Thailand is full of inspiring vacation spots – it’s the gentle beauty of the northern capital of Chiang Mai, the energy and excitement of Bangkok and the healthy hedonism of the tropical island of Phuket, with its beaches, major hotels and a wide range of water sports. But few have the charm and vitality of Koh Samui. Until a few decades ago, this island in the Gulf of Thailand only reserved for indigenous fishermen and coconut farmers, until some intrepid tourists on board a ride on a coconut boat and soon the secret was out. Now Samui is one of the nation’s leading holiday destination. What makes it so special?
The first thing Koh Samui is going for it is the location. Seen as a jewel in the Gulf of Thailand about 700 km south of Bangkok, it is convenient to get to, but remote enough to be off the beaten track and retain much of its unique charm. You do not have lifts on a coconut boat to the airport and regular ferry Koh Samui travel is now a breeze.
Koh Samui has much to offer and this is reflected in the diversity of the traveler who is attracted to its beautiful shores. There is an abundance of first-class 5 star resorts located throughout the island, and if it is a luxury vacation you’re looking for, you will not be disappointed. For those on a budget do not despair as the choice of accommodation is just as broad, to the beach Where you will find traditional wooden bungalows, ideal for listening to the sound of whispering surf, and at very reasonable prices .
You will not have any problem finding a place to live, whether you’re on a budget who seek tranquility, like a deserted beach or want to sit admire the stunning views from your balcony. What you pay for a room is yours, pay international prices to the most luxurious resorts with many amenities that you never leave, or relaxing in a beach hut for less than basic 300 baht per night. Especially popular are now boutique resort that offers its own unique style and atmosphere and are small enough to offer a high level of personal service.
Chaweng Beach is one of the most popular on Samui and fulfill the dream of a perfect tropical island – white sandy beaches lined with coconut palms and a translucent sea lapping on the shore. Its ability to accommodate a variety of visitors have seen it grow into a place filled with fast food joints, pubs, cocktail lounges and a wealth of accommodation options. At one point the beach was full of cheap beach huts and a destination for backpackers, now it’s mostly higher end resorts and exclusive hotels. If you want a buzzing cosmopolitan environment, Chaweng is for you.
Further along the coast is Lamai with a reputation for attracting long-term stay because of budget resorts and a relaxed air. To rest and then try Bang Rak, and if you’re a bit fancy something livelier, Bo Phut is right next door, they have both sides of the budget and hotels at reasonable prices. Mae Nam has a good selection of rooms with lots of small, family-owned bungalow resorts and a few 5-star hotel. You can even still find wooden bungalows for rent on the beach. Choeng Mon is only a small part of the island, but some of the most select hotels on Samui, and is still relatively undeveloped offers a peaceful and pleasant place to hang out for a couple of weeks.
On the southern coast is the unspoilt region Taling Ngam where you can still see the traditional fishing villages with very few up-market hotels scattered here and there. There are also some excellent hotels and resorts, including small residential properties on the beach at Bang Por, but it’s more of a residential area. If you really want to get away from it all then head to the Laem Set, on the southwest coast, because it has a number of top resorts, and even quieter still is the small coves and Natie Maret where you’ll find several first-rate resorts.
So if you yearn for a period of a secluded tropical island with all the facilities you can ask to make a great holiday, check out Koh Samui hotels. Soon you’ll be calling it just “Samui” and you have made it a part of your life.