Ko Samui Travel Guide
Travel to Ko Samui - Island Paradise
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Ko Samui is Thailand's third largest island at 247 square kilometres, and during the last decade it has become one of Southeast Asia's premier tourist destinations. With white beaches and a vibrant nightlife this coconut-palm covered island epitomises for most people what the south is all about - relaxation in a paradise-like setting!
Ko Samui lies 48km off the coast of Surat Thani the provincial capital, and is surrounded by other island gems such as Ko Phangan and, further north, Ko Tao.
With soft-sand beaches shaded by waving coconut palms, delicious fresh seafood and a vibrant nightlife, Samui has a magical formula that seems to cast its spell on everyone.
The topography of the island is that of a plain with a mountain range in the middle and 7 important streams. In addition, there is a 50-kilometer paved road that encircles the island.
It wasn’t always a holiday destination – until the mid-Seventies Samui was better known for its coconuts than its beaches. Despite the fast pace of development, Ko Samui has largely been able to maintain its charm as a tropical beach resort and village life can still be found.
Attractions in Ko Samui
Many visitors are happy to laze away the days on the beach, soaking up the sun and cooling off in the turquoise waters, but for those that like a little action there are plenty of choices from exploring the island’s hinterland (a loop road makes a 50 km circuit around the island, giving tantalizing glimpses of superb beaches on the north, east and west coasts) to waterfalls, a butterfly garden, snake show, monkey-training centre and health spas.
Ang Thong Marine Park is a great place to head to in order to get away from the crowds – a picture postcard string of jewel-like desert islands.
Activities in Ko Samui
There’s heaps to keep you busy if you tire of that oh-so perfect beach on Ko Samui. Learn to dive or take a snorkelling trip; many places hire sea-kayaks and there’s beach volleyball, massages, yoga and cooking classes all on offer. One of the best ways of seeing the island at your own pace is by hire car – avoid hiring motorbikes whatever you do as there are a terribly high number of number of (fatal) accidents each year.
Relaxing
Relax on the beach whilst having a massage and eating a freshly peeled pineapple before going for a refreshing swim. Heaven.
Getting Around
Most people somewhat understandably spend most of the time on the beach and so they spend very little time travelling. Those that do tend to hire cars or, against advice, motorcycles.
Ko Samui Reviews
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Posted on:
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Thursday, 21st February 2008
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I have been to Ko Samui a couple of times now, once back in the early 90's when it still had alot of it's small island charm and again a couple of years back when the change brought by tourism came as something of a shock. Chaweng was unrecognisable have morphed into a very slick tourist resort complete with fast food chains and western super markets (they even have a proper road now!). Lamai was less developed and still retains some charm but my favourite part of the island now is Bophut just beyond the Big Buddha. It is an old fishermens village with charming wooden buildings, great beaches, bars and restuarants and views of Ko Pha-Ngan. It has a far more relaxed feel than Chaweng or Lamai and watching the sunset while enjoying a Mai Tai in the Starfish and Coffee bar is worth the visit alone.
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Posted by:
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David.Havard
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Posted at:
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08:40