On and Around Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh (Koh means 'island') Samui (pronounced Ko sam-we) is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand. Its location in the protected, clear waters of the Gulf, makes Koh Samui a beautiful and safe place to visit, whether for ten days a month. Koh Samui boasts accommodations from little 300 sf beach shacks to grand Thai villas, and everything in between. You will find lush tropical jungles, white sand beaches adjoining crystal blue waters teeming with colorful fish, and a wealth of cultural and historical buildings and attractions, both natural and man made. The best online information site I've found is http://www.samui.org. You can find fairly unbiased and accurate information about accommodations and transportation, activities and shopping, and dining and services.

My favorite beach on Koh Samui is Bo Phut, on the north side of the island, a great location to visit such local attractions as the nearby Big Buddha at Wat (Temple) Phra Yai and the Siam Natural History Museum. Chaweng Beach is the most populated, touristy Beach, on the central eastern coast of Koh Samui, offering many choices of accommodations and activities. Each has its own allure.

The Thai baht is the currency. One US Dollar works out to be about 37 Thai baht currently. Check out the currency exchange online at http://www.xe.com, and use your credit cards or ATM cards for the best exchange rate locally, or head to a local branch of a large national bank, Bank Of Ayudhya, for example, at Chaweng Center. When the host hands you a bill that says, "1500 baht DUE", don't panic - it is only about $40 US!

I recommend renting a moped on arrival at Samui Airport, to get around the island. Public transportation is spotty, at best, and due to the small size of the island, mopeds are easy transport to all the best attractions. You can hire a taxi or a tuk tuk to get your gear to your beach rental, and follow on your moped, or have your moped delivered to your accommodations after you get settled.

Koh Samui has lodging that suit every style and budget. Stay in a teak furnished authentic Thai house, a cozy, if not luxurious beach hut with shower facilities in an enclosed outdoor courtyard, or stay in a very modern hotel room with room service and air conditioning. Just a word about amenities on Koh Samui - Opt for the less expensive (in some cases, MUCH less expensive!) fan cooled bungalows on the beach. With the fresh and nearly constant sea breeze, A/C is superfluous, so don't pay extra for something you won't need! On one vacation, I stayed 3 weeks at the Green Wood Beach Bungalows for just under $800 USD, including at least one scrumptious meal a day and tropical cocktails on the beach at sunset every day. They have an adequate selection of kayaks and snorkel equipment, at reasonable rates, and the convenience can't be beat. Its near proximity to Big Buddha Wat Phra Yai makes this a lovely location for exploring. Accommodations can be researched and even reserved months ahead, check out http://www.sawadee.com for information and links to accommodations, transportation, shopping, activities, services and more.

Watersports are the main attraction on Koh Samui. There are a number of scuba and snorkeling schools, and many resorts have rental or free kayaks, canoes, glass bottom skiffs, and snorkeling equipment for their residents. On the southern end of the island, and easily accessible, are the phallic rock formations known as Hin Ta and Hin Yai, Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. Pack a picnic and dine under these mammoth penis and vagina natural statues. Visit Na Tian Butterfly Garden to experience thousands of colorful butterflies fluttering past your eyes. The butterfly gardens are on the southern end of the island, and be sure to check for open hours before going down. Ride an elephant through the jungle, catch a coconut from a trained coconut-picking monkey, or watch with horror as the trained crocodile guide lays with his head in the toothy mouth of a crocodile! Several tour companies offer a variety and combination of tours and activities, something to delight travelers of all ages. Choose a trip to Ang Thong Islands National Marine Park or the half-day Around Koh Samui Tour with stops at Big Buddha, the beautiful Na Muang Waterfall, and a terrific general overview of the island's offerings. A completely 'don't miss this!' attraction is the Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo, where you can climb into a cage with a tiger and have your picture taken.

Koh Samui is probably my favorite Thai locale. Now that I think about it, one of a few favorites. The cost of a trip to Koh Samui is very affordable. The culture and activities you can do are amazing, and the memories will last forever! One of the most wonderful things about Koh Samui, for me, is that it still retains much of the Thai culture and flavor, and hasn't yet become Westernized to the point I couldn't distinguish between being in Thailand and being at Disneyworld.