Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / Thailand / Koh Samui
 |  | Travel Reviews : Koh Samui |
|
| | | | Review by haytham abdoush from lincoln
a great place to go for your honeymoon, theres loads to do if you want to or so many beautiful romantice resturants if you want to have a quite meal toghter. the people are so lovey and helpful, nothing is to much for them. we will most deffenatly be back to koh samui as soon as we can. it was the best time of our lives.
Review by Simon Milligan from Leamington Spa
What an experience !! Take the friendliest people you have ever met, multiply their niceness by 10 and you still aren`t close to how warm, kind and genuinely beautiful these people are.
From the moment we arrived at the World`s coolest airport, we felt welcome.
The most challenging part of the experience is leaving your European rules, standards and experiences behind. If you make comparisons, you will be eternally frustrated. Don`t ask why can`t I, ask how do I !!! Finding that special beach or that fantastic restaurant isn`t as easy as you might think. Explore, take a chance and above all don`t be afraid to try something different. You won`t be disappointed !!
Go all the way round the island, you won`t believe how different it is in the East from the West or the South from the North.
Get up early, the sunrise is awesome.
Go to Bophut Diving School, ask for Sean, and learn to Dive !! Better still, learn to dive with your children. It is truly magical !!
Visit Samui...... as soon as possible. It won`t stay like it is forever.
Review by member Walters from birmingham
We have been to koh samui many times and still have so many things we would like to see and do. We prefer the boput/bang rak areas to chawang as the restaurants are endless and superb whether you are eating in a local thai restaurant or fine dining at one of the many beach restaurants. This trip we visited the Jungle Club, a mountain retreat with the most breathtaking views of the island, spent days at the beach, visited the cinema, bowling alley, golf club to name a few all within minutes of our villa.
Review by Lisa Houghton-Smith from Leeds
Some travellers are snobbish about the popular Thai islands, considering everything that isn't absolutely perfect to be "spoiled"or "too touristy". They pride themselves on finding an authentic island experience but Koh samui is an authentic island experience - It is a working island and it's main work is tourism so Yes, you will find other people but Yes you will find stunning beaches, a wide variety of restaurants, lots to see and do and the electricity won't go off ( in general!) after 10pm. The main beaches are busy and buzzy but get around the bottom of the island or Maenam, Bang Po and Big Buddah and you will often have the beach to yourself (apart from the odd local and his water buffalo - don't ask!)
So there, if you're after an artificially created Robinson Crusoe experience, don't go to Samui, but if you like beautiful beaches, warm seas and good food I'll see you there!
So good I want to go back
I visited Koh Samui and Koh Phangan and had a wonderful time.
Great food, fantastic excursions and friendly locals - nothing was too much trouble.
I hope to go back this year.
Travel guide: Koh Samui
|
|
 |
|
|
 |  | Destination Guide : Koh Samui |
|
| | | Beaches and Buddhas |  | Why go on holiday to Koh Samui? Although its rustic, sleepy Thai charm is a thing of the past after 15 years of rampant tourism, there's no denying the staggering natural beauty of this tropical island - Palm trees are everywhere and even the worst beaches put Europe's best to shame. Throw in some fantastic cuisine, throbbing nightlife, plus a scattering of serene temples and giant Buddhas and you've got something for everyone.
How much will it cost? You'll have to fly from the UK via Bankok, but there are regular daily flights from the Thai capital to Samui's Don Sak Airport. Expect to pay between £550 and £700 return.
Accommodation on the island ranges from £5-a-night beach huts to £300-a-night luxury five-star hotels, but for an average week in a three-star resort like the Jungle Park in Lamai expect to pay just over £200 for a double room.
When should I go? Koh Samui and the rest of the islands in the Gulf of Thailand are best visited it's hot and dry, between February and June.
Book early as accommodation is notoriously difficult to secure in the high seasons between December and February and July and August. If you're spending time in Bangkok, be prepared to roast in April and do some wading in September and October — probably the worst two months for rain in the capital.
Who's it for? For everyone from backpackers to families looking for a tropical beach holiday with a difference to honeymooning couples seeking a romantic break. It's also excellent for diving.
What are the must-sees? Polish up your wide-angle lens for the enormous Big Buddha on the northern coast, also lined with superb beaches. Top of the list for snorkelling, basting and general lounging in the sun are Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai.
For a more secluded tanning experience try the peaceful coves of Mae Nam and Bo Phut. Nightlife is centred around Hat Chaweng but hardcore hedonists should take the ferry to Samui's neighbouring island, Koh Pha-Ngan, for the now legendary monthly Full Moon Parties.
What will I spend? Prices vary but expect to pay roughly: £2 for a local beer; £1.60 for a roll of film; £4 for a moderate restaurant meal; and £1.50 for a short taxi ride.
|
|
 |
|
|
 |  | Available rental properties in Koh Samui |
|
|
|
 |  | Family and kids (31) |  |  | Beautiful Scenery (12) |  |  | Good dining (9) |  |  | Beach (8) |  |  | Lively nightlife (7) |
|
|
|