KOH SAMUI
Thailand
Summer island
Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island after Phuket and Koh Chang
Those seeking a buzzy resort with good nightlife should base themselves near popular Chaweng beach which has white sand and is also a good spot for watersports. Up and coming Bophut has a more Bohemian vibe and is the place for luxury boutique hotels and decent restaurants. Samui enjoys an opposite peak season to the rest of Thailand so is at its best in summer. This means it’s a top choice for families tied to the school holidays and for honeymooners who have had a summer wedding in the UK. The island has a ring road which
makes it easy to visit its attractions by hire car or public transport. These include waterfalls, a butterfly farm and a centre which trains monkeys to pick coconuts. There’s also a hilly interior best explored on a 4X4 tour.
From Samui you can visit some of
the 42 limestone islands of Angthong National Marine Park on a day trip.
Things to do • Island hop in Ang Thong National Marine Park, snorkelling, sunbathing on white sand beaches, or kayaking island lagoons
• Visit Wat Kunaram and see the mummified monk wearing sunglasses
• Party the night away at Chaweng • Have a romantic evening in Bophut at a restaurant in the fishing village or a swanky bar in a boutique hotel
• Spend an afternoon being pampered
snorkelling excursion to the island
• Take the family to see butterflies, crocodiles, snakes or monkeys in one of the island’s wildlife attractions
• Take a cooling dip in a waterfall off Koh Samui’s loop road
• Visit Koh Pha Ngan for a full moon party or jungle trek
• Catch a muay Thai match at Chaweng or Lamai
• Tee off at Santiburi Samui Golf Country Club.
Nearby islands worth considering for a stay are Koh Pha Ngan, famed for the huge full moon parties at Hat Rin, and Kao Tao which is a popular dive centre, particularly for beginners.
in one of Koh Samui’s many spas for a fraction of the UK price
• Learn to dive with qualified professionals in the clear waters and shallow reefs off Koh Tao, or join a
TOP TIP Perfect destination during UK summer
holidays when Koh Samui is at its best. Thailand Travel Guide 2012 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36