Experience
Koh samui

The island is due to limited hotel capacity one of the last oases of pristine tropical nature in Southeast Asia.

The inland is covered with forested mountain peaks, the coast is lined with unique beaches with beautiful tropical scenery of palm groves.

Clear water, long beaches with fine sand, and the possibility of entertainment in the garden restaurants and bars promise unforgettable experiences.

Life on Koh Samui is especially suitable for those interested in a quiet life in the undisturbed environment of a tropical island under coconut palms.

Most common
questions

before visiting the island

Yes, there is no need to worry about street crime or aggressive behaviour, Thais are a gentle people with a friendly nature. The vast majority of European cities are far worse off in terms of security than Koh Samui, or the rest of Thailand for that matter.

Consumption of money on vacation is a completely individual matter and despite the fact that most goods and services are cheaper in Thailand than in the Czech Republic, for example, alcohol is more expensive. For a draft big beer it is not a problem to pay 130 Baht (90 CZK) in a restaurant and 60 Baht (42 CZK) in a convenience store. If one does not restrict oneself too much, or does not "splurge", it is possible to count on about 15000 Baht per person for a 10-day holiday. This is about 10500 CZK. In this budget one can count on renting a scooter, taking 2 trips, entrance fees to some attractions and good food in cheaper but good quality restaurants, including some beer or other drinks to improve the mood. In Thailand you must use the local currency Baht, so Euro or Dollar is recommended, which you can exchange at any bank, which is practically on every corner. Nowadays you can also buy Baht directly in the country, but at less favourable rates.

No vaccinations are required for Thailand, however it is recommended to have tetanus (at least know when I was last vaccinated) and hepatitis. This applies generally to travel anywhere. It is possible to get vaccinated for typhoid and other tropical diseases, in my opinion such vaccinations are rather detrimental, they are a burden to your system before the trip and also to your wallet. There is no need to worry about malaria on Koh Samui,the ever present mosquito borne dengue fever is still present but the risk of getting sick is quite low.

Koh Samui has a number of high quality hospitals with modern facilities and professional staff. The local facilities try to make the stay in the hospital, if it happens, pleasant enough for the customer to enjoy their holiday as much as possible. The quality of care, however, goes hand in hand with the price, so clearly we recommend that you have travel insuranceotherwise the hospital bills will climb into the astronomical, no problem, hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

I don't recommend drinking tap water, although the water from the line is chemically treated and shouldn't be a problem, it's better to buy bottled water, or use local water machines where you can very cheaply fill your own containers (1l for about 1 Baht - in a shop 1l will cost you 10 times or more). You can use tap water to shower, brush your teeth and even pour over your coffee after boiling. On the other hand, you don't have to worry about the food from the stalls at all,on the contrary, I recommend to try the variety of Thai cuisine and instead of an expensive dinner in a restaurant choose to visit the local market with stalls and eat royally for a few pennies. Be careful only with unprepared food such as salads, raw (dried) fish and seafood (typically squid). Sushi, for example, or fried worms are not to be feared.

Basic facts

  • "Koh" is translated as "island" in Thai
  • Island name in Thai: เกาะสมุย
  • Area of the island: 228.7 km²
  • Position: the Gulf of Thailand
  • GPS coordinates: 9°30′N 100°00′E
  • Province: Suratthani
  • Distance from Bangkok: ≈ 700 km
  • Flight time from Bangkok: ≈ 1.5 hours
  • Travel time by boat from the mainland (Donsak): ≈ 1.5 hours
  • Population: ≈ 64,000 (official)
  • Religion: mostly Buddhist, Christian (foreigners), Muslim (mainly Hua Thanon area)
  • Capital:Nathon
  • Most popular beaches: Chaweng, Lamai, Mae Nam
  • Highest point: 635 m
  • Time shift: summer time +5, winter time + 6 hours
  • Dialcode: +66

Administrative subdivision

  • อ่างทอง(Ang Thong) 6 villages
  • ลิปะน้อย(Lipa Noi) 5 villages
  • ตลิ่งงาม(Taling Ngam) 5 villages
  • หน้าเมือง(Na Mueang) 5 villages
  • มะเร็ต(Maret) 6 villages
  • บ่อผุด(Bo Phut) 6 villages
  • แม่น้ำ(Mae Nam) 6 villages

Nearest islands

  • Koh Taen
  • Koh Mudsum
  • Koh Som
  • Koh Matlang

Hospital

  • Bangkok Hospital
  • Thai International Hospital
  • Bandon Hospital
  • Koh Samui Hospital
  • Samui International Hospital

History

The island was first settled about 1500 years ago by Malay and Chinese traders. It appears on Chinese maps in 1687. Until the late 1920s, the inhabitants were self-sufficient with little contact with the mainland. The main sources of livelihood were fishing and coconut farming. Today it is mainly tourism. In the 1970s the first tourists began to discover the island, but it was not until the construction of the airport by the private Bangkok Airways (which still owns it today) in 1989 that there was a significant increase in the number of tourists

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INDIVIDUAL AREAS OF KOH SAMUI

Koh Samui is administratively divided into 7 districts. Nathon is the main administrative centre, where most institutions are located and the main port is located. Tourists are mainly interested in the following parts.

The most visited beaches are Lamai and Chaweng and Bo Phut (Fisherman's village) are also centres of entertainment, nightlife and shopping.

For those who are looking for more tranquility but want to be close to civilization, i.e. restaurants and shops where they can get everything they need, the beaches of Mae Nam, Ban Tai, Lipa Noi and small beaches in the Choeng Mon area are a good choice.

Koh Samui also offers places completely hidden, such beaches include all the small beaches in the south, southeast and southwest of the island. I would name for example the area of Thong Krut, Laem Sor and Phang-Ka. In these places you can find real relaxation in the form of secluded beaches, accommodation with spectacular sunset views, but also real local life. These areas of Koh Samui are now as Chaweng or Lamai used to be 20 years ago. The downside of these places is the low water levels between April and September and the fact that you are somewhat cut off and have to commute most of the time for shopping and food, but the distances are not great and it is no problem on a scooter or in a jeep.

A separate chapter are the places in the hills, which rise practically throughout the entire central part of the island. Even in these areas you can find very beautiful places with amazing views of the island and the sea. At altitudes of around 600m above sea level (beware, on Koh Samui you go steeply up, practically from 0m above sea level) the climate is a bit more pleasant, the temperatures a bit lower, the wind pleasant and also thanks to the rainforest, which is still preserved in many places, you feel that you can breathe better than down on the beach.

Places you can't miss

Big Buddha

Temple of the Great Golden Buddha in the north of the island

Wat Plai Laem

Temple of three religions near the great Buddha

Wat Khunaram

Temple of the mummified monk

Wat Laem Sor

Temple in the south of the island
on the beach

Wat Khao Chedi

A magical resting place for monks above Laem Sor beach

Khao Hua Jook

Golden pagoda towering over Chaweng - amazing view

Guan Yu

Majestic statue of the Chinese god of war in Hua Thanon

Hin Ta Hin Yai

Phallic rock cliffs in the shape of nature

Namuang 1 & 2

Koh Samui's most famous waterfalls, elephant rides

Paradise Park

Popular with children and adults alike at the highest point of koh samui

Teepangkorn

The highest built temple, 360 degree view around the island

Garden Ta Nim

Countless statues built in the jungle by a hermit

Koh Samui beaches

Chaweng Beach

The island's most famous beach with lots of attractions and restaurants

Silver Beach

A picturesque beach near Lamai hidden among the rocks

Taling Ngam I beach

A beach undiscovered by the masses with beautiful sunsets

Ban Tai beach

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island is worth an afternoon

Lipa Noi beach

Quiet beach suitable for swimming even during the monsoon

Experience
Koh samui

To book accommodation or trips, please contact us by e-mail or whatsapp.
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Blue Ocean Siam Management Co.,LTD.

Responsible person:
Mgr. Jakub Šafránek

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