The Delightful Waters of Koh Samui

With waters like this no wonder Koh Samui is such a popular attraction

From water springs life, a truism that holds even more true in Koh Samui, a major tourist destination for Thailand whose pulse beats to the lapping of the waves around its impressive coastline. Koh Samui beaches, flaunting pristine white sands, constitute but one of the trademarks that have endeared the island to tourists, both foreign and local. Off these beaches too are the marine offerings in the crystal clear environs of the Gulf of Thailand, enabling activities that have molded Koh Samui as top international travel destination.

Tourist-oriented establishments have made the island’s affinity with the sea as central to their development. At the southern end of Koh Samui, for instance, the ShaSa Resort was built with its own section of a beach for guest to better partake of the bountiful leisure activities the island’s waters have to offer.

Year-round sea offerings

What’s even more fascinating, an exploration of the island’s waters is practical the whole year, given Koh Samui’s favourable tropical environs. Besides swimming, the diversity of the island’s marine life can be enjoyed anytime of the year. This being so, Koh Samui has etched a prominent mark in the map for sites of divers seeking venues for their holidays. To top it off, you don’t need to be as skilled as the disciples of Jacques Cousteau to enjoy the island’s underwater world. Snorkelling too can provide as much fun as scuba diving at the near-shore reefs around Koh Samui.

For seasoned scuba divers, of course, there’s no substitute to going all out to the deep and experience the challenge of drop-offs at dive sites around the island, which are varied, colourful, and diverse. Must-visits for these intrepid of the deep are the National Marine Park and Sail Rock, day-long sorties to which can be arranged with local dive tour operators. A trip to any of these destinations also need not be confined to diving, as kayaking can also be incorporated into the itinerary.

Exploring nature and more

This opens more delightful discoveries to be unravelled. One of the most memorable experiences that can be had, for example, is an interlude with the hidden lake at the Ang Thong Marine National Park. In addition to this “golden bowl” are the groups of fifty limestone rock islets, which too have made the park so attractive to nature explorers.  Paddling amid these intriguing rock formations can indeed trigger realisations that Koh Samui and its waters have so much to offer.

Getting Around Koh Samui

This a view from the back of a Thai Tuk Tuk, one of the many types of transportation available in Koh Samui (photo courtesy of Flickr.com)

A few decades ago, the Koh Samui beaches were visited only by a limited number of backpackers craving for a quiet and relaxing getaway. Now, Koh Samui has seen an influx of tourists, attracting all types of travelers from the posh, luxury vacationists to budget travelers staying in simple beach-side bungalows. What's unique about the Koh Samui travel experience is the way it offers comfort and privacy to its visitors through the relaxed atmosphere, which can be felt all throughout the area. 

Getting around Koh Samui is very easy. You can navigate around either by car, motorbike, boat or on foot. Koh Samui is just a small, simple place it's just 25 kilometers long and 21 kilometers wide. A circular road sits around the entire island connecting the beach to the other note-worthy Koh Samui attractions.

So if you're trying to get to a certain place, chances are you can easily reach your destination by motorbike. The good thing about this is that most of the Koh Samui local people are truly nice and hospitable people. You can always ask around if you're unsure of where you're headed.

If you want to drive around the island, there are two options available – you can either rent a car or hail a taxi. Renting a car is one good way of making the most out of your trip, offering flexibility and allowing you to visit as many Koh Samui attractions as possible. On the other hand, taxis are a good alternative when you simply want to hop from one spot to another such as to a restaurant from your hotel. However, make sure to negotiate the rates first, especially at night when rates are usually higher.

The Koh Samui travel experience will never be complete without riding a songthaew – the island's public bus system. It looks nothing like a bus, it's merely a pick-up truck with converted seats but it's your cheapest alternative to get around the island. It has a fixed route around the ring road and fares normally start at 20 baht. During the night, several songthaews also double as private taxis that tourists can rent to get from one beach to another. The fare depends on distance but it usually costs a hundred baht.

Lastly, traveling by boat is also common in Koh Samui. Some beaches cannot be reached by car or motorbike, they can only be reached by taking a boat. Depending on the location and the amount of people you are travelling with, you will probably have to pay anywhere from 200 baht to 500 baht per boat ride.

Unwinding on the Island

Relax and unwind during your trip to Koh Samui (photo courtesy of  shasahotels.com)

Forget Phuket, think Koh Samui. As Thailand’s third biggest island, it boasts of unique attractions such as lovely beaches, stunning waterfalls, spectacular coves, magnificent islets, and diverse flora and fauna collection; it’s truly a beautiful paradise. 

There are various beautiful beaches that travellers can enjoy while staying on the island.  The longest and most famous beach on the island is the Chaweng Beach. With several world-class resorts, hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants scattered in the area, Chaweng Beach becomes a hotspot among seasoned and first-time travellers. There is also the Lamai Beach, which offers visitors an exciting nightlife aside from its clear waters.  

For tourists interested in experiencing the island’s mystical feel, the Laemsett Beach is the best choice.  A number of eateries, Chinese stores, and wonderful gift shops can be found within the beach area.  Choengmon Beach, which lies near the Bophut Beach, is also a famous recreational spot.  There is also the famous Maenam Beach, which offers peaceful background and perfect for tourists who want privacy. 

These breath-taking Koh Samui beaches make the island more appealing to tourists. However these are not the only Koh Samui attractions that travellers can enjoy while on the island. Activities such as scuba diving, fishing, sea canoeing, parasailing, and sea skiing are also a must-try. 

Tired of beaches? Why not try other activities such as Thai cooking lessons or Thai boxing? How about watching monkey shows or going for a ride on an elephant?  These activities are something new and can provide tourists with fun and excitement during the vacation. 

The presence of significant landmarks can also be enjoyed on this island. The Big Buddha temple houses the golden Buddha idol measuring 12 meters in height. The Butterfly Garden/Sanctuary is another popular site for tourists.  The sanctuary offers rare butterfly species, a museum of rare insect species, and a bee house.  The island’s Crocodile Farm is not to be missed as well. At the crocodile farm tourists can have a close encounter with several crocodile species including the Caimans, saltwater crocodiles, and the Siam crocodiles. 

There are also other Koh Samui attractions that are worth trying out. These include the various rocks and rock formations, the Lamai Overlap Boulder Stone, Buddha’s Secret Garden, the Snake Farm with its collection of Asia’s most frightening and toxic snakes, and the Samui Aquarium & Zoo. Temples are also abundant in the island such as the Hainan, the Hin Lad Waterfall, and the Laem Sor and Kaho Chedi Pagodas. 

Koh Samui is truly a top destination among travellers. With all the Samui beaches and attractions, every tourist who visits the island will definitely keep coming back for more.  

Wonderful Laem Set beach is as serene as it gets

Quiet Laem Set beach is a great beach to visit while you are in Koh Samui  (Photo courtesy samuiontour.com)

Not many Koh Samui beaches can offer the same level of serenity that Laem Set can, while providing guests a wide range of activities to see and do. Other than running across the powdery white sand beach, or taking long dips in the crystal-clear ocean, this getaway hot spot gives visitors an excellent opportunity to practice yoga and other healing arts. For instance, vacationers can partake in the numerous wellness activities offered, such as chi gong, tai chi and even Pilates.

People who have never tried such activities while on vacation are in for a treat, since countless vacationers all claim that these practices help them fully rejuvenate their minds and bodies. In addition to these perks, guests can enjoy animal sightseeing during their stay, which is another attraction that makes this island paradise even better.

For those who enjoy snorkelling, there’s a coral reef located 100 meters away from the shoreline. Tourists will be pleased to know that a diversity of aquatic life can be found around this reef, as well as other pleasing underwater sights.

However, it’d be helpful to bring a pair of aqua shoes whenever heading out to all Koh Samui beaches. Fragments of dead corals have the tendency to wash up on shore, wherein some are pretty sharp, and can easily cut the feet.

Other attractions that’d keep guests busy on Laem Set include the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Show. Best suited for children, all it takes is 250 THB to experience a variety of aquatic shows, as well as get close-up peeps at the tigers.

As for the places to stay, this beach offers everything from mediocre to luxury accommodations for rent. One place in particular that stands out amongst the rest is the ShaSa Resort and Residences – this stylish boutique resort has a variety of suites furnished with premium furniture and fixtures.

Also, interior design of the entire establishment is considered to be an architectural masterpiece by the many guests who have stayed here.

Aside from the 24-hour butler service, another standout amenity is its restaurant known as “The Z” – here, vacationists can get taste of a wide range of local food, which is sure to please the pickiest of taste buds.

Laem Set is considered a gem amongst the various Koh Samui beaches engaging in commercial operation today. This beach is one of the most private and quiet beaches on the island. 

Discover the Wonders of Koh Muduin and Koh Tan

Check out Koh Tan one of the best snorkelling destinations in Samui (photo courtesy goway.com)

People assume that Koh Samui’s closest neighbouring island is Koh Phangan but in reality it is Koh Tan. Koh Tan is also called the Coral Island due to its magnificent off-shore corals.

In the group of islands consisting of Koh Mudsum, Koh Raab, Koh Wang Nok and Koh Wangnai, Koh Tan is the largest of them all. To reach these islands, visitors will have to travel via long tail boats starting from the southern pier of Thong Krut at the beach of Thong Tanote. It takes around 30 minutes to reach Koh Tan.

Koh Tan has a very distinctive shape, which is curved, and an ideal natural bay area. This is the reason why it is considered one of the best Koh Samui beaches. These beaches do not have many tourists because tour groups make few trips to these islands.

Formerly called Coral Island, Koh Tan has made a name for itself as the ideal snorkelling destination as it has an abundant of corals. But almost all the corals have been killed due to bleaching, as a consequent of global warming and the rising of sea temperature. But some areas are still good for snorkelling remain.

The main livelihood of the inhabitants is coconut cultivation, fishing and tourism. Another tourist site is the mangrove swamps that the villagers are able to conserve.

An interesting legend told often by locals is that no dogs are allowed on the island. According to them, once a dog sets his foot in Koh Tan, it will start to go mad, howl, wail and die.

In the Katen Archipelago, Koh Tan is the only island with inhabitants. Tourists also love to visit the neighbouring island of Koh Mudsum. This is one of the Koh Samuibeaches that is also a good snorkelling spot. The island’s granite cliffs overhanging the water are good for kayaking. The Thai government is trying to preserve the seaweeds growing in this area.

Some notes on tour to Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum:

Tour on the way to these island leave Thong Krut Pier at 8:00 or 8:30 in the morning. Tour package include pick up and drop off.  Return trip is around 3 p.m. or 4:40 p.m. All tours include lunch and soft drinks. Activities with the package are kayaking and hiking around the island. Tour mounts 2,000 Thai Baht per person.

Koh Samui beaches: Phangka and Thong Tanote

Need a quiet retreat? Check out the Phangka and Thong Tanote beach (Photo courtesy virtourist.com)

Out of the many beautiful Koh Samui beaches, Phangka and Thong Tanote are two of the least visited vacation spots, which make them excellent places for tourists looking to experience unmatched peace, privacy and relaxation.

Nestled within the southwest peninsula, these two private getaway spots are one of the few places not yet tarnished by industrial development, which explains why the traditional wooden dwellings can still be seen throughout the area.

Phangka

Also known as Emerald Bay, Phangka is unquestionably one of the most remote places within the island, granting vacationers superb tranquillity and privacy. The natural beauty of the surrounding environment is well preserved in comparison to other places on the island of Samui nearby. As a matter of fact, a small fishing village is located within this beach – a bonus feature that guests at this area appreciate to a great extent.

For those who choose to, visitors are given an once-in-a-lifetime experience to submerge themselves into the island lifestyle by observing or even participating in their daily routines, such as fishing out in the open sea, they must give it try.

In addition to this, guests may feel free to hire a long-tail boat going to Koh Tan and Koh Mutsum - two deserted islands that are great for doing a little exploring. Moreover, there are plenty of coral reefs in nearby, making it ideal for snorkelling.

Like other Koh Samui beaches, accommodations at resorts close to the Emerald Bay are top-notch. One resort in particular, namely ShaSa Resort, boasts lavish pools and suites.

Thong Tanote

In comparison to Phangka, Thong Tanote offers even better privacy for its guests. The open, beautiful white-sand beaches and clear ocean water further enhances the feeling of tranquillity vacationists get whenever they spend their holidays here.

Not many people like going to Thong Tanote since it doesn’t have any shopping malls or huge parties, however it does offer visitors a chance to enjoy a romantic stay with their loved ones, away from the hustle and bustle of other tourist traps that are crowded and loud.

Aside from offering a mystical island atmosphere that people from all over the world so badly crave for, the accommodations presented by resorts are outstanding, yet affordable. 

An Introduction To Chaweng Beach

Gorgeous view of Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui (photo courtesy kohsamui.com)

Koh Samui beaches have become one of the most popular vacation hot spots in the world today. Each beach has various amenities, attractions, accommodations plus other commercial establishments that give tourists everything they need and want during their vacations.

Chaweng Beach is one venue in particular that has consistently received positive feedback from innumerable individuals across the globe. For those looking to get a taste of the finest preparations of local plus international cuisines, they’re in luck, since some of the best restaurants in the entire island can be found here.

Moreover, Chaweng Beach is situated near various businesses as well, such as shops, bars, clubs, numerous nightspots, and great hotels like the ShaSa hotel. With that being said, it’s easy to imagine why thousands believe that this place is the only getaway spot that can give them everything they want during a badly needed holiday.

Those who have had the pleasure of staying at this tropical paradise always have something nice to say about the venue’s excellent swimming conditions – soft and powdery white sand which is about seven kilometers. The ocean water is crystal-clear, while the sea breeze is surprisingly refreshing and blows throughout the day to keep swimmers and beach bums cool.

Like the majority of Koh Samui beaches, snorkelling is one activity that visitors must try while here. Several coral reefs are located nearby the shoreline, making it easy for anybody to reach so that they are able to feast their eyes on countless sea creatures.

Another water activity that visitors might be interested in is kayaking. Kayaks may be rented at reasonable prices, and used to visit two islands very close to Chaweng beach.

As for accommodations, they range anywhere from ordinary to extraordinary, thereby effectively catering everyone’s budget. Folks who’d like to save as much as they can, and aren’t too picky, may feel free to check in at a hostel.

On the other hand, vacationists who want nothing less than the best suite or hotel room should consider staying at the ShaSaResort and Residences, which is more than capable at providing everything a vacationer may need and more. It is also closely situated near Chaweng Beach.

At this establishment, each room’s magnificent interior design, designer furniture plus fixtures, and terrific panoramic views of the vast ocean outside will stun guests. Additionally, there’s a variety of amenities included as well, such as 24-hour butler service, security, swimming pools, spas and a whole lot more!

Breath-taking Lipa Noi

Mesmerizing sunset at Lipa Noi (photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org) 

Your stay at a Koh Samui beach is bound to be very memorable and exciting. One of the most popular beaches is Lipa Noi. Located at the west coast, this Koh Samui beach is known for its unspoilt beauty, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets. People from all over the world go to this magical place to relax and enjoy some water activities such as snorkelling.

The uninhabited beach of Lipa Noi makes it seem like a private Koh Samui beach. The beach stretches without obstruction---no rocks and corals, just fine white sand and clear turquoise waters, making it a safe pick for families to bring their kids to. The water is also very shallow.

This beach is very easy to get to. Lipa Noi is very close to the pier, so people who are coming in from the mainland consider this area as the point of entry to the Island of Samui.

The resorts surrounding this place exert lots of effort to preserve the beauty of the area, all the while catering to the needs of their patrons. One such resort worth staying at is the ShaSa Resort. This place is the perfect venue to watch the breathtaking Samui sunset  and enjoy some of the most amazing foods offered on the island.

Lipa Noi is a tropical paradise. Aside from actually being in the water, one can just unwind while doing other things. The beauty of the place is enough to make one forget about the problems in your life. One can take a peaceful stroll at the shore, sip tropical drinks while gazing out at the water and shop for souvenirs.  If you came here for wellness and spiritual renewal, you won’t be disappointed. This is a place where the best spas are located. Have a traditional Thai massage or some native body scrub.

Lipa Noi also boasts about its food. Being surrounded with water, one can expect top quality seafood at this place. Taken fresh out of the water, your taste buds will surely enjoy all the island’s offerings. 

Laem Sett

Stunning view of Laem Sett beach from the ShaSa hotel. 

If you’re planning for a vacation that is full of fun and adventure, consider a Koh Samui beach location. The third largest island in the country, Koh Samui beach is actually a part of an archipelago that forms the Ang Thong National Marine Park. It is the biggest of more than 80 islands, which are mostly uninhabited. And it’s strikingly beautiful. You can explore it by yourself by circumnavigating it by motorbike or car.  It will only take you a couple of hours.

Sometimes having too many people around reduces the fun of exploration for the traveller. You may choose to stay at the largest Koh Samui beach (Chaweng) or go to the smaller beaches in Samui South Coast. If you think that you can only find the best accommodations in the most populous Koh Samui beach areas, think again. As you will probably learn when you’re already traveling to exotic countries like Thailand, the hotels only get better the farther you are from the usual destinations.

In Laem Sett, you will find that Koh Samui Boutique Hotel or ShaSa Hotel – Samui Boutique Hotel will make you feel lucky for going south to find the right place to stay.  Immediately, when you arrive at the airport or wherever you come from, you will get the special treatment you fantasized about when you planned your vacation. Consider your ride from the airport (courtesy of trusted driver) to the hotel as your first taste of an amazing Koh Samui beach vacation. When you get there you will understand why it is a five-star beach resort. You will instantly enjoy the scenery: a scenic hillside resort that is complete with awesome cascading pools and flower-scented landscaped gardens.

Fly to a Koh Samui beach for a honeymoon, a company-sponsored pamper-me-kind-of-treat or just to have a home away from home as you take a big break from the hustle bustle of city life. Here, you can book for a stay at a luxurious private beachfront villa or one of the 32 suites with spacious sea view balconies.  Choose from among the many facilities and services available to complement your day: hydrotherapy pool, spa treatments, a large swimming pool and lots of outdoor activities (meaning, in the water or just under the sun).

ShaSa Hotel is where you want to take off from and go home to everyday. When you’re done taking advantage of the best that it can offer, you can explore the limitless possibilities in Koh Samui beach areas. Ask for travel and tour assistance from the hotel staff and they will happily tell you about where to book for snorkelling and diving, elephant trekking, golf, island tours, temples and historical sites in Laem Sett and the rest of the breath-taking island. You can also take advantage of the shuttle service to Chaweng and Lamai if you want to meet more travellers and local people. In the evening, you can enjoy the night market or the bars and discos in Koh Samui.

Taling Ngam

Taling Ngam Beach Photo from Asiarooms.com

If you have seen an ad about Thailand showing a romantic beach lined with gently swaying coconut trees and peaceful shores, you may have seen a Koh Samui beach. True, Phuket is the more popular destination especially during peak season but if you want the sandy beaches to yourself and just some people, then to this island 700km south of Bangkok you must go.

Now among Koh Samui beach destinations, Chaweng and Lamai are the most famous but why choose the same spot as the rest of the travellers if you can go to a more exclusive spot in the island? Taling Ngam offers quaint landscapes in a peaceful hideaway with fishing boats offshore. Take a picture right away and like travellers of old send it back home (though this time we modern folks do it on Facebook) to prove how good life is when on vacation. Have you been always fantasizing lazy afternoons on a hammock or on the beach staring at the sky like it’s the first time you’ve ever done it? In a Koh Samui beach, especially in Taling Ngam, you will surely have a space to do it.

If you’re coming for slow pace vacationing, this is the best place to be. And when you feel like flexing your muscles and take a break from water- and sky-gazing, you can also have all the fun with diving, snorkelling, and cruising. You will find that water sports don’t have to done like you’re going to Formula One race.  Of all the Koh Samui beach destinations, Taling Ngam is the most serious about exclusivity.  Except for the presence of a few travellers, the area gives you the space that you want for quality time.

Equally serious with giving the traveller a royal treatment at the ShaSa Resort, a hill-by-the-sea hotel near the Laem Sett on the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region. Why not stay the night at Taling Ngam instead?  Well, you are on vacation and have time on your hands to explore Koh Samui beach resorts with a ride by taxi, bus or motorbikes around the island. After a glorious day at the remote Taling Ngam, you can go back to your boutique hotel and spend the rest of your waking hour, reading in the book at the garden or getting a good massage at the balcony of your suite.

Thailand is a great place to claim a week or two of peace and quiet that you have always dreamed of. Be ready with your camera because the “oohs” and the “aahs” need to be documented in pictures. Come to Koh Samui beach, specifically Taling Ngam, and feel like a celebrity who wants to be anonymous.