Paradise in Koh Samui

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There's no island like Koh Samui, the second largest island in Thailand (largest is Koh Phuket). Koh Samui has more than it's fair share of beautiful beaches, ranging from quiet, laid back beaches with few people and authentic Thai villages to beaches that are busy, with modern resorts with lots of people and attractions.

How to get there:

By Air

Bangkok Airways is the only airline that flies directly to Koh Samui. They have approximately 10 flights per day, depending on the season. The Bangkok Airways counter at Don Muang Airport is on the arrivals level in the domestic terminal. For further information regarding flights to Koh Samui from Bangkok (and other locations)

You can also fly by Thai Airways to the Surat Thani airport and arrange for bus and ferry transportation to Koh Samui. Click for more information from Thai Airways.

By Train

There are many trains running throughout the day from Bangkok to Surat Thani and return. The Surat Thani train station is about an hour from the ferry pier where you catch the boat to Koh Samui. You will need transportation from the railway station to the pier. The most popular trains are the sleeper trains where you travel at night and arrive in either Bangkok or Surat Thani in the morning.

Any travel agent in Bangkok or Koh Samui can book a ticket for you that will include train, bus and boat, to or from Koh Samui. Prices vary depending on the class of train travel 1st, 2nd or 3rd.We recommend 2nd class air conditioned as the best value at approximately 700 baht for the train, bus and boat ticket combined. The click here for additional information from the State Railway of Thailand.

By Bus

All buses for Koh Samui leave from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. There are different classes of buses running between Bangkok and Koh Samui. There are buses run by private companies and there are buses run by the government. If you are taking the bus from Bangkok to Koh Samui, or vice versa, we recommend any of the VIP bus as there are fewer seats on the bus, and the seats recline to somewhat of a sleeping position. These buses tend to leave late afternoon, early evening. A one way ticket including the ferry boat will cost you approximately 600 Baht. You can purchase a ticket that includes bus and ferry at the Southern Bus Terminal, or through any travel agent in Bangkok. The bus ride to Surat Thani is about 10 hours. Then you have another hour to the pier and then about a 90 ferry trip to Nathon. (Hint, bring a long sleeve shirt on the bus with you because they tend to really crank up the air conditioning.)

You have the same options taking the bus back to Bangkok. There are different class buses departing at different times of the day. Again we recommend the VIP bus and that you book a combination bus and ferry ticket with one of the many reputable Koh Samui travel agents. If you have your own transportation, or just finding your own way, you can walk on, or drive on to the ferries.There are two ferry piers to choose from. Both piers are about one hour from Surat Thani and they are close to each other. The only difference is that they are run by different companies. Cost for car and driver is about 250 baht. Cost for walk on is 60 baht. Ferries leave the pier approximately every two hours starting at 6:00 am. (Hint, if you go outside on the ferry, remember your sun-screen. You don't want to arrive in Koh Samui sun burned!)

Banks and Money

Koh Samui banks: The opening hours are 8.30am and 3.30pm (Monday to Friday) except public and bank holidays.

ATM Machines: There are many ATM machines all over the island which accept major cards within the Cirrus/Maestro system.

Currency exchange centers: You will see mobile currency exchange centers operate in the evening in major resorts like Chaweng and Lamai from 7.00am to 9.00pm, 7 days a week including holidays.

Location: Most banks are located in Nathon, Chewang & Lamai, with some local branches Opposite Tesco Lotus.

Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted by all banks and local stores. AMEX is not acceptable in many places including banks.

Hotels: Most major hotels will exchange money but at a less favorable rate than the banks.

Bangkok Bank: 077 421-105

Bank of Ayudhaya: 077 420-176

Bangkok Metropolitan Bank: 077 420-277

Government Savings Bank: 077 421-119

Krung Thai Bank: 077 421-503

Siam City Bank: 077 421-110

Siam Commercial Bank: 077 420-186

Thai Farmers Bank: 077 421-200

Thai Military Bank: 077 420-360

Attractions:

The Big Buddha

Samui's most popular attraction, The Big Buddha sitting 15 meters tall was built in 1972 by the local society to give visitors a place to pay respect to The Lord Buddha. This monumental landmark is placed on the island's Northern shore.

Hin Ta - Hin Ya

Strangely shaped rocks at south Lamai. A local story tells of an old couple whose ship was wrecked in the bay. Their body's were washed ashore to create the rocks.

Hin Lad Waterfall

Hin Lad Waterfall is located 2 km south of Nathon Town.He can be reached by a 3-4 kilometer walk down a country foot walk. In evergreen, rain forest setting with palms and creepers, the waterfall have several levels with a cool pool for a fresh water swim.

Snake Farm

A definite must see for all those visiting the island. Shows featuring snakes indigenous to Samui as well as Centipede, Scorpion and Cock Fighting shows. Informative and entertaining. Great for the entire family and worth looking for. Follow the signs seen throughout the island. Show times are 11.00 and 14.00 everyday.

Magic Buddha Garden

The magic Buddha garden is hidden in the hills of Samui. You can see several statues, temples and waterfalls which are build by one man in the last 20 years.

Namuang Waterfall

Na Muang Waterfall is located 10 km south from Nathon at Ban Thurian. There are 2 waterfalls. Na Muang one is 18 meter high and can be reached by vehicle. Na Muang two is about 80 meters high and can only be reached by a 30 minute walk. The waterfalls are the most scenic on the island

Canopy Adventures - Secret Falls Koh Samui

Cable Rides Rainforest Tour; An adventure you'll never forget. Flora, Fauna, waterfalls and an adventure you'll never forget!

- 6 Different treehouses - 6 Separate cable ride for over 500 meters of excitement - Waterfalls & fantastic views - Jungle "Hammock" Bar - No experience necessary - Free shuttle every hour