Experience Koh Samui

Thanks to its limited hotel capacity, the island is one of the last oases of unspoilt tropical nature in South-East Asia.

The interior is covered with forested mountain peaks, whilst the coastline is fringed by unique beaches set amidst the stunning tropical scenery of palm groves.

Crystal-clear water, long beaches with fine sand, and the chance to enjoy yourself in 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.

Frequently Asked Questions before visiting the island

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Basic facts

Title

Koh Samui ("Koh" means "island" in Thai)

Area of the island:

228.7 km²

Journey time by boat from the mainland (Donsak)

≈ 1.5 hours

population

≈ 64,000 (officially)

Position:

Gulf of Thailand

Religion

mostly Buddhists, Christians (foreigners),
Muslims (particularly the Hua Thanon area)

GPS coordinates

9°30′N 100°00′E

Capital city

Nathon

Province

Surat Thani

the most popular beaches

Chaweng, Lamai, Mae Nam

highest point

635 m

distance from Bangkok

≈ 700 km (flight time ≈ 1.5 hours)

time difference

Summer time +5 hours, winter time +6 hours

prefix

+66

Important telephone numbers

191

National Police

1155

Tourist Police

106

State Fire Service

0 7742 9500

Bangkok Hospital

0 7742 1232

Koh Samui Hospital

0 7742 1069

Immigration Service

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

Angthong (Ang Thong) — 6 villages
Little Lipa (Lipa Noi) — 5 villages
Beautiful Dance (Taling Ngam) — 5 villages
Town Centre (Na Mueang) — 5 villages
Maret (Maret) — 6 villages
Bo Phud (Bo Phut) — 6 villages
River (Mae Nam) — 6 villages

NEAREST ISLANDS

Koh Taen

Koh Mudsum

Koh Som

Koh Matlang

HOSPITALS

Bangkok Hospital

Thai International Hospital

Samui International Hospital

Bandon Hospital

Koh Samui Hospital

NEAREST ISLANDS

Koh Taen

Koh Mudsum

Koh Som

Koh Matlang

HOSPITALS

Bangkok Hospital

Thai International Hospital

Samui International Hospital

Bandon Hospital

Koh Samui 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

The different areas of Koh Samui

Koh Samui is administratively divided into seven districts. The main administrative centre, where most institutions are based and where the main port is located, is Nathon. Tourists are mainly interested in the following areas: Maret – which includes Lamai Beach; Bo Phut – a large area encompassing both Chaweng Beach and the beach at "Fisherman’s Village"; Na Mueang – an area with waterfalls; Mae Nam – a long stretch of beach in the north of the island, which also includes the smaller, beautiful beaches of Ban Tai and Bang Po; and Lipa Noi – a pleasant beach in the west of the island with a peaceful atmosphere.

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 some truly secluded spots; these include all the small beaches in the south, south-east and south-west of the island. I would mention, for example, the areas of Thong Krut, Laem Sor and Phang-Ka. In these spots, you can find true relaxation in the form of secluded beaches, accommodation with stunning views of the sunset, and a genuine taste of local life. These parts of Koh Samui are now just as Chaweng or Lamai used to be 20 years ago. The downside of these places is the low water level between April and September, and also the fact that you’re somewhat cut off and usually have to travel a bit for shopping and meals; however, the distances aren’t great and it’s no problem at all by scooter or 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.

Experience Koh Samui

Frequently Asked Questions before visiting the island

Basic facts

Important telephone numbers

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS

NEAREST ISLANDS

HOSPITALS

NEAREST ISLANDS

HOSPITALS

history

The different areas of Koh Samui

The different areas of Koh Samui

Places you shouldn’t miss

Big Buddha

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Khunaram

Wat Laem Sor

Wat Khao Chedi

Khao Hua Jook

Guan Yu

Hin Ta Hin Yai

Namuang 1 & 2

Paradise Park

Teepangkorn

Garden Ta Nim

Koh Samui beaches

Chaweng Beach

Silver Beach

Taling Ngam I beach

Ban Tai beach

Lipa Noi beach