Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand

The fabulous beaches of koh Samui have been attracting visitors for decades. the island - third largest in Thailand - is now firmly on the international tourist map. Covering 247 sq km, the island lies 35 km off the coast of Surat Thani. Koh Samui's central region, comprising almost two-thirds of the island, consists of the thickly wooded mountainous terrain with coconut palms interspersed by gushing streams and waterfalls.

Finding somewhere to stay on the island couldn't be easier an you don't have to look far to find luxury hotels, boutique resort, villas and natural spas; unexpectedly most are reasonably pried. There's also all manner of major retail chains and fast food outlets nestled under a blaze of neon signs. Thankfully, that's not the case all around the island. In a nutshell, there changes have transformed Samui from a once backpacker haven't to a family friendly resort island.

Photo by www.kohsamui-hotels.org

Diving around Koh Samui

There are  several enjoyable dives to be had around Koh Samui itself, all but one of which are reached by 10-90 minutes boat trips. The best sites are further north, requiring long boat trips. More experienced divers can enjoy exciting and exhilarating deep wall-divers; divers of all levels can enjoy a variety of fringing reefs.

How to get there

Koh Samui can be reached by road, rail, air, sea.

By bus: VIP air-conditioned buses. from Bangkok leave Bangkok's Southern bus Terminal daily. The journey to Surat Thani takes 12 hours. Buses connect with boats services as described below. For further informational, Tel: +66 (0)2 435 1199, (0)2 435 1200

By boat: Express boats depart five times daily from Surat Thani pier for the two and a half hour journey to Nathon on Koh Samui. The passenger ferry takes 90 minutes from Donsak to pier at Ban Na Sai. Both are met by local transfer buses. From Koh Phangan to Koh Samui there are regular  Express  Boat and speedboat services from Thong Sala ans Haad Rin Beach, and high speed catamarans from Thong Sala twice daily.

By train: There are two main train services from Bangkok to Surat Thani. The Express train leaves Bangkok Hua Lamphong Railway Station every  hour or so and takes around 12 hours. The sprinter train departs five times daily and takes around nine hours. For further information regarding train services contact Hua Lumphong Railway Station Tel: +66 (0)2 223 7010

By air: Bangkok Airways Schedule up to 17 flight daily from the domestic terminal at Bangkok's Suwanabumi International Airport. Flight time is 70 minutes. For further information contact Bangkok Airway, Bangkok, Tel: +66 (0)2 265 5678 , Koh Samui Tel: +66 (0)77 425011-4

For more information on Koh Samui contact Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel: +66 (0)77 281828.