Koh Samui Travel Guide
A sun lover's holiday paradise, Koh Samui ('the coconut island') is Thailand's third largest island resort and no longer the footloose and fancy-free backpacker's secret hideaway it once was. Koh Samui now rivals Phuket as one of Thailand's most popular holiday destinations, with regular flights arriving at its own airport and disgorging keen holidaymakers. There are a range of accommodation options, from modest beach bungalows to luxury holiday resort hotels. The island still retains its laid-back atmosphere, though, with friendly locals, good food and plenty of local attractions.
There are three main areas for shopping on Koh Samui: Nathon, Chaweng and Lamai. Nathon is the main shopping centre, and the town where the ferries arrive. Goods from all over Thailand are available, as well as traditional souvenirs such as silk scarves. Chaweng and Nathon are excellent places to have clothes made by local tailors, while Chaweng and Lamai are the towns to find good quality western-style shops. Most towns have night and day markets, always intriguing regardless of whether one buys anything or not.
The nightlife on Koh Samui is rated among some of the best in Thailand and has discos, cabaret shows, clubs and pubs, many of which are open till sunrise, and are located mainly in Chaweng and Lamai. Chaweng is the most popular area for nightlife, featuring everything from outdoor music bands to stylish nightclubs. Lamai caters for a slightly older crowd, but also has numerous music venues and bars. There are also opportunities to watch classical Thai dancing, mud wrestling and Thai boxing. Beach parties with fireworks displays also occur regularly.
As an internationally renowned diving spot, Koh Samui offers a wide range of diving and snorkelling facilities and tours to enjoy on holiday. The largest concentration of dive schools in Koh Samui is in Sairee Beach (Koh Tao), Bophut Beach and Chaweng Beach (Koh Samui). The most popular dive sites are Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock, though most are within range of a full-day excursion from Samui. Diving is year-round in Koh Samui, but windy conditions between October and December can decrease visibility. If the beaches, watersports and underwater marine life are not enough, the island offers a variety of other activities and attractions, from elephant trekking to Thai cooking classes. For the less active, Samui also has wellness centres, places to learn yoga, alternative therapy centres and wonderful spas that exist for pure indulgence.