ALL ABOUT KOH SAMUI

Ko Samui is a district (amphoe) of Surat Thani Province , further divided into seven sub-districts (tambon).

The entire island is a municipality (thesaban mueang). The district covers the whole island as well as the Ang Thong archipelago to the west (Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park) and a few surrounding islands.

Country: Thailand

Archipelago: Samui Archipelago

Province: Suratthani

Location: Gulf of Thailand

Coordinates: 9° 30′ N, 100° 00′ E

Area: 252 km²

Highest point: 635m

Population: 62,500 inhabitants. (2012)

Density: 248

Largest city: Nathon

Time zone: UTC+7

Currency: BAHT (THB)

Ko Samui (Thai: เกาะสมุย, RTGS transliteration: ko samui) , sometimes written in English transliteration Koh Samui or simply Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand located in the southern part of the Isthmus of Kra and belonging to the province of Surat Thani.

Located about 25 km from the coast, it is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket, with an area of 228 km² and a population of 62,500 inhabitants in 2012.

It enjoys many natural tourist resources: white sand beaches, corals and coconut palms.

In 2005, most of the inhabitants still live from the cultivation of coconut palms but there are already 700,000 tourists per year; in 2018, the main activity of Ko Samui and its inhabitants is now tourism with 2.7 million tourists per year 1 ; in 2020 and 2021, tourism is reduced to almost nothing due to the Covid-19 pandemic

Geography

The island is located in the Gulf of Thailand, in the center of a small archipelago of 85 islets of which 6 are inhabited, which make up the national park of Mu Ko Ang Thong (the islands of the golden bowl).

The island of Ko Pha Ngan, also very touristy and famous for its Full Moon Party, is some 15 kilometers further north; and the island of Ko Tao, well known as a scuba diving spot, is 60 km to the north.

Ko Samui has a massive (25 km by 21 km), rather circular shape. Its center, which culminates at 635 meters, is covered with a hostile mountain jungle. The plains are basically connected by a 51 km road which mainly follows the coast, but there is also a lightly traveled road which crosses the jungle from Lamai to Maenam.

The main town is Nathon, a fishing and transport port between the various islands, located on the southwest coast of Samui. It is also the seat of the local administration, and the economic heart of the island.

The name of each of the main beaches on the island is now linked to its own town, due to the establishment of numerous hotels, restaurants and nightclubs these last decades.

Source: Wikipedia

Story

It was in the 7th century that we find traces of Indonesians on the island of Ko Samui, then of Chinese in the 13th century, Marco Polo left China in 1288 to explore the Gulf of Siam.

He landed on an island, Koh Samui, probably at Lipanoi, but had to re-embark hastily due to unfavorable winds. He sails between two islands, Samui and Phangan, which he describes as bathed by a shallow sea.

Favorable winds then allowed him to return to Skri Lanka (Ceylon). He is the first to have given a description of the island.

In the account of his trip to Siam, Father de la Loubière wrote on September 7, 1685: "The night was admirable. We passed Polcornon. (Samui) We are abreast of Polcori, (Phangan) and we see Polbardi (Tao) perspective. We could well be at the helm of Siam on Wednesday".

In 1744, it appears on a map made by the cartographer Hermann Moll.

The 70s and 80s are the beginning of the frequentation of the island by backpackers as well as the opposite island Ko Phangan (known for these full moon parties called Full Moon).

The infrastructures are now very developed!

— 2 submarine lines supply the island with electricity recently.
— 1 running water line from the mainland supplies the island with water, in addition to a storage station located in the south of the island
— 1 high-speed internet with fiber optics in almost the entire island
— 1 international airport with more than 1 million passengers located in the North of the island opening of the first airport in 1989. Direct connections: Kuala Lampur, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket…
— 1 international airport on the mainland (Surat Thani) 1h30 by ferry from Koh Samui
— 2 ferry piers (2 companies)
— 2 piers for boat (Nathon) and catamaran (Maenam/ou/et Bangrak)
— The roads all around the island are paved and have been redone on more than half of the island, it will take you 1h30 to 2h to go around the island which is 230km² (1.32 times more than the Island of Oléron 174 km²)
— There are more than 3000 hotels on the island, residences or villas for rent by the day, by the week….
— Name of the administrative capital of the island: Nathon (north west of the island)
— Largest cities and largest beaches on the island: Chaweng (located in the North East of the island)
— Second largest city: Lamaï (located towards the south-east of the island)

The districts of Koh Samui

Bangkao District: (South)

If you like nature, calm and authenticity, this is the area you will love...

The Bangkao district still includes many wooden houses typical of the south of the island inhabited by Thais as they were seen 30 years ago.

Bangkao beach is one of the piers allowing you to reach the magnificent islands opposite: Koh Tan and Koh Matsum for snorkeling (even fish with mask and snorkel), enjoy the many natural beaches, the lagoon or mangrove located just behind the island of Koh Tan.

On the crossroads of roads n° 4170 and 4173, you will find many workshops for repairing and selling boats and sea scooters, then the rum distillery and its restaurant, at the crossroads of Bangkao two mini-markets and a fruit and vegetable market open every day.

Following the road that leads to the beach many restaurants, an equestrian center.

When you enter the land you will discover many small roads with plantations of rubber trees, banana trees, coconut trees, but also temples. Beautiful walks to do in perspective, by bike or scooter.

Thong Krut District: (South West)

Thong Krut is certainly one of the prettiest places in Koh Samui. Located at the southern end of the island with an extensive coastline on _cc78190548-bad6-bb3b15-bad4 kilometers.

This small fishing village, originally made up of a few wooden huts, bordering a very beautiful beach closed by a white sandbank, is developing with the establishment of several restaurants, resorts and shops, by “Farang” (foreigners) and also by Thais.

Difficult, however, to swim, due to the lack of bottom (even stirred by the tides). You will always be able to taste delicious fish with a breathtaking view of the island of Koh Tan in your sights.

Thong Krut is also the starting point for expeditions for sea fishing, snorkeling (diving with a mask and tuba) or to discover the magnificent surrounding islands, it is the main port with a pier to get to the islands of Koh Tan and Koh Matsum.

Visit the opposite islands Koh Matsum and Koh Taen which have remained authentic and natural. On the back of the island of Koh Taen is a magnificent lagoon with turquoise blue colors. Always at the back of the island is a mangrove that you must visit.

Lipa Noi District: (South West)

Due to its proximity to the main ferry port, Lipa Noi is one of the places where you can arrive by ferry from the mainland, from Donsak or Surat Thani to reach the island of Ko Samui in 1h30mn .

The beach is lovely and very quiet. The water there is shallow, which makes it possible to walk far (up to 100 meters from the shore, in some places). The sunsets here are particularly beautiful.

A few luxury hotels have taken up residence there, including the famous Nikki Beach, while the Lipa Noi district is tending to grow.

Taling Ngam: (South West)

Although the beach bank is very narrow, Taling Ngam has a lovely secluded beach that is 5 kilometers long.

Not very touristy, the place really deserves some attention. On one side, (the southern part), the land there is little exploited, due, in part, to an imposing relief (up to 200 meters above sea level) with a few scattered dwellings and restaurants, near coconut plantations and durian.

The northern part of Taling Ngam is more urbanized with its beach, restaurants and hotels and the main attraction of the district, the visit of the "5 islands".

For anyone looking for a quiet, secluded place with, as a bonus, superb sunsets, this is the place to be.

Bang Po: (North)

Located in the North West of the island: the district of Bang Po is bordered by a wild beach facing the island of Koh Phangan.

Bang Po has a very beautiful natural fine sandy beach with enough depth for swimming with the island of Koh Phangan opposite.

The district is very quiet far from the tumults of mass tourism, with many luxury villas and resorts, you will reach the main distractions of Koh Samui in less than 10 minutes to reach Maenam or for 10 minutes more the very chic district of Bophut.

Bang Po is one of the best places to admire sublime sunsets! Many beach restaurants are present in the vicinity of the villa

Although the beach bank is very narrow, Taling Ngam has a lovely secluded beach that is 5 kilometers long.

The northern part of Taling Ngam is more urbanized with its beach, restaurants and hotels and the main attraction of the district, the visit of the "5 islands".

For anyone looking for a quiet, secluded place with, as a bonus, superb sunsets, this is the place to be.

Bang Rak: (North)

Located in the northeast of the island, this district is made up of a fishermen's market and a long road with many restaurants and hotels.

Located south of Bophut, Bang Rak was just a small village, it has become a district made up of restaurants, bars and small shops that litter the entire side of the road, not far from the international airport of Koh Samui ( 10 mins away), Bang rak .

Bang Rak beach is very pretty, with a very nice view of the statue of the " Big Buddha ", the most visited temple on the island, and the large temple wat Plai Laem . The beach is very pleasant during the day and in the evening.

Bangrak Beach hosts at its end several piers with connections to the islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the marine park of Ang Thong according to the coefficients of the tides.

Bangrak has a good location: located 10 minutes from the center and Chaweng beach, 10 minutes from the largest shopping center on the island and the largest supermarkets and hospitals.

Plai Laem: (North)

The Plai Laem district has a very privileged location, very popular with vacationers and expatriates, who seek tranquility and authenticity, as well as very close proximity to Chaweng and Bophut.

The district is home to 2 of the island's most visited very popular tourist spots: the “Big Buddha” temples and “Wat Plai Laem” (with its impressive main statue, adorned with 18 arms, representing the Chinese deity, “Guanyin”) . Plai Laem is also very attractive for its almost deserted white sand beach, far from the hustle and bustle of tourist areas.

Chaweng: (East)

Chaweng has the largest beach on the island on 7km of white sand with shallow water where you can walk very far on the beach.

Facing the beach, many restaurants and bars offer cocktails, international and typical dishes all day and night with many fire-breathing entertainment, fireworks, dancing pools, dance floors with DJs and dancers...

The city center of Chaweng is very lively all day and especially in the evening with its many shops, restaurants, nightclubs, cabarets, massage parlors, with many stands with a choice of products from the most original to the most touristy and a shopping center "Central Festival Samui" with more than 200 shops which are all near the beach open from 11am to midnight.

Chaweng is the liveliest district of the island, it is frequented by a young population attracted by the nightlife constituted by the discotheques, bar-lounge, ...

Chaweng has the largest choice of restaurants on the island, they are all located along the beach and in the street that runs along the beach of Chaweng for nearly 7km.

Many restaurants offer cuisines as varied as they are different: Thai food, of course, but also Asian (Japanese, Indian, Korean, Chinese specialties, etc.), European (French, Italian, Irish restaurants), grilled fish and seafood, pizzerias, and other “Junk Food” (American, Mexican restaurants).

There are several Food Courts in Chaweng where in a large space there are hundreds of restaurants and bars where you choose your dishes to eat them at the table indeed there are many tables with chairs to eat as a couple or with friends while enjoying a choice at very competitive prices.

Along the Main road (the road that circles the island) in the Chaweng district just outside Chaweng Noi, the largest hospital on the island, Bangkok Hospital is located less than 2 minutes from the Chaweng beach. Still on the main road, several large surfaces and supermarkets made up of shopping centres, Tesco Lotus and its shopping centre, Big C and its shopping center and its covered car park, Makro which is more intended for restaurants (equivalent to Metro in France) and many shops all along the main road.

Silver Beach: (East)

Silver Beach is a cove that stretches for 100 meters and is located on the east coast of the island, close to Lamai beach (just 2 km).

Stronghold of the "Yacht Club" of Koh Samui, where he has taken up residence, the place is simply heavenly with its white sand beach, surrounded by countless coconut palms and spectacular granite rocks . Highly sought after by snorkeling enthusiasts, this calm and unspoiled place offers a range of high standards in terms of catering and hotels, offering a varied cuisine and often of very good quality with breathtaking views of the site.

During the day, you can enjoy a good massage by the water, at very reasonable prices (from 200 baht). The beach is quite shaded, with many shady spots on either side. If you walk on the sand, towards the rocks, for a hundred meters, you will find a deep crack through the rock which forms a large basin in which you can bathe. The water is often temperate, almost lukewarm. Finally, for all sports enthusiasts, they can have fun climbing the rocks that delimit the beach.

Lamai: (South-East)

Lamai has the second largest and most popular beach on the island of Koh Samui.

Lamai has recently undergone significant development:

Very popular with, in particular, the French-speaking colony (who like to live in the surroundings), with many shops run by French-speaking people: bakeries, pastry shops, restaurants... Lamai has all the amenities you may need: many shops, international schools, a shopping center integrated into the Tesco Lotus supermarket, at the exit of Lamai the Makro supermarket sign towards the south, also renowned doctors, the Bangkok Hospital is located 15 minutes from Lamai.

The Lamai district is split into 2 main parts:

on either side of the main road there are many shops, real estate agencies, doctors, restaurants... then at the height of the entrance to Lamai, just at the Mac Donald sign, turn left you will take the road along the beach of May or there are also many shops, bars, restaurants, night market (especially on Sundays) and every Saturday evening all around the bars a boxing ring with exhibitions of Thai boxes.

Facing Lamai beach: many hotels, resorts and bars face the sea. At the far left at the end of the beach, the grandpa, grandma attraction. At the end to the right of Lamai beach at the end a lagoon and a very pretty beach.

At the exit of Lamaï, two other superb beaches, Coral Cove, a 200 meter long cove, bounded on both sides by rocks, including a peak separating it from another very famous beach, Silver Beach, superb place , romantic at will.

Lamai has an international and French-speaking school attended by the children of expatriates living on the island.

Nathon district: (North West)

Nathon is the administrative center of the island. A little less touristy, the district is, above all, the place of arrival and departure of boats heading for the mainland or the surrounding islands (including Koh Phangan). It is also the starting point and the Terminus of the buses which embark/disembark by the “ferry-boats”.

Nathon has, however, a very commercial street with pretty shops, often much cheaper than the towns of Chaweng, Lamai or Bophut.

There are also many jewelry stores, souvenir shops, antiques and other clothing shops. Finally, the main banks, the Central Post Office, the administrations and the island's public hospital located at the entrance to the city.

In the evening, an open-air market is set up near the boat port, which is well stocked and open almost every day of the week. The stands offer Thai specialties which are excellent. The coastline being largely occupied by the port, you will find beaches at the ends where you can walk on the white sandbanks and it is just magnificent.

In Nathon, there are still old traditional Thai-style houses, made of wood, and easily recognizable. Most of them are built on stilts to reduce the risk of flooding during the monsoon season. In the past, this space could be used for food storage or as a living space where residents liked to rest and relax, especially during the dry season and the hot months. In Nathon, many of them have been transformed into shops (on the ground floor), while upstairs, the owners continue to live there.

Mae nam: (North)

Maenam, is a district ideally located in the northwest of the island of Koh Samui where you will find many restaurants and shops all along the main road.

The very beautiful white sand beach of Maenam is located 5 minutes from the villa. The beach stretches over 4 km in length, where you can swim and enjoy the ambient calm and very relaxing of this place.

Maenam has the pier for speed boat and catamaran companies providing visits to the magnificent Ang Thong Marine Park.

It also allows you to go to the nearby islands: Koh Phangan and Koh Tao (one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world). Maenam is very popular for its night market which takes place every Thursday evening. Another covered market (on the road side) takes place every afternoon until evening where you can find fresh fruit, vegetables, shellfish and fish.

Several Buddhist temples are present as well as a very beautiful Chinese temple not far from the beach.

Bo Phut: (North)

Located in the North East, the district of Bophut is composed on the beach part of "Fisherman village" which was originally a fishing village made up of typical wooden houses where the inhabitants met in the evening to watch the only television that broadcast Thai boxing!

Today it is one of the busiest and most chic areas of the island where there are many shops, restaurants with very beautiful hotels made up of bungalows or apartments facing the sea and a white sand beach of where the speed-boats leave to go to the island opposite Koh Phangan.

The Bophut district is very popular with the French-speaking community, it is made up of a main semi-pedestrian street facing the beach where you can taste seafood specialties in many restaurants to eat on a platter or on the barbecue. , there are many restaurants with very refined Thai or International cuisine, indeed, Bophut has the best tables on the island.

This street is also made up of many souvenir shops, clothes, massage parlor, decorations...and at the end a new shopping center made up of a hundred shops facing the sea, very pleasant and typical.

In the evening this district is very lively, with a family spirit, while being relaxing because it is not noisy, the fishing village remains an essential place on the island because it is very picturesque and pleasant.

It is noted that every Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. is organized a night market where you can taste the famous Thai street food, this market is very popular, very frequented by tourists too.

Bophut is one of the passages to access a few kilometers from the most visited attraction of the island located on a peninsula: the temple of the "Big Buddha" which culminates above the sea a few minutes from the temple Wat plai Laem is also very visited for these three Buddhas and different typical Thai, Chinese and Hindu architecture.

Choeng Mon: (East)

Choeng Mon is one of the most idyllic places where there is a bay with a magnificent white sand beach with translucent water in an arc facing a small island.

It is one of the most famous places for the number of establishments of very large luxury villas.

The place has attracted a family clientele with its natural charm, as well as the most beautiful hotels on the island, including the Ritz Carlton palace.

Choeng Mon enjoys proximity, just 3 kilometers from the famous Chaweng Beach and its vibrant nightlife.

Coral Cove: (East)

Located at the entrance to Lamai (coming from Chaweng), Coral Cove is a 200 meter long cove, bounded on both sides by rocks, including a peak that separates it from another very famous beach, Silver Beach.

Coral Cove is superb and romantic (perfect for couples or honeymooners). The beach is remarkably maintained and the water deep enough for swimming. Relatively calm and isolated from other seaside resorts (Chaweng and Lamai), this beach is a delight for all lovers of wild sites who want tranquility while enjoying all the conveniences and joys of the nightlife of the resort. 'island.

You will find hotels by the sea, some built on the rocks, and others, more inland, but always remarkably arranged and very close to the cove. In terms of catering, you can take advantage of the establishments on the beach, the prices offered are above average, but still remain suitable.

Chaweng Noi: (East)

Chaweng Noï is one of the most residential and chic areas of Koh Samui located on a very large and high hill made up of rocks located at the exit of Chaweng , just to the right after the Sheraton in the direction of Lamai.

Many luxurious villas and architects culminate with magnificent views overlooking the China Sea and Chaweng Beach.

This district is highly sought after and popular with foreigners, in fact its geographical location is halfway between the districts of Chaweng and Lamai, passing through the most beautiful beaches on the island: the start of Chaweng beach, the magnificent beaches of Coral cove, Coral bay and Lamai.

A stone's throw away: shops, shopping centers and the largest supermarkets on the island and very close to the seaside, Chaweng Noi is 2km from the largest hospital on the island, Bangkok Hospital and 1km from a school. international.

Many large hotels are located opposite Chaweng Beach, so “The Beach” Beach Club is located just opposite Chaweng Noi for partying or relaxing on the beach.

Chaweng Noi has become a very private district, where many compete in originality and recently some residences composed of dozens of villas have come out of the ground built by Chinese promoters.

Hua Thanon: (Southeast)

Hua Thanon is a small fishing village , located very close to Lamai. It was created over 120 years ago by a Muslim community from Malaysia who immigrated to the island. This community has grown over time with the arrival of Chinese and Thais from the continent. To date, there are approximately 800 Muslim people there. These different communities live in perfect harmony, respecting each other and showing solidarity with each other for the well-being of all and of the village. Living from fishing since their arrival on the island, the flotilla is made up of many "longtail" boats, nicely decorated and which are moored along the beach behind the village.

The product of this fishing is mainly intended for local consumption, which can also be found on the stalls of the village market. This community has its mosque, in order to represent and welcome all the people who come daily to pray.

At the entrance to the village, there is a large fish market and other fresh products, while a parallel street runs along the beach, made up of wooden houses and huts where fishermen live with their families in modest conditions. Here, time seems to stand still, far from the modernism and luxury that prevails in the rest of Koh Samui.

Na muang: (South)

Namuang is located southeast of the island in the southern part just after HuaThanon. Several Buddhist temples are nearby including the famous temple Wat Khunaram (mummified monk) one of the most visited temples on the island.

The area is full of sports activities: stadium including: football stadium, athletics, walking, jogging, or cycling all around a small lake with dozens of fitness and weight machines available free of charge .

Namuang is the district of elephant camps and waterfalls. You will also find many restaurants, pharmacies, gas stations with access to the south east beaches less than 10 minutes away to reach the beaches of Lamai and Leam Set also less than 10 minutes away.

Namuang is the central point or crossroads to reach the beaches of Leam Set and Lamai in 10 minutes or to the more authentic and wild beaches of the south (Bangkao beach, Leam Sor, Thong krut) or to the capital of Nathon Island located at 15 mins.

Weather in Koh Samui

Ko Samui is an island where the weather is very mild and pleasant.

There are basically two seasons: hot and tropical most of the year, with a brief rainy season.

The months of October, November and mid-December are the monsoon periods when there is the most rain. The rest of the other months are favorable to very favorable throughout the year with average temperatures around 29 to 30° C.

In Koh Samui, it is always at least 29 to 30°C all year round.

Below is an explanatory table of the average temperatures observed on the island of Koh Samui

local cuisine

Thai gastronomy is one of the most recognized cuisines in the world for its delicacy of its aromas, Thai cuisine is fine and refined. It is reputed to be healthy and dietary thanks to the addition of many vegetables and aromatic herbs.

Thai cuisine is appreciated either in the street (street food) the dishes are prepared on demand, in a few minutes

The restaurants are very numerous in Thailand, the offer of the dishes offered are on photos with their price which is much easier to choose

visit our blog on Thai food by clicking here

Find more information on Thailand and Koh Samui by consulting our blog articles!

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