Koh Samui General Information

Situated within the province of Suratthani, Koh Samui is connected by regular ferry/boat services to the mainland and by plane to Bangkok and various destinations within the country as well as further afield. The closest mainland city is Suratthani which is about 60 kilometres away.

This tropical island lined with coconut palms and over 20 white sandy beaches and bays, has lush tropical vegetation, granite and limestone hills and waterfalls. It covers an area of around 250 square kilometers, is 21 km at its widest point and 25 at its longest with one main road going around the island (approx. 50 km ).

Before the more recent growth of tourism, coconut farming and fishing were the main source of income, and these still continue today. Koh Samui still sends more than 2 million coconuts per month to Bangkok. The population today stands at approximately 350,000 inhabitants.

Chaweng Beach. On the east coast, it is undoubtedly the most popular and developed of all the beaches. It is the longest beach, 6 -7km of white sand, yet still has the feel of a palm-fringed tropical beach. Chaweng is extremely popular at night as there are a vast number of venues catering for most peoples preferences.

Lamai Beach. This is the 2nd most popular beach; slightly quieter than Chaweng yet also popular due to its good night-life. Lamai beach keeps its village atmosphere rather than that of a town!

Nathon. Not the beach to sit and relax on as there is the main pier connecting Samui with the mainland and the island of Koh Phangan. The town itself has less expensive shops than Chaweng and Lamai and is home to the majority of the Banks and Government Offices. It is therefore a bustling place during the day, more typical of Thailand, and relatively quiet at night.

Bophut on the north coast has one of Samui’s oldest settlements "the fishing village", which still retains its charm. This is an ideal beach for wind-surfing/sailing plus there is 2km of white sand. A relatively tranquil beach ideal for relaxing. Evening time it is very popular as a dining spot with many good restaurants and bars.

Big Buddha Beach, to the east of Bophut, is named after the 12m statue situated on an islet connected to the island by a causeway. The beach is generally quiet and peaceful with calm waters.

Maenam Beach, 2km west of Bophut has a long white sandy 4 km beach with a calm and scenic bay.

Choeng Mon Beach is situated eastwards of Big Buddha on a quieter part of the island with several smaller capes and bays.

Hua Thanon is not a particularly good beach for swimming. More interesting though is the Muslim fishing community found within the vicinity of the beach.

Lipa Noi, is on the west coast of the island just south of Nathon. This is one of the safest beaches for children as the sea is shallow for about 150m out to sea. It is very popular in the late afternoon being one of the best spots to view the sunset!

Other beaches around the island include Bang Po on the north coast, west of Maenam Beach. Bang Kao and Thong Krut, which are on the south coast. Phanka and Taling Ngam beaches are on the west coast further south of Nathon.

.....more Koh Samui Information will be available soon.....