Verified reviews from real guests. Koh Samui is the most picturesque resort in Thailand! All about Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand. Dimensions - 21x25 km, total area - 250 sq. km. It is located in the southwestern part of the Gulf of Thailand, 30 km from the mainland (from the province of Surat Thani) and 690 km from Bangkok. Main city islands - .

The peculiarity of this resort is the combination of good developed infrastructure with sparse beaches clear sea and well-preserved nature. Everyone will like it here. Party-goers on the island will find clubs, bars and other nightlife. Gourmets will indulge in a variety of Thai and international cuisines. Lovers of secluded relaxation will stop in quiet corners, where after sunset life stops and you are left alone with nature.

Koh Samui ranks third in popularity among all resorts in Thailand. Thanks to the presence of the airport, you can quickly and easily get here from anywhere in the country. The authorities soon plan to make the airport international, which means that it will be possible to fly here directly from Russia and other Western countries.

Koh Samui has a dozen beaches, and very different ones. Before choosing a place to live on the island, you need to familiarize yourself with each in detail, since some are almost "wild", while others, on the contrary, have a lot of hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife.

Koh Samui is surrounded by a ring road, along which public transport runs. In addition, there are tuk-tuks, motorized and air-conditioned taxis, so there will be no problems with movement, you can safely travel from beach to beach and to all the sights of Koh Samui, of which there are quite a lot.

Koh Samui on the map of Thailand

Story

The first foreigners who arrived on Koh Samui back in the 70s were hippies. They were followed by ordinary tourists. In the mid-80s, local authorities decided to turn Koh Samui into tourist resort. The construction of hotels, restaurants, shops and other amenities to which Europeans and Americans are so accustomed began. Fortunately, the benefits of civilization were limited to coastal areas, not affecting the center of the island.

There is still untouched jungle. By the way, there is no trace of the hippies and their dilapidated huts; now package tourists and independent travelers stop at the resort.

Tours on Koh Samui

To date the best prices they offer 4 * and 5 * hotel complexes on Koh Samui (for the Russian Federation - Anex Tour, Tui, Biblio Globus, Pegasus, Tez-tour). That is, if you want a hotel vacation, then in most cases it is more profitable to buy a package tour.

It is best to go to Koh Samui with a package tour in the following cases:

1. If you plan to stay at the hotel most of the time.

Most of the rest you plan to swim, lie on a sun lounger, eat, take part in animation, visit spa treatments. In this case, you do not need to choose several hotels for your trip, you only need one, but the best one for your money. If you want to live in several places, then this will be already individual tour, and it is more profitable to fly alone.

2. If you are traveling with children and teenagers.

Variety of food in good hotels separate children's table. Children's animation and peers with whom it will be interesting and fun.

3. If you want a quality service for your money.

Almost direct dependence on the price. The more prestigious and expensive the hotel, the higher the quality and variety of services, the more interesting the territory and food.

4. If you live in a region where there are no regular flights.

If you live far from major airports, the choice of air travel is small. Even if there are some regular flights, they can be with a transfer. In this case, it is easier to buy a package tour, which already includes air tickets for a direct charter, which are usually not found on free sale.

5. If you want to save.

Due to the large volumes of sales during the season, the prices of the tour operator as a whole are lower than if you buy all parts of the tour separately. Yes, it must be admitted, these parts are not always the best quality (charter, insurance, shared transfer), but for most tourists everything is determined by the price.

What does a trip to Koh Samui include?

Typically, a tour package includes:

Everything is already taken care of for you, you do not need to buy anything separately.

Where to buy tickets

First of all, tickets to Koh Samui can be bought at travel agencies. Usually employees there are well oriented in the current market situation. But, like all sellers, they are interested in selling certain tours, since tour operators can offer higher commissions. Those. you should be alerted by the particularly active imposition of a particular hotel and tour operator.

If you know exactly what you want, know how to use the Internet and find truthful reviews, then you can book a tour to Koh Samui on the tour operator's website on your own.

It is even more profitable to do this on the Travelata and Level.Travel websites (Misto.Travel for Ukraine), since there you can compare the prices of all tour operators at once. Very simple and convenient sites, booking is possible in 5 minutes, unlike most tour operator sites. An additional benefit is that there is a system of bonuses for repeat purchases, as well as from time to time discounts are offered.

How to get to Koh Samui

Cheap flights to Bangkok

You can buy tickets to Thailand as profitably as possible with the help of special search engines that collect data from all airlines.

By bus

Buses run from any city in Thailand. This is a fairly cheap, but also tiring way to get to Koh Samui. In some cases, there will be several transfers along the way. From Bangkok to the pier, transport takes at least 12 hours, from Phuket - 4.5-5 hours. Ferry to the island - 1-1.5 hours.

By land and water

Most ferries depart from the mainland from Suratthani and Chumpon (closer to Koh Tao). There are a lot of people going to these places. land transport, tickets for which can be bought everywhere at travel agencies or bus stations of cities and resorts in Thailand or. Koh Samui also has a water connection with Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.

From the last tuk-tuks carry tourists to the beaches. The price is fixed - the fare to any settlement costs 60 baht. True, Thais often like to "breed" newcomers, asking for 100. But if you do not agree to this price, then they will take you for the standard 60 baht. It takes about 25-35 minutes to go to Chaweng and Lamai. The main road encircles the entire island around the perimeter, sometimes it runs a few meters from the coast (for example, in the north), sometimes a kilometer from it (on Chaweng). From the Main Road there are branches that lead to the beaches.

Transport

There are no problems with movement on the island. Transportation is provided by public songthaews, tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, air-conditioned taxis and minivans. In addition, you can rent a motorbike or car on your own.

1. Songteo.

The cheapest way to get around is by songteo, which is exactly the same as in Pattaya - a pickup truck with two parallel seats. On them you can get to any beach, except for the northeast.

The fare is 50-60 baht per person. If you want to get to the airport and the northeast coast, then you can hire an empty songthaew as a tuk-tuk. In this case, the price is negotiable and, for example, you can get to the airport for 300 baht (not per person, but for the whole car).

2. Air-conditioned taxi.

This is the most expensive form of transport on Koh Samui, they are ordinary cars painted in bright colors.

While there are few of them, the competition is small and they ask for large fares. Meters rarely turn on, usually the price is negotiable and starts from 300 baht between neighboring beaches.

3. Motorcycle taxi.

A trip on the back seat of a motorcycle as a passenger costs, like everywhere else in Thailand - for 1-2 km, about 30 baht. On Koh Samui, the distances are large, so getting from one beach to another (which is 3-4 km) will cost around 100 baht.

4. Minibuses (minivans).

They go from the airport and the pier in Nathon, and also take tourists to places of interest as part of excursions.

5. Transport rental.

The best option for those who come for a long time. There are motorbike rental offices on any beach, as well as on the pier in Nathon, where most ships sail from the mainland. The price depends on the season and location. In Nathon you can find for 150 baht a day, and tourist places- for 200 baht.

Who should go to Koh Samui

Holidays on Koh Samui are suitable for those for whom the clear sea and sparsely populated beaches are a priority. If you are looking for a vibrant nightlife with lots of discos, nightclubs, Go Go bars and thousands of available girls, then Koh Samui is not for you. In small numbers, it is represented only in Chaweng, and, moreover, it is mainly limited to open-air drinking bars where you can find a girlfriend for the night. But this is only a pitiful semblance of the incendiary Volkin Street in Pattaya or Bangla Road in Phuket.

But lovers of silence and leisurely rest will like Koh Samui.

The beaches are very few people even in the high season from December to March. Here you will not feel the friendly elbow of your sunbed neighbor, simply because they are located at a great distance from each other (unlike Pattaya and Phuket, where the distance between sun loungers is no more than half a meter). And in general, there are very few sunbeds and umbrellas on Koh Samui and they are only near the hotels.

What to do and what to visit

For an initial acquaintance with the island, we recommend going to.

For those who like to buy something abroad, the most popular places for shopping are described:.

Beaches

Unlike Phuket, Koh Samui has both in the west, and in the east, and in the south, and in the north. The most popular is Chaweng. The tourist infrastructure is the most developed here - many hotels, shops, markets, restaurants, massage parlors, bars and entertainment. During the day you can ride jet skis, skis, bananas and paragliders, and at night you can “raid” one of the restaurants or bars with girls.

Chaweng is slightly inferior to Lamai, where all the above-mentioned benefits of civilization are smaller. And after sunset it is quieter here. All other beaches offer only sea, sun, palm trees, accommodation, several mini-markets, restaurants and drinking establishments. In the capital of Koh Samui - Nathon - there are almost no tourists, since there is no normal beach. Mostly Thais live here.

J4 Samui Hotel 2 stars

Hotel in Chaweng City Center , Chaweng

Located in Chaweng Beach, J4 Samui Hotel is 1.1 km from KC Chaweng Beach Club. It offers a shared lounge, a garden and a terrace. excellent location. The beach is nearby, but there is no private territory and pool. the hotel next door has a pool and a bar. clubs are nearby. the staff is very friendly and accommodating. When I arrived, they gave me a room without a balcony. I asked for another room, at first they said that the hotel was full up, but on the same day they found me a room with a balcony. the hotel itself is new and in the middle of the party scene. no old furniture or plumbing. to get into the hotel, you need to have a magnetic key, because. intercom installed. outsiders cannot enter. there is a safe in the room. and when I forgot the money on the bedside table, they were carefully placed by the kettle) I really liked this hotel. If I go to Koh Samui again, I will book this hotel

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The Beach Samui 4 stars

Hotel in Taling Ngam Beach

Complex The Beach Samui is located on Koh Samui. It offers self-catering suites with a private beach area, an outdoor pool, a beachfront seating area and a chargeable shuttle service to and from Koh Samui Airport. One of the best hotels in the world

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The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui 5 stars

Hotel in Choeng Mon Beach

The 5-star The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui is located on 23.5 hectares of Choeng Mon Beach. I love the hotel! As soon as the taxi door opens, you understand that you will get to a place where everyone is happy to see you! Very friendly and polite staff! As I understand it, attentive attitude to the guests is in the first place in this hotel. The territory of the hotel is large and it is very convenient to move around on carts, of which there are many. My daughter had a DR, everyone congratulated her all day. At breakfast, a cake and a song, at lunch they presented a dessert. The hotel staff came and congratulated her all day long. I still could not understand how they calculated us)) I ordered flowers and a cake to the room, and was very surprised that they were not on the bill - all this was a gift. Very nice! We lived in a villa overlooking the sea. Very beautiful, stylish, comfortable villa. The space of the villa is very well organized. Bottled water is provided in unlimited quantities. Amazing pools in the hotel, I especially liked the one near the SPA, it's quiet and cozy there. The breakfast is great! Freshly squeezed juices and an abundance of variety of fruits!

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Erawan Villa Hotel 4 stars

Hotel in Bang Rak Beach

Offering an outdoor infinity pool, Erawan Villa offers teak-wood rooms with garden access directly to the beach. An exceptionally positive impression. The villa does not quite fit into the usual understanding hotel holiday but this is its unique charm. Very homely and quiet environment that helps to really relax. The buildings and territory are well maintained and tidy, the view from the exit to the courtyard is simply amazing, I wanted to stay there and not drive around the island, enjoying the sun, the pool and the view of the sea, boats and Koh Phangan. Special thanks to the owner - a kind, sincere and very cheerful person who accommodated us ahead of time so that we could sleep after a long road, suggested all the most interesting places and, in principle, cheered us up with his presence alone. Thank you!

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Serenity Resort 3 stars

Hotel in Maenam

Serenity Resort is located in Maenam Beach, 1.1 km from Maenam Pier. This property has a bar, a garden and barbecue facilities. It offers family rooms and a sun terrace. Super bungalow, super clean, everything is new. The kitchen is perfectly equipped with everything you need, even an air grill is available. Everything is provided and thought out to the smallest detail. The area is very cozy and well maintained. Cleaning daily. It is possible to take a bike or a car here. There is a shop and a market 5 minutes nearby. To the sea 5 minutes the beach is good, the sea is deep, there is no shallow. 10 minutes walk along a great quiet road to restaurants bars. Near the pier from which you can swim even to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao neighboring islands we did. You can live long or short but you will want to come back here warm welcome. great atmosphere comfortable stay. Of all the 5 places where we stayed during the month of our stay, sympathy and I, my husband and 14-year-old daughter gave Serenity Resort! Thank you for everything, we will be glad to come back,

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Charming Fox Samui

Hotel in Bophut

Charming Fox Samui is located in Bophut, 2.6 km from Fisherman's Village. It features a restaurant, free parking, outdoor pool and fitness center. The hotel is 2.9 km from Bo Phut Pier.... Beautiful view. Beautiful room design.

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A large number of people from all over the world choose this country for their holidays. Why is she so attention-grabbing? There are several islands here. One of the most popular is Koh Samui. How to get to it and why tourists love it so much? What sights are there on the island and what should you definitely take with you when going to Thailand, Koh Samui in particular? You will find answers to these and other questions related to the island in this article. Using the advice of tourists who have already been here, you can plan an unforgettable time in one of the most picturesque places planets.

Thailand: Koh Samui

One of the warmest countries in the world is at the same distance from India and China. Its area is more than five hundred thousand square kilometers. The inhabitants of the country are very hospitable, but at the same time they are jealous of their traditions and customs. If you know and respect them, then the atmosphere of carelessness, joy and fun envelops those who come to Thailand.

Koh Samui is one of the largest and most popular holiday destinations. Every year thousands of tourists come here, most of them Russians. It is good to come here with children. Sandy beaches, clean and warm water in the sea, all the benefits of civilization are just some of the reasons why they choose to vacation in Koh Samui (Thailand). How to get to the island for tourists from Russia? By plane from Moscow or other major cities to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. There is a transfer to Koh Samui airport. A legitimate question arises as to why not direct flight. The fact is that Koh Samui has a private airport and it only works with big amount airlines of your choice.

Benefits of a holiday on the islands

Among the large number of reasons why travelers choose Thailand, Koh Samui in particular, the following can be distinguished:

Getting bright unusual emotions, which are so poor in everyday life.
You can come here at any time of the year, as even in winter the air temperature is plus 30.
Low housing and food prices compared to other Asian and European countries- one of the reasons why tourists choose Thailand.
Koh Samui is a huge amount of finished products: rolls, sushi, barbecue, rice, salads and much more. It is impossible to stay hungry here.
Plenty of convenience stores. In many of them, they can even warm up food.
Lots of friendly, smiling people.
Lack of drunks, in Thailand it is not customary to drink a lot.
There are no problems with public transport, you can get very quickly to any place on the island.
White sand beaches, banana and coconut trees, pure water and places where no human foot has set foot.

Transport

There are no problems in vehicles on Koh Samui. Here you can use the following types of vehicles:

Songteo - fixed-route taxi. Most cheap look transport.
Taxi with air conditioning.
Mototaxi.
Motobike.
Bike.
Minivans - a passenger car with three rows of seats.

If you plan to do a lot of walking while exploring the local sights, it is best to rent a car.

Popular tours

Travel agencies offer a wide range of vacation options with departures from the airports of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Among the most interesting tours to Thailand:

Samui - Phuket. This tour is for lovers active rest. The two most popular islands are truly paradisaic delight and a relaxing time. Tour duration - from 7 to 14 days.
Thailand: Samui. Tours to the island pacific ocean very popular with vacationers. Coconut palms, impenetrable jungle, decent beaches and coral reefs delight everyone who comes here.
Thailand: Pattaya. One of the most popular Asian resorts. Picturesque nature, magnificent beaches, comfortable accommodation in hotels will allow you to have a great vacation.

There are over 200 hotels on Koh Samui.
In Thailand, there are still places where no human foot has set foot.
Koh Samui has many other names: the Island of Smiles, Coconut Paradise, the Island of Freedom.
It is not customary to conflict and engage in heated discussions.
English is taught in schools in Thailand.
Not far from Koh Samui is an island called Turtle Island. This favorite place recreation for divers.

Food

In Thailand, you can discover a completely new, unique world of taste sensations. True, there is one but ... It can be both insanely tasty and disgusting. It is customary for Thais to mix sweet with spicy, so dishes familiar to Russians can have a completely different taste. Using the advice of tourists, choose for yourself those dishes that you will like.

Soups. They are cooked with seafood, mushrooms, onions, garlic, etc. It is best to order soup in a cafe, as the portions are very large and the prices are low.
Fish and meat balls. As a rule, they are strung on small sticks in several pieces. Served with spicy sauce.
Calamari with garlic. For lovers of spicy and seafood.
Thai pancakes with various fillings. Tasty and inexpensive.
Fried crickets, grasshoppers, grubs. Here everyone decides for himself whether it is worth trying such an unusual delicacy.
Snake dishes. Soup, vegetable stew and more.
Crocodile meat. Reminiscent of chicken meat or fish, it all depends on the preparation.
Fruits and dishes from them.

Thailand. Hotels in Koh Samui

There are a huge number of them here. Focusing on the reviews of tourists, we offer you several options with an impeccable level of service and reasonable prices.

Chaweng Garden Beach Resort. This hotel is located on the coast, in the middle of the beach. Here is everything you need for have a great holiday. Several accommodation options for tourists, including: standard rooms, villas, bungalows.
"Ark Bar Beach Resort". The hotel is located near the airport. Also around is a large number of shops, restaurants and nightclubs. All rooms with air conditioning, satellite TV, bathrooms, minibars.
"Escape Beach Resort". One of the most inexpensive hotels with a high level of service. Located next to the beach.
Chaweng Noi Pool. A huge swimming pool, tropical greenery, a balcony in every room are the distinguishing features of this hotel.
Chaweng Cove Beach Resort. The hotel is located next to tropical plants. If you come here with a large company, then you will be offered a villa with a pool or a beach bungalow.

Attractions of the island

Koh Samui is not only the sea and beaches. The island has a huge number of attractions: temples, parks, waterfalls, shops, restaurants and much more worthy of attention. Focusing on the reviews of tourists, we highlight several places that you should definitely take the time to get to know:

Angthong Marine Park. The tour lasts for eight hours, includes a tour of about forty islands. Here you can swim under water in a mask, take pictures, take a boat trip along the rocks.

"Paradise Park". In this place you can see a large number of exotic birds and animals. A distinctive feature of the park is that you can get very close to the animals and take pictures with them.

Magic garden. There are many fairy tales and legends about this place. According to one of them, the garden was created by a man whose name was Nim. Here he grew durians (this is one of the most popular Thai fruits). There are many beautiful sculptures in the garden.

Temple Big Buddha. Here is a sculpture, the height of which is about 12 meters. To get to it, you need to overcome 60 steps. At the bottom of the stairs, you need to take off your shoes. Near the temple there are shops with souvenirs.

Play Laem. One of the most famous temples of Koh Samui (Thailand). The sights of the island are worth spending both time and money. But since Plai Layem is located next to the Buddha temple, it is best to combine their inspection. This is an amazingly beautiful place, on the territory of which there is a small pond.

Snake farm. There are more than a hundred species of snakes on the island, most of which are poisonous. You can meet them at one of the most extreme farms in the world.

Zoo. Despite the fact that it occupies a small area, here you can see tigers, leopards, monkeys.

The most beautiful waterfalls of Koh Samui

There are eleven on the island. This is one of the reasons why you should definitely come here. The best time to admire the waterfalls is from May to December. The most famous include:

Royal, or Purple. It is quite small, about 20 meters. The water falls into a round rocky depression in which you can swim. The spectacle is simply mesmerizing. Even members of the royal family come here. But unfortunately in dry season the waterfall dries up and you can't see it.
Hin Lad. To get to this waterfall, you need to walk about two kilometers through the real jungle. On the way, you can go to the temple and make a wish. In the jungle you can see a large number of fruit trees. Many tourists do not even realize that the waterfall has three tiers, rare people climb to its very top. Here you can take pictures and swim all alone.
A waterfall, next to which is a statue of a girl. It has several cascades. On the way to the top there viewing platforms and places for recreation.
Namuang waterfall. Its height reaches eighty meters. To get to it, you can make a trip through the jungle on elephants.

Souvenirs and gifts

When we go somewhere to rest, we try to buy something that reminds us of our vacation. Especially if we are going to a country like Thailand. Koh Samui offers a wide range of unusual souvenirs and gifts for family and friends. Here are just a few options:

Unusual orchid tea.
Local spirits in which you can see a snake or scorpion in alcohol.
Coconut oil.
Whitening cosmetics.
Crocodile leather belt.
Soap in the form of flowers and fruits.
Various body scrubs.

7 most popular vacation activities

Helpful information

So that no troubles and inconveniences overshadow your vacation, take into account the following information:

Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent with you.
The national currency of Thailand is the baht. For comparison: one US dollar is equal to 30 baht. It is better to take cash on a trip in small denominations, here they don’t really like to give change.
If you are going to visit local temples, then you should pay special attention to your clothes. Women must wear a long skirt or dress, as long as the arms and legs are covered.
In no case do not drink tap water, so as not to be subsequently treated for gastrointestinal infections.
It is customary to enter many places on the island after leaving your shoes at the entrance to the building. These include: pharmacies, hospitals, temples and some shops.
Thais are very kind to their king, so there should be no dissatisfied statements about this.
Never pat children on the head or shake hands in greeting.
Photography is prohibited in the temples. pose around various Buddhist sculptures stands neat. It is advisable not to touch them with your hands. By respecting a foreign culture and country, you will avoid a huge number of problems and enjoy your vacation with pleasure.

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.

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 take into account all 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 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 unusual, exotic cuisine, this small island has a lot to offer. interesting places for visiting.

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 holidays, visiting temples of real Buddhists, excursions to relics and the most popular among tourists is jungle trekking.

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, quite a fascinating sight located on the islands of Nang Yunan, 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. Offers in the restaurants of this island sea food, European dishes and of course tropical fruits.

Koh Samui hotels are usually located on the first coastline, 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, the juice of nuts 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. Fans of a more active holiday will not get bored either, as everyone will find something for themselves in the local variety of excursions.

Video

Koh Samui is an island located in the Chumphon Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, about 700 km south of Bangkok and 80 km from the eastern coastline of Southern Thailand.

This is the second most popular place to visit in Thailand, which amazes tourists with its amazing natural beauty and diversity. Home to nearly 40,000 full-time residents, 90% of whom are Buddhists.

The territory is surrounded by palm trees, coconuts and fruits are grown on the coastline and on the coastal lowlands, the slopes of the central granite massif are covered with virgin rainforest. The island is 25 km long and 21 km wide.

Koh Samui is big enough to be adventurous, despite being able to get around on a motorcycle or car in a couple of hours.

Short video about Koh Samui

How to get there

Are you planning a trip to Koh Samui? Do you want to know how to get to this city most conveniently? Then the list of options below is for you!

By plane

Koh Samui Airport (USM) is a private airport originally built by Bangkok Airways. It is the main operator and was for a long time the only airline with services to Koh Samui. IN this airport almost hourly flights to/from Bangkok and by Thai standards expensive tickets with advance bookings of 3,000-4,500 baht one way, while without advance bookings they can cost twice as much. There are also daily flights to/from Phuket for 2,000-3,000 baht. There are two daily flights from Chiang Mai, but only one direct flight in the opposite direction.

The peculiarity of the international boarding gate is a special place where all passengers are offered food and drinks in a cozy lounge, there is Wi-Fi provision - waiting for boarding becomes much more comfortable.

In addition to Bangkok Airlines, Koh Samui is served by two flights a day from Bangkok by Thai Airways, Berjaya Air and Firefly from Subang airport (a small airport 30 minutes from the city center (Kuala Lumpur) and International airport "Penang" (Penang International Airport) in Malaysia.

You can monitor promotions and special offers for air tickets on various aggregator sites, or, for example,.

Visa on arrival and visa free entry are available at Koh Samui Airport for some nationalities.

Transport from the airport is easy to find. A 20-minute bus ride to Chaweng costs 120 baht per person; a taxi will cost more - 400 baht. Make sure you set the fare to your destination before you get in the taxi because many drivers refuse to use the meter.

If you are visiting as a couple or family, you will probably be approached by some young women holding signs from some of the high class hotels. They will ask you where you are staying and will offer you a free taxi ride if you promise to attend their hotel presentation during your stay. Avoid such offers.

Alternative airports

Other airports that fly to Koh Samui are Surat Thani Airport and Chumphon Airport from the mainland with good ferries to Koh Samui. They are often significantly cheaper and serve as excellent low cost carriers for Air Asia and Nok Air.

Nok Air offers 4 daily flights + ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui or fly with Nok Air from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat and transfer by ferry to Koh Samui. You can book your ticket on their website.
Flights to Surat Thani are operated by Thai Airlines and low-cost airlines Air Asia and Nok Air (departure from Don Muang Airport, then drive to the coast and ferry to the destination.

Flights to Nakhon Si Thammarat are carried out by Air Asia and Nok Air, then by bus and by catamaran.

By ship

From Chumphon via Koh Tao, Koh Phangan

Lomprayah offers a shared bus/high speed catamaran from Bangkong to Koh Samui which takes 11 hours (5.5 of them by ship) and costs around 1,250 baht (1,000 baht in reverse side). The bus stops in Hua Hin ( Hua Hin) and then to Chumphon, where passengers transfer to a ship that calls at Nangyuan (Ko Nang Yuan), Tao and Phangan on the way to Koh Samui. The road is scenic (including a trip to 2 islands), and the ferry is convenient to Seatran.

Such a trip to Koh Samui will take longer, but it is a good way to see the countryside and the islands. The bus option is a 50-minute flight from Bangkok to Chumphon Airport via Nok Air and a transfer to high speed ferries stopping at Koh Tao along the way.

Lomprayah high speed catamarans are good and quick option get to Koh Samui from Koh Tao or from Koh Phangan, as well as a good way to arrive at these islands from Bangkok. There are also regular speedboats of other operators.

By ferry

From Surat Thani

Railroad station and Surat Thani Airport (URT) include mixed bus/ferry service to Koh Samui for 200-300 baht. Some include a 60-minute bus ride to Donsak pier followed by a 90-minute ferry ride. Others include a 30 minute bus ride, but the ferry takes longer. Tickets are sold by numerous agents who meet on every train and airport. It costs less than 300 baht.

At the Donsak pier, you can choose the trip of one of the listed ferry companies "Songserm", "Travel" And Seatran(departures every 30-60 minutes), which ends at Nathon Pier. If you book your trip through tourist agency you are traveling on a small two-deck ferry, often crowded, so always arrive early as all the seats on the lower deck can be full.

The air-conditioned upper deck is more expensive. If you don't feel like paying extra, you can end up next to a pile of backpacks at the back of the boat. There is a small overpriced shop on the lower deck (instant noodles that cost 15 baht are sold here for 50 baht). It is better to bring snacks with you so as not to overpay. Passengers of the ferry "Songserm" are mostly foreigners.

The Seatran ferry is much larger and has multiple decks (most are free to enter, including the air-conditioned rooms), is slower to fill due to size, and has numerous TVs (with Thai channels). There is a large cafeteria (with much friendlier prices like 20 baht for the same instant noodles). Passengers are mainly Thais and tourists.

Raja Ferry Port operates connections between Donsak Pier and Lipa Noi Pier on the western side of Koh Samui (a few kilometers south of Nathon). The ferry includes a free air-conditioned deck and comfortable seats. It also transports You can use it if you decide to come with your own transport.Transfer Songthaew from Lipa Noi Pier to Koh Samui or Lamai will cost 100 baht per person. Taxi will cost more, about 1000 baht.

There are numerous ferry services from Surat Thani, including speedboats (3 trips daily, duration 3 hours and price 150 baht) and slow night boats (duration 6-7 hours). "Songserm Travel" operator number +66 25 29 654 in Bangkok for the schedule, which varies depending on the season.

Clue:

Koh Samui - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow - 4

Kazan − 4

Samara − 3

Yekaterinburg - 2

Novosibirsk 0

Vladivostok 3

When is the season. When is the best time to go

Koh Samui's weather is slightly different from the weather in other parts of Thailand. From April to September, when most of the country has its rainy season, Koh Samui remains quite dry, but from October to December it is quite damp. From Koh Samui, the dry season lasts from January to March. You can navigate the prices for tours to Koh Samui from Russia.

Koh Samui in summer

The summer months on the island cannot boast of perfect weather. The air temperature is quite democratic, but the humidity rises sharply, which results in a terrible stuffiness. To this is added the approaching rainy season, in the evening and at night, vacationers can be upset by passing showers, although not very long (no more than an hour). With sunrise, the soil dries out quickly, and the sun does not spare vacationers. The sea is quite calm, the only negative may be the ongoing daily low tides. On some beaches, it is especially noticeable how the water, several meters away from the coast, and for some, such a picture may seem frightening.

Koh Samui in autumn

The beginning of autumn can easily please tourists who come to Koh Samui. When to go if not in the summer? - and the sun warms well, and there is no wind, and the sea is quite calm. Almost the whole of September can be spent on the beaches of Koh Samui and enjoy the beautiful weather, although this month is considered the end beach season. Starting from October, the island is gradually enveloped by a cyclone of rains and gusty winds. The temperature drops by about 1-2 degrees every month, and on average it is 27 degrees for air and 26 degrees for water. Exhausting rains, which last about 5 hours a day, and intense gusty winds make it impossible to enjoy the island as a beach resort. The water is warm, but weather conditions, very cloudy. Several autumn days threaten with monthly precipitation. Cloudy weather prevails. Autumn is perfect for sightseeing tours. Due to the lack of a significant flow of tourists in autumn, you can safely visit the temples or study the history of this place in more detail.

Koh Samui in spring

Everything blooms in spring, and Koh Samui is no exception. The variety of color palette that the rich flora of the island can showcase attracts a new flow of tourists. In April, the scorching sun heats the air up to 35 degrees, the thermometer often exceeds this mark, but even this cannot stop exotic lovers.

The sea is still undead with its calm, its temperature reaches 29 degrees, only occasionally vacationers can frolic on small waves. With the end of spring, the weather is on the decline. The rainy season is soon approaching, so the air at the end of April may seem stuffy.

Koh Samui in winter

Winter is considered the peak tourist holiday on Koh Samui. In winter, the weather is very stable and the same “ the Velvet season". It is still recommended to fly to the island in the second decade of December, since the beginning of this month may turn out to be cloudy and rainy, it is almost impossible to predict this. Such vagaries of the weather can occur due to the change and formation of the season. Otherwise, the winter months delight vacationers with bright sun and evening freshness, the sea is clean with rare, big waves- the perfect time to enjoy all the advantages of a seaside resort.

Koh Samui - monthly weather

Clue:

Koh Samui - monthly weather

Main attractions. What to see

The most popular attractions in Koh Samui are presented below.

Top 5

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Ko Samui

Located on Ban Harn beach. The Aquarium features an astounding collection of tropical fish and other marine life such as turtles and colorful coral. The Tiger Zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. Samui Oceanarium and Tiger Zoo are open daily from 09:00-18:00.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

At Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Great Buddha Temple, the Buddha statue is 15 meters high. It was built in 1972 in the north of the island.

Samui Butterful Garden/Insect Museum

This butterfly garden can be found in the southeast of the island. You can see a huge collection of various butterflies with a wingspan of up to 25 cm. Visitors can also visit the insect museum, where you can see various insects from rare beetles to bee hives.

Elephant Park in Bophut (Bophut Elephant Camp)

Jeep safari "Funny Day Safari" takes place in the Elephant Park a couple of minutes from the fishing village and visit it to enjoy the peaceful nature, sitting on the back of a magnificent mammal, or to look at cute little elephants and feed them. You can also learn how the Samui monkeys work and watch a professional performance of crocodiles. Additional Information, maps of the area and a photo gallery is on their website.

Secret Buddha Garden

This beautiful garden was built by a 76-year-old Samui gardener in 1976. It is surrounded by green vegetation, rocky hills and is decorated with sculptures depicting both sexes in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the highest point on the island, you can enjoy amazing views from there. Organized tours to the garden last almost 2 hours.

Other attractions of the island:

Monkey Shows - You can enjoy this show at the outdoor theater on the main road behind Bophut Beach. The performance also includes trained elephants. Capturing and training wild animals is ethically questionable.
Old House (Old House) - Almost 200 years old Chinese-style house represents cultural heritage Samui. Grandpa Xi and Grandma Meng Tancharoen open the house for visitors.
Airport-hut. The airport on Koh Samui is very small, the peculiarity is that it is made in the form of a small, but very cozy and beautiful hut. Thanks to this, the Samui airport is one of the five most original airport terminals in the world.
Coral beds at Laem Set and Thong Takhian;
Waterfall Namtok Hin Lat - The main waterfront settlement of the island, where shops, restaurants and travel agencies are concentrated;

Namtok Na Mueang Waterfall - A local road leads to Na Muang 1 waterfall. The 30-minute walk ends with the more scenic Na Muang 2 waterfall. Crimson cliffs surround a water stream that falls from an impressive height of approximately 79 meters;
snake farm;

Rocks "Grandmother and Grandfather" (Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks) - these strange rocks, located on Lamai Beach, have a striking resemblance to the genitals of men and women. They have become one of the most important attractions of the island. For those who would like to hear the legend or see the rocks, one need only ask a local;
Water Buffalo Fights - A rich tradition on the island is the water buffalo fighting arena. There is no timetable for the fights, but the locals will know the dates and you may see occasional signs on the road announcing the day of the fight.

Beaches. Which is better

The main reason to visit Koh Samui is the beaches as it is quite big Island with fabulous beaches. The most popular and commercialized beaches are Lamai, while the northern beaches of Mae Nam (Mae Nam), Bophut (Bophut), Bangrak (Bang Rak, Big Buddha) and Choeng Mon (Choeng Mon) and the villages adjacent to them are the most peaceful places, and the west coast beaches are relatively quiet. Clarifications: Bophut and Choeng Mon are not very good for swimming because of the muddy water. The beaches and Lamai have cleaner sea water.

Nathon - port and administrative center Samui, which attracts tourists.
Laem Yai is located on the northwestern edge of the island; a secluded beach overlooking the Angthong Islands.
Mae Nam is a quiet and beautiful beach on the north coast.
Bophut is known for its calm but fast growing fishermen's village.
Bang Rak is located on the northeastern edge, the home of the Big Buddha.
Chongmon - quiet northern beach coast.
Chaweng is the largest and most developed beach with an unusual mix luxury hotels and small hotels for tourists and active nightlife.
Lamai is Koh Samui's "second" beach, south of Chaweng, with lots of active nightlife and chic resorts and restaurants.
South coast Samui South Coast - small beaches of Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai, Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut.

Chaweng beach

The main beach on Koh Samui that has been developed since the early 1990s. Just 20 years ago the beach was home to a handful of wooden bungalows, but now the place is littered with hotels, Italian pizzerias, Irish pubs and even go-go bars. Koh Samui's nightlife is becoming legendary, but, unfortunately, it doesn't always attract exemplary tourists. Hippie tourists gave way to Chaweng "beer hooligans". Now it's a place for a noisy and reckless party.

Lamai beach

Like Chaweng, Lamai has been transformed from a hippie hangout to a party and fun place with bars and an exciting nightlife. However, the beach is in better condition than Chaweng and it is not so easy to find a place to stay because there are always a lot of people here. If you want to relax in a quiet place, Lamai is not the best place. perfect place for you.

There are some interesting rock formations on the southern edge of Lamai Beach.

Lamai Island itself is located in the southeast of Koh Samui, almost 10 kilometers from Chaweng.

Beachmaenam(Mae Nam Beach)

This is a calm beach located in the north of the island, suitable for swimming and sunbathing, especially for families with children, due to the shallow water.

Bophut Beach

Located in the north of the island, it is a popular starting point for diving. This place is not as developed as Chaweng, but there are plenty of restaurants, shops and bars.

Choengmon Beach

Located in the northeast of Koh Samui, just 10 minutes from Chaweng. Unlike the latter, this is the perfect place to unwind.

BeachBigBuddha(Big Buddha Beach)

Located in the northeast of Koh Samui, offers visitors a good place for swimming and great views. The area has developed over the years and now you can find many restaurants, shops and bars.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Wat Khunaram Koh Samui

This temple is the most famous temple because of its mummified monk which is on public display. The mummy sits upright in a glass coffin and the worshipers present him with flowers and incense. In reality, the mummy is the body of a highly revered former temple abbot who was also a master of meditation and was able to predict his own death.

However, what is interesting is the fact that the mummy wears a large pair of sunglasses and is surrounded almost everywhere by huts selling overpriced drinks and pancakes.

Samui Pagoda Laem Sor (Laem Sor Pagoda Koh Samui)

This chedi (pagoda) is located in Laem Sor Temple, one of the most famous temples on Koh Samui. The building, with its yellow tiles that exude a golden aura, is quite an imposing and bewitching sight.

Food. What to try

Koh Samui is famous for its coconuts, which are available everywhere and quite tasty. On the island a good choice seafood although at peak tourist season demand often exceeds local supply. Larger beaches such as Bophut have reputable international restaurants (often owned by foreign couples living in Thailand).

South Thai food is notorious for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine comes from Malay, Indonesian and Indian cuisine. Favorite Southern dishes include Indian-style Muslim curry (Massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (Kanom Jin), and biryani chicken. Popular local food is pickled eggs and nephelium.

The double price is unfortunately common: some restaurants have two menus, one for tourists and one for locals, for whom the price is 1/4 of the price for foreigners. Main meals in a standard Thai restaurant should cost less than 100 baht (excluding seafood dishes). If the prices seem unreasonably high, go to another restaurant. Always check prices and menus first so you don't have to argue when the bill arrives.

Beverages

There are countless varieties of establishments selling drinks, ranging from pubs for loud and brazen tourists to erotic pubs to candle-lit romantic bars in Bophut. Price - 80 baht for local beer (Singha, Tiger, Chang, Heineken) and up to two times more for imported. Wine is especially expensive and usually costs over 2,000 baht per bottle.

Safety. What to watch out for

Tap water is not potable. Drinks in sealed bottles are sold everywhere. Be safe in restaurants too, as some use unsafe tap water for ice in drinks (others make it from bottled/safe water). Tap water in most hotels should not be used for drinking or brushing teeth unless it is clearly labeled as safe.
Motorcycles are more dangerous than jeeps, trucks and other vehicles that are available for rent at reasonable prices and are significantly safer. If you are going to use a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and never get behind the wheel while intoxicated, as the roads are dangerous and with a lot of bumps.
After a good time at the party at Bophut and Lamai, take a taxi to take you home. Be careful. Taxi drivers often cheat drunk people. It is not uncommon for an auto rickshaw driver to ask for 50 baht per kilometer of travel (for example, in the main market).
Recently, a large number of ATVs have appeared on the roads. Take care as ATVs are not registered.
Also be careful on the beaches at night because of the crimes that are often committed there.
If you are traveling to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao by bus, do not keep any valuables in your luggage. "Songserm Travel" reports about thefts from buses. Do not leave things unattended when you get off the train to the islands.

Things to do

Here are some places to visit if you don't know what to do in Koh Samui:

Ang Thong National Marine Park - scuba diving and snorkelling.
Champhun - by high-speed catamaran to the mainland and further to Bangkok via Champhun airport.
Koh Phangan is the site of the infamous Haad Rin Full Moon Party, and is home to nearly untouched landscapes.
Koh Tao is one of the most the best places for diving training, in fact, the best school on the planet is in Koh Tao. In addition to diving, you can go sailing.
Khao Lak is a diving center for the Similan and Surin Islands.

extreme sports

Diving

Southern Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world that are surrounded by crystal clear waters and stunning corals. For this reason, the number of divers visiting has gradually increased over the past decade. Even though the best time of the year to dive in Koh Samui is from June to August, diving in Koh Samui is popular all year round. Since it is considered one of safe places in the diving and snorkeling world, it is ideal for beginners.

Sea visibility in some places around Koh Samui is good (distance 10-30m). You can enjoy great view seamounts, coral gardens, underwater rock formations, hard and soft coral, whale sharks in season.

Samran Mountains (Samran Pinnacles). Since the currents in this area are very strong, this site is only recommended for experienced divers. Because of the currents, the place is a haven for sailing large sea creatures. Near Sail Rock there are three mountains hidden under water.
Ko Kra and Koh Losin (Ko Kra & Koh Losin). These two small islands are located in the southeast of Koh Samui, which are not visited by tourists due to their remoteness. Here you can see black-tailed sharks, manta rays and vulture turtles, which are difficult to find.
Koh Tan (also known as Koh Tan, Koh, Koh Taen Kataen, Coral Island). This small island located on the southwestern edge of Koh Samui. This is the perfect place for an amazing dive. Local experts tell travelers it's the perfect place for people who don't want to travel more than two hours to dive.

Koh Tan

Located 15 minutes from Koh Samui, Koh Tan offers travelers 14 places to visit with rich underwater life, including soft and hard corals. From Thong Krut, tourists can leave for a reasonable price on longtail boats. If you want to go to Koh Tan, you can book a trip through any good travel agent or search on the internet, or go straight to Thong Krut.

There are 5 restaurants on Koh Tan. There are three restaurants in Ao Tok Bay. One of them is located at the end of the beach with accommodation and excellent Thai food. The third restaurant is located in the middle and is owned by a French gentleman. On the other side of the island there is a beautiful Ao-Tok bay with 2 restaurants and 2 large venues serving great food.

Housing complies high standard with an asking price of 500 baht, Koh Tan is surrounded by coral and rocky reefs, and there are 10 beaches on the island.

How to move around the region

Cellular, telephones and internet

There are many Internet cafes on Koh Samui. Hourly pay is almost 30 baht.

The GSM networks of all the major Thai mobile operators cover the island quite well. Buying a local SIM card will save you a lot of money on international calls. Moreover, GPRS/EDGE service is a cheap and convenient way to access the Internet almost everywhere.

Medical institutions

There is a well-equipped Bangkok Hospital on Koh Samui. For those who are not seriously ill, there are countless clinics and pharmacies, especially on the beach.