Samui sizes. Open the left menu of Samui. Koh Samui is the most picturesque resort in Thailand

It is the third largest island in Thailand. It is located 40 kilometers from the provincial capital of Surat Thani (700 kilometers from Bangkok), in the eastern part of Southern Thailand. Square Koh Samui islands in Thailand is 228.7 km². The diameter of the island is just over 20 km - it can be driven around by car in an hour.

Twenty years ago, when the first Western tourists discovered Thailand, Koh Samui, it was a virgin corner of tropical nature and was a real paradise for hippies wandering around the world. Today, Koh Samui is visited by more than a million foreign tourists a year.

Koh Samui Thailand, attractions

mountainous center Koh Samui covered with lush tropical jungle. Here is the highest point of the island - the peak of Khao Pom. Major settlements and tourist attractions Koh Samui islands in Thailand located along the coastline.
Along the main beaches of Koh Samui runs the main highway of the resort - the ring road, 50 km long.

The main reason why tourists from all over the world return to this resort in Thailand year after year is the snow-white beaches. Even taking into account the fact that the best beaches of Koh Samui - Chaweng and Lamai have become very busy in recent years, they still continue to impress with their natural splendor.

Sunbathing on white sand and swimming in azure sea waves are far from the only entertainment that a holiday on Koh Samui can offer. Lovers of aesthetic spectacles should definitely visit attractions such as the natural sculptural group "Grandma and Grandpa" on Lamai Beach, the Magic Buddha Garden, located high in the mountains, or the Prai Yai Temple with a Big Buddha statue in the north of the island.

Among the natural attractions of Koh Samui, local waterfalls are very popular, the largest of which are Na Muang waterfalls in the south of the island. A chain of more than 40 jungle-covered islands stretches off the coast, which are part of the Ang Thong National Park, which is an ideal place for lovers of a "wild" holiday as far from civilization as possible.

Koh Samui in Thailand, Entertainment

The island's beaches are a real paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Snorkeling, fishing, diving, various types of surfing - active entertainment on Koh Samui can please the tastes of even the most demanding tourists.

Holidays on Koh Samui are not limited to beaches. For those wishing to go out, there is a whole range of entertainment, among which the most popular are the Moulin Rouge cabaret show, buffalo fights and visiting Thai boxers at Chaweng Stadium.

Tourists who come to rest on Koh Samui with children will be interested in watching the performance of the Monkey Theater, visiting the Snake and Crocodile Farm or visiting the local Butterfly Garden.

Cities of Koh Samui

Koh Samui, together with the adjacent Ang Thong archipelago, is a self-governing municipal region within the province of Surat Thani, and is divided into 7 sub-districts.

The main settlements are located around the largest beaches, which have the official status of cities. The list of cities is headed by the old capital of Koh Samui, Nathon.

Nathon still retains its leading role as the largest port of Koh Samui and the administrative center of the district of the same name (which also includes several adjacent islands). Here are the main government offices and banks of Koh Samui.
The city of Nathon is not such a popular tourist center as Chaweng or Lamai, so the prices here are somewhat lower.

Chaweng is the largest beach and the city of Koh Samui, located in the northeast of the island. It is located in close proximity to the airport, has the most developed infrastructure and is the central resort of Koh Samui. The most expensive hotels, the best restaurants, shops and entertainment venues of the island are located here.

Lamai is the second largest and most popular beach on Koh Samui, located south of Chaweng. This resort is distinguished by an abundance of bars, restaurants and cafes. Lamai is ideal for those who want the most comfortable stay, away from large concentrations of tourists and the noise of entertainment facilities working at night.

Bophut village is a small fishing village in the northern part of the Thai island of Koh Samui, the only major street of which is lined with colorful Chinese shops and cozy cafes. Bophut is a short drive from Koh Samui International Airport.

Ko Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, located 644 km south of Bangkok and 84 km off the east coast of Southern Thailand.

Short description

Koh Samui has about 40,000 inhabitants, 90% of whom are Buddhists. With an area of ​​247 km², it is the third largest island in Thailand (after Phuket and Koh Chang) and the largest island of the local archipelago, with more than 80 (mostly uninhabited) islets, half of which are included in the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Despite its size (25 km long and 21 km wide), it can be driven around in just a couple of hours by car.

The island was settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and the southern regions of China in the 15th century. The Chinese influence is still felt on Koh Samui, especially in the Fisherman's Village in Bophut. There are several Chinese temples on the island, the celebration of the Chinese New Year is one of the most pompous events. In addition to the Chinese, a large diaspora of British, French, Germans, Scandinavians and Russians lives here. The island has the International School of Samui, where children of foreigners and wealthy Thais study.

Until the end of the 20th century, Koh Samui was an isolated island with little in common with the mainland of Thailand. Until the early 1970s, there were not even roads here, traveling from one part to another required a day's walk through the mountain-covered jungle. In the early 1970s, the first tourists discovered the island, but for many years after that it still received a minimal number of tourists. Everything began to change with the completion of the construction of the international airport in 1989. Koh Samui is currently the second most popular tourist island in Thailand after Phuket. It has a number of beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs for snorkeling, attractive lagoons and picturesque waterfalls.

The traditional harvesting of coconuts and milky sap from Hevea brasiliensis for the production of natural rubber still takes place in the mountainous areas of the island, but alas, many plantations have given way to the large-scale development of tourism, which is now the island's main source of income for the local population.

Koh Samui currently receives over a million visitors a year. Thatched-roof bungalows on once-pristine beaches have been replaced by upscale resorts, luxury hotels, spas, restaurants and bars. The influx of tourists has brought a serious shortage of water resources and caused a number of environmental problems.

Map

Look at the maps of the larger world

Orientation

Although Koh Samui is the third largest island in the country, the entire coastline can be driven around by car or motorbike within 2.5 hours. The island's main road (Hwy. 4169, also called the "Ring Road") passes through a hilly, forested area. The island's airport is located on the northeastern edge near Bophut. Ferries and speedboats arrive on the west coast and Nathon. Nathon is the largest city and the administrative center of the island with banks and a post office, but has no tourist attractions.

The main reason why tourists visit Koh Samui is to enjoy the beaches. The most popular beaches are located in the east (Chaweng and Lamai), it is here that the bulk of hotels, bars and restaurants are concentrated. The northern beaches and the adjacent villages of Maenam, Bophut, Bang Rak and Choeng Mon are much quieter, the western and southern coasts are relatively deserted.
Beaches

The main beaches of Koh Samui:

On a ferryboat

A cheaper, but less convenient option is to fly to Surat Thani with Thai Airways and other low-cost airlines Air Asia and Nok Air (departure from Don Muang Airport), then get to the pier and take the ferry. Or by train/bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani.

From Surat Thani Railway Station and Airport, a combined bus/ferry service is available to Koh Samui. It includes a bus ride to Donsak pier and then a ferry ride. Tickets are sold by numerous agents who meet each train at the station and the arrival of the aircraft at the airport. The cost of the trip should cost around 300 baht.
Use the services of Seatran Ferry. See the schedule of the company's ferries at this link (the first list is departure from the Donsak pier towards Koh Samui, the second is the return.

Alternatively, use the Raja Ferry Port (www.rajaferryport.com) ferries. It operates from Donsak pier to Lipa Noi Pier on the west side of Koh Samui (several kilometers south of Nathon). This ferry transports cars, you can use it if you decide to use your own transport. A songthaew ride from the pier at Lipa Noi to Chaweng or Lamai will cost 100 baht per person. Taxis will cost more, with an initial offer price of up to 1,000 baht.

How to travel around the island

Automobile. A popular way to travel around Koh Samui is by renting a car. Local affiliates of international companies such as Budget Car Rental, Avis and Hertz have offices at the airport and popular tourist spots on the island. All of them offer a wide range of vehicles, starting at 1200-1500 baht. Local car rental companies offer cheaper options, but without insurance. Carefully read the contract, in particular the section on the case of a traffic accident. The mountain roads of the island have many twists and turns and steep climbs, so traveling with a rented car is much safer than with a scooter. The car makes it possible to visit almost all the interesting places of the island.

Taxi. Taxi drivers in Samui are very reluctant to use their meters (unlike their counterparts in the capital Bangkok) and tend to charge foreigners much higher than the standard fare. This is especially true of popular beaches and marinas where vacationers arrive on the island. Some of them may even show some kind of document with a "fixed" price of 600-800 baht for a 25-30 km trip to Chaweng or Lamai. Such prices are not at all true, and as soon as the drivers find out about your knowledge of the real prices, they begin to bargain and significantly discount the cost of the trip.

songthaew(songtaew). These pickups are the easiest and most economical way to get around the entire island. They follow Highway 4169 (Ring Road) around the island. You can stop anywhere along the road. Daily rates are fixed at around 40-60 baht, but after dark they charge like a taxi (500 baht and more).

Motorbike/ scooter. Motorcycles and scooters can be rented almost anywhere in Koh Samui for around 120-700 baht per day depending on engine power and season (a small scooter should cost no more than 200 baht even on New Year's Day).

They are not chasing cheapness and it is advisable to use the services of reputable companies so as not to fall for the bait of scammers. Fraud consists in ascribing old scratches and dents to you and tearing off money for the “damage caused”. For this reason, carefully inspect the scooter, be sure to include any existing scratches and damage in the contract, and only then use the service.
The motorcycle rental shop will most likely want you to leave your passport as a deposit. This is a common practice in Thailand, but leaving your passport as a deposit is not advisable. Your passport may be left as a "deposit" until you pay the "damage caused". For this reason, do not use the scooter rental on the last day of departure so that you have time to resolve any problems. If the claims are clearly illegal and the price being asked for damage is unreasonable or it happened before your vehicle rental, call the tourist police.

Please note that motorcycles and scooters are the most dangerous form of transport. Tourists are killed and maimed in traffic accidents every year. However, they are the most popular means of transport for trips around the island. Remember that for driving without a helmet, a fine of 500 baht.

Bicycles. Bicycle rentals are very cheap, the price should not exceed 200 baht per day.

What to see

In addition to lying on the beach with a cold beer in hand, take the opportunity to see the following points of interest.

waterfalls. Koh Samui has quite a few waterfalls, but only two of them are easily accessible. These are Hin Lad and Na Muang. The best time to visit any waterfall is during or just after the rainy season. At other times, there is little water and it is hardly worth visiting the waterfalls.

Hin Lad(Hin Lad) is located about three kilometers from the city of Nathon. It is easy to navigate by road signs. From the road, a 2 km long path leads to the waterfall, you can swim in the pond at its foot.

Na Muang(Na Muang) consists of two waterfalls - Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2. The first is actually on the road itself (the main ring road of the island), not far from the Wat Khunaram temple. The waterfall itself is small (18 m high), but it looks good in the photos. To enter the water and swim in its reservoir, you need to climb on slippery huge stones. Further the trail stretches to the second waterfall (Na Muang 2), you have to walk for about 30 minutes. The flow of water of the second waterfall flows in several cascades from a height of about 79 m.

Many tour operators on the island offer excursions to Na Muang waterfalls. You can use the company tour Ung Safari. In addition to visiting both waterfalls, get the chance to ride down the jungle waterslides (two slides 20m and 70m long), then the ropes through the jungle (4 ziplines), and before returning to Tasting Thai food and fruits at Samui's largest fruit market. Details of the tour at this link. There is also the option of visiting the waterfalls on elephants, which can be organized by any travel agency in the city.

old house. This Chinese-style house is almost 200 years old and represents the cultural identity of Koh Samui. The current owner opened the house for visitors to the island.
Wat Khunaram. Here lies the body of the monk Loung Pordaeng, mummified in 1983. Believers lay flowers and incense to the glass sarcophagus. Wat Khunaram is on Highway 4169 (Ring Road) about six kilometers west of Lamai Beach.

Hin Ta(Hin Ta) and Hin Yai. The names translate as grandfather and grandmother. This is the most popular attraction on Koh Samui. Strange-looking rocks have a striking resemblance to male and female genital organs. Located about two kilometers south of Lamai Beach.

Tiger Aquarium and Zoo(Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo) The zoo is represented by Bengal tigers, leopards and lions, the aquarium has sharks, turtles, tropical fish of the Gulf of Thailand. Judging by the reviews of visitors, the Tiger Aquarium and Zoo did not impress many. Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, located on Ban Harn beach in the south of the island, site www.samuiaquariumandtigerzoo.com

Wat Phra Yai Temple(Wat Phra Yai, sometimes called the Big Buddha Temple) is the location of the most important religious shrine of Koh Samui - the statue of the Big Buddha. The statue and the temple are in Bang Rak.

Laem Sor Pagoda. This pagoda is another important shrine of the island. It is located in the very south of the island, away from the road 4170 between the villages of Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the road to the "Waikiki Bungalows" sign.

Butterfly Garden and Insect Museum(Samui Butterful Garden/Insect Museum) has a collection of various butterflies, visitors can visit the insect museum and see many rare beetles and bee hives. There is an observation deck nearby. Located in Taling Ngam.

monkey theater(Samui Monkey Theatre). This is a kind of open - air menagerie on the main road near Bophut beach . You can see a demonstration of monkeys picking coconuts. Open seven days a week from 10:30 to 17:30.

Paradise Park Farm(Paradise Park Farm). Visitors will have the opportunity to feed the birds and animals, learn about the local flora and fauna, dine in a restaurant, relax in the pool overlooking the valley, relax in the spa, climb to the observation deck overlooking the islands of the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Located near Taling Ngam beach, park site http://paradiseparkfarm.net

snake farm(Snake Farm). Most tourist destinations in Thailand show snake shows, and Koh Samui is no exception. The snake farm is located on the southern outskirts of Phangka, a small village near Thong Krut Bay. Snake shows twice a day: 11:00 and 14:00. The prelude is a cockfight, followed by a scorpion show. Here you can also watch crocodiles, lizards, monitor lizards, pythons. Site http://samuisnakefarm.com

Rum distillery(Magic Alambic Rum Distillery). The French-Thai company Magic Alambic uses only natural ingredients to produce rum on the island of Koh Samui. The company offers tours that include free tasting of Thai rum. For some reason, the owners of the enterprise do not demonstrate the real processes of production and distillation of rum on their equipment, but show all this on a recorded video. So you will not actually see the enterprise itself, but you can try the types of rum produced here. Once you've tried it, you'll naturally want to buy it. The plant is located on the south coast of the island, address: 44/5 Moo 3 T. Namuang, Koh Samui, site www.rhumdistillerie.com

bullfighting. Bullfights are held on the island from time to time. Unlike the bloody battles in Spain, the Thai version of the competition is much more humane. Animals butt each other with horns, and the loser simply runs away to measure strength another day. Usually two fights, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

There are several stadiums on Koh Samui, in particular in Ban Makham, Ban Saket and Nathon city. It's not always possible to predict when a bullfight will take place, but there are usually advertisements around the island's main ring road before each race starts (or check with your hotel receptionist). Bullfights are a colorful and spectacular event, with rituals and prayers, animals are decorated with ribbons and their horns with patterns. The cost for men is around 100 baht, women visit for free. Men accompany the spectacle with a fair amount of alcohol they drink and bets on the winner.

Things to do

The most interesting places in Koh Samui can be seen during a day trip around the island. Such trips, in particular, are offered by the company Ung Safari. The most popular excursion is Full Day Jungle Safari Tours (from 09:00 am to 17:30 pm). It includes, in particular:

Visit Hin Ta and Hin Yai;
observing monkeys picking coconuts;
elephant ride;
swimming in the waterfall;
descent into the jungle on 2 water slides, length 20 m and 70 m;
off-road trip to the mountains;
visiting observation platforms in the mountains;
visiting the Buddha Garden;
a visit to the Wat Khunaram temple, which houses a melo of a mummified monk;
traditional Thai lunch;
visiting the Buddha statue in Bang Rak.

Diving. The best time of the year for diving in the Koh Samui area is from June to August, but scuba diving is practiced here almost all year round (unfavorable period is October and November). Most diving tours take place in the nearby Ang Thong and Koh Tao National Marine Park, as visibility around the sandy beaches of Koh Samui leaves much to be desired, with rare exceptions. Divers are attracted by huge underwater boulders, coral gardens, the opportunity to see whale sharks, rays, sea turtles, flocks of barracudas. Most diving centers are located in Phang Nga Bay (which has the most beautiful scenery of sea caves in Thailand), this trip is the most interesting option.

Kayak rentals are offered on all popular beaches for about 100 baht per hour.

Surfers the island is unlikely to please, since its beaches do not have waves for practicing this sport. Due to the lack of waves, stand-up paddling has gained popularity, lessons and equipment rentals are available in Chaweng Ang Thong National Marine Park

Lamai Beach has several clubs, but they are all aimed at lower income visitors compared to Chaweng. Bophut has a small strip of restaurants and bars. After Bophut, the nightlife options dwindle substantially and revolve around individual resorts and bungalows.

Climate and best time to visit

Koh Samui's weather is different from the rest of Thailand. In April-September, when the rainy season is in most of the country, the island is still quite dry, but from October to December, the island gets a lot of rain, while other regions of the country already have dry weather. October, November and the first half of December are the wettest months. The driest season is from January to March.

The peak tourist season is from mid-December to mid-January. The weather is at its best from January to April, after which it becomes very hot, and only a rare tropical storm brings short-term relief. During this period, the cost of rest can be 50% of the price in the season of the influx of tourists. July and August usually see a short-term increase in the number of holidaymakers, but during these months the western part of the island often receives high rainfall.

Twenty years ago, when the first Western tourists discovered this island of Thailand, it was a pristine corner of tropical nature and was a real paradise for hippies wandering the world. Today, Koh Samui is visited by more than a million foreign tourists a year. Affordable accommodation, great beach holidays and rich nightlife make Koh Samui one of the most popular resorts in Thailand.

Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand. Koh Samui is located 40 kilometers from the provincial capital of Surat Thani (700 km from Bangkok), in the eastern part of Southern Thailand. The area of ​​Koh Samui is 228.7 km². The diameter of the island is just over 20 km - it can be driven around by car in an hour.

The mountainous center of the island is covered with lush tropical jungle. Here is the highest point of the island - the peak of Khao Pom (635 m). The main settlements and tourist centers are located along the coastline of the island. Along the main beaches of Koh Samui runs the main highway of the resort - the ring road with a length of 50 km.

Koh Samui cities

Koh Samui, together with the adjacent Ang Thong archipelago, is a self-governing municipal district (amphoe) within the province of Surat Thani and is divided into 7 sub-districts (tambon). The main settlements of the island are located around the largest beaches of Koh Samui, which have the official status of cities.

• The list of Samui cities is headed by the old capital of the island - Nathon(Nathon). Nathon still retains its leading role as the largest port of Koh Samui and the administrative center of the district of the same name (which also includes several adjacent islands). Here are the main government offices and banks of Koh Samui. The city of Nathon is not such a popular tourist center as Chaweng or Lamai, so the prices here are somewhat lower.
• Chaweng(Hat Chaweng) - the largest beach and the city of Koh Samui, located in the northeast of the island. Chaweng is located in close proximity to Koh Samui Airport. Chaweng has the most developed infrastructure and is the central resort of Koh Samui. Here are the most expensive hotels in Koh Samui, the best restaurants, shops and entertainment venues of the island.
• Lamai(Hat Lamai) - the second largest and most popular beach on Koh Samui, located south of Chaweng. This Samui resort is distinguished by an abundance of bars, restaurants and cafes. Lamai is ideal for those who want the most comfortable stay away from large concentrations of tourists and the noise of entertainment facilities operating at night.
• Bophut village(Hat Bophut) is a small fishing village in the northern part of Koh Samui, the only major street of which is lined with colorful Chinese shops and cozy cafes. Bophut is a short drive from Koh Samui International Airport.

Is it worth going to Koh Samui? Of course, undoubtedly, definitely, on the very first flight! Ask why so many emotions in response to such a simple question? Because I returned from this wonderful island just a month ago and still cannot calm down from the emotions and impressions that captured me.

This vacation left only positive emotions, a sea of ​​positive emotions and a great desire to return to Koh Samui again.

Judge for yourself: magnificent nature; the cleanest beaches that are cleaned every morning; gentle warm sea without a single wrinkle of waves; very smiling and friendly Thais. On the island, without exaggeration, very, very tasty food. Compared to the same Phuket, European food is much better here. If you ask for something not spicy, then the dish is not brought spicy according to European standards, and not according to the standards of the Thais themselves (as was the case with us in Phuket).

Getting around the island is a pleasure. All roads are either paved or concrete with very good quality. On the island, you can rent a car or a motorbike and easily travel from one end to the other, completely regardless of the whims of excursion tour operators. We rented a motorbike and with pleasure traveled all over the island, and the road in the center of the island is also excellent, so it is quite possible to overcome it even on a bike. The island itself is not big, and if you plan a trip to any attraction in the morning, you can calmly and slowly ride back and forth, while still having time ... read more

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Weather on Koh Samui by months:

* This table shows average weather data collected over more than three years

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Charming and bright island of Koh Samui

Koh Samui in February is quite hot and with high humidity. This was the first impression of arriving at a place praised by all our friends and acquaintances. The Land of Smiles really smiled warmly and wetly at us. But even this first impression did not overshadow the beauty of the nature of the island. As soon as we arrived at the resort, it became clear that we would live in paradise. The ennobled territory exuded a honey-tart aroma, a variety of colored butterflies, the blue water of the pool, and strolling peacocks did their job with a mass of outlandish plantings. Avanta conquered us, we did not regret that we chose this apart-hotel. Then, of course, we realized that it was not very convenient to get to the sea and rented a motorbike, the problem was solved, but the neighborhood with peacocks brought us "joy" the whole vacation, who does not know how they sing, they will not understand, but who knows, sympathize.

There are a variety of beaches on Koh Samui, which is why the reviews of tourists vary so much. If you take Chaweng, Lamai and Maenam, these are the places where most of our citizens are, they talk about dirty and very crowded beaches, but party-goers will like this place. There are many restaurants and bars there. According to our experience of scouts, I share really gorgeous beaches of the island, I warn you that it will not be easy to find some of them, but it’s worth a try, these are the beaches: Ban Tai - many palm trees, fine, pleasant and clean sand, suitable for children, smooth entry and clear crystal water , Lipanoi - good sand, an abundance of various shells, good for sunbathing, but shallow for swimming, not ... read more

Food and products

On average, 500 baht was spent on food per day - about 1000 rubles. With this money, we could safely eat in large shopping centers such as BigCi on the 4th floor in the food court, in small eateries, of which there are a lot on the island. Sometimes we bought ready meals at 7/11 or FamilyMart. We didn't prepare ourselves. Don't go to expensive restaurants either. For example, a large portion of Tom Yam, or noodles with chicken costs 40-50-60 baht (80-120 rubles). Beer on average about 90-120 rubles. They bought fruits in the markets, but they are more expensive than we even came out with - bananas from 70 baht (140 rubles), pineapple 80 baht (160 rubles).

Souvenirs and other goods

The child was bought clothes, T-shirts, blouses, glasses, towels, slippers, and so on little things. Prices are about the same as in Russia. The total cost of shopping is not more than 15,000 rubles for 2 months.

Cost of services and entertainment

They took a moped for 2 months, the price is 4000 baht (8000 rubles a month).

Total money spent on vacation

Breakfasts seemed to me somewhat overpriced (as it later turned out to be), so I went to neighboring cafes.

Maenam Beach is a very long beach located in the north of the island. Pleasant sand, good deep sea, almost no waves. Gentle entry into the sea. Along the beach there is a palm grove where you can hide from the sun. The beach, in my opinion, is suitable for people who prefer a quiet holiday or for families with children. There are few cafes and bars, in general the beach is not crowded. In the evening, only a few bars are open and you will hardly meet anyone on the beach.

Near Maenam Beach is Bo Phut Beach and is radically different from its neighbor: in the evenings it is fun and crowded. I really liked the waterfront. It seemed to me that the place is more suitable for youth recreation.

Lamai Beach is not a crowded beach (at least it was like that in March). Hotel beaches are equipped with everything you need, there were no showers in the rest of the territory, toilets are only for cafe visitors. Sunbeds can be taken there, but there are not too many of them and not enough for everyone (100 baht). If there is no umbrella, you will have to roast in the sun, as there is no natural shade on the beach (or almost none). The beach is quite long. I was in its southern part: deep sea with large boulders that you can suddenly stumble upon when swimming. It was stormy for several days, so I realized that this is not uncommon in March.

Where can you eat?

I really liked Mae Nam (Maenam Beach): excellent cuisine at the level of a good expensive restaurant, despite the fact that the prices are average. I note that they are not lower in comparison with other places, but in most cases the kitchen lost in comparison with Mae Nam. In addition, the institution is distinguished by a high quality of service. Excellent food presentation.

About the quality of food and service

Good food (with rare exceptions). Service varied, sometimes had to wait a long time.

How much does it cost to eat? About food prices.

Breakfast within 150 baht (near the hotel) - mostly coffee and something to it. Lunch cost me somewhere between 150-200 baht: as a rule, it was limited to one or two dishes, depending on the size of the portions, since the portions are often large, and I am generally reserved in food. It could be: pizza (180-280 baht), seafood salad (80-130 baht), vegetable salad (70-90 baht), chicken salad (100-130 baht), freshly squeezed juice (60-80 baht), soup (60-80 baht). Fast food was also present: burgers (130-150 baht), sandwich with tuna or chicken (100-130 baht). As for dinner, it turned out differently depending on the place and mood.

Mae Nam: rice with shrimp and vegetables - 120 baht, fresh - 60 baht, tom yum - 150 baht, seafood salad - 139 baht, burrito - 195 baht, baked rice in pineapple - 160 baht, coconut shake - 80 baht.

Koh Samui is considered the third largest island in Thailand, and is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 460 kilometers south of Bangkok. There is no direct air communication with the island from Russia. Tourists have to make a transfer in Bangkok, and then there is an hour and a half flight by Bangkok Airlines on a small A-319 jet or an ATR-72 turboprop. These planes look like toy ones and are painted accordingly: on one there is a bird, on the other, fish, on the third a smiling shark, orchids, etc. Flights are operated every day 5-7 times, depending on the season. Moreover, if it was not possible to fill an earlier flight, you may be asked to wait and have to fly on the next one. On board, miniature conductors treat passengers to a sandwich with Coca-Cola. Samui Airport strongly supports the image of a small tropical cozy resort. Thatched roofs, palm trees, no glass and concrete, everything is quiet, unhurried and very homely.

Video about Koh Samui

We offer you to watch a short video clip about the island of Koh Samui, filmed by the National Ministry of Tourism of Thailand. Just two minutes and you will plunge into the fabulous atmosphere of this hospitable island.

Koh Samui is a completely different Thailand.

The island of Koh Samui is very different from Phuket and even more so from Pattaya. We can say that Koh Samui is Phuket 10 years ago. The differences are primarily in the rhythm of life. In Pattaya, it rages around the clock, in Phuket everything is of high quality and respectable, and Koh Samui is a classic South Asian tropical paradise island, with a turquoise sea, gentle sun and soft sand, surrounded by stormy exotic vegetation. Secondly, on Koh Samui, unlike other resorts, they try not to build large hotels, it is generally forbidden to build buildings taller than palm trees there. The main resorts are located in the eastern part of the island in the bays of Chaweng and Lamai. Chaweng is home to major entertainment centers and major hotels. The choice of categories is quite wide: from the five-star FOUR SEASONS SAMUI 5 * to unpretentious guesthouses on the second line. Among our tourists, Samui's "fours", such as NORA BEACH RESORT 4*, THE FIRE HAUS 4*, CHAWENG REGENT 4*, AMARI PALM REEF 4*, enjoy well-deserved popularity. Chaweng itself is a small town stretching for 6 kilometers along the beach. The coastline is occupied by hotels, and all cafes, shops, shops, massage parlors are located across the road opposite the hotels.

Evening entertainment on Koh Samui.

Compared to the same Patong, and even more so Pattaya, there are not many entertainments on Koh Samui, although here you can actively spend the dark half of the day. The main hangout is in Green Mango- This is a small patch in the center of Chaweng, where at a short distance from each other there are several bars, a billiard room, and other entertainment venues. When the audience warms up a bit, huge speakers are pulled onto the stage on the street and an open-air disco begins. The national composition of the party is very diverse: there are Australians with New Zealanders, young people from Europe, there are even white residents of the Republic of South Africa.

Show of transvestites on Koh Samui.

The local show of transvestites looks interesting. The performance takes place in a small bar, admission is free, but you need to order something to drink or eat. The establishment resembles a typical saloon from the times of the Wild West. Spectators sit in small companies, around the twilight, cigarette smoke hovering in the air. The waiters are also trances… The scene is simple, without fancy scenery, the actors are illuminated by a couple of spotlights. The repertoire includes hits from famous musicals, small musical scenes. The artists, by the way, are trying very hard, most of the numbers are simple, but it is clear that they are playing “for the idea” and the public appreciates it. At the end, as usual, photographing with the participants of the show. Probably how Tiffany and Alcazar show in Pattaya started 30-35 years ago.

Buddhist temples on Koh Samui.

Among the historical and cultural attractions on Koh Samui, they usually visit the Temple of the Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai), which was built in 1972. It is, strictly speaking, located on a neighboring small island, to which a road was specially poured connecting it with the main island. The statue, 15 meters high, depicts the Buddha sitting in the lotus position. Sometimes it is also called the "fight pose". It was in this position that the Buddha, being at the beginning of his spiritual development, comprehended the foundations of being and fought the forces of evil. The evil in the monument is made in the form of sea animals with legs that come out of the water just opposite the Buddha. With the Big Buddha, another temple competes - the Temple of the Many-armed Buddha (Wat Laem Suwannaram). This is the brightest temple complex on the island. This Buddha is the patron of artisans. Of his eighteen hands, twelve are occupied with various instruments. Another temple included in the standard set of excursions in Koh Samui is the temple with the mummy of a monk. One of its abbots, according to legend, knew how to predict the date of death of people, and also predicted his own. In addition, he did many other good things, and according to his will, he was forever left in the temple. His mummy is in a place of honor in a glass box and is available to visitors to the temple.

Excursion program on Koh Samui.

Angthong Marine Park.

In general, Koh Samui is a former large coke plantation, approximately 25x25 kilometers in size. The whole island is covered with coke palms, in the center of the island, in its mountainous part, there are several beautiful waterfalls, to which local travel agencies are willing to sell excursions. Among other nature excursions, it is worth highlighting a visit to the Angthong National Marine Park, which consists of 42 islands, which are limestone mountain ranges covered with amazing tropical forests, isolated from people, on which wildlife reigns. These places are also famous as a good place for diving.

Paradise Park Farm.

Those who like to see the flora and fauna of Thailand in natural conditions should definitely go to Paradise Park Farm. This is a natural park-reserve, on the territory of which various exotic plants are collected (orchids occupy a special place) and many different species of birds and animals live. The park occupies a large area, and the living creatures living there live in natural conditions, in some places there are cages, but mostly the animals are left to themselves and tourists who are willing to take pictures with the inhabitants there. Paradise Park itself is located in the west of the island at the foot of the highest mountain of Koh Samui (Khao Pom) and offers incredible views of the island itself and the waters of the Gulf of Thailand washing it. For the convenience of tourists, benches and covered gazebos for relaxation are placed in the most picturesque places - here you can take a break and admire the panoramas of Koh Samui and neighboring islands, take photos as a keepsake.

We get acquainted with the fauna of Koh Samui.

As befits a real resort, Koh Samui has its own Oceanarium and Tiger Zoo. The Aquarium features an extensive collection of tropical fish and other colorful aquatic animals such as turtles, crocodiles and colorful corals. In the tiger nursery you can see - Bengal tigers and leopards, which are found on the mainland of Thailand.

Relax on Koh Samui - seize the moment!

Samui is the place in Thailand where you need to visit as soon as possible, because civilization is rapidly advancing on the island. And already, maybe in a few years, there will no longer be that wonderful atmosphere of measured patriarchy and unity with nature. Flagman specialists have repeatedly visited the island, they know its hotel base well and are always ready to help you make the right choice. Don't delay this opportunity!