Ko Samui Island Travel Guide
Located about 700km south of Bangkok, Ko Samui is the 3rd largest island in the Gulf of Thailand with an area of 228.7 sqkm. Ko Samui is known for its paradisal sands beaches with blue crystal clear seas, and enhanced by a thick fringe of palm trees and dense, mountainous rain forest.
Home to various luxury resorts, posh spas and a rowdy nightlife scene, Ko Samui attracts more than a million visitors each year, which consists of globetrotting backpackers as well as suitcase-toting fortnighters.
Chewang is the most appealing strand on Ko Samui. Its has the island’s most modern amenities and, ranging from tawdry bar-beers to hip nightclubs. Situated not far from Chewang, Lamai is another popular hot spot for most backpackers, while Maenam is a bit more quite compared to others beaches. It is most suitable for those who want to enjoy the tranquility on this exotic island.
There are many others popular beaches on this island, including Choengmon, Bophut, Big Buddha, Hua Thanon and Bophut.
Do Not Missed Sister Islands
There are also other famous sister island surronding Ko Samui. For example Ko Tao, which is one of the top diving spot in Asia. Another sister island, Ko Phangan is famous for it’s Full Moon Party. If you are visiting Ko Samui, you should not miss the almost supernatural beauty of the Ang THong National Marine Park, which comprises of 80 islands in the Samui Archipelago. Others well known places that worth visiting are inclusive of Ko Tan and the spectacular Koh Nang Yuan, as well as the 12m-tall golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai temple which is one of Ko Samui local landmark.
What To Do on Ko Samui?
There are so many activities to enjoy on this charming island. Beside lying on the soft white sand and enjoying the tropical sun, you can also swim in the warm pristine water, as well as indulging in a few watersports.
The 55 km long ring road makes it convenient and practical to travel from beach to beach. You may rent a car or motorbike and hop on a round-island adventure along this 55km round-island ring road. Do not forget to have a fine seafood meal at the excellent Ban Hua Thanon Seafood restaurant on the south coast.
Beside regular activities, there are 2 wellknown festivals celebrated here each year, such as week-long Ko Samui Jazz Festival in September and 6 day sailing regatta in May/June. Both festival attracts thousand of visitors to flock into Ko Samui each year.
When is the Best Time to visit Ko Samui
The best season to visit Ko Samui is generally from April to September, as there is strong northeast monsoon during the period from October to February, which causes high waves and strong currents.
Most of the luxury hotels resorts on Ko Samui offers year long promotion. You may expect a sharp drop in room rate during monsoon period. I got a 40% discount when I book my exotic holiday at Four Seasons Resort Hotel through this website, which features all best Ko Samui Hotels at about 30 to 50% normal rate. You can check out the best available offers HERE .
