But more recently (by historical standards) Koh Samui was literally isolated from civilization. There were no close contacts with the mainland until the beginning of the last century. Until the 1970s, there were no roads on the island. Meanwhile, evidence has been preserved that fishermen inhabited the future resort 1500 years ago: they sailed here from the coastal regions of South China and the Malay Peninsula. The Chinese were the first to put Koh Samui on their maps, this happened in 1687. Only they called him differently: Pulo-Kornam. The current name of the island is derived from the Chinese "saboy", which translates as "refuge" or "serene skies".

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

For a long time, the island's only means of communication with the outside world was a ferry that ran to Nathon, the capital of Samui, and the nearest major 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 Koh Samui. The country's leadership gave the green light, and this was a turning point in the history of the island.

The laying of roads took 6 whole years, because the terrain is very difficult, it has a lot of 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 track was only 2 meters, it has become a real "road of life" for Koh Samui. Over time, all costs - both labor and financial - began to more than pay off through the development of tourism.

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

The time of the real tourist boom on the island fell on the 90s. Primordial in their beauty, but still very recently wild beaches have become major resorts. The construction of Samui began with numerous hotels, around which the tourist infrastructure was rapidly developing: shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues appeared like mushrooms after the rain. Labor migrants rushed to the island from all over Siam, increasing the population of the island (together with tourists) by several dozen times.

One of the tragic pages in the history of Koh Samui was the devastating tsunami of 2004. A lot of damage was brought to the resort by the flood of 2011, which sank not only many beaches, but also a number of attractions. However, the elements that showed their harsh nature did not affect the tourist attractiveness of the island in any way. If only because such disasters are the exception rather than the rule. Basically, the local climate is “peaceful” and does not cause great inconvenience to vacationers. More about it below.

Climate and weather

On Koh Samui, the most uncomfortable month for Europeans is April. The daytime temperature here often “steps over” the mark of +40 °C. And since tourists from the Old Continent come here for a 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 it would be wrong to say that really cold weather sets in at this time: the sun is still generous with heat and weakens its “grip” perhaps only slightly.

As in 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 falls on September, October and November. During this period, it pours like a bucket: abundant lines can go for a day, or two, or even longer. The sea, which tourists are so in love with, is impossible to recognize during the “wet” season: it becomes dirty and, accordingly, unsuitable for swimming. As for floods, prolonged rains can really provoke them. However, the real danger from them rarely comes: the water quickly flows into the sea.

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

The high season in the resort begins in mid-December and lasts until April. The largest influx of tourists can be observed in December and January. And the point here is not only in a comfortable temperature, but also in local traditions. New Year, for example, here it is celebrated three times. And the very atmosphere on the island during this period becomes somehow special, it seems that some kind of miracle will definitely 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 should not hope for only one miracle - cheap vacation. Prices from year to year are kept at a high level, for many services they even double in comparison with other periods. Comfortable rest at a more moderate price is available during the hot season, which begins in March-June. True, not everyone can withstand the scorching sun, so be sure to consult a doctor before the trip for the presence of cardiovascular diseases. Well, if there are no contraindications, in the hot season you can enjoy not only relaxation, but also exotic fruits. There are so many of them here at this time of the year that they are sold literally for a penny.

And finally, low season. It starts in June and ends in mid-December. This is the same rainy season, which we have already mentioned a little higher, so we will not repeat it. Unless we add to the above that high humidity is also a contraindication for diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as a number of neurological ailments, bronchial asthma and others. The low season on Koh Samui is a real paradise for those who want to save money on vacation. Prices at this time for everything and everything are reduced by 2-3 times.

Attractions and entertainment

The main city and port of Koh Samui is Nathon, located on its western coast. Business cards of the local capital are Buddhist sights: the world-famous 12-meter Buddha statue, 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 who brought flowers and incense to the shrine.

At the southern end of the popular Lamai beach are Grandmother and Grandfather rocks, in Thai - Hin Yai and Hin Ta. Such unusual names these elevations were obtained due to the amazing resemblance to the genitals of a woman and a man, respectively. Here is such a cheerful and laid-back disposition among the Thais, which allows them to call a spade a spade.

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

Popular sightseeing destinations on Koh Samui are also: crocodile and snake farms, Butterfly Park, Hin Lat waterfall and the so-called "turtle" island of Koh Tao, idolized by divers. Europeans are happy to visit the local show of transvestites.

The nightlife in Koh Samui is not as vibrant as in many other resorts, not to mention major metropolitan areas peace. However, after sunset you will not be bored. Looking for adventure (in a good sense of the word) can be done on the beaches of Lamai and Chaweng - it is on them that all nightly entertainment is concentrated. In the Chaweng area, on the main street, there are all the popular shops, restaurants and entertainment venues of this sunny Thai resort. Younger 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 especially hot, be sure to check out the Ice Bar. It is more spacious and comfortable here than the similar one in Pattaya.

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

What are we about adults, but about adults: what about the leisure of the smallest tourists? After all, many vacationers come on vacation with their children. In this regard, you don’t have to worry: Koh Samui has long and firmly gained a reputation as an ideal place for family vacation. On the beaches of the northern part of the island night life with its characteristic rhythm and noise is practically absent. The hotels have playgrounds and special pools. In hotels of the same level of four and five stars, animation services are also offered. Other attractions include Paradise Park in the heart of Koh Samui - exotic animals live here in their natural environment - and rides at the Coco Splash water park.

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

Koh Samui beaches

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

The most popular beach of Koh Samui is the already mentioned Chaweng, located just on east coast. A slight slope to the sea, crystal clear water, fine sand and picturesque bays - all this is Chaweng, stretching for as much as 6 km. Vacationers have a wide choice of accommodation options, ranging from five-star hotels to simple bamboo bungalows. This beach is also a recognized center of water sports; fans of windsurfing and aquabike come here with pleasure. You will not be bored with the onset of the evening, 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 Lapay. It has been attracting surfers for a long time, 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, at your request, they will make a Thai massage. And also - they will 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 seafront, you can count on a free sun lounger. If you are an “alien” vacationer, then for renting this mandatory beach attribute you will have to pay an average of 40 TNV per hour of use. Sun lounger rental 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, be sure to get 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.

Describing the beaches of the southern and western coasts of Samui as a whole, it can be noted that they are secluded and are not connected by a ring road. However, getting here is not difficult. Vacationers often visit Laem Set Beach. It is not deep enough for swimming, but it is indescribably beautiful. Irresistibility is given to it by huge smooth boulders and coconut palms. They bizarrely bend at different angles, and you can admire these landscapes endlessly. But Hat Taling Ngam Beach is considered an ideal place for walking. Its length and emptiness are conducive to relaxation and contemplation.

Cuisine and restaurants

Koh Samui is not only a paradise for a beach holiday, but also a real expanse for gourmets. There is a lot of food here and different, moreover, for every taste and budget. You can have a bite to eat or thoroughly refresh yourself in establishments of various levels and directions - from small Thai cafes to fashionable restaurants with European cuisine.

Vacationers tend to taste, first of all, local delicacies, perceived by them, and quite rightly, as a real exotic. The spicy coconut milk-based pork and shrimp soups alone are worth something - the taste is unforgettable! Business card The national cuisine of Thais is Tom Yam soup, which has a sour and spicy taste.

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

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

Despite such peculiarities of local dishes, tourists literally fall in love with Thai cuisine and would like to learn how to cook it at home when they return from vacation. For this category of vacationers, local chefs organize special training courses. Schools of culinary excellence 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 places 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 of - after all, they once lived in the same state - and Central Asian cuisine. You will be pleasantly surprised, but on Koh 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 move around the island, you must choose one of two ways: songteo or a regular taxi.

The first is the most common transport on Koh Samui, better known as tuk-tuk. This is such a local analogue of minibuses familiar to us. A traditional songteo is an old Japanese pickup truck, the tiny body of which is equipped with a couple of benches. The design is crowned with a canopy that serves as a protection from the rain, but it practically does not cover from the wind. The tailgate of the tuk-tuk leans back: during peak hours and in high season, it is used as a step for passengers who do not get seats on the benches.

Songteo looks a little unusual, but this type of public transport is quite reliable and safe. The good news is that the trip on it is relatively inexpensive. For travel on the territory of one beach you will pay only 20 Thai baht. Sitting at the starting point of the route and reaching the final stop, the passenger will have to pay 60 baht. Songteo, with its regular lines, is somewhat reminiscent of the subway: they run along the entire coast of Koh 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 fare will cost. The driver will immediately recognize you as an inexperienced traveler and inflate the price several times.

Songthaews start running 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 the fare will cost at this time. After sunset, only two factors affect the fare: how exorbitant the driver's appetites will be and whether the tourist who has gone on a spree before dark can negotiate a discount. Arguing, trying to insist on a daily rate, is completely useless. Free market prices for travel at night are allowed by law: the state allows drivers to earn extra money.

As for the taxi, it is preferred by those for whom comfort is most important during the trip: checkered cars plying around Koh Samui are equipped with air conditioners. 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 carry passengers according to the meter, since it is unprofitable for them. Be prepared for the fact that the drivers will offer you to negotiate with them directly.

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

Communication and Internet

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

Of the pluses, one should also highlight the fact that 3G and 4G networks densely cover the entire island, so you will not be left without a connection even on the most remote beaches. There are three leading mobile operators in Thailand: 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 to memory

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

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

Closes the top three "leaders" local ceramics. Particularly in demand among tourists are stylized images of the symbol of Thailand - an elephant and various variations of Buddha figurines. But remember that local law prohibits the export of Buddha figurines more than 5 inches high (about 13 cm) outside the country.

On the beaches of Chaweng or Lamai are the main shopping centers. On the beach of Thong Krut, on the south coast of the resort, there is the 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 the choice. They are good at bargaining, doing it with pleasure and excitement.

Hotels and accommodation

Koh Samui is a resort island with a long-established tourist infrastructure. A traveler with any level of income will be able to find accommodation here according to their needs and financial capabilities, ranging from modest hotels for little money to luxurious hotels of the 4-5 "star" level.

Luxury hotels are usually located on coastline and even have their own beaches. They also provide additional services. For example, guests can use the pools, spas, tennis courts, golf courses available to them. Rooms in such multi-star hotels are spacious and necessarily 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 because 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 the services that are available are provided at the same quality level. A three-star hotel may not have a bar or restaurant, but will most likely have its own pool. Not finding a place to eat at such a hotel, tourists are not even upset, because on Koh 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 those who want to settle in them, you will 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

You can get to Koh Samui to soak up its famous beaches either by air or by sea. The latter is not very comfortable and takes more time, but it saves money.

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

Many hotels offer their guests a transfer from the airport or marina. In cases where such a service is not available, 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 the landing fee and payment for the first 2 km of the journey. If you need to go further, then for each additional kilometer you will need to pay 12 baht.

Airfare low price calendar

*Shown prices for Flights to Bangkok, to select Koh Samui, enter the code "usm" or "Koh Samui" in the direction field.

Ko Samui, an island in the province of Surat Thani, or simply Koh Samui as the locals call it, is an island on the eastern shore of the isthmus in Thailand, located near the city of Surat Thani. It is the third largest island in Thailand with an area of ​​228.7 km2 and a population of over 62,500 inhabitants. It is rich in natural resources, white sand beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees.

Flight time:
from Moscow - from 11 hours (1-4 transfers)
from St. Petersburg - from 14 hours 35 minutes. (2-3 transplants)
from Kazan - from 15 hours 5 minutes. (2-3 transplants)
from Yekaterinburg - from 15 hours 40 minutes. (1-4 transplants)
from Novosibirsk - from 11 hours 5 minutes. (1-3 transplants)

Current time in Bo Phut:
(UTC+7)

Almost fame has entrenched in the island best place for holidays with children. The northern coast guarantees a quiet pastime and a sincere family vacation. Night entertainment establishments are present here in small numbers. Most of the hotels are focused on small guests, so everyone considers it their duty to equip a playground with a swimming pool on the territory. In decent hotels, there is always an animator on staff.

How to get there

There are several ways to get to Koh Samui, depending on where the trip starts from. Basically, they travel to the island from Bangkok and Surat Thani (by plane or by bus and ferry). Fares range from rather high airfares to low cost ferries between Surat Thani and Koh Samui.

Airplane

The best and most convenient option is a direct flight to Koh Samui. The airport of the island is very unusual, there are no familiar premises, so immediately upon arrival it becomes clear that you are on paradise island. A significant drawback of such a flight is the price. The airport is owned by a privately owned Bangkok airline company, which has created a certain tariff, and the monopolization does not give access to this airport to cheaper air carriers. There are a few more representatives of other airlines landing at the airport, but the price is not much different. Representatives of low-cost budget air carriers simply do not have an agreement for flights to this island. For comparison, let's take the cost of one plane ticket from the capital of Thailand to Koh Samui, and so, for the same price, but by sea, a family of several people can get to the island. This is of course economical, but on the face of the difference from a flight lasting one hour and crossing by sea with less comfort.

There is a cheaper flight option. Nearest Big City on the mainland to Koh Samui - Surat Thani. It is located close enough to the island that it can be reached from Bangkok by budget airlines. It will be cheaper, more convenient and faster. A plane ticket a little more expensive than a ticket by train, and the time savings are enormous. You can also purchase a combined ticket, this option may even be a little cheaper than buying each ticket separately. The kit will include: a plane ticket, a bus ticket to the port and a ferry crossing to the island itself. As usual, in such cases, a separate fee will be charged for luggage.

Ferry

The crossing from Surattahani to the cherished Koh Samui does not cause any particular difficulties. Directly upon arrival at the airport at the appropriate box office, you purchase a ticket for bus transportation and ferry crossing. By bus you get to the Donsak pier. The ferry departure schedule is once an hour, so you won’t have to wait long for the departure. The journey takes about an hour and a half, you can spend this time both on the open deck and on the closed deck with air conditioning, as you like.

If an hour and a half is a waste of time for you, then there is another option, but we immediately warn you that it will not suit everyone. Catamarans, which reach Koh Samui in about half an hour, are in competition with ferries and therefore depart from another pier - Chumphon. The disadvantage of this trip option is that even with a little roughness at sea, the catamaran begins to roll so that seasickness does not take long. Because of this, passengers are given a free package for hygiene purposes even before departure.

Bus

From Bangkok, you can take a bus directly to the ferry. Travel time is almost 10 hours, so it is worth taking first class tickets to make the trip more comfortable. By bus, you can get a little faster than by train, but if you compare the conditions in terms of comfort, then the bus is inferior to railway transportation.

The Lompraya company makes it possible to purchase a bus ticket along with a high-speed ferry crossing. For about 1500 baht you get a transfer to Chumphon and a transfer to Koh Samui in a total time of just over 14 hours.

Train

Due to inaccurate schedules and local trains, the trip from the capital to Surat Thani can take up to 13 hours. But since the very great comfort in the carriages of Thailand is conducive to rest after a long flight, many travelers choose this particular travel option. The carriages have air conditioning and comfortable beds. From the station to the pier, just a ride on a special shuttle, and then you are already moving by ferry. Traveling by train is several hundred baht cheaper than flying.

Auto

For those who like to drive, the ideal option would be to rent a car at Bangkok airport. There are quite a lot of rental companies there, but it is recommended to pick up and book a car in advance. In the case of a reservation for a couple of months, the price is significantly lower. The road from Bangkok to Surat Thani is excellent, the travel time is a maximum of ten hours, including stops for a snack. It will not be so expensive to transport a car by ferry, up to 500 baht. The only difficulty is left-hand traffic. If you doubt that you will be able to navigate the road, then you should not choose this option.

Climate and weather on Koh Samui

Koh Samui has a hot climate. The average temperature during the year is + 30°С.

There are two seasons on Koh Samui - dry and wet.

The dry season is accompanied by clear, warm, even hot weather, with rare rains. The season runs from January to February.

The rainy season starts from November and lasts until December. The rainy season on Koh Samui does not mean that tropical rains fall all the time, just that there are fewer sunny days at this time.

From March to June it is very hot, save only by short heavy rains. The best time to visit the island is from December to April.

Monthly weather on Koh Samui

According to the Yandex.Weather service

	Temperature during the day, °C	Temperature at night, °C	Water temperature, °C	Precipitation, mm
Weather on Koh Samui in January	32	20	26	30
Weather on Koh Samui in February	33	23	27	0
Weather on Koh Samui in March	34	24	27	10
Weather on Koh Samui in April	35	26	28	60
Weather on Koh Samui in May	34	25	28	180
Weather on Koh Samui in June	33	25	28	110
Weather on Koh Samui in July	32	25	28	140
Weather on Koh Samui in August	32	24	28	120
Weather on Koh Samui in September	32	24	28	200
Weather on Koh Samui in October	31	24	27	250
Weather on Koh Samui in November	31	23	27	300
Weather on Koh Samui in December	31	20	27	90

Weather on Koh Samui for 10 and 14 days

Reviews by month

January 12 February 6 March 8

April 5 May 4

July 7 August 9 September 2

October 1 December 2

Photos of Koh Samui

Transport

songteo

Public transport on Koh Samui is represented by the so-called songteos, although it is better known to everyone as a tuk-tuk. If we draw an analogy, then this is something like our fixed-route taxis, although the comparison is not the most accurate. To make it clearer, imagine an old Japanese pickup truck. Several benches are fixed in its small body, and a canopy practically fluttering in the wind over the heads of passengers, which serves as protection from the rain. During the busiest periods, the tailgate is folded down and serves as a place for additional passengers.

Despite the terrible description and extremely unpresentable appearance, there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Transport is very reliable and quite safe to move around. And also the cheapest. Songteo run along the coast around the entire island, quite regularly, and Nathon is considered the ring point. But on the same tuk-tuk it is impossible to drive the entire island in a circle. In total, the tuk-tuk has three routes, they periodically go from one to another.

Newbie tip: Don't ask for a price when you get on a vehicle. So they will immediately understand that you are an inexperienced tourist and they can break such a price that it is indecent even to speak. Within one beach, the trip will cost 20 baht. From one beach to another - 60 baht.

The fact is that the fixed price is valid for transportation from morning to 6 pm. And then songteo drivers turn into taxi drivers. So, how much the trip will cost in the evening and at night, will depend on your ability to bargain and on the degree of greed of the driver. It will not work to prove that the price is completely different during the day. The Thai authorities officially allow drivers to earn extra money at night.

Taxi

Taxis on Koh Samui are called TAXI METER. The taxi fleet consists mainly of Korean and Japanese yellow and red cars. True, they do not have a meter, and the average cost of a trip is 200-300 baht. In this case, you can bargain with the driver.

Rental on Koh Samui

The first place where you can rent a car is the airport. Representatives of many international firms work there. But if there is no desire to leave a large amount on deposit, then it is quite possible to use the services of local firms. Such offices have fewer requirements and have the opportunity to pay in cash, and if you are going to stay on Koh Samui for a month or more, then renting from local small distributors will also be much cheaper than from recognized international representatives. Renting a decent car starts from 1500 baht per day. The price of gasoline is slightly more expensive than on the mainland, but the lack of paid parking, there are only a few on the island, compensates for this fact.

On Koh Samui, scooter or bike rental is the most popular. This is much more economical, the scooter will cost from a couple of hundred baht per day. Most hotels offer rentals to their residents, and there are many points around the island where you can get a two-wheeled friend for a while. You can rent a bike for a month, and it will cost about 3 thousand, maybe a little more. But you can always bargain.

Renting a bike is difficult, but few people want to. Humidity, heat and the terrain of the island with changes in altitude will not appeal to even the most enthusiastic cyclists from Europe. With a strong desire, bicycles can be rented in Lamai and Chaweng, there are several bike rental points. The cost will be less than renting a scooter.

Transfers from Koh Samui

Koh Samui City → Koh Samui Airport

Show transfers in Koh Samui

Micro.	3 116 rub.
Economy	2 921 rub.
Comfort.	3 765 rub.
Minivan, 4 seats.	3 310 rub.
Minibus, 7 seats.	3 505 rub.
Minibus 10pax	RUB 4,414

Micro. Inexpensive transfer for a couple or a family with a child. VW Polo, Opel Corsa, Renault Clio, Skoda Fabia, etc.	3 116 rub.
Economy An economical option for a company of up to 3-4 people. VW Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Audi A3, BMW 3 etc.	2 921 rub.
Comfort. For long distance travel in comfort. VW Passat, Toyota Camry, Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Suburban, etc.	3 765 rub.
Minivan, 4 seats. A compromise between spaciousness and comfort. VW Touran, Ford Galaxy, Opel Zefira, Peugeot 807, etc.	3 310 rub.
Minibus, 7 seats. For a group of 4-7 people or large luggage. VW Multivan, Toyota Hiace, Opel Vivaro, Hyundai H-1 etc.	3 505 rub.
Minibus 10pax Universal option for a group of up to 10 people. Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Toyota Coaster, etc.	RUB 4,414

Districts

Koh Samui was a district of Surat Thani province until 2008. In June 2008 Koh Samui gains independence. The island is subdivided into 7 districts (tambon). The territory of the island includes the Ang Thong archipelago and some other small islands nearby.

The east of the island is the most popular. There is a developed infrastructure, a lot of hotels of any price category, entertainment nightlife and many options for cafes and restaurants. The nightlife is in full swing.

The north of the island is traditionally family territory. The cost of renting housing is slightly lower than on the east coast. The beaches are great for families with children, and the shade from the vegetation that grows close to the beaches makes it possible not to overheat in the sun.

Between the north and east of the island rises a huge Buddha statue, which is the main attraction of these places.

The administrative center is Nathon in the west of the island. Here are all the main and necessary points for a tourist: the bus station, the main pier of the island, a huge market with a variety of local food and delicacies. Amazing on the west coast beautiful sunsets, but swimming in the summer, when the tides are low, is difficult.

South for local residents considered a wild place. There really is nothing of a civilized infrastructure here. But this is for the best, because nature has remained here in all its natural beauty. Here you can rent a house and wild beaches quite inexpensively, so this place is often chosen by those tourists who choose to live in Thailand for several winter months. Solitude and the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in nature attracted Buddhist monks at one time. On the south coast is the Laem Sor Temple Pagoda.

What to see

To study the local fauna, you can go to the aquarium and admire the fantastic collection of fish, and watch wild cats in the tiger zoo. Popular excursions are considered to be "turtle island", crocodile, snake, coconut, pearl farms, Secret Buddha Garden, islands Phangan and Koh Tao.

Not only for children, but also for adults, fun rides in the Coco Splash water park are suitable, in case you are a little tired of the warm sea with the gentle sun. There are many more entertainment complexes, for example, Paradise Park, where you can see animals in their natural habitat.

The main attractions of Koh Samui

• Temples of Koh Samui(about 30 temples of the island at the link)

Where to go on Koh Samui

Attractions

Where to eat and drink

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Transport

Wellness vacation

Private guides on Koh Samui

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Koh Samui in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Nightlife on Koh Samui

For full-fledged night festivities, go to the two main resorts of the island - Lamai and Chaweng. The central street of Chaweng contains all the most famous establishments on the island from shops to bars. The main part of the youth loves to dance at the Green Mango disco, and slightly older tourists prefer to visit the Reggae Pub and the real Irish pub Tropical Murphy. A stuffy and hot evening can be spent in the Ice Bar, which is even larger on Koh Samui than in Pattaya.

The Lamai area does not boast so many bars, but it has the most interesting advantage - Muay Thai fights. Night fights here are the most real and adamant, not the ones that are shown at the Chaweng stadium for the entertainment of tourists. For those who are not interested in fighting, a walk through the night market and gatherings in bars with affordable prices for cocktails are suitable.

Diving on Koh Samui

Without a doubt, the south of Thailand is the location of the best and beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear waters and magnificent corals. And this is the main reason why the number of divers coming to Thailand has increased over the past ten years. Although the best time of year for snorkeling on Koh Samui is between June and August, you can still dive there almost all year round. The waters in Thailand are considered the safest in the world for scuba diving and snorkelling, and are ideal for beginners who want to try this activity for the first time.

The necessary equipment is available, there are many diving schools, but most of the dives are done either in the nearby Ang Thong National Marine Park or Koh Tao, as the visibility is around sandy beaches Koh Samui is usually bad. You can sign up for day trips at diving schools, most of which are located in Chaweng. Boats with such tours most often depart from the pier on Bophut and Bang Rak.

Visibility under water in some places around Koh Samui is almost perfect (up to 10-30 meters). You can enjoy incredible views of seamounts, coral gardens, underwater rock formations, hard and soft corals and whale sharks. Here are a couple of dive sites:

• Samran Pinnacles: as the current is often very strong in this place, this place is recommended for experienced divers. Due to this current, this place is a refuge for such large marine life as barracuda. There are three underwater rocks near Sail Rock.
• Ko Kra and Koh Losin: These two small islands are located in the southeast of Koh Samui and are not often visited by divers due to their remoteness. Here you can see blacktip sharks, electric rays and the rare turtles.

Festivals and events on Koh Samui

bull fighting festival

One of the most famous festivals taking place on Koh Samui is the Bullfighting Festival held on special occasions such as New Year's Eve and Songkran. Unlike Spanish bullfights, where bulls are killed while fighting a sword-wielding man, the Koh Samui Bullfight Festival is fairly harmless. The season of battle varies due to some ancient customs and ceremonies. The bulls are beautifully decorated with ribbons and gilded leaves. Before the competition, which lasts no longer than two rounds, the monks sprinkle them with holy water.

Fisherman's Village Festival

This five-day festival is celebrated with lots of fun, loud music and lots of food. The music is usually performed by famous artists, and the amount of food served (and the quality of it) is amazing. Many stalls from many local hotels sell a variety of inexpensive and delicious food from different countries

Koh Samui beaches

The best option for a beach holiday is to stay on the east coast. The beaches here are considered the best. The only disadvantage of the coast is the drought that can occur at low tide. But this kind of thing happens quite rarely.

For those traveling to Koh Samui for the first time, you should know that only the hotel in which they live will provide them with a sun lounger for free. If you are not renting a hotel room right on the beach, be prepared to shell out money to rent a sun lounger on the beach. Or be content with a towel or beach mat.

For a long vacation, the best beaches: Maenam, Lamai . It is quite calm and has everything you need for life. The main flow of tourists chooses the northern and eastern coasts, because the combination of all factors (beaches, infrastructure) is ideal. There are large hypermarkets in the Chaweng and Lamai areas. In order to fully immerse yourself in the nightlife and fun, choose the central part of Chaweng.

Beaches in the east of Koh Samui

Of the eastern beaches, undoubtedly, Chaweng stands out, which is famous throughout the island. The sandy beach is soft thanks to fine sand, the water is amazingly clear. Entering the water is very convenient, the slope is quite easy. The length of the beach is about six kilometers. This entire strip is a continuous picturesque view, consisting of bays and beautiful scenery. There are absolutely no problems with housing on the beach; you can pick up an elite hotel or a simple bungalow. During the day, fans of water sports concentrate on the beach, and at night party-goers gather for incendiary parties and discos.

Beaches in the North of Koh Samui

The north of the island is quite colorful. West Side north coast— Bophut. There is a special atmosphere there, because tourists manage to live with the locals as if they were good neighbors. A little further in a cozy bay is Maenam Beach, where the contrasting combination of rich villas with the hippie settlement located next door does not prevent people from having a good rest. If we talk about the beaches themselves, they are not as rich in entertainment and landscapes as the eastern ones, and the sand is more yellow and not fine.

Beaches in the south and west of Koh Samui

In the south and west of the island there is an atmosphere of seclusion on the coasts. Although the ring road that encircles the island does not connect the beaches, getting here will not be a problem. Laem Set Beach is simply irresistible. This stunning beach is a must see for everyone, with its coconut trees that curve intricately over the sandy beach with its large, smooth boulders. But the water is too small for swimming, although this does not prevent you from just having a good time there. Taling Ngam beach

There is also a large selection of cosmetics and souvenirs in Nathon. Do not miss the opportunity to bargain with the sellers, they themselves are not against this business. And they are also very friendly, so shopping will take place in a pleasant atmosphere.

Food and drink

The island allows its guests to eat for every taste. It all depends on the desires and possibilities of vacationers. At the service of tourists are expensive restaurants with European cuisine, and small Thai eateries where you can have a bite to eat local dishes very cheaply. Be sure to try local delicacies and spicy soups, for example with an unusual combination of shrimp and pork. It's all about the broth, which is boiled with the addition of coconut milk. For those who do not like such combinations - rice dishes. In Khao Pat, rice is served with vegetable additives in a wide variety of combinations. Don't miss the traditional Thai Tom Yam soups. Every visitor should feel its sour and spicy taste. Well, where on the island without seafood. There are especially many establishments on Bophut beach where you can taste oysters, crabs and more.

Thai cuisine is very spicy, few people can master all the desired dishes. In the event that you need to "put out the fire" inside you, do not drink water, but rather ask for milk or a lime. It is in them that there are substances that can neutralize hot chili peppers. Although you can always say the magic "no spicy".

If Thai cuisine has conquered you so much that upon arrival home you want to continue pampering yourself and your loved ones with traditional Thai dishes, then you can take a short culinary course. You can sign up for one on the east coast, but it will be very expensive.

Due to the fact that Russians are increasingly coming to the island for the winter, the traditions of local cuisine have changed. On all major beaches you can find a cafe that specializes exclusively in traditional Russian cuisine. Those who are tired of trying Thai spicy dishes can always dine with the usual borscht, dumplings, cabbage rolls, even such salads as "Herring under a fur coat" and "Mimosa". There is also an Uzbek restaurant. So if you want barbecue, pilaf or manti, it will not be difficult to find such establishments. Of course, there is also Italian cuisine on the island.

If you need yogurt, kefir or cottage cheese, then you can easily find them in the supermarkets of the island. This is an important point for tourists with children who cannot always accept local dishes. If your child is ill, don't worry, travel insurance will ensure proper examination and treatment at a good local hospital such as Bangkok Hospital.

Connection

Koh Samui is one of those islands where communication is hard to complain about compared to the rest of the islands in the region. Probably, all hotels and inns already have their own Wi-Fi network, as well as in all public places. But, unfortunately, quantity does not guarantee quality. Wireless communication on Koh Samui remains the main problem, because a very low speed of 10 Mbps for a person who is used to being always connected can seem like a disaster. It also happens that in a hotel it is difficult to even connect to the network due to the activity of all the guests. Plus, frequent breaks and unforeseen breakdowns regularly deprive tourists of the Internet. Many have found a way out in the use of mobile Internet.

In terms of 3G and 4G networks, the island is amazingly well-equipped, and the entire area is covered by high-speed access. Even on a wild beach at a remote point, you will not be left without a connection. There are three main mobile operators in Thailand, whose SIM card you can easily purchase. One of the operators - DTAC - took care of Russian-speaking tourists, and on their official website you can make an order on the great and mighty.

Safety

Tap water is usually not suitable for drinking. Bottled drinks are sold almost everywhere, and you need to use them constantly. Be careful in restaurants. Many may use unsafe running water. Running water in many hotels should not be used for drinking or brushing teeth unless it is specifically labeled as safe.

Motorcycles are quite dangerous, but jeeps, trucks and other vehicles are readily available, reasonably priced, and relatively safe. If you must use a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and never drive drunk as the roads are dangerous and bumpy. After a good party at Chaweng, Bophut and Lamai parties, taxis are always ready to take you home. Be careful, taxi drivers usually cheat. It's not uncommon for tuk tuk drivers to charge you 50 baht for a kilometer ride in the evening (eg along Chaweng's main market).

Recent expansion has brought quad bikes to the road. They do not need to be registered, so you need to be careful, as there is no insurance either.

Be careful at night on the beaches, as there are cases of crime.

Need to know:

Forbidden:

• Do not rent a boat if it does not have life jackets
• Don't go into the jungle alone
• Don't mess with no drugs
• Do not go to the beach at night for walking or swimming
• Women do not want to sunbathe topless
• It is undesirable for men to go without pants or shorts anywhere except the beach

Where to stay on Koh Samui

You can choose housing on Koh Samui based on your own needs and solvency. The island has long had various options, from luxury rooms of respectable hotels, to completely budget options hotels.

The most expensive hotels, as a rule, stand right on the shore, offer their guests their own beach and an additional range of services. The rooms there are all air-conditioned and very spacious, or even completely stand-alone villas on the territory of the hotel complex.

Hotels in "three stars" - the best option and the most popular. Although there are no spas in such places, and perhaps there won’t even be a pool and a cafe, but the quality of the accommodation itself is decent, and you can eat at the nearest restaurant, since it’s not as expensive on Koh Samui as in Europe.

There is a segment of very cheap hotels, but they are chosen only by those who do not need the most ordinary comforts, such as hot water.

Booking.com offers more than 2240 Koh Samui hotels for booking. You can choose a hotel using a variety of filters: hotel star rating, hotel type (hotel, apartment, villa, hostel, etc.), cost, hotel location, ratings of people who visited the hotel, Wi-Fi availability and much more. .

Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand in Thailand. You can often hear Koh Samui (Koh Samui) or Koh Samui - this is the name of the same island, but the prefix "Koh" from the Thai language means the Russian word "island", hence the name, Koh Samui.

Koh Samui is a popular holiday destination among foreign tourists, they come here when there is a cold winter in their homeland. Among the tourists you can meet anyone: parents with children, vacationers, pensioners and young people.

Search for cheap flights

The size of the island is not so large when compared with Phuket. It occupies a length of 25 km and a width of only 21 km, surrounded by very small islands of the Ang Thong nature reserve. This island is located 700 km south of the capital of the country.

The total population of the island is 35 thousand people. The pride of every inhabitant of this island is that they have a rather specific culture and mentality.

Tourism on the island began its development only in the 80s of the 20th century, when large-scale road construction began here. Today, tourism has become the island's main source of income.

See also about another island in Thailand.

How to get to Koh Samui

It is not difficult to get to it from Bangkok, such a trip will take no more than an hour by plane, if you get from Pattaya, then the U-Topao airport is no more than 40 minutes. However, it is necessary to fully take into account all the natural features that are directly related to this region.

What is an island?

The relief of the island cannot be called flat, there are mainly mountainous hills and dense jungles, low-lying areas are built up with residential areas, even along the sea coast. There are many classic beaches on Koh Samui, which have white sand and lagoons, the usual urban infrastructure is highly developed, and the most amazing thing is coconut groves.

It is no coincidence that Koh Samui is called the Island of coconut trees, there are more than 3.5 million species of them here. The coconuts of this island are the best in the world. Local buildings are bungalows, villas are located on the seashore and among palm trees.

Popular destinations are Lamai and Chaweng beaches. Sunrise on this island is considered the most unforgettable sight. The two cliffs of Hinta and Hanai rise at the southern end of Lamai Beach.

Not only tourists love these places, they are also of interest to local residents. The surrounding nature is insanely beautiful, only the sand is not very good - large and not so white on the beaches of Big Buddha, Mae Nam and Bo Phut.

Samui on the map

Why do people love Koh Samui so much?

• • • All kinds of infrastructure are quite well developed on the island;
    • There are good, clean, quiet and cozy beaches;
    • The mild climate of Koh Samui is great for families and even small children;
    • Koh Samui is really big, so there really is everything here: both calm and more active beaches, nightclubs, markets, shops and supermarkets, kindergartens and schools, waterfalls and mountains, temples and other attractions - everyone will find something to your liking.

When the season comes

From mid-December until the very end of March, Koh Samui stands. This is the time when prices are constantly rising, and people come to rest all the time. From December to February, it rains, and when there is no rain, the sky is still cloudy. But since February you will find only a bright, pleasant sun.

Between April and May, Koh Samui experiences unbearable heat and drought, and only on the western part of the island can it sometimes rain. But finding cheap housing during this period is not difficult.

A trip from October to December is undesirable, because in this area the northeast monsoons are the masters and therefore there are heavy rains and a small storm is observed at sea.

Attractions of the island

In addition to coconut trees, sandy beaches and quirky, exotic cuisine, there are many interesting places to visit on this small island.

• Wat Kunaram is a Buddhist temple where you can see with your own eyes the mummy of a great monk. Touching it, of course, will not work, but the spectacle will not leave you indifferent. By making a small donation to the temple, you can receive a bracelet from local Buddhist sages as a gift. They say it protects its owner from evil spirits and even grants wishes.
• The monument to the Big Buddha, although it has the same name as its counterpart from Phuket, however, its height is several times lower: “only” 12 meters.
• The magical garden - this place evokes various emotions in visitors - from interest to horror. The garden contains sculptures of the Buddha, as well as various animals, idols and demons. The picture is completed by huge ubiquitous vines, which are literally shrouded all around.
• Paradise Park, which includes an excellent swimming pool, a zoo (including a petting zoo), a children's playground and the largest collection of various outlandish plants on the island.
• Safari Park - thrill-seekers will be able to ride an elephant, and for those who prefer a spectacular holiday, there are personal show programs with animals.

The island is famous for its huge number of temples, most of which are Buddhist. To visit all the temples in one vacation is an impossible task, since their number is actually large. Most popular temples:

• Mummy of a monk;
• Wat Ratchathammaram (red temple);
• Laem sor;
• Buddha's footprint;

Khun Aram Temple
Plai Laem Temple
Red Temple - Wat Ratchathammaram

Entertainment on Koh Samui

The main types of recreation on Koh Samui are boat trips to the nearest islands, diving, beach holiday, visiting temples of real Buddhists, excursions to relics and the most popular among tourists - trekking in the jungle.

A lot of establishments on this island close at 22.00 and therefore the fading of life occurs very early, of course, there are many restaurants on the island with round-the-clock service.

It may not be easy to lie down and sunbathe, but try yourself in some aquatic activities sports, it is here that a lot of entertainment is offered. Coral reefs, a rather fascinating sight, are located on the islands of Nang Yunnan, Tao.

You can watch the life of beautiful fish by diving.

Two holidays that take place on Koh Samui are the celebration and celebration of Chak Phra.

Where to live on the island?

Finding accommodation on the island was only a problem until the 20th century. Now, travelers love Thailand, and he, in turn, creates all the necessary conditions for a comfortable stay.

Any guest of the island will be able to choose accommodation for himself and his budget - from a modest hotel for a nominal fee to luxurious five-star hotels.

Bungalows are comfortable enough to live in, although they are not equipped with air conditioning. The restaurants of this island offer seafood, European dishes and of course tropical fruits.

Koh Samui hotels are usually located on the beachfront, and in addition to the fact that almost every hotel has its own beach, it also strives to provide a host of other services - from spas and swimming pools to tennis courts and golf courses. Rooms in such hotels are necessarily equipped with free internet access and air conditioning.

• • Most hotels do not recommend drinking tap water, moreover, even in order to brush your teeth, it is better to buy bottled water;
  • There are a lot of swindlers on the island, so if you are carrying valuables with you, do not leave them even in the luggage of the bus;
  • Shopping on the island is not very developed, but this does not apply to the purchase of T-shirts, souvenirs or glasses. The main trade on the island is in the market, as well as in the area of ​​Chaweng, Nathon and Lamai beaches;
  • Feel free to haggle no matter what you buy. The price of all goods in Koh Samui is significantly overpriced, but the sellers are condescendingly inferior in almost everything;
  • Do you love cashew nuts? On Koh Samui, you can meet them right in the middle of the street growing on trees. But in no case do not pick them - without proper heat treatment, nut juice can be poisonous to the human body.
  • If necessary, you can extend your visa at the immigration office located right on the island, just don’t delay it until late – it’s open until 16.30

Prices

The pricing policy of Koh Samui is slightly higher when compared with the mainland cities of Thailand. However, during the high tourist season, the difference in prices can be significant. Vegetables such as potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes are not grown on Koh Samui, respectively, they are imported and are more expensive than on the mainland.

Who is the holiday for?

It is worth noting that Koh Samui is most suitable for people who prefer a relaxing holiday, unity with nature and love good beaches. Lovers over active rest You won't get bored either, as everyone will find something for themselves in the local variety of excursions.

Video

It is believed that Koh Samui - part of the province of Surat Thani - was settled by the 6th century AD, when Chinese fishermen, as well as immigrants from Indochina, sailed here. One of the first mentions of this place can be found on ancient Chinese maps from the Mun Dynasty. It is possible that the name Koh Samui is of Chinese origin and is derived from the word saboey, which means "refuge". However, there is another version - according to her Samui got its name from the name of the local mui trees. As for the prefix "Ko" (Koh), it means "island" in translation.

Be that as it may, the "Chinese trace" is still present on Koh Samui in the form of old houses in the center of the capital Nathon - today most of them have shops. In the infrastructure of cities, you can also find the remnants of the Japanese past - it invaded here during the Second World War.

However, until the 80s of the 20th century, Koh Samui still remained a quiet, original place without strangers and almost without any economic ties with the rest. The islanders lived mainly by fishing, collecting coconuts, and agriculture. The first paved roads appeared here only in the 1970s, and before that, only the most courageous could cross from one side of Koh Samui to the other - those who are ready to spend about a day traveling through the jungle.

In the early 80s, with the development of infrastructure, this place became attractive for tourists, and gradually tourism has become one of the leading components of its economy. Today, in terms of attendance, Koh Samui is second only to another super-demanded resort in Thailand.

Currently, the main tourist center remains the capital Nathon, where the administration of the island is located. Here, as well as in Chaweng and Lamai, one can meet the largest number hotels, entertainment venues, car rental offers, etc.

In 2008, Koh Samui acquired the status of a separate city (before that it was considered part of Surat Thani). At the same time, in addition to the island itself, tiny islands of the Ang Thong archipelago were included in the city boundaries.

Beaches

If Koh Samui has anything in abundance, it's the beaches. They are here for every taste - from the most lively and modern to quiet, secluded, conducive to a relaxing holiday. In total, there are 34 beaches on Koh Samui, but the most popular of them are about 26 - those that have a well-developed infrastructure and everything necessary for safety.

Most often, tourists stay on the north and east side, near Chaweng, Lamai or Bo Phut, since in these places it is easiest to find affordable housing, supermarkets and all kinds of services. The beaches of Koh Samui are fully landscaped and are great for both entertainment and recreation with children.

Separately, it is worth mentioning safety: many tourists wonder if there are sharks near the island. Yes, they are. However, these are mostly tiger, whale and leopard sharks that are not dangerous to humans and feed on plankton and small fish.

Best beaches in Koh Samui

Chaweng- the leader among Samui resorts, in terms of infrastructure, it resembles the famous Phuket Patong. On this beach you can find everything you need: sufficient water depth, almost white sand and a lot of entertainment for every taste. And even the most beautiful sea on Koh Samui will be here. Separately, it is worth highlighting Chaweng Noi - just as well-maintained, but more calm, and Chaweng Yai - poorly suitable for swimming, but ideal for water activities. And if you go from the coast to the depths of the island, you can get to Chaweng Lake - this is very a nice place, where people come not to swim, but to admire nature and make interesting photos. Next to it is the Chaweng Boxing Stadium, where Thai boxing matches are held twice a week.

Chaweng beach webcam

Lamai- along with Chaweng and Maenam, it is one of the three most popular beaches on Koh Samui. Conventionally, it is divided into three sections: the northern zone with dense buildings, the central part with an abundance of tourist services and the poorly developed southern one. The central site has all the necessary infrastructure, its only drawbacks are crowdedness and the lack of natural shade. Fishing enthusiasts will be interested in the north - fishing boats are based here. The southern part may be of interest to divers - here you can find coral thickets, and the rocks remain deep even at low tide.

Maenam- one of the largest beaches on Koh Samui, interesting place for family holidays. On the coast you can find not only hotels, but also a lot of bungalows offered for self-rental. There is also a beach infrastructure, rental of everything necessary for diving, restaurants and cafes, but there is practically no nightlife. A feature of Maenam is a beautiful palm grove and a pier for catamarans and boats going to the islands of the Ang Thong National Park.

Bang Po- is located on the northern side of Koh Samui near Maenam. This is a calm, well-maintained place where it is easy to find housing. Due to the shallow depth, the beach is optimal for families with children. Another advantage is the presence of a children's restaurant with a playground. The downside is the cloudy sea.

Ban Tai(or "Mimosa") is another ideal place on Koh Samui for families with small children. The beach got its second name from the name of a large hotel, where there is a restaurant and a playground. The advantages of this place are the absence of noisy discos, the abundance of natural shade on the shore. Of the minuses - part of the ocean is overgrown with algae, there is only one entrance to the water.

Bo Phut(Bophut) is a crowded, lively and very popular neighbor of Maenam, located in the northeast of Koh Samui. For 3 kilometers there are wild areas where you can do sea fishing from a boat, and well-maintained tourist places. Like Maenam, the beach has good infrastructure, many hotels on the coast, as well as a pier for boat trips to Ang Thong Park. A plus for those who rest on their own will be the presence of Makro Cash & Carry and Big C supermarkets nearby.

Bang Rak(Bangrak) - it is interesting mainly because of its location, since it is located near Koh Samui airport, and tourists who come for a short time often stop there. In general, this is a well-maintained place with a wide range of entertainment, but the sea is not the most beautiful here. In addition, not everywhere there is access to water due to dense buildings.

Thong Son Bey- a calm shallow beach with poorly developed infrastructure. This is another place on Koh Samui where families with children often come. However, the cove to the right of the main entrance, securely sheltered from the eyes by a rock, is known for purely "adult" recreation - nudists gather in it.

Chong Mon- a nice place with shallow sea and plenty of natural shade. There are 4 hotels on the shore, many bars, cafes and all kinds of entertainment. Perhaps, the only negative this beach can be considered difficulties with parking, because in terms of popularity it is not much inferior to the top three.

Crystal Bay(Thong Takian) - a good 300-meter beach on the east coast of Koh Samui, not far from the northern section of Lamai. It is located on the territory of hotels, but access here is open to everyone. This is a very beautiful corner with white sand, picturesque stones, tall palm trees.

Tong Yang(Lipa Noi) - a long beach near the capital of Nathon. Two sections are distinguished on it, of which Lipa Noi itself is located to the south. The fame and popularity of this place was brought by the Nikki Beach hotel with a wide entertainment area (sometimes the beach itself is called by the name of the hotel). Here is the ferry pier of one of the largest carriers on Koh Samui - the company Raja Ferry (Raja Ferry).

Thong Yang Beach

Bang Kao- this beach is the longest on the island, but it is not one of the main tourist places. Housing here is represented mainly by private villas and bungalows, so lovers of secluded relaxation and fishing come here. There are few places for swimming in this area, the bottom is muddy, sometimes rocky, but there are few people and there are channels for launching boats.

These are not all the beaches of Samui - only the most interesting from the point of view of tourists and the most popular.

Interesting fact: in Thailand, hotels cannot prevent access to the beach, even for tourists who are not their guests. Therefore, you can safely go through the reception to the areas where access to the sea is located on the territory of the hotel.

Entertainment and attractions

Koh Samui, despite its relatively short history of tourism, is full of entertainment for every taste. Connoisseurs of a relaxing holiday here can enjoy the beautiful ocean and visit massage houses - massage services are offered in all major hotels and on popular beaches (Chaweng, Lamai, Maenam and others). Fans of light extreme sports will appreciate a jeep safari through the tropical jungle in the depths of the island. And fans of a healthy lifestyle will certainly want to come to a workout in one of the yoga studios that are found in almost every area on the coast. The largest of them are in Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut.

Water activities on Koh Samui

• - good places for this sport, Maenam and Bophut beaches have a much-needed breeze all year round. From November to April, there are suitable conditions on the large beaches of Chaweng and Lamai, but at other times of the year it is too quiet there.
• - with this sport, the situation is approximately the same: on Bophut and Maenam they can be practiced at any time, and it is better to go to the popular resorts of Lamai and Chaweng only in the “wind season” from November to April.
• - in order to swim with a mask, a trip to Koh Samui should be planned in the summer, when the water is as clear as possible. In general, there are few places suitable for this, but you can go to the rocks behind Chaweng Noi Beach (you need to go down to the sea at the Coral Cove Chalet hotel). If you want to see something really interesting, take a ferry from Lipa Noi Beach and go to Toi Island.
• Sea trips(yacht, boat rental) - near the major beaches of Koh Samui, you can rent almost any type of water transport, from a large boat or yacht to a boat for two. A romantic walk on the water is often booked for wedding ceremonies and other holidays.
• - For thrill-seekers, there are several wake parks on Koh Samui. You can rush on the board behind the boat on Lamai, Bang Rak, Bo Phut.
• - this park, located in the northern part of Koh Samui (on Maenam), can hardly be called the best in Thailand, but still it is quite interesting. There are 2 here high slides, "funnel", "lazy river", swimming pool, jacuzzi and children's area.

If we talk about the entertainment of Koh Samui, one cannot fail to mention the "red light street", or rather, even two - near Chaweng and Lamai. These are the places where go-go bars are concentrated with girl dancers of very free morals.

The main attractions of Koh Samui

• (Wat Phra Yai) or the temple of the Big Buddha - this building with a statue of the Big Buddha (Big Buddha) is located on a separate island, where the road laid along the dam leads. You can get here from Bang Rak Beach, if you move along the coast towards Bo Phut. The arch from which the path to the temple begins is located near the pier. The statue itself is hard to miss, as it is about 12 meters high and is clearly visible from the coast.

• Observation deck with Buddha statue- the most high point Koh Samui, located on a mountain in the interior of the island. In addition to the statue of another Big Buddha, there are 12 sculptures of animals of the Chinese calendar and a small exhibition of Buddhist figurines. It can be reached from Lamai by car in about 30 minutes.
• (Wat Plai Laem) - located a little further than the Buddha statue, about 1 kilometer towards Bo Phut. This place is interesting with a collection of national sculptures, among which the main one is the 18-armed goddess Guanyin.

• (Wat Sila Ngu) is an unusual temple of Koh Samui, made of mahogany with intricate carvings. Interestingly, the sanctuary received its red color and original appearance, which attracts the attention of tourists, only due to the fact that it was not completed (it was not covered with traditional golden paint). You can get here if you drive along the ring road from Lamai to Hua Thanon.

• (Na Muang) - a large entertainment area with a zoo and an elephant farm, located near the Na Mueang waterfall in the interior of the island. Here, visitors are offered several programs, including jeep safaris, elephant riding, all kinds of shows. You can get to the park on your own by taking a minibus that runs from Lamai to the capital Nathon (get off at the Namunag Safari Park sign and continue for about 1.5 kilometers on foot).

• (Magic Garden) - strictly speaking, this place is not a garden, but rather it is a composition of many stone sculptures, set at a small Tarnim waterfall. The original stone "garden" with figurines of Buddha, Hindu gods and animals was created in 1976 by a Thai farmer named Nima Thongsuka. To get here, you need to drive along the ring road to the Wat Khunaram temple, and then follow the signs.

• (Wat Khunaram) - one of the most interesting on Koh Samui, it is also called the temple of the mummified monk. The main attraction here is the mummy of the founder of Luang Pho Daeng, who managed to predict the date of his own death. According to legend, he died while meditating in the same position that his mummy is in today. The temple is located about 6 kilometers from Lamai and is easily accessible via the ring road.

• (Hainan Temple) - an old building of 1862, located in Nathon, the capital of Koh Samui. As you might guess, it was built by immigrants from China. This temple is easy to recognize - it is bright, colorful in Chinese, with numerous images of dragons and red lanterns hung everywhere.

• monkey show(Samui Monkey Theater) - the zoo-theater is located in the southeastern part of Koh Samui, near the 7-Eleven supermarket. Every day there are 3 performances with monkeys, and before or after the show, you can see the enclosures and feed the inhabitants with nuts.
• Crocodile farm(Samui Crocodile Farm) is a nursery and zoo located 650 meters from Samui Airport. The visit program includes a walk around the territory and inspection of the enclosures, as well as a show with crocodiles and snakes.
• snake farm- a nursery in the southwestern part of Koh Samui, in the Taling Ngam area, where you can see shows with snakes and other reptiles, as well as take photos with them. On the territory of the farm, guests are offered to try a healing tincture of python bile for free.
• - located in the western part of Koh Samui, not far from Nathon, it is completely dedicated to coconut products. Since ancient times, there have been many coconut farms left on the island, and in the museum you can find out how this nut is harvested and what products are obtained from it. Guests can also squeeze their own coconut oil and take it with them!

• (Butterfly Garden) - located in the depths of Koh Samui, along highway 4169. You can get here if you go southeast from Nathon to the Na Mueang waterfalls. There are more than 20 species of butterflies in the garden, which fly freely around the territory covered with a special net.

• (Hin Ta and Hin Yai) - a natural attraction on Lamai Beach, which is two stones resembling female and male genitals. "Grandfather" is perfectly visible from the shore, but you can see "Grandma" only from the water.

• tiger zoo(Tiger Zoo) - a circus and a menagerie rolled into one is located on the beach of Barn Harn, south of Lamai. It is usually visited along with the Samui Aquarium located here. In the zoo you can see tigers, leopards, as well as monkeys and fur seals, however, the conditions of their keeping leave much to be desired. Every day there is a circus show with animals, usually it starts at 13:30.
• - a village in the northern part of Koh Samui, in the Bophut area. Tourists come here to look at the colorful fishermen's huts, visit the largest fish market, and also go to one of the local restaurants and try amazing fish dishes.

Of course, this is not all the attractions and entertainment of Koh Samui. The Thai resort will find something to surprise even the most sophisticated tourist! For example, in almost any major hotel you can book an excursion on a speed boat to pink dolphins. You can visit the meditation center Dipabhavan, located in the Lamai area, and get on a Buddhist retreat with the practice of vipassana (vipashyana) - meditation of silence. If you want to spend time usefully in terms of gifts for loved ones, you can go shopping and buy inexpensive jewelry from the Thai jewelry factory Gems Gallery.

Finally, another way to have fun on Koh Samui is to spend a day or more looking for unknown sights, for example, take a boat to Ang Thong Marine Park. Here on one of the islands there is a cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

Samui attractions map

Shopping on Koh Samui

Shopping on the island is a different story, because there are so many interesting things here that few people can limit themselves to banal magnets. So, what to bring from a trip to Koh Samui? First, of course, coconut oil, it is sold everywhere here. Secondly, natural Korean cosmetics, herbal and salt scrubs, pearl jewelry can be an interesting gift for women. And as an inexpensive souvenir, you can buy a miniature copy of a tuk-tuk, a Buddha figurine, a wooden or ceramic figurine of an elephant. Many also bring alcohol from Koh Samui, in particular, rum from the French Magic Alambic rum.

And at the end of the story about shopping, it is worth mentioning such a phenomenon as Walking Street - this is both shopping and entertainment at the same time. Several days a week, usually on Thursdays, Fridays and weekends, in the evening one of Samui's streets is blocked for traffic and turns into a pedestrian zone. Throughout the street from 17:00 to 22:00, numerous merchants carry out their goods, and local residents and guests of Koh Samui come to have fun. On Walking Street you can try Thai dishes (including even such exotic things as fried cockroaches), watch performances by street magicians and dancers, buy clothes and souvenirs. Which street of Koh Samui will turn into an entertainment zone - you can find out only the day before, but usually this event takes place in the busy areas of Chaweng, Lamai, Nathon, Moenam.

How to get to Koh Samui

Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea, about 700 kilometers from Bangkok and 35 kilometers from Surat Thani. It has its own airport owned by a private company. The IATA airport code for Koh Samui is USM. There is also a whole network of piers for ferries from other islands of Thailand.

Important: Russians do not need a visa upon entry for a period of up to 30 days.

Option 1

Airplane: There are no direct flights to Koh Samui, but you can get there with 1-2 transfers by purchasing a single ticket. Flights are operated by the following airlines: Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Bangkok Airways and Aeroflot. The last (or only) transfer is usually carried out at, from where you can get to Koh Samui by a local charter flight.

Option 2

Airplane: in this case, you need to take a ticket only to Bangkok.

Catamaran: at the Bangkok South Bus Station you can buy a ticket for a flight at 09:00, which includes a bus trip to Chumphon and a catamaran to Koh Samui. The total travel time is about 13 hours.

Option 3

Airplane: as in the previous case, you need a ticket to Bangkok.

Train: there are up to 10 trains from Hua Lamphong Station to Surat Thani every day (starting at 08:05 am). Travel time - from 9 to 12 hours.

Ferry: Ferries to Koh Samui leave every hour from Donsak Pier in Surat Thani. Travel time - 1.5 hours.

Option 4

Airplane: from Moscow you can fly with 1-2 transfers to Surat Thani, but the trip will take from 18 to 28 hours. Flights are operated by S7, Thai Lion Mentari, Aeroflot.

Ferry: From Surat Thani Airport, you can get to Koh Samui by purchasing a single ticket, which includes a bus and a ferry crossing.

The travel scheme as a whole will be the same as from Moscow - you can get to Bangkok or Surat Thani by plane, and from there go by bus or train and ferry to Koh Samui.

Important: the most expensive option is a flight to Koh Samui airport, bus and train trips will be cheaper. You can plan a budget route from Bangkok or Suratthani, for example, using the service:

ferry crossing

Ferry is the cheapest way to get to Koh Samui from any other part of Thailand. At the same time, carriers from hotels, bus stations and railway stations in Thai cities often offer a combined transfer, which includes bus travel to the pier and the crossing to the island itself.

Travels to Koh Samui from Surat Thani water transport four major carriers:

In addition, there is a ferry from the pier at the Big Buddha to Koh Phangan (this is the cheapest way to get to this island) and a night ferry that runs from Nathon to Surat Thani and back. The last one departs at 22:00 and arrives at the final destination at 04:00.

Important: all ferries, except for the night one, cover the distance from Koh Samui to Surat Thani in 1.5 hours. Catamarans can make this trip in about 40 minutes, but the cost of the trip is more expensive.

All piers of Koh Samui:

• Nathon- the busiest marina, from where you can go to any area of ​​Koh Samui by transport or rent a motorbike.
• Raja Ferry- a pier on Lipa Noi beach, where cargo and large passenger ferries arrive. From here you can only go by taxi.
• Lomprayah- a jetty on Maenam Beach, used by catamarans and speedboats. It is located 15 minutes walk from the ring road.
• Bang Rak Pier- the pier on Bang Rak Beach, where Seatran Discovery ferries arrive. The only way to get out of here is by taxi.
• Big Buddha- a boat pier at the Big Buddha, budget high-speed boats leave from here 2 times a day.
• Petcherat Marina- Another pier in Bang Rak, but used mainly for yachts and expensive speedboats.
• Bo Phut- a pier on the beach of the same name for private boats and sightseeing transport.

Important: When planning a trip to Koh Samui, keep in mind that the time difference with Moscow is +4 hours.

Transport - how to get around the island

To get around Koh Samui, you can use public transport or get everywhere on your own by renting a motorcycle (scooter).

Public transport

A ring road runs along the perimeter of the entire island of Koh Samui - it includes highways 4169 and 4170, from which many secondary roads branch off. Both highways are paved, the first of them is characterized by one-lane traffic, and the second has two lanes in each direction.

On the ring road of Koh Samui, there are original minibuses - songteos, which are pickup trucks with an awning at the back. As a rule, there are benches for passengers, although sometimes there are songteos without seats. In the afternoon, until 18:00, they run along the route from Nathon to Chaweng, but at the same time, some minibuses go along the southern part through Lamai, while others go along the northern part through Maenam and Bophut. You can find out where the songteo goes only by asking the driver (just name the point you need).

Important: during the day, the fare on Koh Samui is fixed, depending on the destination, it is 40-60 baht ( ~122 rub. ), but drivers spoiled by European tourists are unlikely to give you change. Moreover, many of them expect at least 100 baht from tourists ( ~204 rub. ) for travel.

Fares on Koh Samui

The beginning of the way	Ending station	Price
Nathon	Maenam	60 baht ( ~122 rub. )
Nathon	Bophut	60 baht ( ~122 rub. )
Nathon	Chaweng	60 baht ( ~122 rub. )
Nathon	Lamai	60 baht ( ~122 rub. )
Nathon	Tongtakian	60 baht ( ~122 rub. )
Nathon	Coral Cove	60 baht ( ~122 rub. )
Nathon	Lipa Noi	50 baht ( ~102 rub. )
Lamai	Tongtakian	40 baht ( ~82 rub. )
Lamai	Coral Cove	50 baht ( ~102 rub. )
Lamai	Chaweng	50 baht ( ~102 rub. )
Maenam	Bophut	40 baht ( ~82 rub. )
Maenam	Chaweng	50 baht ( ~102 rub. )
Maenam	Tesco, Big C, Macro	50 baht ( ~102 rub. )
Bophut	Tesco, Big C, Macro	40 baht ( ~82 rub. )
Within the beach		20 baht ( ~41 rub. )

In the evening, after 18:00, all songteos turn into taxis - in this case, the route and fare are practically not regulated in any way, you need to negotiate everything with the driver. There are also tuk-tuks that look much the same, but operate like taxis at any time without a fixed fare (and rarely agree to ride for less than 150-200 baht ( ~408 rub. ) per person).

Rent a motorcycle, motorbike or car

A very popular way to move around the island for those who come here for a long time. There are motorcycle and scooter rental points at large shops, tour desks, and even just on the street. The cost of renting a bike for 2018 is about 200-250 baht ( ~510 rub. ) per day. Often they require a cash deposit, a photocopy of a passport or a bank card.

Renting a car on Koh Samui will cost significantly more, from 700 ( ~1 428 rub. ) up to 2,000 baht ( ~4 080 rub. ) per day (depending on the brand and condition of the car). It is advisable to use the services of large network distributors to be sure that there is full insurance for the car and everything is in order with the rental agreement.

How to get from the airport

Unfortunately, public transport does not go to Koh Samui airport. Tourists traveling light can walk to Chaweng, and from there they can go wherever they need to by songteo.

You can also rent a car or motorbike right at the airport - for example, using the service, or order a taxi. In the latter case, a trip to Chaweng will cost about 500-600 baht ( ~1 224 rub. ), but keep in mind: taxi drivers, like songthaew drivers, do not like to give change and try not to ride on the meter. Those who love risk can try riding a motorcycle taxi - it is, in fact, a regular motorcycle, where the passenger sits behind the driver.

Interesting fact: on Koh Samui you can rent an ATV, but on the main roads of the island, movement on them is prohibited - this is a transport for trips to the jungle.

Internet and mobile communication

There are three operators on the island: DTAC, TRUE Move and AIS. True provides the most stable cellular connection and the ability to use 4G Internet. If possible, it is better to take a SIM card in Bangkok - then you will not have problems, even if there are power outages on Koh Samui (which happens here from time to time). However, close to major beaches and settlements quite a lot of Internet cafes and if necessary it is easy to find a zone with wi-fi.

Where to eat

Let tourists come to Koh Samui not at all for the sake of delicious food, but this factor can also be considered one of its advantages. Here you will find an abundance of fruits, vegetables and fresh fish, and prices for local products are quite affordable. Expensive goods include cheeses and sausages, as well as tea, coffee and European sweets.

Cafes and restaurants

Resting on Koh Samui, it is not at all necessary to eat in restaurants and cafes - many tourists prefer snacking on street food during the day. But more on that later. If you want restaurant service, on the island you can find establishments for every taste - from national cuisine to European and even Russian.

For fans of domestic food, there is a Russian restaurant "Samovar" on Chaweng Noi, which offers traditional borscht, potato pancakes, pancakes and other familiar dishes. Also on Chaweng Beach there is a Russian cafe "Arbat" with cottage cheese, Borodino bread and even kvass.

Among the expensive restaurants of Koh Samui, where you can eat delicious European dishes, it is worth highlighting Zazen in the hotel of the same name on Bophut Beach, surrounded by tropical greenery Poppies and refined Made in Italy in Chaweng. National food is offered by Sala Thai on Lamai and Maenam beaches (interestingly, prices in Maenam are higher for the same level of quality). Also worth a visit is the more modest but pleasant Le Virage in the fishing village of Fisherman Village - here Thai cuisine is skillfully combined with French.

Of the budgetary institutions of Koh Samui, Uncle Noi in Maenam, the Mexican restaurant Gringos in Bophut, the Thai cafe Krua Mapraw on the way to Chaweng are popular. And fans of good coffee will like Black Canyon Cofee coffee shops, where they offer not only this drink, but also a lot of other dishes.

Interesting fact: on Koh Samui, in particular, on the beaches of Maenam and Bophut, there are BBQ buffets where you can take raw food and cook it yourself on the coals. Serving size is not adjustable - take as much as you need at a fixed cost.

street food

The best way to get acquainted with the national cuisine of Koh Samui on a budget is, of course, street food stalls, the so-called macarons. Here they offer not only fast food, but also Thai tom yum soups, rice with various sauces, egg noodles, meat skewers, shrimp and other seafood on skewers, as well as all kinds of pancakes and assorted fruits. On average, street food on Koh Samui costs from 20 baht ( ~41 rub. )(small kebab) up to 60-80 baht ( ~163 rub. )(meat and seafood), and will be a great alternative if restaurants and bars do not fit into the budget of the trip.

Supermarkets and Markets

Tourists who come to Koh Samui for the winter or just for a few weeks, it makes sense to explore the local supermarkets and food markets. The biggest shopping mall on the island is located in the Chaweng area - this is the three-story Central Festival Samui, which presents a huge range of goods, from food to technology. But if you only need products, it is better to look at other stores. For example, in one of the three Tesco Lotus supermarkets: in Nathon, near Lamai Beach and on the road between Chaweng and Bophut. For bargains in small wholesale, it is better to go to Macro (also available in Lamai and on the road between Chaweng and Bophut).

If you need ready-made food, it is sold at the Big C supermarket, which is located on the Koh Samui ring road near Bophut beach. Here you can find a large selection of takeaway meat and vegetable dishes, as well as dine at the food court on the second floor. Finally, in almost every village there are small 7-Eleven and Family Mart chain stores, most of which are open around the clock. In a word, organizing self-catering on Koh Samui is not a problem.

As for food markets, one of the largest is located in the Nathon area, it is open from morning to 17:00. Another one can be found in Hua Thanon, but it closes at 14:00. There are also night markets - in Chaweng, Maenam, Lamai and in the fishing village.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the fruit markets, of which there are three on Koh Samui: near Chaweng Beach (open from noon), near the road near Lamai (open from 17:00) and near the Chaweng Boxing Stadium. But inexpensive fruits can be purchased not only there, it is much easier to buy them from one of the merchants standing along the ring road.

And briefly about the prices for food and drinks on Koh Samui:

• Bread - from 27 ( ~55 rub. ) up to 60 baht ( ~122 rub. );
• Chicken meat - from 50 ( ~102 rub. ) up to 70 baht ( ~143 rub. );
• Fish - about 50 baht ( ~102 rub. );
• Shrimps - from 200 baht ( ~408 rub. );
• Milk - from 80 baht ( ~163 rub. );
• Potato - 30-40 baht ( ~82 rub. );
• Bananas - from 30 baht ( ~61 rub. );
• Pineapples - from 30 baht ( ~61 rub. );
• Mango - from 30 ( ~61 rub. ) up to 80 baht ( ~163 rub. );
• Water in vending machines - 1 baht ( ~2 rub. ) for 1.5 liters.

Weather

The climate of Koh Samui has its own characteristics - there are practically no possible hurricanes and tsunamis in Thailand, and the rains are usually short-term. The dry season, for which everyone is in a hurry to book tours, lasts from mid-December to early March. But those who decide to come here in winter should take into account that prices at this time rise by at least 10-15%.

The hot season, when even the water warms up to +30 degrees and above, lasts from March to May. And the rainy season on Koh Samui begins in the summer, but there is one caveat: from June to August, the rains are short-term, often they last no more than an hour, after which the weather is good again. More prolonged showers are possible only in the period from August to early December.

Where to stay

Koh Samui is perfect for both summer and winter holidays. If you are traveling for a few weeks or for the whole season, it is better to choose the Chaweng or Lamai areas - these are busy places with urban infrastructure and supermarkets, but at the same time beautiful beaches.

The island has the following accommodation options: private villas and bungalows, hotels and spa hotels, camping. And, of course, you can agree to rent a room in a private house.

Expensive offers with impeccable service are Panalee Resort (Bang Por), Royal Muang Samui Villas (Chong Mon), W-Retreat Koh Samui (Bophut), Chaweng Cove Beach Resort (Chaweng), Samui Jasmine Resort (Lamai). Booking a room in one of them during the high season will cost from 4,000 rubles / day and more.

Cheaper options on Koh Samui include: Palm Point Village and Hutcha Resort (Maenam), Anna Resort (Bang Po), Bill Resort (Lamai), Laguna Resort (Lamai) and others. Renting a room in a hotel of this class will cost an average of 1,000 rubles / day and more.

Of course, during the New Year and other holidays, prices rise markedly.

The best campsites in Koh Samui according to tourists' reviews:

• Samui Caravans in Laem Sor village;
• By Beach Resort in Maenam;
• Full Moon Bungallows on Lamai.

It is worth considering that camping on Koh Samui involves accommodation in small bungalows on the ocean or in campers (but you can put up your own tent). As a rule, on the territory there are showers, an electric stove, free wi-fi. And a bonus - every evening a view of the magnificent sunset over the sea!

Safety

Like all the islands of Thailand, Koh Samui greatest danger for tourists represents fraud by locals. To get more money from a tourist than this or that service costs, for merchants, taxi drivers and waiters is a matter of principle and the main entertainment. But theft, oddly enough, is more likely to be expected not from Thais, but from other tourists.

The main dangers on Koh Samui:

Important: when going to Koh Samui, take care of health insurance - one day of hospital stay here can cost up to 1,000 baht ( ~2 040 rub. ). Meanwhile, not only mosquitoes, but also mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases, so it is better to insure yourself, especially if you are traveling with a child.

And finally, a few words about the question of interest to many: how much money to take on a trip to Koh Samui? Let's calculate the approximate budget for a month for two. If we are not talking about a ticket with a paid hotel, renting a house will cost at least 10,000 - 15,000 baht ( ~30 600 rub. ), rent a motorbike to move around the island - approximately 3500 baht ( ~7 140 rub. ) and another 1,000 baht ( ~2 040 rub. ) 15,000 - 20,000 baht will be spent on gasoline, buying products on the market and eating in inexpensive cafes ( ~40 800 rub. ). Another 15,000 baht on average ( ~30 600 rub. ) may be required for entertainment: jeep safari, Thai massage, all kinds of shows, as well as excursions to neighboring islands Koh Phangan and Langkawi, which are very close. The total is 44,500 - 54,500 baht ( ~111 180 rub. ), excluding travel to Koh Samui. Of course, this is a very rough estimate, and the numbers can change significantly both in one direction and in the other.