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| Ever snorkeled in clear water beaches? Well in Koh Samui you can Photo Courtesy holidaysinthailand.com |
Thailand sure has many island resorts to offer tourists, and Koh Samui
is but one among them. Located at the Gulf of Thailand, off the east coast
of the Thai mainland, Koh Samui may pale in comparison when it comes to size,
being in fact smaller compared to other local attractions like Phuket and Ko
Chang.
Koh Samui comprises of just 247 square kilometres, making it the third
largest Thai island. Koh Samui’s attractions, however, more than make up for
the less acreage. For one, it has its own airport that conveniently links with
the Thai capital of Bangkok 800 kilometres from the island. The one-hour flight
from the capital can extend from 10 to 13 hours for those who opt to travel by
train or bus plus a ferry ride.
Growth in tourism
Taking a trip either by air or overland and ferry would be worth it as the
offerings of a Koh Samui travel trip
are truly legendary. Tourist arrivals in recent years have swelled to about one
million annually, affirming that indeed tourism in the island has gone a long
way from those times when only venturesome backpackers came to partake of the
island’s many offerings.
Accommodations available too have metamorphosed dramatically. The
choices of lodging facilities in the island have grown not only in number but
in variety as well. The alternatives in modest beach bungalows of previous
years have grown to include facilities such as posh hotels like the ShaSa Resort, one of the
most enticing attractions at the southern end of Koh Samui.
Local delights for the taking
Thai food is another draw that has remained a
consistent source of delight. The cuisine native to the island typically
consists of seafood prepared with fresh coconut milk and chili seasoning.
More of these delights can easily be experienced as there’s only one
main road which circles the island, enabling a quick look at Koh Samui
beyond its tourist enclaves. Taking the smaller roads branching off from the
main highway can unveil the way of life in a rural Thai village. Some of these
by-ways also lead to interior mountainous areas best explored with a hired
motorbike or a jeep.
Those averse at stepping out of the beaten path should check out destinations like the Santiburi golf course. This is an
18-hole championship golf links at the northern section of Koh Samui. Dexterity
at woods and irons can be likewise tested at the Royal Samui Golf and Country
Club and at a tamer, nine-hole layout at the island’s Bophut district.
