Tourism
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand in South China Sea in the Pacific Ocean. The island is an Amphoe or district in the Surat Thani Changwat or province. Samui is divided into seven Tambon or sub districts (administrative regions): Maenam, Bophut, Maret, Taling Nam, Namuang, Lipa Noi and Angthong.
Koh Samui has been a backpackers destination since late 70's. Today, tourists from around the world come to this easygoing paradise. It´s located in the Gulf of Siam and surrounded by more than sixty other islands, some small and uninhabited, some bigger and worth a stay like Koh Phangan, Koh Tao (divers island) Koh Nang Yuan and Angthong Islands, the National Marine Park.
Activities
Thaiboxing
Thaiboxing Stadiums are found at Lamai Stadium and in a bar area in the middle of the beach road (so called lady boxing and free to watch). The Chaweng Stadium is located rather close to Reggae Pub. Superfights several times a week. Quite often 'Farangs' vs Thai guys in the ring. We also recommend Ratcha-damnoern and Lumpini stadiums in Bangkok if you want to see "the real thing" even if though there are national fights on Koh Samui.
Samui Shooting Range
Pistols and machine guns! Location: Main road. Close to Chaweng.
Go Kart
Three types of go karts to choose from. Found at Bo Phut main road. Lots of fun!
Bungy Jump
This adrenaline pumping activity is found at Chaweng close to Reggae pub.
Buffalo Fighting
A couple of arenas.
Butterfly Garden
Butterflies and other tropical insects. It is located in the southeast at Leam Set.
Magic Garden
It is located in the center of Samui. Many interesting sculptures made of cement.
Full Moon Party
If you stay in Koh Samui, we recommend you visit the famous Full Moon Party of Koh Phangan. The full moon party on the Had Rin Nok beach in the south-east of Koh Phangan is a world famous beach party. Every month between 10 and 20 thousand people visit the full moon party of Koh Phangan.
It’s easy to get there from Koh Samui and worthwhile visiting. You have the possibility to party in different kind of ways. There are restaurants, DJ’s, bar’s, small tables on the beach, etc. To see some pictures, visit the gallery on our site.
You can visit Koh Phangan by boat. Several times a day boats are leaving from the Big Buhdda Pier and Maenam. There’s also the possibility to go by speedboat from Bo Phut and Maenam piers in the North of Koh Samui.
| Full Moon party Calendar | 2010 |
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It could be that these dates change because of a Buddist holiday, so check the travel agency in Thailand for the exact dates. |
January |
30
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| February |
01
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|
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| March |
30
|
|
|
| April |
28
|
|
|
| May |
29
|
|
|
| June |
26
|
|
|
| July |
28
|
|
|
| August |
25
|
|
|
| September |
23
|
|
|
| October |
23
|
|
|
| November |
21
|
|
|
| December |
21
|
|
|
Travel from Bangkok
There are a couple of good options:
Flight
You can catch a plane from the Bangkok International Airport, Suvarnabhumi. Bangkok Air flies direct to Samui Airport. Thai Airways flies to Suratthani. From there, just take a bus or taxi to the ferry.
Bus
If you want a more economical way to travel, take the VIP bus from the well-known Khao San Road or from the Southern bus terminal at Boromrat Chonnani Road. The VIP buses are more comfortable than the so called A/C bus. You can buy a ticket in almost every travel agency in Bangkok. Ferry is often included in the price.
Train
Another great way to travel is the night train from Hualamphong, the Bangkok railway station, to Suratthani. The sleeping cars are comfortable. It is a little more expensive than the bus, but you will get a good sleep. Upper beds are less expensive than the lower ones. A private "first class" cabin for two persons, is also available.
Ferry
The fastest ferry leaves from the two main piers in Donsak on the main land with operators like Seatran, and Racha Ferry. The price is about 150 baht. You will see many of the small surrounding islands if you don't fall asleep. You might also take the Lomprayah ferry from Chumpon. On smaller ferries (like the Songserm ones) from other piers, you might be contacted by Thai-guys to convince you that "their" resort on Samui is great. It can be a blank or a prize in that "lottery". You can easily book a room or bungalow here 24 hours a day and all year round.
Money and ATM's
There are nowadays many exchange offices (mini banks) and ATM machines, accepting Mastercard, VISA etc. credit, electron or debit cards, around the island. There are also different Thai banks available at serveral locations.