Koh Samui is a great option for people looking for all types of vacation, from active travellers, to families with children, to those just needing a rest. With plenty of water sports and a wide variety of excursions involving the sea, you can choose to be as active or indolent as you want.
Location
Located almost 500 km from Bangkok, hop on a plane and arrive within the hour. Or, if you’re coming from Pattaya, you’ve got the option of two flights daily, both of which take a a quick 40 minutes.
Beach Vacations
The best beaches on Koh Samui are in the east, with Chaweng and Lamai taking first prize, while beach options in the west tend to be rocky less comfortable.
Active Leisure
Those in need of a little adrenaline pump will appreciate jeep safaris, quad biking, elephant treks, zip lining in the jungle, along with a large variety of cruise options in the Gulf of Thailand.
Nearby Koh Tao is famous for its diving schools offering various programs for the skilled and not-so experienced, so that anyone, regardless of level can dive down and check out the beautiful coral reefs just off the coast of the island.
Sights
The Samui International Airport is itself something to behold, and tops many lists in terms of beauty and exclusivity. With no indoor area, except for a gift shop, the open-air feel of this exceptional thatched-roof construction resplendent with all manner of exotic flowers and tropic trees always makes an impression the first time visitors are welcomed to the island.
In keeping with this theme, one of the Kingdom’s most beautiful nature reserves is Ang Thong National Park not far from Koh Samui.
Entertainments
Similar to Phuket in terms of facilities and services, shopping centers have yet to appear, though there are a great number of boutique shops, professional spa and beauty salons, and European-style restaurants and coffeehouses to be found. With 3.5 million palms standing on the island, drinking coconut milk here is considered a local pastime, which is something the kids will be happy to try, along with a trip to the local aquarium, zoo, or Namuang Safari Park.
Two big holidays for the island are Rambutan Festival in August and the magnificent religious Chak Phra Festival in mid-October. The former celebrates the delicious fruit that was first transported to Thailand in 1926, while celebrates the end of Buddhist Lent and sees processions of Buddhas being hauled across the countryside and through the streets. With no active nightlife to speak of – most establishments have their doors closed by midnight, the neighboring Koh Phangan is where you’ll want to head for a good party.
Please note:
the prices of flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui are, on average, twice as high as similar flights from other cities, the route monopolized as it is by Bangkok Airways. Additionally, travellers should take into account the climatic features of the region before booking. A northeast monsoon dominates from October to December, which accounts for the heavy rains and occasional storms. The best time to travel to Koh Samui is in January and February, as well as the second half of July and all of August.
