Koh Samui Travel – How To Get Around The Island

One of the many ways to get around Koh Samui is by using a songthaew

During your stay at ShaSa Resort and Residences, you’ll most likely want to get out and about and explore the rest of this incredible island. And why not? Koh Samui travel is all about going out and having fun, and there are absolutely tons of attractions to see, and what’s more, they’re all easily accessible from the ShaSa Resort.

Koh Samui travel is actually very convenient, thanks to its well developed road network, especially when compared to other islands. There’s also dozens of different transportation options, and so any part of the island can easily be reached if you fancy a day out.

Chauffeur Driven Car

For the ultimate convenience in Koh Samui travel, there’s nothing like having your own chauffeur driven car to ferry you about from one hotspot to the next. The ShaSa Resort has a number of private cars with English speaking drivers on hand, which can be rented out for day trips or simply to taxi you to the airport or one of the numerous beaches at any time of day. Simply ask at the front desk and our staff will have a car ready for you in minutes.

Shuttle Bus

Besides the private car service, another Koh Samui travel option is the regular shuttle buses that go from ShaSa Resort, to both Chaweng and Lamai beaches, and the airport. Shuttle buses leave every hour, and run from early in the morning till late at night.

Motorboats in Koh Samui 

If you would like to go island hopping one of the fastest ways to do so is by using a motorboat. People traveling in a large group will usually get a cheaper rate than people who are traveling alone. Motorboat rides typically cost about 200-500 baht, depending on the beach and the location of your hotel. 

Taxis

Koh Samui also has its very own taxi service, just like Bangkok. However, while most taxis have meters like the ones in the capital, you’ll find that very few drivers are willing to use them! Instead, many drivers will look to negotiate a fee, and you’ll need to be ready to barter quite hard for this Koh Samui travel option, as their first offer is usually very expensive. A 25 km trip should cost you around 300 baht, so if you can’t get it for that price, take another taxi.

Songthaews

Songthaews (converted pickup trucks able to seat passengers in the back) serve as a kind of bus service on the island, and are one of the cheapest Koh Samui travel options. You may have to wait around for one to turn up (though not too long), and you’ll have to share of course, and even the trip may be a little bit bumpy, but when you’re only paying 50-60 baht to go from one end of the island to the other, or 10-20 baht for a local trip, you can’t really complain.

Car and Motorbike Rental

It’s also possible to hire a vehicle of your own if you’re planning on doing some exploring off the beaten track during your Koh Samui travel. Car hire is quite expensive – you’ll need a sizeable deposit, and you can expect to pay around 1,500 baht per day. Car hire companies can be found at the airport, and at all the major beaches on Koh Samui.

Motorbikes are a cheaper option for solo travelers and couples, costing anything from 200 baht to 700 baht a day, depending on the type. These can be rented from just about anywhere – virtually every beach and even most resorts will have motorbikes for hire.

For both cars and motorbikes, you may need to leave your passport behind as a deposit, and you should have some kind of driving license, whether an international one or one from your own country.

Koh Samui Tours from the ShaSa Resort

The ShaSa resort is able to provide guests with special Koh Samui tours including this fun Koh Samui Eco Tour. 

There’s a huge amount of attractions you just have to see when you come to stay at ShaSa Resort, and for many of them you’ll no doubt want to get the help of the concierge at the ShaSa hotel. There’s a range of full-day or half-day tours to choose from when you stay at ShaSa, either on dry land or out at sea. Here’s some of our favorites that we highly recommend.

Koh Tao and Nang Yuan Speedboat Tour

If you’re up for some snorkeling then this is the tour for you. Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan offer some of the best snorkeling found anywhere in the Gulf of Thailand for ShaSa guests. On this tour you’ll get to discover the magical coral reefs of Tian Nok, Sairee, Hin Wong and Mango bays. You’ll also get to see the amazing sandbar beaches, which are formed due to the currents of the ocean interacting with Koh Tao’s three peaks, something that is truly unique to the world.

Jungle Safari Tour

Explore the lush green jungles of Koh Samui from ShaSa Resort, taking in the spectacular Grandfather and Grandmother rocks, Buddha’s Magic Garden, elephant trekking, a hugely entertaining baby elephant show and more. You’ll also get to relax and make a splash at one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Samui, hidden deep in the jungle. Chill out in the cool fresh waters and then don’t forget to pay your respects to Loung Pordaeng, a mummified monk whose body is almost perfectly persevered and on full display at the Wat Khanaram temple, seated in a meditative position after more than 30 years. You’ll also get to jump in a jeep and go for a rise across Samui’s spectacular mountain peaks and see breathtaking views of the entire island, before visiting Buddha’s Magic Garden, one of the most incredible in the entire world. This Koh Samui eco tour is truly unforgettable!

Angthong Marine Park Sea Safari Tour

When you stay at ShaSa Resort, we cannot recommend highly enough that you check out the awesome, spectacular Angthong National Park, encompassing Ko Wao, Ko Tai Phow and Ko Mae Kho. Go snorkeling or diving, then explore the island of Tai Phow by kayak along with an experienced guide to point out the hidden secrets. Finally, we’ll go onto the island itself and trek to the awe - inspiring Green Lagoon, which is said to have inspired the famous movie “The Beach”, starring Leonardo Di Caprio.

Snorkelling and Kayaking Tour at Coral Island

This awesome sea kayak tour takes in some truly awesome sights – we invite you to leave the luxuries of ShaSa behind for a day and paddle along the warm coastline of Koh Mudsum, then do some snorkeling in the deep, multicolored waters of Ko Tan, trek through the jungle and snap some pics of monkeys and wild birds, before finally, taking a well earned rest in a hammock slung between two shaded palms. 

Koh Samui Attractions: Visit the Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram

One the top Koh Samui attractions is the mummified monk at Wat Khunaram. 

One of the more unusual Koh Samui attractions is also a great place to get some unique insights into Thailand’s Buddhist culture. The ancient temple Wat Khunaram is not only one of the most beautiful temples on the island, it’s also home to one highly unusual resident – the mummified body of monk Loung Pordaeng.

Loung Pordaeng passed away in 1973 while meditating, and ever since then his body had been left alone, sat upright in a meditative position, inside a glass case. What’s remarkable about this most unique of Koh Samui attractions is that even though the body was never treated to preserve it, it shows very few signs of decay. While some visitors may find that having a corpse in full view at one of the top Koh Samui attractions to be a bit shocking, Thai people see it more as something to reflect upon and so we beg you to take the same attitude.

Most Buddhists are unafraid of dying, as they see death as simply the end of one life and a chance to be reborn as someone better, with a better lot in their life, hopefully one step closer to attaining nirvana, the ultimate goal of all Buddhists. Loung Pordaeng is actually just one of a number of mummified monks in Thailand, although he is especially highly revered, which is why Wat Khunaram is one of the best Koh Samui attractions for local people.

Loung Pordaeng told his fellow monks, just before he died, that if his body decomposes as one would expect, then it should just be cremated as normal. But, rather prophetically, he told them that if his body failed to decompose, it should instead be put on display at the temple, to serve as a visual reminder of the teachings of Buddha, something that has led to its status as one of the most famous Koh Samui attractions.

Loung Pordaeng led a relatively normal life for many years, getting married to a local woman and having six children. However, in later life he began to reflect on what he had achieved, and was drawn into Buddhist teachings. He eventually left his wife to begin a monastic existence, absorbing himself in meditation and Buddhist texts. He lived for a while at a temple in Bangkok before moving to Koh Samui, where he spent time doing intensive meditation at the Tham Yai cave, before living out his last years as the islands most highly respected monk and abbot.

In his last few weeks of life, when aged 79, Lourd Pordang stopped eating altogether, and refused to speak any more, instead spending the entire time just meditating as his life slowly slipped away. It’s said that the reason his body is so well preserved after more than four decades is due to his simple lifestyle, his healthy lifestyle and his dedication to meditating for hours at a time. The body is remarkably intact, with the only noticeable change being in his eyes, which are now covered with sunglasses out of respect.

Wat Khunaram is a fairly typical temple aside from the mummified monk – Thai’s come this most unusual of Koh Samui attractions to make merit and pray each day, and visitors are more than welcome to come and look around and observe the Buddhist rituals.

Fun in the Sun at Koh Samui beaches

Koh Samui offers many gorgeous beaches such as the Laem Set beach pictured here

            Koh Samui is a tropical paradise whose beauty is unquestionable. Picture this: white sand, clear blue waters, and coconut trees. Just by taking a look at pictures of a Koh Samui beach, you’ll be amazed at how beautiful and serene it looks. Just thinking about it makes you relax. Imagine actually going to one. This is one of the reasons why people have Koh Samui vacations. For those who love to have fun under the sun, a perfect place to do this is at a Koh Samui beach.

            There are a lot of beaches you can go to on your Koh Samui travel, depending on your preference as well as your location. There are beaches that are just plain beautiful, some that are more developed than the others, others that are full of action with nightlife, and even several that are quiet, peaceful, and serene. Regardless of what Koh Samui beach you go to, you’re assured of a beautiful experience.    

A typical Koh Samui beach would be a beach that has clean white sand, clear waters, and trees surrounding it. It’s no wonder that a lot of tourists go to Koh Samui to have fun in the sun. Aside from strolling along the beach and lounging under a coconut tree, it’s nice to snorkel or maybe even scuba dive in the beaches of Koh Samui because there is a variety of underwater life that will make your experience under water a colorful one. If you’re not the type to go underwater, there are kayaks or other water sports for you to do. These activities to do will surely make you have fun in the sun.

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun is gone. If you’re into the nightlife with a beautiful setting, the Koh Samui beach is for you. There are beaches that have entertainment centers and restaurants which will assure the night owls that the fun continues even after the sun has set. If you’re not a party animal, you can also go strolling on the beach at night with your significant other, or go stargazing. The possibilities, as well as the beauty, of a Koh Samui beach are endless and this assures you that whatever beach you chose, you’re bound to have fun.

With the beauty of the beaches, it’s no wonder that there are a lot of Koh Samui beach resorts. When choosing a beach resort for your Koh Samui vacation, make sure to not only look at what their rooms and facilities look like but to also check what services they offer. Keeping this in mind, ShaSa Resort is a perfect choice for your travel. It is perfectly located next to the Laem Set beach and aside from the luxurious and comfortable rooms and the facilities they have, you aren’t limited to see only one Koh Samui beach, they offer shuttle services to other beaches! So when you’re done frolicking under the sun, you can easily go to the other beaches to prowl like the night owl you are. No matter the time of day, you’re stay at any Koh Samui beach will surely be a fun and pleasant one. So on your next travel to Koh Samui, don’t forget your sunscreen because you’re bound to have fun in the sun!

Exploring Koh Samui

Get the most out of your Koh Samui adventure by staying at the ShaSa Resort. 

            When visiting a beautiful place like Koh Samui, it’s best to stay in a resort that has everything you can ask for, like the ShaSa Resort. With the numerous things that you can do in Koh Samui, it would be terribly hard and inconvenient for you to contact so many different people to look for what to do, arrange the necessary transportation, and even looking for the best places to eat. Rest assured! ShaSa Resort is the best place for you if you seek total relaxation as well as an adventure to remember. ShaSa Resort can arrange different tours and activities that will showcase what Koh Samui has to offer, keeping in mind your personal interests as well. They can help you when it comes to exploring Koh Samui.

           

Koh Samui is an island that’s very rich in natural resources. One of the things that tourists go to in the island is the white sand beach with a diverse marine wildlife found underwater. However, beaches are not the only sights to see. The culture in Koh Samui is very palpable and is especially seen in the numerous temples on the island. Aside from this, if you want to see the lush greenery, Elephant Trekking is the thing to do. Here you can see the island’s jungle while riding on an elephant’s back. At the end of the action-packed day, fret not as there are a lot of excellent and comfortable accommodations, such as ShaSa Resort, that will pamper you and make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

            To be able to maximize your beach experience to the fullest, it’s best to choose a resort located on the beach, just like ShaSa Resort, so you can walk on the white sand or watch the waves crash whenever you please. Whether you’re into having fun in the sun or taking a moonlit stroll on the beach with your partner, as long as you stay in a resort located on a beach, anything is possible. Kayaking and other water sports can be done as well, and in places like ShaSa Resort, they offer these amenities.

            Just like in the other islands of Thailand, sightseeing is great to do in Koh Samui. Most of the sights that you will see in Koh Samui are related, in one way or another, to Buddha. This, along with the prevalence of temples, shows the culture of Thais: they’re very religious and spiritual. Although seeing the sights can be very exciting, it can often get tiring too, especially if you have to hop from one place to another and constantly look for transportation that will take you around. Luckily, resorts like ShaSa Resort can take care of these kinds of things for you so you can see and enjoy the sights without being frazzled.

            Stress-free yet adventurous vacations are a reality if you choose the right resorts to stay in, such as ShaSa Resort. If you want to enjoy your Koh Samui vacation, be sure to stay in a resort that’s not only beautiful and well maintained, but one that will allow you to experience the wonderful beaches and will arrange for other things you’d like to see and do. Exploring Koh Samui is bound to be a great experience but it will also leave you needing to rest for the next day’s adventures. After all the exploring and sightseeing in Koh Samui, it’s best to return to a resort that’s peaceful and luxurious and ShaSa Resort is one of these. With proper rest and relaxation, you’ll be more able to explore the beautiful island of Koh Samui and have a vacation of a lifetime.

Enjoy the Rich History of Koh Samui

If you come here today you'll find it hard to imagine but Koh Samui was once a remote island with few inhabitants.  

            Koh Samui Island is a place where people who appreciate beauty should go to. When planning your Koh Samui travel, aside from looking for things that can be done in that area, it would also be very helpful if you know about the history of the area. You’d be surprised at what each place has been through and how different they are today from what they were before.

            Koh Samui Island, aside from being beautiful, is a very historically rich island. It’s hard to believe but Koh Samui Island, before it became the tourist spot it is today, was an island inhabited mostly by fishermen who barely had any contact with the rest of the world. Although Koh Samui Island has always been full of natural resources and should have been a tourist spot back then, this wasn’t the case as the only way to get there was to take a boat that would take a long six hours. Aside from this, there were no roads back then so to get around the island, people had to travel on foot, or by boat. Obviously, for it to have become the tourist haven it is today, some sort of action had to be done.

            In 1967, the leader of the island at that time, Khun Dilok Suthiklom, realized that Koh Samui Island should be developed and decided to ask for help from the government.  For development to occur in Koh Samui Island, roads had to be made, and because of this, building roads became the first order of business. Heavy duty machines necessary to build roads were brought to the island to assist in the development. Although the machines were available, the road building was delayed every now and then due to the rains that afflicted the island. However, even with all the obstacles, the roads were made, development started, and the rest is history. Today we see the end product: a widely visited tourist spot.

            It’s a pleasure to look at the state of Koh Samui Island now and compare it to what it was before. An island that used to be accessible only via a long boat ride now has its own international airport. Koh Samui Island used to be quite detached from other islands but now it exports rubber and coconuts! Koh Samui Island has developed so much that it’s hard to believe that it used to be simple and isolated. However, there is something in Koh Samui that is preserved: the beautiful beaches. Even though a lot of changes have been made and the island has developed immensely, its main feature, the beautiful beaches, remain beautiful. 

            Koh Samui Island truly is a place tourists should not miss. Whether it be chilling in a resort or touring the island, your stay will surely be memorable. If you’re armed with the knowledge of the history of Koh Samui Island, it would make you love and appreciate the island not only for its beauty, but also for its growth and what it has become. After touring the island and appreciating it in all its glory, it’s best to rest in a resort that emphasizes even more the rich history of Koh Samui Island. ShaSa Resort is the perfect place for this with its scenic landscape which reminds the people who reside here how far Koh Samui Island has come. Keeping all these in mind, your stay in Koh Samui Island will not only be an aesthetically and educationally satisfying one; it will also be a relaxing one and a vacation to remember.

Eco Tours on Koh Samui from ShaSa Resorts

Let the ShaSa Resorts take you on an unforgettable Eco Tour. The memories will last a lifetime.

Koh Samui island is an amazing holiday destination, yet there’s far more to it than the sun, sand and sea you’ll experience at ShaSa Resorts. Koh Samui is also an epic natural wonder, full of incredible hidden treasures that are just waiting to be discovered. Due to its verdant and hilly nature, an eco tour/elephant trek is the ultimate way to discover just how magnificent Koh Samui’s nature really is.
From your base at ShaSa Resorts, you’ll be able to explore the incredible flora and fauna that Koh Samui has to offer in a way that’s responsible and doesn’t impact or disturb its fragile ecological environment.

Elephant Trekking

The might elephant is one of the icons of Thailand, a symbol of the Royal Family and the pride of all Thais. The center of Koh Samui is just one huge lush green tropical rain forest and it’s just moments away from Shasa Resorts – explore this hidden paradise in the most traditional way. The elephant trekking tour takes you deep into the jungle, through rivers and clearings, past many exciting sights on the way. The elephants are incredibly gentle, yet nothing will get in their way! Finally, at the end of the tour, you’ll get to visit the magical Namuang waterfall, where you’ll be able to dismount your ride and cool off in the fresh waters.

Jungle Safari Tour

The full day jungle safari tour from ShaSa Resorts lives up to its promise of off-the-beaten-track adventure like nothing else! You’ll get to do everything you could possibly expect to do on a jungle safari, including riding elephants through the jungle, then jump into a jeep and race through rough jungle terrain up to the summit of the highest peak on the island for a truly spectacular photo opportunity – where else can you get a shot of the entire island in just one pic?

You’ll also be able to see Koh Samui’s most famous mummified monk, visit the Magic Buddha Gardens and then go to visit a rubber tree farm and see how rubber is collected and processed, before you are whisked safely back to ShaSa Resorts. All in all, this is a great tour for anyone who wants to see the other side of Koh Samui, away from the tourist hot spots.

Nine in One Safari Tour

This tour is an extensive full day program that will leave you totally exhilarated. Depart from ShaSa Resorts in the morning and see it all in a non-stop ride of adventure and fun, beginning with elephant trekking through coconut plantations and tropical rainforest, followed by an amazing monkey show where you’ll get to see how the farmers train monkeys to retrieve coconuts for them. After that, we’ll get to see a local rice farmer at his farm and see how he uses water buffalo to plough his rice fields, before embarking on a ox cart ride through the fields. Next up is a fantastic Thai cooking show, where you’ll learn exactly how the famous Som Tam papaya salad is made. Feel free to try some but be warned – it’s spicy stuff!

Once we’re done cooking, ShaSa Resorts guests get to pile into jeeps and head deep into the jungle highlands at the center of Koh Samui. The ride takes us to an authentic rubber farm where you’ll get to see how farmers extract latex from rubber trees and even try doing it for yourself. Following that, we’ll go for a walk through some lush green jungle that culminates in the awesome Namuang Waterfall, where you’ll be free to take a dip in any of the numerous refreshing natural pools and cool off.

Finally, we top it all off by jumping into some canoes and paddling through stunning mangrove forests and see Koh Samui at its most tranquil, before returning back to our luxury ShaSa resorts for a well-earned rest.