Koh Samui Travel Guide and Tips

Dec 182012

Koh Samui

Koh Samui has come a long way since its beginnings as a hippie and backpacker hangout place. Today, Koh Samui boasts world class facilities and caters to gigantic numbers of tourists. However, the island still retains its virginal charms like soft white beaches, balmy waters, and swaying palms. The natural attractions coupled with the man made ones make Koh Samui an irresistible attraction.

Top Tourist Spots in Koh Samui

There are countless tourist magnets in Koh Samui. The following attractions remain all time favourites among many other delights.

Chaweng
Lamai
Bophut
Big Buddha
Buffalo Fighting
Butterfly Garden
Crocodile Farm
Hin Ta/Hin Yai
Hua Thanon
Lamai Overlap Stone
Monkey Show
Na Muang Waterfalls
Samui Aquarium & Zoo
Secret Buddha Garden
Snake Farm
Temples and Wats
Tongtakien Bay

Shopping Attractions in Koh Samui

Koh Samui makes for a pleasurable experience with its eclectic mix of swanky shopping malls as well as traditional shopping stores. Listed below are some of the most popular shopping hot spots.

Tesco Lotus
Big C
Makro
Wine Collection
Chaweng Street Shopping
69 Slam Underwear
Silvermania
Mr Samui’s
Samui Hot Club
Asian Nights
Lamai Night Bazaar
Bophut Plaza
Samui Robot Group
Beautiful World
Benjavadee
My Jewel International

Eating out in Koh Samui

A world of lip smacking culinary delights from across the world is to be found at Koh Samui. Take your pick from the following list of eating out places in Koh Samui.

Captain Kirk
Chez Andy
Eat Sense
Prego Italian Restaurant
Erik’s/Ciao
La Palma
Aspendos
Bauhaus Bistro
Karma Sutra
The Pier
Alla Baia
The Shack
The Boudoir
Lai Thai Restaurant

Hotels in Koh Samui

Traditional Thai hospitality comes alive in Koh Samui’s accommodation facilities. Some of the hotels that remain long time favourites are:

Akwa Guesthouse
Als Hut
Aloha Resort
Arisara Place
Auberge
Baan Tropicana
Hutcha Resort
Ban Lealay
Baan Tamarind
Fair House Beach Resort
First Bungalow Resort
Hansar Samui Resort
Marco Polo Resort
Nara Garden Beach Resort

Cheap Flights to Koh Samui

Find the latest airfares and discounted offers on flights to Koh Samui operating from UK.

Preferred Airlines to Koh Samui from UK

Airports in Koh Samui

Koh Samui Airport is under the private ownership and operations of Bangkok Airways. It is located near the Bo Phut beach. The airport is globally famous for its mesmerising natural surroundings.

Best Time to Visit Koh Samui

A tropical climate ensures that Koh Samui can be visited anytime throughout the year. The temperature rarely drops below 27°C. The period from March to August is summer, when temperatures soar up to about 34°C. The rainy season lasts from September to November and the nights are pleasant. Usually, the downpours don’t continue for long. The months between December and February are dry and warm. This is the favourite time of visit for most people.

Transport in Koh Samui

Transport is pretty much the same as in the rest of Thailand. While cars and motorbikes can be hired, the tuk tuks or motorcycle taxis and the sawngthaews or minibus type trucks remain favourites. One may also use taxis or the local bus service.