Koh Samui is Thailand’s second biggest island and one of its most popular tourist destinations. Ever since it was discovered in the early 1970s by two backpackers the island has attracted a growing number of visitors to its shores. They come to experience the beautiful beaches, warm water, exciting nightlife and warm Thai hospitality.
Since its inception as a tourist area, Koh Samui has developed quickly. It now has excellent infrastructure which includes an extensive paved road system, modern and well equipped hospitals, supermarkets, an airport and even a decompression chamber for divers. It is this developed state combined with cheap prices for food and drink, year round sunshine and lots of beaches that gives Koh Samui its winning formula.
Koh Samui Beaches
The most popular beaches on Koh Samui are Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut. Chaweng has the longest beach and the biggest urban area. Here you will find many resorts, hotels, bars and restaurants. There’s live music, strip shows and bars where ladies are looking for customers. Lamai is more of the same but slightly smaller. Lamai also has a couple of good night clubs and two places showing Muay Thai fights.
Bophut is more sophisticated. There are no sex workers and the original Chinese wooden fisherman’s homes have been converted into cool bars, cafes and restaurants. The beach at Bophut is free of traffic because there is no beach road.
Maenam is the backpacker area of Koh Samui. It is located on the north coast next to Bophut. It has a convenient port for catching a boat to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. The long beach at Maenam is not great for swimming but has plenty of tree cover and also great accommodation deals.
The south and west coasts of Koh Samui have some beaches that are quiet and less developed such as Laem Set, Lipa Noi, Baan Bang Kao and Taling Ngam. These beaches have few bars and don’t attract the nightlife crowd. Rather couples, pensioners and package tourists often use the hotels on these beaches.
In general prices for Koh Samui accommodation starts at about $30 a night and goes up to $1,000 a night in the high season for private pool villas. There are also private villas to rent, often at knock down prices. Hilton has a resort in Taling Ngam called the Conrad Koh Samui. Marriot and Amari also have resorts on Koh Samui.
Things to do in Koh Samui
There are plenty of gyms around the island. Some of the luxury hotels have their own fitness centers. There are also places like the Kamalaya on Laem Set that specialize in holistic treatments such as yoga, Pilates, tai chi and meditation.
Less spiritual pursuits include diving, golf, go kart racing and canopy zip lines. There is also a tiger show, a butterfly garden and an aquarium to visit. For those looking for Thai culture there are a number of temples or Wats on Koh Samui. These include the famous 12 meter high golden Buddha at Bang Rak and Wat Khunaram that houses a 30 year old mummified monk.
In short there is plenty to see and do in Koh Samui. There’s also a jazz festival and marathon in September.
Koh Samui – the Final Word
People either love or hate Koh Samui. It has exciting nightlife and plenty to do but many people are put off by the seedy nature of Chaweng and Lamai. The island has great facilities and amenities but tends to put its prices up too often. The taxi drivers never go on the meter and are immune to negotiation. Parts of the island feel over developed and nature has suffered as a consequence. The backpackers that used to stay on Koh Samui have long since moved onto cheaper islands. For all these negative points, Koh Samui is still a paradise island that people visit over and over again.