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About Koh Samui in Thailand no comments
Koh Samui is an island located in the southern part of the Gulf of Thailand. It is one of Thailand’s most visited beach areas. The island has white sand beaches, excellent accommodation, an airport, Western style supermarkets and modern hospitals. It is the developed nature of Koh Samui’s facilities and amenities combined with its beautiful beaches that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
The main tourist beach is Chaweng. It is a long stretch of white sand with a smaller beach just to the north called Chaweng Noi. Along the beach are many resorts and guest houses. Next to the beach is an extensive urban area that has everything a visitor could need including bars of a disreputable nature.
Just south of Chaweng is Lamai. It is smaller and attracts a younger crowd. It has a couple of popular nightclubs, two Muay Thai shows and several ‘beer bar places’. The beach is equally as good as Chaweng and has a few more budget options.
For those seeking something more sophisticated there is Bophut beach and Fisherman’s Village. This is an area that has converted the original Chinese fisherman’s houses into bars, cafes and expensive dining options. Bophut is free of sex workers and has a boutique atmosphere that is largely missing in Chaweng and Lamai.
On the north coast is Maenam. This is a small town with a 4 km long beach with plenty of tree cover. Maenam doesn’t have much of a nightlife but does have some bargain accommodation.
Generally the beaches on the south and west coasts are not as good for swimming. Beaches such as Taling Ngam, Baan Bang Kao and Lipa Noi have a few mid-range and luxury resorts that attract those looking to escape the crowds of Chaweng and Lamai. Prices for accommodation in Koh Samui range from $30 a night for a small air-con bungalow to $1,000 a night for private pool villas at brand resorts like Hilton and Marriot.
There’s diving and snorkeling sites near Koh Samui. It is also possible to rent kayaks and sailing boats. Laem Set offers kite boarding. Other attractions include an aquarium, a tiger show, a snake farm, a butterfly garden, waterfalls and beautiful wats.
Koh Samui is blessed with great beaches and plenty of entertainment. There are things to do both day and night. While not the cheapest place in Thailand, it still offers good value and bargains can still be found.