Are you going to go on vacation to Thailand, namely to visit Koh Samui? Then this article is for you. It will consider the most popular beaches of Koh Samui. But first, a little about the island itself.
Koh Samui: beaches, general information
Koh Samui, or, as the locals call it, Koh Samui, is located in the Gulf of Thailand, which in the southeast passes into the South China Sea. Due to the geological and geographical features of the island's location, it has never experienced a tsunami, unlike Phuket.
The area of Koh Samui is 228.7 square kilometers. Local time is three hours ahead of Moscow. There are more than 50 thousand inhabitants. The length of the coastline of the island is four kilometers. It can be noted that almost all the beaches of Koh Samui are clean and amaze with their unforgettable beauty. At low tide, the water does not go far from the shore.
You can get to the island by plane from Bangkok. You can move around the neighborhood on songthaews. These are pickup trucks with seats that are located in the back. You can also rent a motorbike, a car (with an international driver's license).
So if you decidevisit this island, then a map of Koh Samui with beaches, hotels, attractions will help you quickly decide on a tour to Thailand.
Weather on the island
The climate is different from other regions of the Kingdom of Thailand. The island does not have a particularly pronounced rainy season, and there is no such heat as on the mainland. Consider the weather by month. For example, from January to March, the following is observed: the rains become less frequent and shorter, the sea becomes calmer. Months such as February and March are considered the ideal time to relax. The daytime temperature reaches 31 degrees, night - 21, and the water temperature - 28. The hottest season is in April and May.
Bad weather is very rare in Koh Samui. The climate is tropical, hot with a high level of humidity. The rainy season here is short, usually starting in October and ending in December. From June to September there is less and less sunshine. There are low tides on the beaches. There are waves, tropical showers, severe thunderstorms.
Where to stay on the island
On the coast there are many hotels for every budget and taste. You can choose luxury or budget option. But Samui hotels with their own beach are a rarity for the Kingdom of Thailand. You can also rent apartments.
Hotels on the island are presented as complexes in the form of small villas or bungalows. Since it is forbidden to build tall buildings on Koh Samui.
Before you book your favorite tour, you should study the reviews of guests about Koh Samui hotels, consider carefully the photos of the beaches, the availability of sun loungers and umbrellas on them.
Choose based on your abilities and preferences.
Where to eat
Different cuisines are presented in bars and restaurants: European, Chinese, Korean, Italian and, of course, local Thai. Therefore, even the most demanding gourmet will find a restaurant to his liking.
From top-notch restaurants with exotic menus to regular Thai eateries scattered throughout the island. So do not worry, you will always find a place where you can have a delicious lunch and dinner. Don't be afraid to try Thai food. Many refuse to try it, as the dishes often come across spicy. Take this advice into account: when ordering food from the waiter, ask for it to be served "know spicy" (without pepper).
We advise you to try the most common dish - Tom Yum soup. It is made with chicken or shrimp. According to your choice. And, of course, where without rice. It is served, again of your choice, with chicken, shrimp or pork. The most popular fruits are coconut, bananas, passion fruit, mango. You can buy ready-made seafood at the bazaars.
Kingdom of Thailand (Koh Samui): beaches
The most popular among tourists are located in the east of the island. Among them are the following beaches of Koh Samui: Chaweng and Lamai. They are famous for their very clear water and white sand. In the north, the most visited are Bophut and Maenam. The water there is clean, but not as clear as on previous beaches, and the sand is yellow. West notso popular with tourists. Since there is a seaport, and the water is dirty. So let's take a closer look at the best beaches on Koh Samui. Each one is unique and beautiful in its own way.
To better understand and appreciate the location and size of the island, a map of Koh Samui with beaches will help you. Be sure to get it.
Chaweng Beach
Located on the east coast of the island. Chaweng Beach (Koh Samui) is the most popular among vacationers. It is the center of tourist life. Holidays in this part of the coast are suitable for young people and lovers of fun.
The panorama of the beach is enriched with picturesque bays. A beach with fine white sand, which does not heat up at all. It is washed by crystal clear sea water.
Distinguish between northern, central and southern parts of Chaweng. South Beach, or as the locals call it Chaweng Noi, is silent and beautiful. It is famous for large-scale events that take place every year. Namely, a sailing regatta is being held.
The northern part is considered the most serene and calm. The beach has fine-grained sand, when you walk on it, it starts to crunch like starch. There is no noise and unnecessary fuss. This is the perfect place to merge with nature. And the emerald sea, palm trees, the lulling sound of the surf are conducive to relaxation.
In the central part of Chaweng, life is in full swing from morning until late at night. Here you will find an abundance of various entertainment programs held in DJ bars, pubs, clubs. And parties are held on the beach withfireworks.
When relaxing on the coast, you may notice Thai merchants walking around offering clothes, jewelry, leather goods and various delights of Thai cuisine.
Things to do in Chaweng
In this part of Koh Samui, you can not only lie in a sun lounger and splash in the sea, but also windsurf, snorkel, dive and other marine activities (ride a jet ski, catamaran).
Be sure to take a trip around the island, arrange a picnic in the place you like. Walk along Chaweng Lake. Go shopping, visit the following supermarkets: "Macro", "Lotus" and "Big C". You can also look into the massage parlor, SPA center. And in the evening you can visit discos, foam parties, clubs where it is proposed to contemplate the show of transvestites (see above, what else you can entertain yourself in the central part of Chaweng).
We recommend attending Thai cuisine courses to please your family and friends with exotic dishes of this country.
There are also extreme entertainments, they are designed for those who like to tickle their nerves. This is going down the cable car, swimming with sharks, bungee jumping. The cable car is a great attraction. Between the trees in the middle of the jungle at different heights, ropes are stretched along which the descent is carried out.
The island offers tourists a variety of activities that will make your vacation more interesting and dynamic.
CoastLamai
This is the second most popular beach among tourists. It is located just south of Chaweng. Lamai Beach (Koh Samui) stretches for four kilometers. The sea is calm and clear. The sand has a golden hue, similar in structure to coarse s alt and mixed with small shells. Almost along the entire coast the bottom is safe. Only on the outskirts the picture is completely different. There are coral gardens, boulders, sharp stones, sea urchins. This part of the coast is not suitable for swimming. On Lamai beach it is more calm, life flows measuredly. This is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday with children. But it is worth noting that there are few trees here, be sure to take sunscreen and an umbrella with you when going to sunbathe.
Just like in Chaweng, merchants patrol the coast daily, offering to buy fruits, soft drinks and much more. There are massage parlors along the beach. Here tourists can enjoy Thai massage. Here you can also book an excursion to any nearest island.
Things to do at Lamai Beach
You can ride jet skis, sailing catamarans, rent kayaks and everything for water skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing, diving. In the south of Lamai Beach there are picturesque heaps - Hin Tai & Hin Yai stones. These stone formations, symbolizing the feminine and masculine, are a natural attraction. It's definitely worth seeing them. There are many legends about their origin. One of them tells about lovers who did not receiveapproval from their parents. As a result, the young rushed into the stormy sea. This abyss swallowed them, and their bodies turned into stones.
Men should go to Thai boxing, karate competitions. And women - to visit the SPA center. And in the evening visit the night market and go-go parties.
Be sure to rent a car and explore the area around the island. Visit a fishing village with a Muslim community. There, people observe and honor the customs of their ancestors and live in fragile huts made of teak wood.
You can also visit the Temple of Wat Khunaram, it houses the mummified body of the monk Loung Por Daeng. During his lifetime he was a respected man. At the age of twenty he renounced the vain world and then all his life he was engaged in religion. In the temple he mastered the practice of meditation. The monk became a mentor for many students, passed on his knowledge and skills to them. At the age of 79, he died sitting in the lotus position while meditating. For several decades now, his body has been in a glass sarcophagus, and it does not have any signs of decomposition. His eyes are covered with sunglasses.
Other coasts
The best beaches of Koh Samui have been reviewed. Now the choice is yours! But it is worth noting that the prices on these coasts are too high. If you prefer a modest holiday, then you should consider other beaches of Koh Samui. Here are some options. On the north side of the coast there are almost untouched places: Bang Por, Bophut, Big Buddha Beach. In the northeastern part - beautifulcoast of Chang Mon. In the west, there are practically no comfortable places to stay. Since the coast is rocky.
In this article we tried to briefly talk about the island, its coasts and attractions. The beaches of Koh Samui have been selected as the best. Have a nice holiday!
