Samui

Koh Samui tourist guide – hotels – car hire

The island of Samui offers a more relaxed atmosphere from the more popular resorts of Pattaya and Phuket. It is Thailand’s third largest island and located in the Gulf of Thailand. Samui has evolved from a backpackers destination to a resort popular by all kinds of travelers. The island offers all the tourist facilities to guarantee a pleasant stay.

Click for more details and a more in-depth Samui guide.

Attractions on Koh Samui

It’s without a doubt the gorgeous beaches attracting so many visitors throughout the year.

Lamai and Chaweng beaches, both located on the eastern side of the island, are among the most popular and have ample accommodation and a lively nightlife scene. The famed Wonderful Rocks, which include the sex-organ-shaped Hin Yaay and Hin Ta are to be found on Lamai.

Not far from Samui are two other popular islands located. Koh Pha Ngan draws backpackers and the free spirited to the full moon parties which re held every month, and is unspoiled by tourism development, while Koh Tao, further north, is one of South East Asia’s best diving locations.

One of the key attractions on Koh Samui is the Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram. The monk passed to the other side in the meditation position, lotus style folded legs, and in this position he was embalmed.

The best way to see all of Koh Samui’s interesting sites is to get around by hire car or motorbike.

The main roads on the island are well maintained and the availability of car hire is sufficient.

Click here for Koh Samui car hire.

Hotels on Koh Samui

Accommodation on the island ranges from simple bungalows to high-end beach hotels and resorts. Please bear in mind that during high season many hotels on Koh Samui are booked. It is recommendable to reserve a Koh Samui hotel before you arrive on the island.

Most hotels on the island are well serviced and the Thais have a reputation for being perfect hosts. The island’s seafood is renowned and most likely your Koh Samui hotel has some delicious dishes on the menu. You can book a hotel on Koh Samui in advance on-line which will save you money as there will be cheaper rates.

Airport and car hire on Koh Samui

The international airport on Samui opened its doors in 1988 and since then the accessibility of Koh Samui has significantly increased. Bangkok Airways operates several daily domestic flights to the island.

There are also several daily ferries to and from Don Sa (Surat Thani) on the mainland, as well as the adjacent islands.

There’s the opportunity to hire a car at Samui airport as there are several major companies represented. Throughout the island many local car hire companies are to be found as well but it might be the best to reserve your hire car for Koh Samui on-line. A hire car is the best means of transportation on the island.

Aiport car parking facilities on the airport is catered for as well. Car parking space on this small airport is limited, so be sure to pre-book your airport parking at Koh Samui safely and securely on-line.

Further information on all this can be found in the following Samui guide.