Ko Samui

Hotels In:

• Pattaya
• Ayuthaya
• Bangkok
• Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai
• Hua Hin
• Khon Kaen
• Ko Pha Ngan
• Ko Samui
• Krabi
• Lampang
• Loei
• Phuket
• Sukhothai
• Surin

Once known as a popular hippie haven of pristine beaches, quaint bungalows, and thatched roof restaurants along dirt roads, this hilly, densely forested island has become an international resort town. Five star hotels, world class resorts, and fine dining are everywhere since the opening of the island's international airport in 1988. Koh Samui is one of the larger islands, and a different experience and vibe can be felt depending on what beach you decided to reside at.

The most popular beach for the younger crowd is Chaweng Beach. Here you can expect to find a mix of high-end to budget places to stay, it accommodates backpackers and high-end resort seekers alike. It is known as the party beach of the island, and has an impressive amount of nightlife and discotechs if you are a nightlife seeker. Here you can expect to find any kind of cuisine, pub, or social setting you would expect to find in any international beach area. If you are looking for a vacation which allows you to get away from civilization, this is not where you want to go. It's developed, commercialized, and normally a lot of fun if you're looking for a party.

Lamai Beach is a 20 minute motorbike ride south over the hill from Chaweng, and is a little cheaper. Lamai is more commonly known for its bar beer style nightlife, and is more popular with the older expat crowd or the budget backpacker crowd. There are a few nicer resorts among the guest houses, however Lamai is really a budget beach, and most of the services reflect it.

Another beach of interest might be Bophut Beach on the north side of the island. Bophut is a quieter area, where you can expect to find more of the cafe crowd. A little older, a little more mellow. Its small commercial strip is entertaining and convenient as its only a five minute motorbike ride west of Big Buddha Beach, a popular place for Thai's visiting the island.

Mae Nam Bay is just west of Bophut Beach, and around 7 miles (12km.) from the ferry pier. The beach is the midpoint of the north shore if your on a motorbike riding the loop around the island, facing nearby Koh Pha Ngan. The beach is long and narrow with coarse sand and lots of tree shade, and the water is great for swimming.

Tongsai Bay is a private cove which is basically dominated by the Tongsai Bay resort. If your not staying at the resort, there is really no reason to visit the beach. It's rough sand, rocky, fairly uninspiring but very private. It does however make a nice, close beach if you happen to be staying at the resort.

Choeng Mon and the bay by the same name, are near the northern most tip of the island. Its a long crescent shaped beach about a half of a mile long (1km.). The swimming is excellent, the beach is nice and not so rocky. There is a nice setting of palm trees shading sunbathers right to the waters edge. It is a little isolated, in a private setting, but does have pretty decent services and transportation getting to and from.

Laem Set Beach is on the islands southeast coast. The beach is a small rocky cape, with a dramatic scenery that has recently attracted construction of a few well-known nicer hotels.

Samui is a larger island, but if you decided to rent a motorbike getting around the island is easy and fairly quick. All of the beaches are within an easy commute of each other and worth exploring assuming you don't get stuck enjoying one place, and never make it around. Either way, Samui has a beach, and a place regardless of what you are seeking for a island experience.

  Favorite Nighlife in the Area

  Favorite Events in the Area

Thailand Travel Guide Thailand blends the exotic with modern convenience: Bangkok is a gleaming city with a robust traditional cuisine and a culture of devout Buddhism, while the ancient city of Chiang Mai is spa central. When you're done lapping all that up, move on to cloudy mountains or lounge around on the pearlescent sand of those famous beaches.