Koh Samui Destination Guide

The numerous beaches in Koh Samui are all quite different from each other. Each beach offers different options for activities and entertainment. From simple natural settings to luxurious services on the beach, it is all here on this beautiful island.

One of Thailand's best beaches, Chaweng beach is Koh Samui's most popular beach. Sun bathing during the day and party hopping at night are the two done things here. The beach has every facility and amenity required near a beach.

Lamai is almost as popular as Chaweng. With more natural beauty and fewer international resorts, it is not as developed as Chaweng. It is a smaller beach with fine white sand and lush green scenery. Its natural appeal is a perfect foil to the more developed Chaweng.

The golden statue of Buddha at its southern tip is what this beach is named after. It is a relatively calm beach. It is not very far from the airport, and this usually makes it either the first or the last stop on a trip to the three local islands.

Bophut is a lovely and quiet place to stay. It was originally a small fishing village and the town has not lost its old world charm in spite of its transformation into a fashionable dining and shopping centre.

This beach is on the north coast of Koh Samui and faces Koh Phangan. It is a beautiful beach with a wide stretch of sand. Always popular among budget travellers, it now attracts a well-heeled clientele too. The recent development of some luxurious residential areas is the secret of this change.

The Big Buddha Shrine is one of Samui's most famous landmarks. This 12-metre high golden statue is on the northern coast of the island and is visible from many kilometres away. In the surrounding temple grounds, there are other shrines and smaller decorated Buddhas. Food, souvenirs and lucky charms are sold in the small market there.

A large section of Samui's Muslim population lives in this fishing village. Located south of Hinta Hinyai, this charming village still has an old-Samui atmosphere. The streets are lined with old teakwood houses, jewellery boutiques, traditional clothing stores and seafood restaurants. Although visitors may not see too many fishing boats now, it is quite interesting to see the old teak houses transformed into modern entertainment centres with game arcades and cars in the front rooms.

Hin Ta, meaning grandfather rock, and Hin Yai, meaning grandmother rock, are two phallic rocks located to the southwest of Lamai. According to local legend, two unfortunate lovers whose families did not approve of their relationship killed themselves in the waters here. The story is documented in detail at the site.

Centuries of wind, rain and sea waves have shaped the rocks into the rather uncanny representations of the human genitalia. Both Thai and foreign visitors go to see the rocks for a little amusement. Visitors can buy coconut handicrafts from the little shops on the road leading to the two rocks.

The two Na Muang waterfalls are perhaps the most beautiful among the several waterfalls seen around Samui. Na Muang, meaning purple, is named after the huge purple rocks creating the waterfalls. A natural staircase formed by tree roots and rocks can be used to access the base of the first waterfall. Just under this waterfall is a natural swimming pool. The hidden rocks here are quite dangerous though. The second, and Samui's best, waterfall can be reached after a short 10-minute walk up the mountain.

The Na Muang waterfalls are located between Lamai and Nathon, and can be accessed easily from the main ring road. Several signs point to the site.

With the increasing popularity of the sunset and day cruises on Kia Oro, the 52 ft long catamaran, sailing has become a popular activity in Samui. The success of the Regatta has also added to the popularity of the sport. However, the lack of sufficient services, infrastructure, and a good enough marina for safe mooring are some of the problems affecting the industry.

In spite of the many rumours about construction of a marina, no progress has been seen so far. It is quite difficult to find a suitable provider and visitors should be ready for a little adventure - they may have to climb over shaky wooden jetties or be taken out on shaky rowboats.

The Angthong National Marine Park is spread over 42 islands. Kayaking is an exciting way to explore the fascinating limestone caves on some of these islands. It is also an interesting way to see several varieties of aquatic life such as Grouper, Parrotfish, and Shark, to name just a few. The shallow waters also shelter countless types of coral.

The increasing popularity of Thai cuisine worldwide, together with the relaxed and informal atmosphere of Samui's cooking schools, has made these courses very popular among visitors.

SITCA, the Samui Institute of Culinary Arts in south Chaweng, is the most well known school here. It teaches two courses every day. The kitchens of Santiburi Resort and the Central Samui Beach Resort allow interested visitors to hone their culinary skills in several half-day and day-long courses. The friendly Toy Suwan conducts lunchtime and evening classes at the Blue Banana on Big Buddha beach. He also sells a variety of utensils and ingredients.

Muay Thai is Thailand's national sport. Like the rest of the country, Koh Samui too is very serious about the sport. Muay Thai is a very elegant sport to watch, in spite of its reputation as the most dangerous martial art. Almost all major fights are hosted at Chaweng Stadium, the biggest stadium in Samui, located near the Reggae Pub. With a backdrop of traditional Thai music and live commentary, fights in the stadium are exciting to watch. Sometimes the sound may be a little overpowering though.

The Gulf of Thailand has numerous underwater rocks and reefs bustling with colourful marine life. Just off the Koh Samui coast, these spots attract many scuba divers. The area is perfect for snorkelling and diving. Beginners love the place since the waters are shallow. Of course, there are many more challenging sites in the open sea that attract the advanced divers.

There are many dive schools that train people and organise trips to diving sites around the island. The PADI Open Water dive course offers beginners 3 to 4-day courses. Both theory and practical sessions are held. The practical sessions are first held in the pool before the students are taken out to sea. Compared to other such courses around the world, the classes in the many schools of Koh Samui are very reasonably priced.

Sail Rock, located north of Ko Pha Ngan, is the most well-known dive site in Koh Samui. It has an 18-metre long rock chimney that can be swum through and is a great spot from which to view whale sharks. At the north of Angthong National Marine Park is another great site as is Koh Tao, the mecca of diving in the Gulf. Koh Tao has 21 sites near its shores. Around two to three sites can be visited in a day's diving trip from Samui.

Urbanites wanting to rejuvenate themselves often head to Koh Samui. Long before spas became so common, Koh Samui had set up centres to cater to this clientele. Beauty salons, reflexology centres, and massage centres can be seen all along the beach road. These centres are known to provide a wide choice of treatment accompanied by excellent service. The staff is well trained too. For a truly indulgent experience amidst luxurious settings, the best place to go to is an independent day spa or a spa in an upscale hotel.

Yoga today is part and parcel of any wellness program. In keeping with this trend, Koh Samui has several centres that offer fasting programmes and yoga retreats. The resorts and spas on the island use the services of freelance yoga instructors who are usually of foreign origin. These experienced teachers conduct courses and guide sessions for interested visitors.

10,000 to 20,000 people attend the monthly Full Moon Party, or the beach party at Koh Phangan. Both Thai and international DJs entertain the crowds with all kinds of music. The Haad Rin beach is lined with around 15 powerful sound systems during these parties.

Visitors can also sit at the small tables on the beach, meet both old and new friends from all over the world, enjoy drinks and food from the neighbouring bars and restaurants, and let their hair down.