Best Time Of The Year To Visit Koh Samui

Make sure to go to Koh Samui while the weather is nice so that you can go snorkelling! (Photo courtesy agoda.com)

A huge reason why people plan trips from halfway across the world to this island is for its idyllic climate, which can be enjoyed throughout most of the year. In addition to the white sand beaches and crystal-clear ocean, the warm sun, cool breezes of wind from the sea, and moderately humid atmosphere makes the tropical getaway spot even better.

While the Koh Samui weather is unquestionably ideal for all foreigners, there are times during certain months wherein the climate can turn a bit ugly, since the sublime temperature conditions and all-around humidity are affected by the Northwest Monsoon and Southeast Monsoon systems.

The NW monsoon shifts towards the island all the way from India during June, July, and the first week or so of August. However, Koh Samui isn’t severely affected by this system, mainly because the Thai mainland shields the islet against most of the rain showers and strong winds.

From June to August, heavy showers usually take place between the afternoon and late evening, but typically doesn’t last any longer than thirty minutes, meaning it isn’t something that a tourist should really worry about.

On the other hand, the SE monsoon sweeps in from the Philippines and Indonesia during the months of October, November and December – the problem here is there isn’t anything that stands in the way to absorb most of the heavy rain showers and strong gusts of wind.

With that being said, the beautiful Koh Samui weather can quickly take a turn for the worse sometime in between October during this time, tropical storms are expected to bombard the island. Torrential rains and high winds can carry on non-stop for a week, which could easily ruin anyone’s vacation.

However, it’s important for the readers of this article to know that the climate doesn’t constantly remain that way throughout the entire duration of the month. It should be known that in between the powerful rain and relentless winds are dry, sunny days.

Nevertheless, if a storm does continue to pour hard, risks of flash floods hitting the coastal towns is a definitely a possibility. These floods can also cause power outages, which can last several days and beyond.

To avoid having a holiday ruined by bad Koh Samui weather, common-sense will tell any vacationist that planning a vacation during the times of year wherein it’s expected NOT to rain would be a wise course of action. With that said, the months which receive the driest and highest temperatures include February, March, April and May.

The problem is these months are considered the high season, so families that thinking about going to Samui should book a hotel at one of the top hotels like the ShaSa resort in advance.

The Princess Cup Marathon, Koh Samui

The Koh Samui marathon is a fantastic race that any running enthusiast  should take part in (photo courtesy thailandsamui.com)

There are many Koh Samui attractions, which make the island a tourist hot spot for thousands of vacationers. Things such as a variety of premium accommodations, white sand beaches, clear ocean water, refreshing sea breeze, wild night establishments, local hospitality and cuisine are more than enough to create memorable experiences in the minds of the island’s visitors.

Of course, there’s a whole lot more to this tropical paradise, which makes paying a visit worth the trip. One event in particular that has caught the attention of many foreigners is known as the Princess Cup Marathon. Now, the idea of actually running gruelling miles in any part of Thailand may sound a bit irrational, considering how high temperatures can reach in the country.  

However, regardless of the risks associated with heatstroke and dehydration, participants have nothing to worry about, since this annual event is held early in the morning during one of the cooler times of the year in Thailand. Last year, the event started way before sunrise at 5:30am. And since the running affair is technically a quarter marathon (roughly more than 10kms), the average runner should be capable of completing the race within an hour, thereby eliminating dangers tied to excessive exposure to the sun’s rays.

Out of the many Koh Samui attractions, this one allows participants to catch a glimpse of beautiful sceneries along the 10km stretch. The last Princess Cup Marathon adopted a route, which started at Chaweng, and headed north. Since runners were made to stride around the peninsula at Koh Samui’s north-east end, several of the best beaches could be seen along the way, including the following: Big Buddha, Plai Laem and Thongsai Bay.

Moreover, the Princess’ Cup Samui Island Marathon is simultaneously held on the other side of the island. Here, contestants are made to run a full marathon (around 42kms), which starts at Nathon.

The main purpose of these events, which is the same as that of the other Koh Samuiattractions, is to promote tourism for the island. Needless to say, folks who relish engaging in running competitions may definitely want to consider planning a trip to this islet during the next marathon event.

Furthermore, each participant is required to pay a certain amount of cash as an entrance fee, which really isn’t much, especially when considering the Dollar to Thai Baht conversion ratio. As an added bonus, the winner of this sporting event will receive a hefty cash prize, and even a fancy trophy to commemorate his or her victory. 

Have a Stress-Free Wedding in Thailand

Don't miss out on your chance to have a one of kind wedding in Koh Samui (photo courtesy loevelyleafstudio.com)

Nowadays, many people are looking to have their wedding in tropical locations like Thailand. This is because more and more couples are finding traditional church weddings in their hometown too ordinary and not romantic enough. A lot of them are willing to go to other destinations around the globe to wed, many of which are now getting married in Koh Samui.

Some people may think that this trend is just a fad but there are many who do this to achieve their dream of exchanging wedding vows on a beach during sunset. A Koh Samui beach wedding in Thailand might even be a cheaper option than fixing a huge wedding ceremony back at home. Besides, planning a big event can take a toll on anyone especially for couples who may end up completely exhausted and unable to truly enjoy their special day. Whatever the case, many couples are interested in getting married in Thailand.

Once deciding where to have the wedding, the next step a couple must do is plan. There is no such thing as planning a wedding too early because there is so many factors that need to be completed on time to ensure that the celebration takes places without any problems. Those planning to have the wedding in a different country should best hire a good wedding planner to handle everything so that any travel costs to go back and forth can be avoided. With Koh Samui wedding being quite popular, there are a lot of hotels and resorts which offer wedding packages that make planning a lot easier.

Prior to proceeding with wedding preparations, make sure that all laws of the land are followed. There are times when the language barrier can be a problem but this can be overcome with patience and a bit of help from the locals. Also, the weather is another big factor to consider, especially for outdoor weddings like those set on the beach.

Those looking to have a wedding in a foreign land must start as early as possible to search for the most suitable locations and accommodations. Booking in advance is crucial for getting the date desired. Plus, booking at the last minute is usually more costly. Plenty of resorts offer early-bird discounts for those who book their Koh Samui wedding in advance and make early payments.

Regardless of all the planning, something can always go wrong at the last minute. The best way to get over this is by being ready for anything that takes place. Those who are interested in having a Koh Samui wedding should try to find great wedding packages at great rates. The ShaSa resort offers some of the best wedding packages in Koh Samui. This 5 star hotel has hosted hundreds of unforgettable weddings over the years. 

Hua Thanon: Far from the Madding Crowd

Make sure to check out the Hua Thanon, one of the hidden hotspots in Koh Samui (photo courtesy of samuiontour.com)

For tourists who want to get away from hotels, spas and big resorts that are too crowded, the ideal destination is Hua Thanon. This is one of the Koh Samui attractions, which has not yet become a hotspot (even though it should be one) by most tourists and is still relatively quiet.

For those who have gone to Laem Set, which is well known for its Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo, Hua Thanon is located just north of this popular destination. This hidden utopia is actually a fishing village with a beach located in the southern part of Koh Samui.

 Not that many travellers have enjoyed the scenic beauty of Hua Thanon as it has remained hidden as one of Koh Samui tourist spots. The place is often described as a Muslim village as most inhabitants are Muslims, many coming from Pattani, a southern Province in Thailand. The village is full of old wooden houses and being a fishing community; almost every family owns a colourful distinctive high-bowed boat. The fish sold in Hua Thanon market is known as the freshest found on the islands.

The inhabitants of Hua Thanon are fond of wearing headscarves whose symmetry is reflected by the green and white minarets, which dominate the village skyline. The minarets are found in the only mosque in the village that are a sight to behold and can even be considered as one of Koh Samui attractions. 

 The market place has a friendly atmosphere where visitors of the village can take pictures and absorb some of the traditional culture of the people. Fresh fruits, vegetables and native wares are the best buys and the sellers are friendly to tourists and are even willing to pose for pictures.

For those who love the sea, Hua Thanon beaches are serene and do not have the usual crowd of popular resorts. Backpackers can take time to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. Make sure to sample cheap and fresh seafood at the local restaurants along the beach. Authentic Thai seafood is another reason why this place is becoming a popular Koh Samui tourist spot. 

Today, it is difficult to find a place that is peaceful but can still offer the best of what tourists expect from a wonderful vacation. Hua Thanon as one of Koh Samui attractions is not only cheap but it’s fun. However, if you would like to stay somewhere that is also located in the Southern part of the island but is more luxurious, then you should consider staying at the ShaSa resort. By staying at this hotel you can make Hua Thanon a fun day trip.

True Story: Traveling by Train from Suratthani to Koh Samui

Take the train to Koh Samui for an interesting experience (photo courtesy globaltravelmate.com)

Koh Samui travel by train is an exhilarating experience for those who are looking for an adventure. One can start by purchasing a first class train ticket from Bangkok to Suratthani. Tickets are quite expensive but if a traveller is willing to take the lower bunk, it could be cheaper. Aside from a double compartment, amenities for first class travellers include a window, a table, a sink and a plug socket. At sunset, uniformed attendants are all over the train, making the beds.

The walkways of the carriages of first class trains are very narrow. It is very difficult for a voyager laden with luggage to meet someone coming from the opposite direction who is also carrying his things. First class passengers of Koh Samui travel have free access to toilets that are not crowded and contain running water. It is wise to select a compartment whose sink has running water as some of the sinks on the train do not have water.

To reach the restaurant carriage, first class passengers have to cross all the way across the other sleeper carriages of the train. The restaurant has jovial atmosphere as the music video plays at a high volume and customers are drinking large mugs of Changs and Singhas. As it is a smoker carriage, men are smoking to relax. The waiters joined the fun by singing along with the Thai music and train guards are allowed to smoke. Sitting beside open windows is the best option for those who want more air circulation.

For fun-loving travellers, Koh Samui travel by way of train is a great way of getting to the island and is a lot cheaper than taking a plan and more fun than taking a van. Since the train has travellers from all over the country, it is a great place to meet new friends. However, since there are so many strangers on the train it is not safe to leave baggage opened even inside the compartment. The best place to keep things and valuables is inside the compartment’s locked cupboard. It is also advisable to keep extra T- shirts during train travel.

A train traveller does not need an alarm clock as a sleeping train does not keep a punctual schedule, since the carriage guard is around to wake up and inform tourists that the destination is just a few minutes away. Koh Samui is really one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations. Make sure you get there safe and enjoy the journey.

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.

Essential Koh Samui Travel Information

Travelling to Koh Samui has become a lot more popular over the year (photo courtesy hotels.com)

One popular destination that tourists love to visit when they are in Thailand is Koh Samui. For the tourists who are thinking about Koh Samui travel, there are popular attractions that are must-see. Even backpackers will enjoy travelling here because of the fantastic beaches, incredible views, wonderful people and good choices when it comes to accommodation.

The meaning of Koh Samui remains mysterious although some people in the local area believe that name came from the Malay term that means “Saboey”. The meaning of this word is safe haven and until now, the Koh Samui Island proves that it is indeed a safe and beautiful land for locals and visitors.

The tourism industry of Thailand invested heavily in this island, helping it become a tourist hotspot. Until today, it is a premiere holiday destination in South East Asia. The Koh Samui Island is in fact a growing population. Apart from the 30,000 locals, there are more tourists who are also encouraged to settle down in this part of Thai because of their Koh Samui travel experience.

And now, tourists can enjoy Koh Samui travel without too many flight transfers! Firefly, an affordable airline, will again be offering direct flights for travellers from Penang towards the Koh Samui Island. Firefly originally offered this flight in 2007, but they had to cancel the route because of low-ticket sales. Fortunately, the tourism industry in Koh Samui is picking up, so Firefly will offer direct flights to the island again.

This will start on August 11. There will be 3 flights every week. The scheduled flights are of Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday as well. At exactly 25:15pm, the Flight FY3602 will depart from Penang and will arrive at 2:45pm local time in Koh Samui Island. For the next flight at 3:05 pm, the FY3603 flight will be the return flight from Koh Samiu Island to Penang, which will arrive at 5:35pm.

Aside from Penang, Firefly also offers direct flights to the beautiful Koh Samui Island from the Subang Airport at Kuala Lumpur. One-way flights, including taxes and other charges are only $65 or 199 MYR. Travellers and even locals can now enjoy all that Koh Samui island has to offer without the hassle of long travel times.