The third largest of Thailand's islands, Koh Samui is emerging from its status as a backpacker's hideaway to become a legitimate tourist hotspot that offers an alternative to the often over-visited Phuket. It is a spectacular beach destination with turquoise waters, sandy bays and each resort is fringed with palm trees, with plenty of diving opportunities. Koh Samui is very much a rounded destination that has many relaxing areas combined with exciting discos, large hotels and some great places to eat and drink. Choosing the time to travel is important, with February to May the dry and hot seasons, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40°C while June to September brings more rainfall and October is the monsoon season with November remaining wet. Flights from the UK to Bangkok last around eleven hours, and from there you can take another direct flight to Koh Samui or alternatively use the bus, train and ferry.
No longer just a backpacker's hideaway, Koh Samui is emerging from the shadows of Phuket…
Koh Samui is ideal for a rounded holidaymaker who wants to experience a little bit of everything. If it's history and culture you want, you will probably prefer Bangkok, while for energetic nightlife Phuket certainly has the edge. Nevertheless Koh Samui offers a much more relaxing alternative, a chance to escape the constant noise and on-the-go vibe of the alternative destinations and instead enjoy great beaches, good nightlife and a party atmosphere at a different pace. This is also a great place for families and couples who want to wind down while having plenty of entertainment options.
For the majority of visitors the attraction of Koh Samui is the beaches with their white sands and coconut palms. There is plenty of choice too, with Maenam, Big Buddha and Bo Phut the most popular in the northern region. All three are inviting but if you prefer a more secluded alternative head to the lesser-known beaches of Chong Mon in the North East and Bang Por in the North West.
Perhaps the two most popular beaches on the entire island however, are Chaweng and Lamai. Chaweng is certainly the most crowded but also one of the best with lots of high standard hotels and accommodation. The sand is inviting and white, and there are lots of nice restaurants within the vicinity. Lamai is equally inviting and growing in popularity. It is broadly split into two with stones and corals at one end and a more sandy area at the other.
Samui is also notable for a couple of pleasant waterfalls that can be found after a pleasant walk through the island's forests. The Na Muang waterfall can only be located after a long walk, but the Hin Lad waterfall is just south of Nathon Town and is a nice place to stroll to before enjoying a drink at the nearby establishments. Indeed there are a number of attractions to discover in Samui, and in particular the Ang Thong National Marine Park, which is made up of about 40 small islands with lots of hidden lagoons, beaches and vegetation. And if you fancy trying your hand at some Thai cuisine then head to the Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts.
The island is most famous however, for its nightlife. There are a number of "girly" bars and it is important to bear in mind the strong sex industry in Thailand that also emanates on the country's islands. Chaweng is packed with nightclubs, bars and places to eat, and has everything from air-conditioned rooms featuring international DJs to smaller halls with more traditional Thai music and dance. Lamai tends to attract an older crowd but is still diverse in its offering with lots of beer bars and music venues, as well as mud wrestling! Romantics are best at Maenam where you can enjoy more romantic evenings over candlelit dinners.
