Koh Samui is one of the best beach resorts in Thailand. This place is for people who prefer calm vacation, families with children and active tourists. There are plenty of water sports and a wide variety of sea excursions.
Location
Samui is located almost 500 kilometers from Bangkok. You can easily and quickly get there by plane (only an hour). In addition, flights from U-Tapao Airport in Pattaya arrive in the island twice per day (flight takes about 40 minutes).
Beach vacation
Samui is considered to be the best beach resort in Thailand. In the western part of the island, beaches are uncomfortable and coast is rocky. The best beaches are on the east coast and the most popular ones are Chaweng and Lamai.
Active vacation
Fans of active vacation may choose jeep safari, quad biking, trekking on elephants, cableway in the jungle and a large variety of sea cruises in the Gulf of Thailand. Beautiful coral reefs that are perfect for scuba diving are off the coast of the island.
The nearby island, Tao, is famous for diving schools that offer various programs for diving.
Sights
Air gateway of the island is one of the top ten most beautiful airports in the world. Outdoor tents, cozy alley with duty free shops, waiting rooms with chairs, beds with tropical greenery and flowers always make an impression on tourists.
One of the most beautiful nature reserves of the kingdom is Ang Thong National Park. It is located near from Koh Samui
Entertainment
The infrastructure level on the island is almost the same as on Phuket. There are no shopping centers yet, but a lot of original shops, professional spa and beauty salons, European restaurants and coffeehouses. Coconuts are considered the best in the world (there are more than 3.5 million palms).
Rambutan festival in August (the fruit was brought here in 1926) and the magnificent religious Chak Phra Festival in mid-October (procession led by this Buddha statue) are two big holidays in Samui
There is no active nightlife. Almost, all establishments are closed by midnight. However, the neighboring Phangan Island is famous for its beach parties.
Prices
Samui is one of the most expensive resorts in Thailand. Housing prices, as well as food and transportation prices are almost at the same level as in Phuket.
Attention!
The prices of the flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui, on average, are twice higher than the similar flights from other cities; metropolitan direction is monopolized by Bangkok Airways.
In addition, it is necessary to take into account the climatic features of the region. The northeast monsoon is dominated from October to December. That is why there are often heavy rains and slightly storms. The best time to travel to Samui is in January, February, the second half of July, and August.
