Against the backdrop
of hills, the beaches of Ko Samui stands out as one
of palm-fringed beaches, with strands of fine sand.
The best spots are Chaweng and Lamai Both are on the
east coast where each day greets you with a spectacular
sunrise. In such an idyllic setting the temptation is
simply to laze peacefully on the beach and soak up a
tropical sun tan. But if you want more there are amenities
for water sports, such as windsurfing and snorkeling.
The coastal waters are exciting to explore and are especially
rich in shoals of brightly coloured fish and exotic
coral formations. Principal among Samui's natural sights
are two picturesque waterfalls, Hin Lat and Na Muang,
while on neighboring Ko Fan, connected to Samui by a
causeway, in Wat Hin Ngu temple and meditation centre.
Island hopping
is another attraction and boats can be easily hired
for trips to Ko Pha Ngan (the nearest and largest island
next to Samui), and to the smaller islands of Ko Tao
and Ko Nang Yuan , where beautiful bays with colourful
coral formations offer excellent conditions for snorkeling.
A more adventurous full day excursion can be made to
Ang Thong Marine Park, a group of 40 islands northwest
of Samui. Here you will see spectacular limestone formations,
caves, blue lagoons and amazingly beautiful beaches.
Nang Yuan
Island
A 4 hours by ferry from Samui or 4 hours ( 2 hours by
speedboat ) from Chumpon, this island is already a fine
and remote refuge. This tiny island of Nang Yuan, lying
off the northwestern end of Koh Tao, is more of a getaway.
Pha Ngan
Beach
Pha Ngan is easily accessed by daily ferry boats from
Surat Thani, or from Maenam and Bophut piers in Samui.
These boats call at Thong Sala and Haad Rin from where
many resorts are accessed by pickup truck over rough
tracks. A few can only be reached by small boat.
Koh Pha Ngan
is particularly beautiful, being high and rugged,
wiht rocky headlands of huge granite boulders separating
the many tropical beaches set in coves lined with
coconut palms.
Koh Tao
Beach
Koh Tao is the
smallest and remotest of the three major islands. While
it takes most boats about three hours to get there from
Samui, the new speedboat service from Bophut and Na
Thon can do it in under two hours. But the most important
access is that through Chumpon, from where there are
both speedboat and ferry service.
The island is similar in geography to its bigger brothers
to the south, Samui and Pha Ngan. Here again are many
rocky headlands piled high wiht huge granite boulders.
There are fewer beaches, though those few are particularly
beautiful. Koh Tao's real fame the underwater realm
surrounding the island that has established its reputation.
There is a thriving dive industry on the island, and
for those who have never dived before, Koh Tao offers
ideal conditions in which to learn.
Chaweng
Beach
This is the most popular and developed of Samui's beaches.
Despite the recent development ,Chaweng maintains the
classic image of a tropical beach fringed by coconut
palms.
With the new popular bars and quality restaurants along
the back road, Chaweng is the nightlife centre of the
island. Right on the beach itself, a selection of quiet
bars and restaurants, together with a superb view of
the Gulf. Chaweng has the greatest number of dive shops
on Samui. A couple of them organize night dives right
off the beach.
Lamai Beach
This second- most popular of Samui's beaches. Visitors
are charmed by the open market and the old monastery,
which includes a local museum. Take a walk or ride a
mountain bike just back of the beach road and you'll
discover peaceful coconut and fruit groves.
Beachside attractions include health and meditation
centres, dive shops and a Thai boxing school. The Grandfather
and Grandmother rocks at Lamai are worth a visit.
North Coast
This part of the island is less developed than the east
coast beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, and may afford a
greater sense of having got away from it all. This is
one of the best beaches on the island for windsurfing
or sailing dinghies and catamarans.
West Coast
Many visitors never see much of this side of the island
beyond the pier. There is much to reward the explorer,
however, often right in town. There's a fascinating
fresh food market and some back streets with old houses
displaying very traditional lifestyles.
Just beyond town there are scenic walks up to waterfalls
high in the hills, and rustic herbal medicine centres.
Some of the island's best know temples are found along
the west coast, as well, and make or a relaxing morning's
excursion.
The Big
Buddha
On the north coast of Samui you'll find this popular
shrine and meditation centre.
The gaudy bazaar within the temple grounds offers souvenirs
both secular and religious- everything from T- shirts
and hats to protective amulets.
Sea Canoeing
Ang Thong Marine National Park, just to the north of
Samui, is a group of lovely steep- side limestone islands
fringed with forest, an ideal cruising ground for yachts
and a sometimes destination for divers.
Butterfly Farm
The Butterflies on the Samui farm flit about naturally
amid tropical foliage. Besides observing at close range
some of the region's most beautiful butterflies, you
can witness the breeding cycle of some species that
are taised on the spot. The farm is set up on a hillside
overlooking the ocean on the southeast corner of the
island.
 The
mainland is well worth exploring either on your way
to or from Samui. Surat Thani, the ferry terminal, is
a bustling fishing and shipbuilding centre of considerable
interest. A casual stroll around town or a canal tour
on the Tapi river are rewarding for the glimpses they
give of southern culture. Surat Thani is also famous
for its oyster farms where a giant species of the mollusc
is harvested.
More specifically
for the serious sightseer, Chaiya, about a 45-minute
drive north of the town, is a major historical site.
Its importance stems from the fact that scholars contend
that it was a possible capital of the ancient Srivijaya
kingdom. Other rewarding destinations are Khao Sok National
Park, about 100 kilometres west of Surat Thani, and
Chumphon which lies some 195 kilometres north of Surat
Thani on a picturesque stretch of coastline with fine
beaches and offshore islands.
Dining & Entertainment
Most beach bungalows
have their own restaurants, while other small establishments
are common. Fresh seafood and tropical fruits are the
natural specialities of Samui, though you will find
menus sufficiently varied to cater to all tastes. International
favorites as well as spicy Thai dishes are available.
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