of items in the menu and you will really be spoiled with options when it comes to the Poppies Restaurant. In a bit of an isolated corner of the Chaweng Beach this restaurant also offers a much needed privacy for the diners in an otherwise busy and crowded Koh Samui. The restaurant has a nice teak pavilion like the one you find in Ayutthaya and there is also a massive swimming pool adding to the beauty of the place. Also every Saturday the place hosts live Thai music and colorful dance performances which gathers a decent enough crowd. Read less

Supattra Thai Dining : No place else serves better traditional Thai food than the nice and lovely Supattra Thai Dining restaurant. Read More

Serving Asian fusion recipes this place is known for its fresh seafood offerings. The patio dining area has a very romantic appeal to it as honeymooners and couples can visit this place to have a charming night out. The restaurant stresses on its importance of grabbing the freshest catch from the sea and over the years they have gained a reputation of serving the most fresh and delicious seafood in the entire island. A good lot of reviews stress on the authenticity and warmth of the place as you will also fine a blackboard with daily menu's written on it Read less Read less

The currency accepted in Koh Samui is the Thai currency of Baht. The island is mostly a currency-driven economy and it is tad bit expensive when compared to the other parts of Thailand. Starting from the Chaweng beach-side restaurants to the eateries of the Fisherman's Villages every place will accept cash as they give you a chance to savor some delicious meal. Everything is dependent on how much Baht you carry as all the national parks and the beach parties, the spas and the cabarets will accept payment through cash. So immediately as you land go to the FOREX in the airport or in your hotel and convert as much currency as possible.

Special Tips

- The cost of food in Koh Samui ranges from 500 to 2000 Baht per person, per meal. But it every penny's worth because of the view you can enjoy and the taste of the meal.
- The taxis and the other modes of transportation accepts cash payment and each ride will be around 200 to 300 Bahts.
- Koh Samui is expensive when compared to Phuket but the experience is a bit more enriched as the island itself is far less crowded.
- International debit or credit cards are accepted by high-end hotels but if you are looking to have some authentic fun then cash is the way to go.

Entertainment & Event

The city where the monitor lizards roam safely with people welcomes you with smiles and wonders.

Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna

The island of Koh Samui is rich in its flora and fauna as a major part of the island and the archipelago is covered in deciduous trees and other evergreen forests. There are also some hardwood timber with straight and tall trunks with dark green leaves and dodgy thorns. The island also has a thick cover of beach forest with short branches and very hard leaves. The coastal areas are also covered in palm and coconut trees. There is also a huge mangrove forestation observed in many areas of the island. Many types of flowering plants, orchids, and tropical plants are also seen in this part of the country.

The island is also home to many kinds of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Birds like gulls, egrets, sparrows, hawks, and swallows are found in this island. Sometimes you can catch a rare glimpse of the Nicobar pigeon in the forests. Koh Samui is also the home to many reptiles like the salamanders, lizards, snakes, crocodiles, water monitor, hawk-bill turtles, leather-back turtles and geckos. Larger mammals like monkeys, elephants, squirrels are also found in different parts of the island.
Festivals

Festivals

Festivals

The rich cultural influences of the island makes way for many vibrant occasions and celebrations. Loy Krathong is considered as a festival of light. Krathongs are beautifully handcrafted small floats which are released on the rivers and neighboring ponds in the island. Like any other part of Thailand the festival of Songkran is also celebrated during the warm summer months when people throw water at each other. This festival really brings the entire community together. Locals and tourists both agree that those buckets of ice-cold water being trhown at them during the festival are welcome reliefs during those hot and humid months.

Due to the rich Chinese influence many Chinese festivals are also celebrated in this part of Thailand. Koh Samui The Chinese New Year is celebrated with much vigor and passion as the Thais join hands with the Chinese community to make the event colorful. Due to its colonial influence the island also celebrates Christmas and New year's eve as the entire island comes together with lots of food and tinsels.
culture

culture

Culture

As an island located on the Gulf of Thailand Koh Samui has been constantly frequented by traders and colonial rulers from around the world. That is why the island has a strong Chinese and Portuguese influence in many parts as the Thais from the mainland have also made their impact felt. A back-packers heaven, Koh Samui, has a multi-cultural and liberal vibe as people are free to enjoy themselves in a peaceful and secured environment. The people of the island has some strong tribal connections too and some customs and rituals are carried forward for ages.

Koh Samui, like many other parts of Thailand, has a very feminine appeal as they have recognized the third-gender much before than many other countries of the South-East Asia. The people are open-minded and they will pamper you and invite you to come and have fun. However, they do not like to be mocked and ridiculed about their core culture and as a tourist you should know your boundaries. People are mostly peace-loving Buddhists with a knack of welcoming tourists and helping them to have a nice time.