Koh Samui, Thailand
Travel Information

The 247-square-kilometre Samui island is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. Located 258 nautical miles south of Bangkok, and some 84 kilometres east of the provincial capital, Koh Samui measures some 21 kilometres at its widest point, and 25 kilometres at its longest. A 51-kilometre ring and largely coastal road encircles the island, which has numerous lovely beaches and bays, and is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills.

Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Chaweng beach and Lamai beach, where generally attractive accommodation can be found. Other beaches include Choeng Mon beach, Mae Nam beach in the north and Na Thon beach, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.

At the southern end of Lamai Bay are phallic rock formations called Hin Ta Hin Yai. A path connects the three waterfalls, called Namtok Hin Lat, Namtok Lat Wanon, and Namtok Na Muang, from west to south. The waterfalls are best visited during rainy season. Elephant riding is an interesting activity at the Na Muang waterfall.

There are some Buddhist monuments and temples on the island: Phra Yai is a massive seated Buddha image at Fan isle; Phrathat Hin Ngu is a stupa containing the Buddha?s relics and Chedi Laem So, a golden stupa on the western coast; and Wat Khunaram houses the dead body of Luang Pho Daeng which does not decay.

Many international diving schools have been established on Koh Tao (Turtle Island) because of its pristine beaches and abundant coral reefs around the island, making it the best scuba diving spot in the Gulf of Thailand.

The Angthong Marine National Park consists of roughly 40 islands, mostly comprised of limestone masses rising to heights of 400 meters, pristine beaches and lush forests. The emerald saltwater lake on Koh Mae Ko (Mother Island) entails a strenuous climb and is a major scenic attraction. Another popular venue is the Koh Sam Sao (Tripod Island) with an extensive coral reef.

The ever popular Full Moon party is held annual at Koh Phangan where revelers from all over the world come to dance the night away and be merry. It also has many beautiful natural attractions, such as waterfalls, hillside temples, and pristine beaches.

Khao Sok National Park is becoming more popular every day as more people discovers that the lush jungles and mountainous complexes are still inhabited by numerous wildlife, including elephants, tapirs, bisons, bears and black panthers. Highlights include the Sip Et Chan (11-tiered) Waterfall, and many other spectacular waterfalls all within close proximity to the park office. Ideal for camping, trekking and viewing wildlife.

Watch students as they are trained to pick coconuts at the Monkey School on the mainland and at Koh Samui. Majority of students are pig-tailed monkeys captured in the local forest that undergo an intensive 3-month program.

The oyster farms concentrated in the estuarine areas of the Kadaeh and Ta Thong rivers produced the largest oysters found anywhere else. Visitors can see the harvesting by hiring long-tail boats to get to the farms.

Don Sak

Namtok Vibhavadi This waterfall is located 38 kilometres east of the provincial capital along Highway No. 401. The entrance to the waterfall is between the 60-61 km. markers. The petite waterfall enjoys bucolic surroundings and attracts a lot of local people during weekends.

Wat Khao Suwan Pradit Located 1 kilometre from Don Sak district, this temple was founded by Luang Pho Choi, one of southern Thailand's most revered Buddhist ecclesiastics. The hilltop 45-metre pagoda contains Buddha relics and commands striking coastal views.

Kanchanadit

Monkey School Located some 7 kilometres along Highway No. 401 and 2 kilometres along an access road, the school trains monkeys to pick coconuts. Most 'students' are pig-tailed monkeys captured in local forests. Training usually takes some 3 months. Would-be visitors are advised to check with local travel agents for full details.

Chaiya

Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram Better known as Suan Moke, this 150-acre forest temple is located beside Highway No. 41, some 50 kilometres north of the provincial capital. Suan Mokkh's founder, the late Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, was highly respected both locally and internationally. His 'back to basics' form of Buddhism, mirroring that led by the Buddha's earliest disciples more than 2,500 years ago, attracted many Buddhist monks and lay meditators from many countries. The enclave is devoid of extravagant ceremonial and elaborated chapels. The forest tranquility is ideal for a life of contemplation.

Phra Borom That Chaiya Located some 4 kilometres northeast of Suan Mokkh, and 1 kilometre from Chaiya railway station, this elaborately restored and revered pagoda is believed to be more than 1,200 years old. The pagoda contains Buddha relics and provides a direct link with the Srivijaya Empire. A small adjacent museum houses artefacts from the vicinity. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Phumriang Village Located some 7 kilometres east of Chaiya, this Muslim settlement is an arts and crafts centre well known for its silver brocaded silk cloth and jute headwear.

There are three seasons, warm and dry season from February till May, rainy season from the end of September till November and "cool" season which extends from October till January.
From February till October, the average temperature is from 32 to 38 degrees, but from July till September, there can be some showers, but only for a few hours.

Rainy season often amounts in fact to some "refreshing"showers followed by the return of the sun.

The climate is tropical so very humid all year round, but Samui remains always refreshed by a pleasant sea breeze blowing from the Gulf.

In conclusion, if you love the sun and if you can withstand heights of summer, come from February till May! It is very rare that it rains...

By Rail
Visitors can take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani Railway Station, then take a connecting bus to Samui (locaded on a ferry at Don Sak).

By Air
Bangkok Airways has numerous daily flights connecting Bangkok with Samui. In addition, they have daily flights servicing the Phuket-Samui route. Check and book their flight online at Bangkok Airways.

Boat Services to Koh Samui (Schedules and fares mentioned here are subject to change without notice. Please contact boat companies or TAT office in Surat Thani for current information.)

Surat Thani - Koh Samui Songserm Rungrueang Co, Ltd operates express boat services from Surat Thani to Koh Samui. The boats depart from Surat Thani daily at 8 a.m. Travelling time is 2.30 hours. A joint ticket for connecting route, Bangkok-Surat Thani-Koh Samui, is available.

A nighttime boat leaves Ban Don pier (in Surat Thani town) at 11 p.m. daily. It takes 6 hours for the journey.

Don Sak - Koh Samui , Don Sak pier is located 40 kilometres from Surat Thani town. Racha Ferry operates ferry services from Don Sak pier to Koh Samui 7 times daily from 8.00 a.m.-7 p.m. It takes 1.30 hours for the journey. For more information, contact Racha Ferry at tel: 0-7737-1151, 0-7737-1026 (Don Sak Office) or tel: 0-7742-3026 (Koh Samui Office). Private vehicles can be loaded onto the ferry. Bus services from Surat Thani town and Surat Thani railway station to Don Sak pier are available.