Koh Samui Island is a tropical paradise. It's lush mountainous interior gives way to endless coconut groves and a shore fringed with numerous white sandy beaches. The calm, clear warm waters are always inviting.
Situated off the South Eastern Coast close to Surat, Thani Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and, unlike Phuket, it could never be affected by a Tsunami. There are other islands close by, all easily accessible on a day trip, including Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the Ang Thong National Marine Park - all fabulous locations for snorkeling and scuba diving.
The people of Thailand, mostly Budhists, are peaceful, friendly, extremely welcoming and always smiling. The economy on the island is vibrant but there are no high-rise buildings to spoil the wonderful scenery.
Attractions
Waterfalls - Many in the jungle, often with refreshing pools to swim in.
Temples/Wats – Several can be visited, the largest being the Big Budda Temple
Family Fun
Monkey Theatre
Butterfly Gardens
Crocodile Farm
Elephant Trekking sites
Zoo and Aquarium - within walking distance
Monkey demonstration picking coconuts – within walking distance
Tree Canopy Tours
Thai Cooking Courses
Thai Massage Courses
Mountain Safari Tours
Sports
Quad Biking, Motor Cross Tracks
Go Cart Circuit
Shooting range
Ten Pin Bowling
Mountain Bike riding
Horse riding
Thai Boxing Training
Golf – One Championship 18 hole course at Santaburi
Two 9 hole courses
Several driving ranges
Tennis
Bungie Jumping
Mini Golf
Water Sports
Scuba Diving
Snorkelling
Sea Canoeing
Kite Surfing – Off the Beach outside the villa during November to March
Sailing
Wind Surfing
Fishing
Boat Trips to nearby islands
Dining
An incredible selection of restaurants awaits, serving as well as brilliant inexpensive Thai Food, superb cuisine from all over the world. Local markets sell fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables and meat, very inexpensive for those that like to eat “at home”.
Nightlife
Restaurants, Bars, and clubs are found all over the island – which is around 20km wide and 25km long. The busiest entertainment scenes are in Lamai, which is about 8 mins away by car or bike from the villa or in Chaweng around 20 mins away. Cabaret Shows, Traditional Thai Dance performances, Thai Boxing and Karaoke Bars are all available in Lamai.
Spas
Massage is available everywhere and prices range from GBP4.00 for a traditional Thai Massage to a lot more for treatments in Top Class Spars normally found in the big hotels.
Shopping
Bargains everywhere!, for clothes, souvenirs etc. For Shop-a-holics there are at least three large Malls and many big supermarkets.
Health
Samui has three modern well equipped hospitals all employing Western Doctors. Drugstores and Chemists are everywhere including Boots.
Transport
Taxis are prolific, and cars, jeeps, people carriers and motorcycles are widely available for rent. We personally recommend James Travel who are local and very competitive. Ferries operate hourly services to the mainland (1 _ hour crossing) and frequently to the neighbouring islands. The award winning Koh Samui Airport connects to Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Phuket and many more destinations, mainly with Bangkok Airlines (www.bangkokair.com).
