A large number of people from all over the world choose this country for their holidays. Why does she attract so much attention? There are several islands here. One of the most popular is Koh Samui. How to get to it and why do tourists love it so much? What attractions are there on the island and what should you definitely take with you when going to Thailand, Koh Samui in particular? You will find answers to these and other questions related to the island in this article. Using the advice of tourists who have already been here, you can plan an unforgettable time in one of the most most picturesque places planets.

Thailand: Koh Samui

One of the warmest countries in the world is located at the same distance from India and China. Its area is more than five hundred thousand square kilometers. Residents of the country are very hospitable, but at the same time they are jealous of their traditions and customs. If you know and respect them, then an atmosphere of carefree, joy and fun envelops those who come to Thailand.

Koh Samui is one of the largest and most popular holiday destinations. Every year thousands of tourists come here, most of them Russian. It's good to come here with children. Sandy beaches, clean and warm water in the sea, all the benefits of civilization are just some of the reasons why they choose a holiday in Samui (Thailand). How can tourists from Russia get to the island? By plane from Moscow or other major cities to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. There is a transfer to Samui Airport. A natural question arises as to why there is no direct flight. The fact is that Samui has a private airport and it only works with a small number of airlines that it chooses.

Benefits of holidays on the islands

Among the large number of reasons why travelers choose Thailand, Koh Samui in particular, the following can be highlighted:

• Receiving bright unusual emotions that are so poor in everyday life.
• You can come here at any time of the year, since even in winter the air temperature is plus 30.
• Low prices for housing and food, compared to other Asian and European countries, are one of the reasons why tourists choose Thailand.
• Samui has a huge amount of finished products: rolls, sushi, kebabs, rice, salads and much more. It is impossible to go hungry here.
• Abundance of 24-hour shops. Many of them can even heat up food.
• A large number of friendly, smiling people.
• Lack of drunks, in Thailand it is not customary to drink a lot.
• There are no problems with public transport; you can get to any place on the island very quickly.
• Snow-white beaches, banana and coconut trees, clean water and places where no one has gone before.

Transport

There are no problems with transportation on Koh Samui. Here you can use the following types of vehicles:

• Songthaew - minibus. The cheapest form of transport.
• Air conditioned taxis.
• Motorcycle taxi.
• Motorbike.
• Bike.
• Minivans are passenger cars with three rows of seats.

If you plan to walk a lot to explore local attractions, it is best to rent a car.

Popular tours

Travel agencies offer a wide range of holiday options with departures from Moscow and St. Petersburg airports. Among the most interesting tours to Thailand:

• Koh Samui - Phuket. This tour is for lovers of outdoor activities. The two most popular islands offer truly heavenly pleasure and a serene pastime. Duration of the tour is from 7 to 14 days.
• Thailand: Samui. Tours to an island in the Pacific Ocean are very popular among vacationers. Coconut palms, impenetrable jungles, decent beaches and coral reefs delight everyone who comes here.
• Thailand: Pattaya. One of the most popular Asian resorts. Picturesque nature, magnificent beaches, comfortable hotel accommodation will allow you to have a great holiday.

• There are more than two hundred hotels on Koh Samui.
• There are still places in Thailand where no human has set foot.
• Samui has many other names: Island of Smiles, Coconut Paradise, Island of Freedom.
• It is not customary to conflict or engage in heated discussions here.
• English is taught in schools in Thailand.
• Not far from Koh Samui there is an island called Cherepakhov. This favorite place recreation for divers.

Food

In Thailand, you can discover a completely new, unique world of taste sensations. True, there is one thing... It can be both incredibly tasty and disgusting. Thais tend to mix sweet and spicy, so dishes familiar to Russians can have a completely different taste. Using the advice of tourists, choose the dishes that suit your taste.

• Soups. They are prepared with seafood, mushrooms, onions, garlic, etc. It is best to order soup in a cafe, as the portions are very large and the prices are low.
• Fish and meat balls. As a rule, they are strung on small sticks of several pieces. Served with hot sauce.
• Squid with garlic. For lovers of spicy food and seafood.
• Thai pancakes with various fillings. Tasty and inexpensive.
• Fried crickets, grasshoppers, maggots. Here everyone decides for themselves whether it is worth trying such an unusual delicacy.
• Snake dishes. Soup, vegetable stew and much more.
• Crocodile meat. Reminiscent of chicken or fish, it all depends on the preparation.
• Fruits and dishes made from them.

Thailand. Koh Samui hotels

There are a huge number of them here. Based on reviews from tourists, we offer you several options with an impeccable level of service and reasonable prices.

• "Chaweng Garden Beach Resort". This hotel is located on the coast, in the middle of the beach. Everything you need is here have a great holiday. Several accommodation options for tourists, including: standard rooms, villas, bungalows.
• "Ark Bar Beach Resort". The hotel is located near the airport. There are also a large number of shops, restaurants and nightclubs around. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, bathrooms, and minibars.
• "Escape Beach Resort". One of the most inexpensive hotels with a high level of service. Located next to the beach.
• "Chaweng Noi Pool". A huge swimming pool, tropical greenery, and a balcony in every room are the distinctive features of this hotel.
• "Chaweng Cove Beach Resort". The hotel is located next to tropical plants. If you come here with a large group, you will be offered a villa with a pool or a beach bungalow.

Island attractions

Koh Samui is not only about the sea and beaches. The island has a huge number of attractions: temples, parks, waterfalls, shops, restaurants and much more worthy of attention. Based on reviews from tourists, we will highlight several places that you should definitely take time to get to know:

Angthong Marine Park. The excursion lasts eight hours and includes exploration of about forty islands. Here you can swim underwater with a mask, take photos, and take a boat ride along the rocks.

"Paradise Park". In this place you can see a large number of exotic birds and animals. A distinctive feature of the park is that you can get very close to the animals and take pictures with them.

Magic garden. There are many fairy tales and legends about this place. According to one of them, the garden was created by a man whose name was Nim. Here he grew durians (one of the most popular Thai fruits). The garden contains a large number of beautiful sculptures.

Temple of the Big Buddha. There is a sculpture here, the height of which is about 12 meters. To get to it, you need to overcome 60 steps. You must remove your shoes at the foot of the stairs. There are souvenir shops near the temple.

• Play Laem. One of the most famous temples in Samui (Thailand). The island's attractions are worth spending both time and money on. But since Plai Laem is located next to the Buddha Temple, it is best to combine them. This is an amazingly beautiful place, on the territory of which there is a small pond.

• Snake farm. There are more than a hundred species of snakes on the island, most of which are poisonous. You can meet them on one of the most extreme farms in the world.

• Zoo. Despite the fact that it occupies a small area, you can see tigers, leopards, and monkeys here.

The most beautiful waterfalls of Koh Samui

There are eleven of them on the island. This is one of the reasons why you should definitely come here. The most best time in order to admire the waterfalls - from May to December. Some of the most famous include:

• Royal, or Purple. It is very small, about 20 meters. The water falls into a round rocky hole where you can swim. The spectacle is simply mesmerizing. Even members of the royal family come here. But unfortunately, during the dry season the waterfall dries up and you cannot see it.
• Hin Lad. To get to this waterfall, you need to walk about two kilometers through a real jungle. On the way, you can go to the temple and make a wish. In the jungle you can see a large number of fruit trees. Many tourists don’t even realize that the waterfall has three tiers; rare people climb to its very top. Here you can take pictures and swim in complete solitude.
• A waterfall, next to which there is a statue of a girl. It has several cascades. On the way to the top there are observation decks and places to rest.
• Namuang waterfall. Its height reaches eighty meters. To get to it, you can travel through the jungle on elephants.

Souvenirs and gifts

When we go somewhere on vacation, we try to buy something that reminds us of our vacation. Especially if we are going to a country like Thailand. Samui offers a large selection of unusual souvenirs and gifts for family and friends. Here are just some options:

• Unusual orchid tea.
• Local alcoholic drinks in which you can see a snake or scorpion preserved in alcohol.
• Coconut oil.
• Whitening cosmetics.
• Crocodile leather belt.
• Soap in the form of flowers and fruits.
• Various body scrubs.

7 most popular holiday activities

Helpful information

To ensure that no troubles or inconveniences mar your holiday, please take note of the following information:

1. Take it with you sunscreens and remedies for mosquito bites.
2. The national currency of Thailand is the baht. For comparison: one US dollar is equal to 30 baht. It’s better to take cash on a trip in small bills; they don’t really like to give change here.
3. If you are planning to visit local temples, you should pay special attention to your clothes. Women should wear a long skirt or dress, as long as their arms and legs are covered.
4. Do not drink tap water under any circumstances, so as not to be treated for gastrointestinal infections later.
5. It is customary to enter many places on the island by first leaving your shoes at the entrance to the building. These include: pharmacies, hospitals, temples and some shops.
6. The Thais are very kind to their king, so there should be no dissatisfied statements about this.
7. Never pat children on the head or shake hands as a greeting.
8. Photography is prohibited in temples. Posing near various Buddhist sculptures should be done carefully. It is advisable not to touch them with your hands. By respecting a foreign culture and country, you will avoid a huge number of problems and will enjoy your vacation with pleasure.

An island of extraordinary beauty, natural diversity, beautiful sunsets - these are the impressions shared by travelers who were lucky enough to visit Samui at least once. Many experienced travelers speak of Koh Samui as best place for wintering. According to reviews from experienced tourists, once you have visited this island, you will not want to return to Pattaya, Phuket, or anywhere else.

Where is Koh Samui Island?

Ko Samui(Koh Samui, Thai - เกาะสมุย) the name is often pronounced by Thais as Kohsam. The second largest island in Thailand after Phuket. Municipally it belongs to the province of Surat Thani. The area of ​​Koh Samui is 228 thousand km2 and 63 thousand people permanently live on it. For a second, imagine that the population of Bali is 3.5 million people + a million tourists.

Koh Samui is the one mysterious island Thailand with snow-white sand on secluded beaches, an abundance of vegetation and landscapes that will make you fall in love at first sight. Samui on the map is located in the warm Gulf of Thailand of the Pacific Ocean. The island is remote from the continent - in order to get to the nearest port on the mainland, you need to cover a distance of about 40 km.

The climate of Samui differs from the climate of many regions of Thailand - the rainy season and the hot season are not so pronounced here. Hot weather persists for twelve months of the year. Peak high temperatures falls in April and early May - the air warms up to +40 °C. Light heavy rains begin in May, and the heaviest rainfall occurs in September. Big waves, storms and muddy water are not typical for Koh Samui, because it is sheltered by the rough ocean in the Gulf of Thailand. The water on the island is always clear and warm – 27-29 °C, which makes vacation comfortable at almost any time of the year.

How to get to Koh Samui

from Phuket

The distance between the two major tourist centers of Thailand is 270 km. Get to sunny island Koh Samui can be achieved in several ways – budget-friendly and literally “eating up” the lion’s share of the vacation budget:

1. By plane. Flight is the fastest, most comfortable way to get to your destination in less than an hour. Flights are operated by Bangkok Airways, however, the ticket price cannot be called budget and starts from 100 USD. See Aviasales for prices and dates.
2. Bus + ferry + transfer– one of the most budget-friendly, but at the same time comfortable ways. The average travel time is 7 hours (5 hours by bus and 2 hours by ferry). Comfortable, air-conditioned buses depart from several locations in Phuket. There are transfer options where you will be picked up from your hotel in Phuket and taken to the bus and then to the ferry. All transfers are guaranteed. The price of such a package starts from 21 USD. Check out the schedule on 12GoAsia.
3. By regular bus Phuket-Surat Thani followed by transfer to Samui ferries at Don Sak pier. Transport connection debugged - flights depart every hour. The cost of a bus ticket is 195 baht, a ferry ticket is about 300 baht. The travel time is 8-9 hours - during the trip, vacationers can not only take a shower, but also order lunch or breakfast in a mini-restaurant. You can purchase tickets either directly at the box office or through online services at a better price.
4. By taxi– expensive and unethical. It's hard to imagine a situation where someone has to rush to take a taxi to Koh Samui.

All ticket options and schedules can be found in this service:

from Bangkok

Since Samui is a separate island, it is not possible to get to the warm province directly by bus. Compared to departure from Phuket, traveling to Samui from the capital of Thailand will take at least 8-10 hours - settlements are located at a distance of 700 km.

The easiest way to get to the island is to purchase a Bangkok-Samui plane ticket from Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways. The cost of the flight is approximately the same and ranges from 2,500 to 6,500 baht, depending on the class of service. Since the journey is short and takes about an hour and a half, it is best to save money. We always look for air tickets on Aviasales.

If tickets for direct flights are already sold out and Bus tours If you don't like it, consider flights to Surat Thani province followed by a ferry to Koh Samui (travel time is about 40 minutes). Air Asia offers to purchase a single ticket from Surat Thani Airport to your final destination (bus to the pier + ferry or catamaran).

If you are ready to buy the cheapest tickets at the expense of increased comfort, then feel free to consider the option of traveling by bus followed by a water crossing. These buses are equipped with air conditioning, but, unfortunately, there is no toilet. When purchasing first class tickets, you will receive seats with lie-flat seats, which is especially important on overnight trips. The cost of the trip (1000 baht) includes drinking water and food. Tickets and dates can be viewed.

From Moscow

When planning a flight to Samui from Moscow, you can consider not only routes to various regions of Thailand, but also routes passing through other countries - for example, Malaysia - the benefit will be about 20-25%.

Please note that it is not possible to get to Koh Samui directly. In the best case, tourists will have one transfer, in the season - two or more, so you should take care of pre-booking in advance. See prices and dates in the Aviasales widget.

Flights with one transfer are operated by Aeroflot on the Moscow-Bangkok route. Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, onward transportation will be provided by Bangkok Airways. Don't be alarmed by time zone differences. Immediately upon check-in for your flight in Moscow you will receive two boarding passes, and baggage will be checked in to the final line. We have already described above how to get to Samui from Bangkok in other ways. Flights with two or three transfers do not guarantee a reduction in the cost of the flight and are too time-consuming.

History of Koh Samui

Koh Samui was an unexplored landmass until around 500 AD and was discovered by accident by Malaysian sailors. The island remained uninhabited until about the 17th century - only then was it established transport route to the mainland. There were times when it took a whole day to get to Samui from the nearby town of Surat Thani. Today, you can get to Samui by sea in just 40 minutes.

The local population lived according to the community principle and did not seek to establish connections with the outside world. Only at the end of 1967, the head of the Samui administration turned to the Thai government for help in developing infrastructure. A few years later, rumors about the mysterious paradise began to spread throughout the world - travelers considered it a “point of honor” to visit the island as soon as possible. Then the infrastructure literally left much to be desired - tourists were accommodated in wooden shacks without electricity, provided only with a hammock as entertainment.

Only in the late 80s did the government begin to allocate funds for tourism development. Despite the absence of luxury hotels, stories about fantastic sunsets, azure seas and the beauty of local landscapes were spread everywhere. More and more holidaymakers began to come to Samui by ferry, and at the end of the 20th century, the only private airport was built, which still exists today.

What does "Koh Samui" mean?

If you are not a supporter of “royal comfort”, but want to rent a spacious room with amenities and air conditioning, meals, consider a double or three star hotels, ideal from the point of view of the price-quality ratio. When planning a vacation to Koh Samui, you should book the options you are interested in several months before your trip. Many decent hotels sell out very quickly, especially during high season. It is best to book a hotel on Koh Samui through trusted services such as Booking.com and Agoda.

Hotels and guesthouses on Koh Samui can be viewed on this map. The map is clickable and can be scrolled and scaled. The map displays real housing prices.

It is also possible to rent a villa or private house from the owner. You can even consider long-term rental housing on Koh Samui. In this case, it is best to look for such housing through the Airbnb service. Recently, housing on Koh Samui has been actively managed by Russian managers. So don’t be surprised if Airbnb responds to you in Russian.

Beaches of Koh Samui

The beaches on the island can be called cozy and even secluded. On Koh Samui you will find cool beaches with white sand and clear water. A huge plus will be the fact that all Samui beaches are accessible within half an hour by bike.

For convenience, we made an interactive map of Samui, on which we marked all the beaches and attractions of the island. You can save the map to your device and later use it for navigation.

Phang Ka beach

It is considered one of the most beautiful on the southwest coast of Samui and is especially beautiful during low tide, when the water recedes, exposing a sandy plateau and revealing views of beautiful corals. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Phang Ka at sunrise or enjoy the sunset. The tourist infrastructure here is poorly developed - give preference to Phang Ka if you want to enjoy stunning views and be alone with yourself.

Chaweng Beach Samui - Chaweng beach

Situated on east coast Thai island and is unlikely to be suitable for travelers who prefer peace and relaxing holiday. Chaweng is an ideal option for those who want to appreciate all the benefits of local tourism, plunge into the atmosphere of entertainment and beach discos on the evening coast. A convenient gentle entrance to the sea, soft sand, developed infrastructure in the form of hotels, inns, restaurants, bars and cafes make Chaweng one of the most popular places in Samui.

Bang Po – Bang Po beach

Stretching for several kilometers, Bang Por is ideal for vacationers who do not like crowded beaches. The wide coastline, soft sand, lack of undercurrents and shallow depth make it a great option for families with small children. If you want to enjoy beautiful sunsets and views of the waves of the Gulf of Thailand, rent a private house or hotel room - recently this coastline has been actively developed.

Maenam beach

This island beach is literally hidden in dense vegetation and palm groves. Maenam Beach is the most comfortable water for swimming in Koh Samui. Light and soft sand, stunning scenery both early in the morning and late in the evening. The depth of the sea allows you to swim even at low tides. The tourist infrastructure is quite well developed, but Maenam Beach is a quiet area that “falls asleep” at sunset. The option is ideal for families with children, and rent rooms, guest houses here you can get it at a better price.

One of the cleanest beaches on Koh Samui. The beach is owned by the state, which means it is available to any vacationers for free. Locals call W-Retreat Koh Samui a piece of paradise far from the bustle of the city, which is not surprising - the purest sand, blue-turquoise water all year round. However, be careful when swimming - the deep bottom is fraught with many dangers.

Silver Beach

It is rightfully recognized as one of the most picturesque corners of Koh Samui and is located in a cozy bay between Lamai and Chaweng. Snow-white velvet sand, shallow sea, absence of strong waves, beautiful scenery - all this attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. Silver Beach will appeal to lovers of diving and the underwater world - bizarre corals and the most unusual sea animals are represented here.

Choeng Mo Beach - Choeng Mon

Stretching for 1 km in the northeastern part of the island, Choeng Mon Beach attracts tourists with its wide coastline, clear water and safety. There are practically no sharp stones, currents, high waves or algae - which is why Choeng Mon Beach is a favorite vacation spot for families with small children. The coast is “buried” in an abundance of vegetation, creating natural shade. The infrastructure is quite developed - rent a sun lounger or go on an impressive excursion on jet skis and kayaks, play beach volleyball and taste delicious dishes in cafes with outdoor terraces.

Sights of Koh Samui

Plai Laem Temple - Wat Plai Laem

The Plai Laem Temple was built several decades ago, but has managed to become a must-see for many tourists. Plai Laem is one of the most striking and memorable local attractions, a unique complex of buildings made in Asian style. If you want to appreciate all the beauty of the temple, feel free to go on a catamaran excursion through the waters of an artificial lake. Massive and graceful statues of the Chinese goddess Guanyin and the Buddhist deity Hottei do not leave any connoisseur of culture and art indifferent.

Buddha Garden

In the midst of tropical vegetation and mountain spurs, one of the best attractions is located - the magical garden of Buddha - a joint “creation” of nature and human hands. In a relatively small area, unique and mysterious sculptures are collected, including the Buddha himself, shrouded in vines, which gives the object cultural heritage even more mysterious.

Ang Thong marine park

Angthong Marine Park is a scattering of beautiful islands of varying sizes to the west of Koh Samui. Many travelers compare Angthong to lost world– there is an atmosphere of extraordinary calm and tranquility here. Secret lakes, the singing of rare birds, underground grottoes and caves, the brightest sun - the islands beckon with their unknown. You can only enter the marine park as part of a tourist group.

Namuang waterfalls

Rising from the highest point of Koh Samui, Namuang 1 Waterfall delights even the most discerning travelers with its grace and power. The waterfall literally pours cold water into a stone pool and flows straight into the sea. Namuang-2 is smaller and can only be reached through the safari park. If you want to see future views of the waterfalls in all their glory, feel free to sign up for a tour in the fall or spring months.

Racha Thammaram Temple - Wat Rachathammaram

Racha Thammaram Temple is located in the southern part of the island. The temple hall with unique bas-reliefs and statues stands proudly against the blue sky. Sacred Bodhi trees grow on the territory of the complex. On the territory of the temple there is also a 250-meter pagoda, the steps of which lead directly to the seashore

If you are looking for beautiful locations and want to take stunning photos, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Lad Koh observation deck and visit the restaurants with the best cuisine in Koh Samui. From here you can see an incredible panorama of the Gulf of Thailand - it is so wide that you can even see the curvature of the globe.

Mae Nam view point

The Mae Nam viewpoint is located among lush vegetation right in front of the waterfall. To get the most out of the local scenery, climb to the very top on foot or rent a scooter for an additional fee. The most determined tourists will be able to continue their journey towards Nathon and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Big Buddha

Only a lazy traveler did not visit the main attraction of Samui - a twelve-meter tall Buddha statue located on a hill. The majestic figure of the deity is surrounded by small figures symbolizing the days of the week. Don't miss the opportunity to climb the 60 steps to the observation deck and visit the temple.

Bophut fishing village

Bopthuta is a favorite place for relaxing walks and shopping. Shopping arcades and tents stretched for several hundred meters along the shore. Be sure to stop by one of the restaurants and cafes - try the best local cuisine and enjoy the sunset. On Fridays, incendiary parties and discos are held here right on the seashore.

This is the most popular observation deck on Koh Samui, located at an altitude of 100 meters above sea level. You can climb to the top in 10 minutes using equipped bridges. Lamai Viewpoint offers stunning views of waterfalls, calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand and tropical bushes.

Koh Phangan is another popular tourist island in Thailand with fiery sunsets and stunning scenery, washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Phangan can make you fall in love so much that you don’t even want to leave. The island has gained great popularity due to the monthly legendary Full Moon Party beach parties. Get to paradise island Koh Phangan can be reached from Samui by regular ferry.

Koh Phangan is an island with particularly clean air and an abundance of vegetation - there are no industrial enterprises or factories, busy roads or an abundance of transport. You can enjoy swimming in clear water and relaxing on soft golden sand both on equipped beaches with developed infrastructure and on wild ones. Eastern and southern beaches Phangana (Haad Rin Nok, Haad Rin) are recognized as the best and most comfortable for staying with family and children - tourists can sign up for excursions, boat trips and even take personal diving lessons.

Over the past few years, Koh Phangan has been in great demand among travelers, so it’s worth taking care of renting accommodation at least a few months before your trip. There are both classic three-star rooms and grand hotels on the first line of the coast. If you prefer to take a break from the bustle of the city and be on your own, consider renting private villas and houses. The best place to find accommodation is on Airbnb.

The island of Koh Phangan is not replete with attractions - the obligatory list of tourists includes the Wat Pho Temple and Wat Chakloklum, interesting with their special interior. Near the two popular islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan there is an amazingly beautiful archipelago consisting of 42 small islands with a unique landscape, flora and fauna.

Koh Phangan has a special atmosphere for which many return here again and again. Pangang is the topic of a separate article that I will definitely write someday. But that will be a completely different story)

Koh Samui is one of the islands of Thailand, which has many picturesque bays, excellent beaches and luxurious coconut palms. This is a magnificent world-class holiday destination, long known and loved by Russians.

There are a lot of attractions here, so you can relax on Koh Samui not only on the beach, but also during exciting excursions and inspections of local unique historical and cultural monuments, as well as natural beauties.

Geography

The island is located in the Gulf of Thailand. The fastest way to get there from Bangkok is by plane, just an hour's flight. There is also a ferry here, but it takes much longer to get here, but the journey will be incredibly exciting.

This island is surrounded by many small islands, many of which are also inhabited by people. In the very center of Koh Samui there are mountains several hundred meters high, covered with dense tropical forest. It is the second largest after Phuket in Thailand.

Climate

The climate of Samui is similar to that of the rest of Thailand, but it is more humid. IN winter time, which in this country is called the rainy season, precipitation can last for weeks. The season starts in October and lasts until the end of December.

Then the rains give way to warmth and sunshine, and the dry season begins, which lasts until March. This is a great time to relax and travel around Koh Samui. The air temperature is about 30C, the weather is sunny, and the ocean is warm and clean.

From May to October, the hot season begins, when the air warms up to 40C, which is well tolerated by our tourists in the conditions of the island, and the rains stop. At this time, the most delicious tropical fruits ripen and you can enjoy them to your heart's content.

Story

Historians are convinced that this blessed island was inhabited by Chinese and Malay fishermen back in the 6th century. It appears on ancient Chinese maps of the 17th century from the Ming Dynasty. Its origin modern name not known.

In the 20th century, during World War II, Samui was captured by militaristic Japan. After the war, he became part of Thailand, but always lived an independent and secluded life. Only at the end of the 60s of the last century they began to build roads here and develop the entire territory.

Currently, Samui has the status of municipal independence and continues to live its own life. But the magnificent white sand beaches and coral reefs have always attracted tourists from all over the world. In the 70s, as soon as the first roads and hotels appeared, travelers immediately arrived from all over the world.

Today, 45 thousand local islanders live on Koh Samui, whose main income is tourist services, collecting coconuts, fishing. They still carefully preserve the untouched wildlife islands, but every year it becomes more and more difficult.

Tourism

The tourism business required the massive construction of hotels and restaurants, the IT industry, boutiques, and sports facilities. Today it is not yet a fashionable resort, but soon it will be. Samui is ideal for tourists of middle class and above.

In the 90s of the last century, tourists discovered this wonderful place to relax, and a real tourism boom began here. Divers especially like the island, thanks to the nearby coral reefs.

Beaches

The entire coast of Samui is home to magnificent beaches, bearing the names of nearby villages, capes or bays. There are more than thirty beaches in total. Let's talk about the most popular:

1) Chaweng- the most popular local beach, with white sand and the most beautiful color of the sea. There is a lot of entertainment here: clubs, bars, restaurants. This Entertainment Center all of Koh Samui.

2) is a bay with a beach with coarse white sand. The bottom is deep here, so the beach is not for children. But there are a lot of boulders, you can swim around them, and hide behind them. Nearby there is a restaurant and two hotels.

3) Lamai– another popular island beach. It has considerable length and width. Its main attraction is granite boulders near the shore in the sea, looking very impressive. There is all the tourist infrastructure.

4) – this beach is located south of Lamai. It is interesting because there is a fishing village next to it, and any tourist can observe the fishing with their own eyes. There are several excellent fish restaurants nearby.

5) – a magnificent shallow beach with white sand and the most beautiful sea. But this entire place is built up with luxury hotels, and parts of the beach are distributed between them. Therefore, Natien is open only to a select few.

6) Linden Noah is located on the south coast of Koh Samui. There are several restaurants nearby where you can enjoy local seafood. Near snow-white beach at two hundred meters there is a shallow, gentle sea.

7) is a beach with a shallow bottom and slightly muddy water. The good thing about it is that there are few tourists and many excellent restaurants. You can visit the only children's restaurant on the island with a playground.

8) Ban Tai as if created by nature for children's recreation. Shallow sea with clean sand. The nearby Mimosa Hotel has a small children's play area. After the name of the hotel, the beach is also often called Mimosa.

9) is a huge beach several kilometers long, located in the north of the island. Nearby is an ancient Chinese village with many cafes and restaurants. This is a favorite spot for divers on Koh Samui.

10) is another longest beach on the east coast of the island. The sea here is shallow. There are small stones. There is a pier right on the beach from which boats can take you on excursions to the tiny islands near Samui.

Attractions

1) was founded in 1980 and consists of more than 40 limestone islets in the Sinai Gulf around Samui, densely covered with tropical vegetation and having their own islanders.

2) – a Buddhist temple, inside of which you can see the mummy of its abbot. He once enjoyed great love and respect among his flock and possessed the gift of prediction and foresight.

3) and tiger zoo The island has a unique collection of tropical fish and turtles. And nearby there is a zoo where you can see the formidable and beautiful Bengal tigers and leopards. Another great place to relax with children.

4) is installed on a mountain and is visible from almost anywhere on the island. This is the main relic for island Buddhists. They worship Buddha by climbing the high Dragon Ladder up the mountain.

5) built by a local resident and filled with various figures from Buddhist mythology, modern real heroes, creating a general atmosphere of mystery. In the garden, in a crypt, its creator rests with his family.

Excursions

Local guides offer tourists various excursions dedicated to Buddhist attractions, shows with the participation of local wildlife: from butterflies to elephants, and viewing the incredible beauty of natural attractions.

At your service are sea trips on a boat in National Park, included in the famous UNESCO list. Here you can explore coral islands with a snorkel, enjoy sea views, see a lake among the rocks, wild sea turtles, etc.

Entertainment

Koh Samui is a paradise for shopaholics. There are a huge number of different shops and mini-markets on the island where you can buy local clothes, souvenirs, jewelry, silk, toys, leather goods, Buddhist clay figurines, etc.

Activities include rappelling or hot air ballooning, paintball, football and golf. The island is home to many yoga centers and SPA salons, famous for their qualified staff. For lovers of hot things - discos, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

Transport

Koh Samui has a small private airport with daily flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and other surrounding cities and towns. You can get here by ferries, catamarans and speedboats. Along the coast of the island there is its own circular two-lane concrete road, from which there are smaller branches. Public transport - island pickups, taxis, motorcycles.

Pros and cons of Koh Samui

This is the second most popular Thai island among tourists after Phuket. It has long grown to the level of tourists of the middle European class, but prices for all tourist services here are noticeably lower.

Koh Samui does not have as vibrant a nightlife as Phuket. Many local residents are against this because... accustomed to living quietly and alone. All Thais have a surprisingly gentle character, but wild parties can drive anyone crazy.

Visas

To get to Thailand on the island of Koh Samui, it is enough to apply for a tourist visa. It is issued for three or six months upon provision of all required documents. In Russia, you can consult and issue such an entry document at the embassy of this state, located:

Moscow, Bolshaya Spasskaya street, building 9,

tel.: +7 495 608-08-56.

Important information

Our embassy in Thailand is located:

78 Sap Road, Bangkok, 10500 Thailand,

tel.: (8-10-662) 234-9824 and 268-1169.

The Consular Section:

Tel.: (8-10-662) 234-2012.

Emergency phone numbers in Thailand:

1155 - tourist police department,

195 - criminal police department,

1193 — traffic police,

199 - emergency fire service,

1554 - emergency medical care.

Updated 02/04/2020 Views 10811 61 comments

Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, which is part of the province of Surat Thani, adjacent to the islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and a scattering of islets of the National marine park Angthong. The main value of Samui is its wide variety of beaches and well-developed tourist infrastructure. central part The islands are hills up to 600 meters high, and the area around the mountains is suitable for development. The island is becoming more expensive every year, confidently heading towards the title of a boutique island, but at the same time it cannot overcome the problem of waste disposal.

Preparing for the trip

Description of the resort and why go to Koh Samui

Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are the only large islands in the southern Gulf of Thailand. All the rest are located far in the north and differ radically both in climate and in the composition of tourists coming on vacation (Koh Chang, Ko Kood). Or they are located on the opposite side of the mainland, and also differ in climate and geographical features (Koh Lanta, Phi Phi, Phuket). If you have transport, you can always find a swimming beach on Samui even at low tide, and the choice of beaches itself satisfies both savages, swimming fans, and mothers with babies.

There are about forty beaches on Koh Samui. The deepest ones are located in the north (Maenam, Bo Phut) and east (Chaweng, Lamai), and smaller but more beautiful ones are in the south (Bang Kao) and west (Taling Ngam, Lipa Noi). The southern part of Koh Samui is dominated by flat terrain with occasional hilltops, while the northern and central parts of the island are hilly with flat areas along the beaches. The infrastructure of Samui is concentrated in the northeast and east, while the southwest is still considered a stronghold of introverts and delights with huge areas of palm groves, in which there are sometimes houses.

The beaches on Samui are developed, with beach equipment rentals and water attractions, bars, discos and shops. There are quiet, family-friendly ones, with plenty of shade and moderate infrastructure. And there are some that are completely wild, deserted and incredibly beautiful. Samui is good precisely because, with all the diversity of preferences, every tourist finds here “that” place to which he will return again and again. Koh Samui is a very different island.

Koh Samui is great for a holiday. If you get bored, then from any pier in the north you can rush to Koh Phangan - a wilder version of Samui. Or go snorkeling in Koh Tao, a wilder version of Koh Phangan. Or take a trip to the park's Angthong Islands - a wilder version of Koh Tao. That is, what makes this resort attractive is that you can always increase or decrease the degree of comfort here. From cheap bungalows in the west of Koh Phangan to luxury hotels in the northwest of Samui. From asphalt highways to bone-crushing potholes, from a reggae bar in the rocks to a pretentious restaurant on the roof of a hotel - everything is here.

Koh Samui is one of the best resorts in Thailand

Which beach to choose

Choosing your beach on Koh Samui is a simple matter, but requires clarification on several issues: are you going to rent transport, is civilization nearby important, and lastly, how critical is the sea’s bathability. All questions are relevant only for vacationers, because for wintering the approach is different, with an emphasis on long-stay and practicality. I’ll say right away - if you are planning to rent a scooter or car, then all the beaches of the island are open to you, and this is a huge plus, because the beaches of Samui can behave differently at the same time of the day.

If you are planning to walk, the infrastructure and daily swimmability of the beaches are important to you, then first you need to worry about choosing the right month for your trip (see the section on climate), and only then choose from the five most popular beaches of Samui. Those where 90% of tourists go: , and - all the beaches are described in detail by me in separate articles.

In short, Maenam is: deep sea, shady shore and average infrastructure; considered a family beach. Bo Phut is Maenam, only with more developed infrastructure and is considered a hotel beach. Choeng Mon is located on the outskirts, there is a lot of shade, it is shallow and therefore considered a children's beach.

Chaweng is a party, youthful, very beautiful beach in the east, and Lamai is a smaller version of Chaweng with a deeper sea. You can live on all five beaches without going out for two weeks, without renting a vehicle, without experiencing a lack of services. They are closest to Samui airport and shopping centers. All beaches are deep, except for shallow Choeng Mon, which is noticeably subject to low tides.

If infrastructure is not important to you, and you went to Samui for solitude and a beach holiday, then there are swimming beaches in the wilder parts of the island. I should immediately note that all the beaches not included in the five above are not so deep and are subject to low tides. In the west of Samui there are Thong Yang and Lipa Noi, uncrowded beaches with a clean bottom, without rocks, with sunsets and rare villas on the shore. In the north are the beaches of Bang Po and Ban Tai. Bang Po is an introvert's paradise with a bunch of restaurants on the shore, and Ban Tai is a children's paradise and a beautiful sea with white coral sand on the beach. In the south - Bang Kao, however, is suitable for swimming not along its entire length, but where the bottom is more or less cleared of stones. A charmingly deserted area with sparse buildings and large patches of jungle.

The best beach on Koh Samui - Lamai

How to choose a hotel or house

For family winter travelers (staying for 1 month or longer), I would recommend Maenam, Bo Phut or Lamai. These beaches have excellent infrastructure, a large flat area with a huge selection of accommodation, and these beaches are among the top five on Koh Samui. I don't recommend Chaweng because of its discomfort and anxiety. Lots of noise, dust, dense urban development.

For winterers without children, the outskirts of Chaweng, Lamai, Maenam and Choeng Mon are suitable - this is if infrastructure and the beach are important. Villages have weak infrastructure, but beautiful beaches. I have a detailed analysis of renting a house on Samui in my article, and a selection of houses for self-rental in.

There are several types of housing available to you on Koh Samui, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages: hotel, resort, apartment, private house, townhouse or villa. If you are visiting Samui for no longer than two weeks, then the easiest way for you is to book a hotel (with houses it is more difficult), you just need to understand which beach. But with a period of 30 days or more, it makes sense to think and sort through the options.

You have only 2 options for renting a house/apartment in Thailand: through a realtor in advance or on your own on the spot. In the case of a realtor, housing will be waiting for you upon arrival, no hassle on vacation. But remember, there are a lot of scammers now, transfer money only to trusted realtors.

If you decide to search on your own, be prepared to comb the area for 2-5 days in a row in 30-degree heat. And besides, everything is busy.

How to get to Koh Samui

Koh Samui is approximately 700 km from Bangkok and 350 km from Phuket. And Bangkok and Phuket are the only two settlements in Thailand where direct flights fly from Russia. There is also one on Samui, but it belongs to Bangkok Airways, which are essentially a monopoly and few people are allowed there. Therefore, a flight to Koh Samui will always have a transfer and will always be more expensive than flights to Bangkok or Phuket. It’s better to traditionally search for such flights on, look directly to Samui with a single ticket.

You can get to Koh Samui in other more complex ways. For example, fly to Thailand with one ticket (to Phuket or Bangkok), and then by land (bus/train + ferry) or again by air (direct flight or with a transfer). A trip from Bangkok by land will cost about 1,000 baht, by plane with a transfer from 1,500 baht, and a direct flight directly to Samui will cost 3,500 baht. Here I have a detailed post about how to get there.

If we talk about comfortable ways, especially when traveling with children, I recommend buying a ticket from Russia directly to Samui, or taking a ticket to Bangkok or Phuket, and then another air ticket from Bangkok Airways, which will take you directly to Samui airport. All other methods are crap.

Climate and weather on Koh Samui

It seems to ignorant people that due to the small size of the Kingdom of Thailand, there is no particular need to study the weather patterns for each resort separately - and in vain. The weather on Koh Samui differs from the general Thai weather reports, so many tourists are surprised by the excessive rainfall in November and December - but many come here to wait out the winter or spend time at sea new year holidays.

In cold months, the air temperature drops to 23-26 degrees, and in hot months it reaches 30-32. Such changes bring a smile to people who have just arrived from -20 with knee-deep snowdrifts, but the island’s centenarians suffer from the cold. If you come for the winter in September - October, you will have time to more or less acclimatize and experience all the horror of the Thai winter, when it is cold to walk on the tiles in the house, you have to put on socks and sleep under a blanket.

The hottest months on Koh Samui are from late February to April. The rainiest months are from November to mid-January. Summer is considered the period of monsoon rains in Thailand, but on Koh Samui this results in clear, cloudless days and short daily rains in the late afternoon, or during the day. More clouds and rain begin at the end of September, October is no longer particularly encouraging with good weather, November is the peak of precipitation, December is the amount of precipitation begins to decrease.

In the winter months, almost all the beaches of the island “delight” with high waves, and don’t listen to local realtors who write about the November showers “it rains a little more often than usual” and “it’s nice to jump on the waves” - no, it’s unpleasant. A dirty, agitated sea with foam and some kind of rubbish that was washed off the island by the recent rain is unpleasant. Of course, there is always a chance for changes in the weather, which are happening more often due to global warming. November may turn out to be almost dry, and March may be disappointing with cloudy weather, but based on observations from past years, I would advise focusing on the climate that I described above.

Another little life hack from me: pay attention to Koh Samui in the summer months. This period is not very popular with our travel agencies, who urgently need to sell Turkey and other seasonal resorts that sell like hot cakes in the summer. But Samui in the summer months is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand: a large number of sunny days, rare rains, amazing colors of nature, a seasonal decline in tourists and, as a result, lower prices for everything.

Upon arrival at the resort

How to get to your hotel

Samui Airport is located in the northeastern part of the island. And although it would seem that Chaweng, Lamai and Bo Phut are right next to it, you will have to either take a taxi/transfer, or cram into a minibus, which is usually tailored to flights. And if the task is to get from the pier (when you are on a ferry), then the distance is already quite decent and you can drive for the same Chaweng for an hour.

There is another option, a transfer from a well-known transfer service. Convenient way, you will be greeted with a sign with your name, your luggage will be taken to the car and delivered to your hotel. There are a minimum of hassles on site, you don’t even need knowledge of English, the driver is aware of your route. I have already used them more than once, here.

Sights to see

If you are an inexperienced person, then the attractions on Koh Samui will be enough for you for your entire vacation and even wintering. But if you have already visited the north of Thailand or managed to travel around the world and see large-scale attractions, then you will need to get used to the fact that everything on the island is reduced in size. Waterfalls, lakes, caves, temples, mountains - all this is local, seasonal and not impressive. Probably half of the attractions on Samui are man-made objects, and they are not always of an interesting design.

The best places on Samui are included in sightseeing tours of any travel agency, which are not very expensive. If you are new to the island, it is better to take a tour once and see everything at once. It includes a transfer and you don’t have to worry about moving around, since public transport is bad. , one of the safari parks with elephants, is an incomplete list of the main and most visited attractions on Koh Samui.

If you are comfortable with a motorbike and you don’t like jostling with twenty tourists in one minibus, then all these places are easy to visit on your own, and besides them, I would recommend simpler, but no less interesting, attractions: , Cultural Center on Taling Ngam, and White temples, a mangrove forest, a second mummified mummy at Wat Kirivongkaram, an embankment in Nathon, and a ton of viewpoints - all this is marked on my Samui map. If you are comfortable with Google maps and a navigator, then you will have plenty to do on the island.

And when you get tired of Samui itself, then you have its beautiful brother Phangan nearby, which is not so aggressively built up with houses and bars. Koh Phangan has about 30 beaches and almost two-thirds of the island is covered with jungle; wild place, you will definitely like it. And besides Phangan, there is the island of Tao, even more distant from Koh Samui, a mecca for local divers and snorkelers. And if you want a general “head off” and complete uninhabitation, then around Samui there are several small satellite islands and the Angthong National Marine Park - there is generally wilderness and pristine beauty.

Where to eat, which cafes

Recommending cafes and restaurants is a thankless and risky task. Today I will like their cooking and sincere service, but tomorrow the same staff will have a different mood or there will be no one from above to look after them, or the owner will change altogether - and now dissenting reviews of my recommendations begin. So, keep in mind the fact that the listed establishments were working and were ideal at the time of your visit, and if you were unlucky with them, it was the will of the Buddha.

The best eating places in Lamai are:
— . Tasty, plentiful, inexpensive.
— Burmese San cafe, Thai cuisine. The Burmese husband, Alexander, cooks, it’s very tasty, it’s better to come during the day - there are more places and the cooking is not in a hurry.
– Thai cuisine, sushi and seafood – Sala Thai Had Lamai
— pizza, seafood, Italian cuisine — Antica Locanda
— Thai cuisine — Imchai Thai Food
- Thai cuisine in an unpopular place, so there is always a table - New Hut restaurant, inexpensive.
— Thai cuisine The Bamboo’s Restaurant
— , Thai cuisine and seafood.
— Swedish cuisine Roestiland, excellent European cooking.
— Ageha Sushi bar, Thai cuisine and seafood.

On Chaweng:
- Thai cuisine, very popular among the locals of Ranong 2, with an open hall and no air conditioning. Seafood, authentic cuisine, inexpensive.
— MK restaurant inside the Tesco Lotus hypermarket
- Black Canyon restaurant in the same Tesco - excellent coffee and some dishes of Isan cuisine.

In Bo Phut:
— Bistro Journal on Bo Phut, European cuisine and coffee
— a small cafe with Thai cuisine, The Hut Cafe, difficult to find and difficult to leave.
— — excellent shakes, cocktails and Thai food. Stunning view during the day, there is a swimming pool.

The best eating places in Maenam are:
— Thai cuisine cafe Spice — cozy, only five tables, but very tasty and not cheap.
— restaurant of the Maenam Resort hotel — you can walk from the side of the alley that leads to the sea. Large restaurant, long wait for ordering, restaurant prices, but the Thai cuisine is prepared very decently.
— Indian restaurant Babu’s Indian Hot — expensive, tasty, authentic.
— the Uncle Noi cafe is a terribly popular place; it’s crowded in the evenings. The cook is Thai, a smoker and a swearer, but the food is delicious.
— breakfasts at Angela’s Diner are very popular among farangs. European breakfasts and sandwiches, pastries and coffee. Expensive.
— Thai cuisine — Apple’s Kitchen. Tasty, fast, average price tag.
— the best BBQ Buffet on Samui, located next to the night market. The most delicious selection of ingredients, reasonable price, authentic, small place in the evening.
– amazing Thai cuisine – La Boudoir

On Ban Tai:
— Thai and European cuisine at Kodrayak Cafe. Indoor tables only, European style, lots of glass furniture, excellent burgers, pizza and Thai dishes. UPD from August 2018: already closed.

To Bang Po:
— Italian restaurant and the best pizza on the island, Celli’s. Indoor tables only, classic restaurant with glasses, cloth napkins and excellent wine. Owned by an Italian family for many years.
— Thai cuisine, amazing seafood in Krua Bang Por, people come from different parts of the island to try their cooking.
— Siripoca on Bang Po, Thai cuisine, sand floor, no walls, open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
— new cafe Racha Samui restaurant — opened in September 2017, serves good dishes with curry, but we’ll have to see how they behave next.

In the Nathon area:
— a cafe on the Kalasea seashore, with an original design, excellent shakes and good salads. UPD from August 2018: Closed after a strong storm - everything was broken. In its place stands a similar establishment with a different name.

On Lipa Noi:
— THINK! Retro cafe - the design of the room is made of sea containers. Sunset place, though from around the corner - the cape with the military base is in the way. Great drinks.

Rent at long term from 1-2 months or more, it is already more interesting (that is, cheaper) with small local companies or private owners, but it is very advisable to choose candidates among them based on reviews. There are rental companies that rent out their own cars, and there are also those who work for a percentage of the rental, and when a client contacts them, they simply contact those rental companies who have something suitable. It also happens that the car is subleased, even though this is not allowed. How this is then resolved in case of problems, I have no idea.

There is no public transport on Koh Samui. More or less, songthaews (pickup minibuses) operate in that steppe, but they do not go around the entire island. The routes are divided into two main sections: - and Chaweng -, they pass along the northern part of the ring road. There are basically no tuk-tuks (three-wheeled scooters) on the island. There are motorbike taxis and minibus shuttles, but otherwise, people travel by their own or rented vehicles. This is why I am always surprised if a person intends to see the surrounding area, but does not want to rent equipment.

P.S. Ask questions, I’ll add if anything is missing. And leave your feedback about your holiday on Koh Samui, how you liked it or not :)

Life hack #1 - how to buy good insurance

Choosing insurance now is incredibly difficult, so to help all travelers. To do this, I constantly monitor forums, study insurance contracts and use insurance myself.

But just recently (by historical standards) the island of Koh Samui was literally isolated from civilization. There were no close contacts with the mainland until the beginning of the last century. Until the 70s, there weren’t even roads on the island. Meanwhile, evidence has been preserved that fishermen inhabited the future resort 1,500 years ago: they sailed here from the coastal regions of Southern China and the Malay Peninsula. The Chinese were the first to put Samui on their maps in 1687. They just called it differently: Pulo-Kornam. The island's current name is derived from the Chinese "saboi", which translates as "refuge" or "tranquil skies".

The island remained a closed fishing community until the second half of the 19th century century, when a massive flow of emigrants from neighboring China began here. "Aliens" disrupted his measured life. They mercilessly dealt with the coastal jungle, cutting it down, and instead planted entire groves of coconut palms, which still adorn the beaches to this day. sunny resort. Since then, coconut oil has remained one of the sources of income for the local economy, which is one of the main products exported. The method of harvesting coconuts is interesting: this important and responsible task is entrusted to... specially trained monkeys. You can see how they do this, for example, at the Samui Monkey Theater.

For a long time, the only means of communication between the island and the outside world was a ferry that ran to Nathon, the capital of Samui, and the nearest large city on the mainland - Surat Thani, the administrative center of the province of the same name, the largest in Thailand. In 1967, the governor approached the government with a proposal to build a road network on Samui. The country's leadership gave the green light, and this became a turning point in the history of the island.

The construction of roads took as long as 6 years, since the terrain is very difficult, there are many hills and impenetrable jungle. However, the titanic efforts of the builders were worth it, and in 1973 a 52 km long ring road appeared on the island. Despite the fact that the width of the route was only 2 meters, it became a real “road of life” for Samui. Over time, all costs - both labor and financial - began to more than pay off due to the development of tourism.

The pioneers in the development of the island were hippies and the so-called “backpackers” (backpackers) - they laid the first tourist routes. Travelers settled right on the beaches, which then, in the 70s, were truly wild. Simple huts served as a roof over their heads. Samui became a real refuge for those who sought refuge from urbanization, which began to “capture” more and more countries.

The real tourist boom on the island occurred in the 90s. Pristine in its beauty, but only recently wild beaches turned into major resorts. The construction of Samui began with numerous hotels, around which the tourist infrastructure rapidly developed: shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues appeared like mushrooms after the rain. Migrant workers from all over Siam flocked to the island, increasing the population of the island (together with tourists) several dozen times.

One of the tragic pages in the history of Koh Samui was the disastrous tsunami of 2004. The 2011 flood also caused a lot of damage to the resort, which drowned not only many beaches, but also a number of attractions. However, the elements, which showed their harsh nature, did not in any way affect the tourist attractiveness of the island. If only because this kind of disaster is the exception rather than the rule. Basically, the local climate is “peaceful” and does not cause much inconvenience to vacationers. Read more about it below.

Climate and weather

On Samui, the most uncomfortable month for Europeans is April. Daytime temperatures here often exceed +40 °C. And since tourists from the Old Continent come here for the warm, but not scorching sun, for many such conditions become a kind of “strength” test.

December and January can be called the coolest relative to other months, but to say that really cold weather sets in at this time would be wrong: the sun is still generous with warmth and weakens its “grip” only slightly.

Like any tropics, Koh Samui has its own rainy season. Formally, it begins in May and ends in late autumn, but the lion's share of the annual precipitation occurs in September, October and November. During this period, it pours like buckets: heavy lines can last a day, or two, or even longer. The sea, which tourists are so in love with, is unrecognizable during the “wet” season: it becomes dirty and, accordingly, unsuitable for swimming. As for floods, prolonged rains can actually trigger them. However, real danger from them rarely comes: the water quickly flows into the sea.

Generally speaking, the climate of Samui differs from other resorts in Thailand, and, despite the April heat and autumn showers, for the better. Even in the hottest months, you can breathe easier here than in many regions of the mainland. Average annual temperatures range from +25... +34 degrees. Agree, these indicators are quite commensurate with Russian climatic realities in the warm season. The difference is that on Samui such temperatures reign all year round.

The high season at the resort begins in mid-December and lasts until April. The largest influx of vacationers can be observed in December and January. And it’s not just a matter of comfortable temperature, but also local traditions. New Year, for example, is celebrated here three times. And the atmosphere on the island itself during this period becomes somehow special, it seems that some kind of miracle is bound to happen. However, the temperature is +30 °C, the warm and calm sea and the lack of precipitation are in themselves a real magic created by nature.

In the high season on Koh Samui, you shouldn’t hope for only one miracle - cheap holiday. Prices remain at the same level from year to year high level, for many services they are even doubled compared to other periods. Comfortable holidays at a more reasonable price are available during the hot season, which begins in March-June. Is it true, scorching sun Not everyone can withstand it, so before traveling, be sure to consult a doctor about the presence of cardiovascular diseases. Well, if there are no contraindications, during the hot season you can enjoy not only relaxation, but also exotic fruits. There are so many of them here at this time of year that they are sold for literally pennies.

And finally, low season. It starts in June and ends in mid-December. This is the same rainy season, which we already mentioned a little higher, so we will not repeat it. Let's just add to what has been said that high air humidity is also a contraindication for diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as a number of neurological ailments, bronchial asthma and others. Low season on Koh Samui – real paradise for those who want to save money on vacation. At this time, prices for everything and everyone are reduced by 2-3 times.

Attractions and entertainment

The main city and port of Koh Samui is Nathon, located on its west coast. The calling cards of the local capital are Buddhist attractions: the world-famous 12-meter statue of Buddha, the Laem Sor temple with a pagoda and the Wat Khunaram temple, famous for the mummy of a real monk. The body of the clergyman was placed in a glass box and became an object of worship for believers carrying flowers and incense to the shrine.

At the southern end of the popular Lamai Beach are Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks, or Hin Yai and Hin Ta in Thai. These hills received such unusual names due to their amazing resemblance to the genital organs of a woman and a man, respectively. This is how the Thais have such a cheerful and relaxed disposition, which allows them to call a spade a spade.

The Samui Oceanarium, which is home to exotic tropical fish, is of enduring interest to tourists. It is also worth a look at the Tiger Zoo, where in addition to Bengal tigers, other representatives of the cat live - leopards. Among the natural attractions, it is worth highlighting the two-level Namtok waterfall on Mueang, whose height is about 20 meters. You can also take a swim right here: there is an excellent swimming pool nearby. Note, not man-made.

Popular excursion destinations on Koh Samui also include the crocodile and snake farms, the Butterfly Park, the Hin Lat waterfall and the so-called “turtle” island of Koh Tao, idolized by divers. Europeans also enjoy visiting the local transvestite show.

Samui's nightlife is not as vibrant as in many other resorts, not to mention the major cities of the world. However, you won't be bored after sunset. You can look for adventure (in the good sense of the word) on the beaches of Lamai and Chaweng - all night entertainment is concentrated on them. The Chaweng area, on the main street, contains all the popular shops, restaurants and entertainment venues of this sunny Thai resort. Young people prefer to relax at the Green Mango disco, while older tourists flock to the Irish pub Tropical Murphy and Reggae Pub. If the evening turns out to be particularly hot, be sure to stop by the Ice Bar. It is more spacious and comfortable here than the similar one in Pattaya.

Lamai Beach has fewer entertainment options, but it has its advantages, such as nightly Muay Thai fights. If such competitions taking place at the main stadium of Chaweng are, let’s say, not too emotional, then in Lamai they give the impression of being real and uncompromising. Those who are not interested in such sports can calmly stroll through the night market or sit in bars, the prices of which can pleasantly surprise you: a cocktail costs from 200 baht and above.

What are we talking about adults, but about adults: but what about the leisure of the youngest tourists? After all, many vacationers come on vacation with their children. In this regard, there is no need to worry: Samui has long and firmly gained a reputation as an ideal place for a family holiday. On the beaches of the northern part of the island night life with its characteristic rhythm and noise is practically absent. The hotels have children's playgrounds and special swimming pools. Four and five star hotels also offer animator services. Among other entertainments, we highlight Paradise Park in the very heart of Samui - exotic animals live here in their natural environment - and attractions in the Coco Splash water park.

Moms are worried, as if local kitchen did not affect children’s stomachs, therefore, when buying tours to a tropical island resort, they are interested in the opportunity to get yoghurts and kefir. Don't worry: these dairy products, including cottage cheese, are available at local retail outlets. In case a child, God forbid, gets sick, modern clinics equipped with everything necessary are at your service. Having health insurance in hand, you will receive a full range of diagnostic and treatment services on Samui.

Beaches of Koh Samui

Most tourists prefer to relax on the beaches of the east coast of the island, but in October-January the sea can present unpleasant surprises. Here, although rarely, low tides are possible, during which the beaches are completely dry.

The most popular beach of Samui is the already mentioned Chaweng, located just on the east coast. Slight slope towards the sea, crystal clear water, fine sand and picturesque bays- all this is Chaweng, stretching for as much as 6 km. Vacationers are provided wide choose accommodation options range from five-star hotels to simple bamboo bungalows. This beach is also a recognized center for water sports; fans of windsurfing and jet skiing come here with pleasure. You won’t be bored when evening comes, when it turns into one continuous dance floor.

Lamai Beach is located south of Chaweng. The sand here is not so snow-white, and not particularly fine, and the coast itself is rocky in places. The second name of the beach is Hat Lapai. It has long been attracting surfers like a magnet, since the sea here is somewhat deeper than on other beaches of the resort. Lamai is famous for its SPA centers, where you can get a Thai massage if you wish. They will also steam you in a sauna or offer a course of mud therapy.

Tourists going to Koh Samui often ask: are sun loungers on the beaches free or not? If you stay at a hotel located on the seashore, you can count on a free sun lounger. If you are a “newcomer” vacationer, then you will have to pay an average of 40 TNV per hour of use to rent this obligatory beach attribute. Renting a sun lounger for the whole day costs around 200 baht.

The coast in the northern part of Koh Samui is almost entirely occupied by cozy bays, there are three of them. In the west of the sunny Thai resort is Bophut Beach. It can be called a true embodiment of internationalism: tourists and the local population live here in friendship and harmony, like respectable neighbors. Moving even further west, you will definitely come to Maenam Beach, where hippie colonies are located next to luxury hotels. The sand here, however, is not particularly white: it is rather yellowish and slightly larger than on the east coast.

Characterizing the beaches of the southern and west coast Koh Samui as a whole, it can be noted that they are secluded and are not connected by a ring road. However, getting here will not be difficult. Vacationers often visit Laem Set Beach. It is not deep enough for swimming, but it is indescribably beautiful. Huge smooth boulders and coconut palms make it irresistible. They bend bizarrely at different angles, and you can admire these landscapes endlessly. And here ideal place Hat Taling Ngam Beach is considered for walking. Its length and emptiness are conducive to relaxation and reflection.

Cuisine and restaurants

Samui is not only a paradise for a beach holiday, but also a real haven for gourmets. There is a lot of different food here, for every taste and budget. You can have a snack or a solid meal in establishments of various levels and types - from small Thai cafes to fashionable restaurants serving European cuisine.

Vacationers strive, first of all, to taste local delicacies, which they perceive, and quite rightly, as truly exotic. The spicyly seasoned soups with pork and shrimp based on coconut milk alone are worth it - the taste is unforgettable! Business card national cuisine Thais - Tom Yam soup, distinguished by its sour-spicy taste.

If you are conservative in food and refrain from experimenting with your own stomach, pay attention to rice dishes. You will surely love Khao Tom Mu rice soup - a simple but very tasty dish. And for the main course, try the Khao Pat fried rice, to which egg and vegetables are added in different proportions.

Most local dishes have a spicy taste. Some gourmets wash down a too hot first course or salad with ice water, which is a mistake: this only ignites the “fire” in the mouth. Capsaicin - the substance "responsible" for the heat of chili peppers - can be neutralized with a glass of milk, coconut shake or a slice of lime.

Despite such features of local dishes, tourists literally fall in love with Thai cuisine and would like to learn how to cook its dishes at home when they return from vacation. For this category of vacationers, local chefs organize special training courses. Culinary schools are concentrated mainly on the east coast of Koh Samui. It is recommended to come to them with a tight wallet: an hour of classes costs from 600 baht.

Believe it or not, in some establishments on the island, namely on the beaches of Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut, you can also order traditional Russian dishes: borscht, cabbage rolls, dumplings, mimosa salad, pies and even herring under a fur coat. Enjoying the masterpieces of Soviet cuisine will cost you from 50 to 300 baht. Russians are very fond – after all, they once lived in the same state – and Central Asian cuisine. You will be pleasantly surprised, but on Samui there is a real Uzbek restaurant that serves pilaf, kebabs and manti.

Transport system

There are no regular buses on Koh Samui, and to get around the island you must choose one of two ways: songthaew or regular taxi.

The first is the most common transport on Koh Samui, better known as tuk-tuk. This is a local analogue of the minibuses we are used to. A traditional songthaew is an antique Japanese pickup truck whose tiny body is equipped with a pair of benches. The structure is crowned with a canopy that serves as protection from rain, but it provides virtually no protection from the wind. The tailgate of the tuk-tuk folds down: during peak hours and high season it is used as a step for passengers who do not have seats on the benches.

Songthaew looks somewhat unusual, but this view public transport quite reliable and safe. The good news is that traveling on it is relatively inexpensive. For travel on the territory of one beach you will pay only 20 Thai baht. Having sat down at the starting point of the route and reached the final stop, the passenger will have to pay 60 baht. Songthaew is somewhat reminiscent of the metro due to the presence of regular lines: they run along the entire coast of Samui. The ring of routes closes in the capital of the island, the city of Nathon. Experienced tourists advise beginners: when boarding a tuk-tuk, never ask how much the trip will cost. The driver will immediately recognize you as an inexperienced traveler and increase the price several times.

Songthaew services start early in the morning and fares are fixed until 6pm. But after 18:00 the drivers transfer their vehicles into taxi mode. It is very difficult to predict how much travel will cost at this time. After sunset, only two factors influence the fare: how exorbitant the driver’s appetites will be and whether a tourist who has been partying until dark will be able to negotiate a discount. Arguing, trying to insist on a daily rate, is completely useless. Free market prices for travel at night are permitted by law: the state allows drivers to earn extra money.

As for taxis, they are preferred by those for whom comfort is most important when traveling: checkered cars plying around Samui are equipped with air conditioning. Taxis are also chosen by those tourists who have a lot of luggage. And everything would be fine, but not all taxi drivers prefer to transport passengers according to the meter, since it is not profitable for them. Be prepared for drivers to ask you to negotiate with them directly.

How much does a taxi ride cost? The starting rate is 200-300 Thai baht, and how much you end up paying depends on your bargaining ability. This must be done persistently, but at the same time correctly, politely and with a smile, which is obligatory in Thailand.

Communications and Internet

Despite the remoteness from civilization, there are no problems with communication on Samui. Almost every hotel has its own wireless Internet access network; Wi-Fi hotspots are available in most public places. However, problems with Internet access on the island still exist, but they are not related to the lack of wireless networks, but to their quality. In hotels, for example, a speed of only 10 megabits per second is considered the norm. In addition, it is divided among all guests, so on your laptop or smartphone the actual access speed will be slightly lower. It’s also unpleasant that local networks often experience disconnections. All these points encourage tourists to use mobile Internet - it is more reliable!

Another plus that should be highlighted is the fact that 3G and 4G networks densely cover the entire island, so you won’t be left without communication even on the most remote beaches. Thailand has three leading mobile operators: DTAC, AIS and True Move. You can easily buy their SIM cards right on the spot. The DTAC website even has a Russian-language page where tourists from Russia and the CIS countries can order a SIM card for you online.

What to bring as a souvenir

Tourists really like inexpensive and high-quality local pearls. Products made from it are most often brought with them as gifts and souvenirs.

The second place in popularity on Samui is occupied by local coconut products, ranging from palm oil-based cosmetics to decorative dishes.

Local ceramics closes the top three. Stylized images of the symbol of Thailand – the elephant and various variations of Buddha figurines – are especially in demand among tourists. But remember that local laws prohibit the export of Buddha figurines larger than 5 inches (approximately 13 cm) in height outside the country.

The main shopping centers are located on the beaches of Chaweng or Lamai. On Thong Krut Beach, on the southern coast of the resort, there is a Naga Pearl Shop: the cheapest local pearls are sold here.

Once in the city of Nathon, be sure to visit souvenir shops and shops with Thai cosmetics - there are many of them in the capital of the island. The sellers are smiling and friendly and will definitely help you with your choice. They know how to bargain well, doing it with pleasure and excitement.

Hotels and accommodation

Koh Samui is a resort island with a long-established tourism infrastructure. A traveler with any level of income will be able to find an overnight stay here according to his needs and financial capabilities, ranging from modest hotels for little money to luxury 4-5 star hotels.

Luxury hotels are usually located on coastline and even have their own beaches. They also provide Additional services. For example, guests can take advantage of their swimming pools, spas, tennis courts, and golf courses. The rooms in these multi-star hotels are spacious and equipped with air conditioning.

The most popular among holidaymakers on Koh Samui are 3-star hotels. And not because there are more of them here or they are better “promoted”. The secret of success is that they contain the perfect combination of quality and price. In terms of the number of services, of course, they are inferior to luxury hotels, but those services that are available are provided at the same quality level. A three-star hotel may not have a bar or restaurant, but most likely will have its own swimming pool. Not finding a place to eat at such a hotel, tourists don’t even get upset, because on Samui you can eat literally at every step - just go outside.

The cheapest hotels on the island often lack not only air conditioning, but even hot water. Are there really people who want to live in them, you might be surprised? Oddly enough, they are. And, as a rule, these are tourists who do not have great financial resources and are indifferent to comfort.

How to get there

Find yourself in Koh Samui to soak up its famous beaches, you can either air or by sea. The latter is not very comfortable and takes more time, but it allows you to save money.

Let's compare: in order to transport an entire family by sea, 4500-6500 baht will be enough, while the same money will cost a plane ticket for one person on a flight from Bangkok to Samui.

Many hotels offer their guests transfer from the airport or pier. In cases where such a service is not provided, tourists can order a taxi and get to their destination on their own. The minimum amount you will have to pay the taxi driver is 100 baht. It includes a landing fee and payment for the first 2 km of the journey. If you need to go further, you will need to pay 12 baht for each additional kilometer.

Calendar of low prices for air tickets

*Prices for Air tickets to Bangkok are shown; to select Samui, enter the code "usm" or "Samui" in the direction field.