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Koh Samui sights and activities guide
Koh Samui offers plenty of things to do in your spare time. Anything from watching a Muay Thai boxing match to souvenir hunting at the bargain stalls, the island has complete options for most types of tropical vacations.
Here's a list of places you can go to while in Koh Samui:
Ang Thong - this group of sixty tiny islands offers some of the best walks in Thailand. The isles are named after the animals they're said to resemble. From the peak of Koh Sam Sao you'll get a panoramic view of the surrounding islands, and Samui. In the middle of Koh Mae Ko you'll find Thale Nai, an emerald saltwater lake surrounded on all sides by a bowl of limestone cliffs, and connected to the sea by an underwater tunnel.
Chaweng Beach - a lively beach with seven kilometres of fine white sand, featuring the island's largest concentration of bars, restaurants, shops and stores. Chaweng curves around a bay, and the ocean waves are tamed by reefs some distance from the shore. You'll find its north end less congested than the centre.
Lamai Beach - less touristy than Chaweng, but resort-goers and backpackers also mark their presence here. At the end of the beach you'll see some interesting rock formations, otherwise known as "granddad and grandma" rocks. Lamai's southern end is better for swimming.
Bophut - on the northern shore, this was once just the Fishermen's Village of Thai-Chinese houses and shops. Newer establishments can be found to the west. Bophut town aims to cater to families and couples instead of hosting nightclubs and bars. It's said the best restaurants on Ko Samui are in Bophut.
Choeng Mon - just a few minutes away from Chaweng's glitter and the tropically-themed airport, the white sand beaches in this area are next to family-friendly resorts.
Here's a list of things where you can while away your time when staying in Samui:
Diving & Snorkelling
Ko Samui's beaches are turbulent and not exactly crystal-clear, but the nearby islands in Angthong Marine Park offer good chances to see corals and underwater life.
Boating
The sculpted limestone coast offers great vistas for kayaking, sailing, jetboat cruising, and other sea activities. This is due in part to influence of the Ko Samui Regatta and the success of cruising services. However, mooring vessels is pretty much a DIY affair for now while a harbour for yachts is being constructed. You can also go fishing for marlin, tuna and barracuda.
Nature Trekking
The main island has thick forests with lots of bird species and peaks for sightseeing. You can walk the jungle paths or ride on a tamed elephant for a higher view.
Sports
Muay Thai is hot in Samui, and you'll find a lot of training gyms and matches to witness and join in. You can also tee off at the Santiburi Samui Country Club. This18-course golf club is surrounded by beautiful island scenery.
Thais flock to snooker clubs at beaches like everywhere else in Thailand. You might want a game of pool at the bars, where tables and games are mostly free, or you may go out for a round of beach volleyball.
Every year, there's the Samui Regatta, an international sailing competition that brings in yachts from as far away as Japan, Europe and Australia. There is also the annual race held by the International Triathlon Union and a ten-pin bowling championship in Chaweng.
Nightlife
The biggest beaches on Ko Samui attract a collection of bars, pubs and nightclubs running from dusk to dawn. On nearby Ko Pha Ngan, there's a beach party during the night of the full moon, drawing ten to twenty thousand people twelve times a year.
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