Kho Samui Information

Kho Samui

Kho Samui is Thailand's third largest island and the largest in the south-east of the Gulf of Thailand. Koh in the Thai language means island and there are around eighty islands neighbouring Samui: Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao and Koh Tan are the closest and also inhabited. Samui is more than 280 sq. km. in area and has a population of approximately 34,000. The most popular beaches are Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Maenam beach. The Samui interior is a tropical jungle with hills up to 600 metres high.

CLIMATE

December to February (main season) it can get up to 30C (86F). Sometimes brief tropical rain, mostly in December. March to June it becomes very hot, up to 40C (114F), rarely raining. July to September (main season) is hot, but some days it also rains. June, October, November are rainy seasons, but it does not generally rain every day. In contrast to other regions of Thailand, Samui does not really have a well defined rainy season but sometimes there are sunless periods of 2 or 3 days, especially during November (monsoon).

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BEACHES

Chaweng beach
Samui's most popular and lively beach. Along the seven kilometer stretch can be found some of the island's best hotels, together with an endless number of bungalows, beach bars restaurants, discos and shops. The strip splits naturally into three sections, with the resort town located in the central area. In recent years it has blossomed into the island's second largest town, and is a magnet for visitors from all over the island. All of the attractions are easily accessed by the road which runs parallel with the beach.

Central Chaweng Beach has the greatest concentration of venues, and most of the nightlife attractions are located here. You will find a good choice of music venues ranging from traditional Thai to jazz, rock to roots-reggae, many of them keeping open until dawn. For a quieter evening there are plenty of bars and restaurants right on the beach, offering a dreamy view of the Gulf. Food lovers can find just about anything, whether it be Thai or western fare, and there are some excellent seafood restaurants. Chaweng has the greatest number of dive shops on Samui, many of which organize night dives off the beach. Despite all the activity, however, Chaweng still maintains the classic image of a palm-fringed tropical beach.

Lamai beach
Samui's second most popular beach, Lamai is a little quieter, a little looser, and a little cheaper than Chaweng. There is something distinctly boom-town about the main strip, which is generally referred to as Lamai Gulch, with its bars, diners and shops crammed together along the roadside and down the dusty sidelanes. Ride or walk to the back of the beach road and you're in the heart of banana groves and coconut plantations, and you can take a mountain bike ride up the hilltracks and into the rugged interior... Or follow the road down past the headland where the infamous Grandfather and Grandmother rocks attract picnicking Thais.

Lamai is home to a charming old temple with a tiny museum, and a number of local gyms where you can take Thai boxing lessons. You will also find a choice of dive shops and even a couple of meditation centers. After dark Lamai Gulch loses its sleepy daytime persona and becomes a jumping nightspot. There are some real home-style alfresco places with Thai and western food, pub/saloons featuring live bands, video movies on show and several discos which start swinging 'round about midnight. Central Lamai has a broad selection of bungalow type accommodation, ranging from budget lodgings to the magnificent, the latter with tended landscaped gardens, swimming pools and sweet seclusion.

Lipa Noi AND Taling Ngam Beach
Ta-Ling Ngam Beach is a quiet and remote enclave, far from the crowds, with one luxury resort being almost the only building here.

Maenam Beach
Maenam Beach is some two kilometers to the west of Bophut. There is a largish village here with several small restaurants and some dive and windsurfing centers. Maenam has a smooth white beach running for four kilometers along the calm, scenic bay. This is a pleasant, secluded spot for swimming and sunBahting, and attracts families and honeymooners. For nightlife you need to travel.

Big Buddha Beach
Big Buddha Beach is to the east of Bophut and takes its name from the twelve meter tall statue sitting out on an islet connected to Samui by a causeway. This is part of the Koh Farn temple, which is the focal point of this area; there is no town as such, although there are plenty of little shops and restaurants around the temple. The beach itself is very quiet and peaceful and the waters are calm.

Choeng Mon Beach
Choeng Mon Beach is eastwards past Big Buddha. A remote and quiet part of the island it has several smaller capes and bays, some of which have been developed into self-contained resorts. Owing to the geography of Choeng Mon there is no central village: this really is where you can get away from it all.

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AROUND THE ISLAND

Bang Po Bay
Bang Po Bay is fringed with coral reefs and with its calm sea is one of the better places for snorkeling. There is some attractive bungalow style accommodation to be had here.

Thong Krut Bay
Thong Krut Bay is at the south side of the island. There is a tiny village here and some inexpensive accommodation. This is also a jumping-off point for Koh Taen, also known as Island of No Dog, and an unscheduled boat service will ferry you across the three kilometer stretch of water where those wishing to stay overnight can find bungalow accommodation.

Nathon
Until the recent popularity and growth of Chaweng, Nathon had been the busiest town on the island. Here can still be found all the government offices including the immigration department, plus the general post office, main police station, and the major banks. There are some antique wooden houses in the town, and a few hotels. A sight worth seeing is the catch landed by the fishermen on the seafront every evening for sale on the beach road. Nathon has some superb sunsets.

Hua Thanon
Hua Thanon is the biggest anchorage for fishing boats on the island. A charming Hainanese style fishing village straddles the main road, while there is a Moslem fishing community on the south side of the beach, noted for its colorful boats. Some lovely old houses can be seen in the coconut groves.

Bophut
Bophut is one of Samui's oldest settlements and remains a quaint little fishing village, with several of the seafront shop houses converted into restaurants. The beach itself is some two kilometers of white sand, and the tranquility of the bay makes this a popular spot for water skiing. At night there is a charming, romantic atmosphere, and Bophut is perfect for a little privacy.

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ATTRACTIONS

The Big Buddha
Samui's most popular attraction, The Big Buddha sitting 12 meters tall was built in 1972 by the local society to give visitors a place to pay respect to The Lord Buddha. This monumental landmark is placed on the island's Northern shore.

Namuang Fall
Na Muang Waterfall is located 10 km south from Nathon at Ban Thurian. There are 2 waterfalls.Na Muang one is 18 meter high and can be reached by vehicle.
Na Muang two is about 80 meters high and can only be reached by a 30 minute walk. The waterfalls are the most scenic on the island

Hin Ta - Hin Yai
Strangely shaped rocks at south Lamai.
A local story tells of an old couple whose ship was wrecked in the bay. Their body's were washed ashore to create the rocks.

Hin Lad Water fall
Hin Lad Waterfall is located? 2 km south of Nathon Town.He can be reached by a 3-4 kilometer walk down a country foot walk. In evergreen, rain forest setting with palms and creepers, the waterfall have several levels with a cool pool for a fresh water swim.

Secret Buddha Garden
The secret Buddha garden is hidden in the hills of Samui.You can see several statues,temples and waterfalls which are build by one man in the last 20 years.

Ancient House
A house made of teakwood without any nails at Ban Thale is the oldest house on the island.It was built approximately 150 years ago, is constructed of teak planks and shows off many beautiful woodcarvings.

Butterfly Garden
Na Tian Butterfly Garden is situated at the bottom of the hill south of the island. Apart from the numerous species of butterflies on display, there are also other About features in the garden: The bee house, a Thai style house which allows the visitor to observe the activities of bees. The insect museum, rare insects from Thailand and other countries are displayed here.

Snake Farm
A definite must see for all those visiting the island. Shows featuring snakes indigenous to Samui as well as Centipede, Scorpion and Cock Fighting shows. Informative and entertaining. Great for the entire family and worth looking for. Follow the signs seen throughout the island. Show times are 11.00 and 14.00 everyday.

Naga Pearl Farm
Visit the Naga Pearl Farm and discover how pearls are cultured. A 30 minute boat ride from Ban Thong Krut landing will bring you to Koh Matsum and the Naga Pearl Farm. After you learn about pearl culture, you will enjoy eating Thai food and spend the afternoon on the white sandy beach. Don't miss the Naga Pearl Shop, located at 81/1 Ban Thong Krut, where all varieties of pearl and pearl products are offered. Pearl shells and special handicrafts are very nice souvenirs to bring back home.

Scuba Diving
Diving, snorkeling, fishing. There are many scuba diving schools located around Samui, offering a wide range of dive facilities. There are also tours available for snorkeling, fishing and excursions. The area of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Angthong Marine National Park are very famous dive places.

Samui nightlife
Bars, cabarets shows and discos are mainly in Chaweng and Lamai located. Green Mango, Raggae Pub, Santa Fe and Bauhaus are the main discotheques, some open until sunrise.

Dining and restaurants
The Seafood is well known in Samui. Restaurant around the island offer Thai-, European-food and other specialties. You should also try the large range of tropical fruits and a fresh coconut.

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TEMPLES

Wat Phra Yai and Big Buddha
This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark the Big Buddha. Most Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue at some point during their holiday. Visible from several kilometers away and even from the air when arriving on or leaving the island , the 12 meter tall golden image stands proud. At the base of the structure, several shops and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat Phra Yai is in the Northeast of Samui on route 4171 near the airport.

Kunaram Temple - Mummified Monk
The body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng, is on display here in a specially constructed building. When he died more than 20 years ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He is still in that same position and his body shows few signs of any major decay Wat Khunaram is on the 4169 ringroad between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.

Coral Buddha
Formerly one of Samui's main attractions, this small, dilapidated statue is now only visited by Buddhist devotees. Although it is in a state of disrepair, the Coral Buddha is still revered and is a place of worship for the monks from nearby Wat Sumret. The only direction sign is a small tatty board parallel to the road which is easy to miss when driving past. It is on the 4169 ring-road approximately 800 meters West of Hua Thanon.

Sumret Temple
Part of Wat Sumret, this building contains many different Buddha images. One is in the reclining position and the tallest, which stands three meters, was transported all the way from India. Wat Sumret is down the second concrete road on the left, 800 meters West of Hua Thanon on the 4169 ring-road.

The Leam Sor Chedi
In the grounds of Wat Laem Sor, this ornately designed Chedi(Pagoda) sits at the rocky water's edge. Covered in countless small yellow tiles, it appears golden when viewed from a short distance. It's at the far South of the island off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the track with a sign that reads "Waikiki Bungalows", and It's at the end of that.

Buddha's Footprint
There are actually four foot-prints here, superimposed one on another. Each one is artistically en-graved. They are housed in a modest shrine 150 steps up a steep hill, which also offers a great view across the plains to the mountains opposite, and to the sea over the tree tops. Buddha's Footprint is not signposted but can be found by going up a concrete slope on the left, two kilometers West of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on the 4170 road.

Wat Khao Chedi
Also in? the Wat Laem Sor grounds, but a fair distance away lies the Khao (mountain) Chedi. Until a few months ago, this ruined monument had been forgotten about for many years. Now, the overgrown path leading to the chedi has been cleared and there's easy access. About 300 meters West of the Laem Sor Chedi there is a hill. At the base of the hill a small hut can be seen, and 100 meters to the right of this dwelling, the path is visible. It leads to a stairway which takes about 10 minutes to climb. At the top, the peaceful ruins of the Khao Chedi greet the intrepid explorer. The panorama of Laem Sor Bay and the nearby islands from here is breathtaking.

Wat Sila Ngu
Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the golden chedi facing the temple's entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local travelling shows and even visiting TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds here for their performances. Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometer South of Hin-Ta Hin-Yai on the beach side of the road.

Wat Kiri Wongkaram
The mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam can be viewed here in a glass case. He was placed in it upon his death 25 years ago and his body is still in remarkably good condition. The temple can be located by following the 4170 road South from Ban Saket and then turning right between tow giant elephant statues. It is a further kilometer along this road on the right hand side.

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FESTIVALS

Songkran (Thai New year)
On April 13 every year the streets of every town and village on the island are lined with giggling teenagers armed with and arsenal of water guns, buckets. barrels , dippers, hoses and all manner of delivery vehicle with which to launch their often icy-cold liquid missiles. Only police officers in uniform are immune to attack; everyone else is expected to take their punishment with good humor. It is not uncommon to enter the post office, bank or some other place of business and be greeted by a smiling clerk wearing a sopping wet shirt and tie.

Loy Krathong (Light festival) : have floats, will dazzle
Thailand's waterways rivers, klongs, even hotel swimming pools will be ablaze with dazing lights on the evening of Nov. 14, when the Kingdom celebrates "Loy Krathong" one of the year's most-awaited festivals.
"Loy" means to float, and "krathong" means a leaf cup. This moniker seems apt as most floating objects you see during Loy Krathong nights are flowers formed like cups, if not artificial petals that look like cups in many angles.
It is a most colorful festival. In most areas where it is celebrated, you will see Thai women resplendent in colorful attire, hair festooned with flowers, and gaily-dressed men, also fully garbed, gather with floats in their hands wherever there's water.

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SHOPPING

Shopping in Koh Samui is limited to three major areas, these are Nathon market, Chaweng market and Lamai market.

Gems AND Jewelry
Certain parts of Thailand are blessed with a natural abundance of rubies, sapphires, zircon, onyx, jade and opal. Local cutting, design and manufacturing skills ensure a fine range of quality items with a wide choice of prices.
The colored gemstones sparkling under the lights of the jewelry store windows can make anyone stop dead in their tracks. Samui has a first rate lapidary on the island, while other stones or set pieces of precious and semi-precious quality are hand picked from Bangkok. Pearls are the specialty of the South and they come in a variety of makes, sizes and colors. From Southern pearl farms come the rare south seas pearl, cultured pearls, and Mobe pearls in every shade of cream, to pink, and black. Imitation pearls from this area are made from ground pearl dust and cemented by a secret formula.

Tailor made
Chaweng and Nathon Town are excellent places to have some custom clothes made to order by the resident dressmakers and tailors. Whether you bring them your own personal sketches, or have clipped a photograph of the style you wish, you can be assured of receiving a quality garment within few days. Imported linens, blended wools, and print cottons are popular fabrics to choose from, while the lustrous Thai silk is hard to resist.

Pearl
Cultured pearl production mimics the natural process to produce pearls of guaranteed quality. Cultured pearl farms are found principally in southern Thailand, particularly in Koh Samui, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket and Surathani provinces.

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Information provided by T.A.T (Tourism Autority of Thailand)