Koh Samui is one of the most popular islands in Thailand, second only to the more "promoted" Phuket. Despite its small size (length - 25 kilometers), it absorbed all the beauty and diversity of Thai resorts. It has everything: white sand beaches, picturesque lagoons, tropical jungles, coconut plantations, stunning waterfalls and mysterious caves. Surprisingly, until the end of the 70s, tourists did not even know about its existence. There were no hotels, no entertainment, not even normal roads on the island, and the life of the islanders remained the same as it had been centuries ago. Everything changed with the start of the tourism boom in Thailand. The first foreigners who visited Koh Samui appreciated the cozy beaches and amazing nature, which has been preserved in its original form during the years of “isolation”. Usually they get to Koh Samui from Bangkok. The easiest way is to fly in an hour and a half by plane.
The bus ride takes almost 14 hours, including a short ferry ride. And if you travel from the capital by train, you will have to make three transfers at once, which is not very convenient. Numerous taxis ply the island - fast, but expensive.
Therefore, tourists often rent cars, scooters and bicycles. Before signing a contract with the agency, check the serviceability of the equipment, inspect it for dents and scratches, or better, take a picture. This will prevent possible misunderstandings. Beaches are the main asset of Koh Samui. The best of them are located on the east coast, where there is clean soft sand and developed infrastructure. It is here that Chaweng Beach is located, the longest on the island. Along its entire length there are various hotels and bungalows, and in the late afternoon dozens of discos and nightclubs open. A little further south is Lamai Beach. Beautiful cliffs rise on its shore, and constant waves attract surfers here.
Both beaches are popular with young people and lovers of fun. For a quiet and secluded holiday, the southern and western coasts are more suitable, especially Laem Set beach. There is a gentle entrance to the water, convenient for parents with children. And coconut palms and picturesque boulders on the shore make it pleasant for walking. Despite the small size of the island, it has a lot of interesting things. The main attraction of Koh Samui is the Temple of the Big Buddha.
The 12-meter gilded statue in the “lotus” position installed in it is the first thing that tourists see when flying up to the island. Another popular place is the "Garden of Miracles" in the mountains. There are unusual statues of people and mythical animals here, and pleasant and mysterious music creates an atmosphere of a fairy tale. This amazing place was built alone by a 70-year-old resident of the island of Nim Tongsuk. Animal lovers will visit the island's famous butterfly garden, tiger zoo, snake and crocodile farms. The local monkey theater is very popular, where they dance and even play guitars. These animals enjoy great respect on the island, since since ancient times they have helped Samui farmers to collect coconuts.
The underwater world off the coast of the island is rich and varied: all kinds of coral reefs and colorful tropical fish await diving fans. The rest of the tourists will get acquainted with the marine life in the local aquarium or take a tour on a special yacht with a transparent bottom. Hundreds of leisure activities are available on the island: paintball in the local jungle, quad bike safaris,
Thai massage courses and national cuisine. For those who want to improve their health, yoga classes are held, spas and mud baths are open. As for accommodation, the island has options for every taste and budget. Those who value convenience and good service will stay in elite five-star hotels. Romantics and lovers of silence can rent a real bungalow with a thatched roof. But no matter what accommodation tourists choose, they will certainly find comfort and a pleasant stay. For those who want to spend time at one with nature, there are many popular types of activities, such as boat trips or excursions to local attractions. Among the more exotic ones, it is possible to call visiting the elephant sanctuary in Thailand.