Thailand
Koh Samui
Ko Samui
Ko Samui, known as Samui by locals,
is an island off the southeast coast of
the Kra Isthmus in Thailand. Ko Samui is
about a 60-minute flight from Bangkok.
It is the third largest island in
Thailand, with an area of 88 square
miles and a population of over 50,000
(2008). The island has accommodation for
every need, very inexpensive shacks to
extremely expensive resorts, and
everything in between.
If you like vacations filled with
warm tropical days, body temperature
oceans, long walks on beaches, and good
food this is the place for you. It is a
tropical wonderland, but like all
tropical environments it is prone to
downpours so be prepared.
When anywhere in Thailand, you will
find Thai massage and Ko Samui is no
exception. Massage is available on the
beach, in your hotel, on the main
street, everywhere. At night, the local
custom is to set-off fireworks. On every
beach men will, for a small fee, sell
you and launch skyrockets. You can walk
the beaches at night where you will find
restaurants displaying their freshly
caught fish on tables. You get to pick
your seafood and have them prepare it in
the way you wish. If you like, the
flavours of Thai food you must
experience cooking on Ko Samui. In fact,
if you wish to learn how to cook Thai
food yourself there are many cooking
schools on the island. Check
www.siamkitchen.net for one option.
The seedy-side of Ko Samui is its sex
industry, which exploits very, very
young local people. In addition, there
is little in the way of infrastructure
on the island. Locals and tourists all
dart about, on the small and rough
roads, on motor scooters without helmets
or any protection. It is not surprising
that many die horribly from road
accidents every day. You can insulate
yourself from this issue by restricting
yourself to your resort, but be aware
that this is all part of the nature of
Ko Samui.
The hinterland in the southwestern
part of the island is very different
from the beaches and resorts. There you
will find lush tropical rain forest. It
is extremely rewarding to hike through
these jungles. Your recompense will be
seeing glorious waterfalls and very
exotic plants and animals.
Koh Samui is a must-see destination
and we haven"t talked about the SCUBA
diving yet. That is the topic of my next
article.
Thai House Beach Resort is a great
place to stay on the island. Here is its
contact information: 131 Moo 3, T.Maret,
Koh Samui, Surattani, Thailand 84310,
Tel: 66 77 418 005, Fax: 66 77 418 007,
email: info@thaihousebeach-resort.com.
Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui:
cost between $294 and $412.