Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, which is part of the province of Suratthani, adjacent to the islands of Phangan, Tao and alluvial islands of the Angtong National Marine Park. Core value Samui is considered a large variety of beaches and well developed. tourist infrastructure. The central part of the island is hills up to 600 meters high and the space around the mountains is suitable for building. The island becomes more expensive every year, confidently holds the course for the title of island boutique, but it can not beat the problem recycling.
The content of the article
- 1 Preparing for the trip
- 1.1 Description of the resort and why go to Samui
- 1.2 Which beach to choose
- 1.3 How to choose a hotel or home
- 1.4 How to get to Samui
- 1.5 Climate and weather on Samui
- 2 Upon arrival at the resort
- 2.1 How to get to your hotel
- 2.2 What to see from the sights
- 2.3 Where to eat, in which cafes
- 2.4 On-site transport
- 3 Samui Map
Preparing for the trip
Description of the resort and why go to Samui
Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are the only major islands in the southern part Siam Gulf. All others are far to the north and radically different in terms of climate and the composition of tourists coming to rest (Koh Chang, Koh Kood). Or located with the reverse sides of the mainland, and also differ in climate and geographical features (Koh Lanta, Phi Phi, Phuket). In the presence of transport Koh Samui is always possible to find a cup-beach, even at low tide, and the choice of beaches satisfies both savages and swimming fans, and mummies with babies.
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Samui has about forty beaches. The deepest are located on north (Maenam, Bo Phut) and east (Chaweng, Lamai), but smaller, but more beautiful – in the south (Bang Kao) and west (Taling Ngam, Lipa Noi). AT The southern part of Samui is dominated by flat terrain with rare the tops of the hills, and the northern and central parts of the island are hilly terrain with flat areas along the beaches. Samui’s infrastructure is centered on the northeast and east, and the southwest is still considered an introverted stronghold and it pleases huge patches of palm groves, which sometimes occur houses.
The beaches on Samui are developed, with rental of beach equipment and water attractions, bars, discos and shops. there is quiet, family, with plenty of shade and moderate infrastructure. And there are quite wild, deserted and incredible beautiful. Samui is good that with all the diversity preferences, every tourist finds here “the very” place in which he will return again and again. Samui is very different Isle.
Samui is great for a vacation. If he gets bored, then from any pier in the north you can rush to Phangan – wilder version of samui. Or go snorkelling on Koh Tao – more wild version of Phangan. Or take a trip to the islands of Angthong Park – more wild version of Koh Tao. That is, this resort is attractive because here you can always increase or decrease the degree of comfort. From deshmanskih bungalows in the west of Phangan, to luxury hotels on Northwest Samui. From asphalt highways to furious pothole, from reggae bar in the rocks, to the pathetic restaurant on the roof hotel – everything is here.
Samui is one of the best resorts in Thailand
Which beach to choose
Choose your beach on Samui – is simple, but requires clarification on several issues: are you going to rent a transport, is civilization important at hand and the last is how critical sea wateriness All questions are relevant only for vacationers, for wintering, the approach is different, with an emphasis on longsters and practicality. Immediately I say – if you are planning to rent a scooter or cars, then all the beaches of the island are open to you, and this is a huge plus, because the beaches of Samui can behave differently in the same way time of day
If you plan to walk, infrastructure and the daily bathing of the beaches, you first need to attend to choosing the right month for the trip (see the climate section), and only then choose from the five most popular beaches of Samui. Those, where 90% of tourists go: Maenam, Bo Phut, Chong Mon, Chaweng and Lamai – All beaches are described in detail in separate articles.
Browse all Samui beaches →
In short, the Maenam is: the deep sea, the shady shore and medium infrastructure; considered a family beach. Bo Phut is Maenam, only with a more developed infrastructure and is considered a hotel by the beach. Chong Mon is located on the outskirts, there is a lot of shadow, he shallow and therefore considered a children’s beach.
Chaweng – party, youth, very beautiful beach in the east, Lamai is a smaller version of Chaweng with a deeper sea. On all five beaches you can live for two weeks without a glare, without rent transport without lack of services and service. They are closer the rest are located to Samui Airport and shopping centers. Everything the beaches are deep except for the shallow water Chong Mona, which is noticeably subject to ebb.
If infrastructure is not important to you, and you went to Samui for solitude and beach rest, there are also cupable beaches in more wild parts of the island. Immediately, I note that all the beaches that are not included in the top five are not so deep and are subject to low tides. In the West Koh Samui is Tong Yang and Lipa Noi, uncrowded beaches with a clean bottom, without stones, with sunsets and rare villas on the beach. In the north – Bang Po and Ban Tai beaches. Bang Po – an introvert paradise with a bunch restaurants on the shore, and Ban Tai is a children’s paradise and a beautiful sea with white coral sand on the beach. In the south – Bang Kao, however, for bathing is not suitable for the entire length, but where the bottom is more or less cleared of stones. Charmingly deserted area with rare building up and large jungle spots.
The best beach on Koh Samui – Lamai
How to choose a hotel or house
The areas around the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai are a huge selection of hotels. any level, as well as the best tourist infrastructure islands. In addition to infrastructure, Chaweng and Lamai themselves are an island attraction and this makes them the most popular areas among tourists. After them already go tourist Chaweng Noi and Lam Nan along the edges of Chaweng. Also Bang Rak and Bo Phut are popular – dense buildings, lots of entertainment and close to the hypermarkets.
With condominiums on Samui is not very thick and basic offers await you at Maenam, Play Lame and Chaweng. Large villas are rarely found on the coast. Townhouses can be found only in large settlements, the resorts are the same, and the houses are the most common type of housing on Samui.
All hotels in Samui →
My selection of the best hotels in Samui →
Family wintering (the arrival of 1 month or longer), I would recommended to Maenam, Bo Phut or Lamai. These beaches have great infrastructure, a large flat part with a huge choice of housing, and These beaches are in the top five on Samui. Chaweng I do not recommend because of his uncomfortableness and restlessness. Lots of noise, dust, dense city building.
Chimers, Lamai, Menam and Chong Mon – this is important if the infrastructure and the beach. Bang Kao Village, Tong Yang, Bang Po, Ban Tai – poor infrastructure, but beautiful the beaches. I have a detailed analysis of renting a house in Samui in my article. Features of renting a house on Samui, and a selection of houses for self-rental – in the Directory of houses in Samui.
On Samui you have several types of housing, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages: hotel, resort, apartments, private house, townhouse or villa. If you call on Samui not longer than two weeks, the easiest way is to book a hotel (with houses more difficult), it remains only to understand – on what beach. But with a period of 30 days already makes sense to think and go through options.
You have only 2 options, how to rent a house / apartment in Thailand: through a realtor or independently on the spot. Last thing very much to the amateur. Believe, combing the streets for several days in a row in 30-degree heat, not for everyone, you can rest are driving.
I recommend to book accommodation in advance through a realtor. You avoid unnecessary trouble in an unfamiliar country. Than before refer, the better option will get. Send me a request, I have her I will send to a proven person whom I trust myself. And then in The last time scam has become a lot.
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How to get to Samui
Samui is about 700 km from Bangkok and 350 km from Phuket And Bangkok with Phuket are the only two inhabited point in Thailand, where fly direct flights from Russia. On samui there is also an airport, but it is owned by Bangkok Airways, which are, in fact, monopolists and few people are allowed in there. Therefore, the flight to Samui will always be with a transfer and will always be more expensive than flights to Bangkok or Phuket. Search for such flights better traditionally on Aviasales, look right down to Samui as one ticket.
Samui can be accessed by other more complex ways. For example, fly to Thailand for one ticket (Phuket or Bangkok), and then by land (bus / train + ferry) or again by air (direct flight or transfer). From Bangkok overland trip will be about 1000 baht, on a plane with a transfer of 1500 baht, and direct flight directly to Samui 3500 baht. Here I have a detailed post about how to get from Bangkok to Samui and from Phuket to Samui.
If we talk about comfortable ways, especially when traveling with children, I recommend buying a ticket from Russia immediately to Samui, or take a ticket to Bangkok or Phuket, and then another air ticket from Bangkok Airways, which takes you directly to the airport Samui All other ways hemorrhagic.
Climate and weather in Samui
Ignorant people think that due to their small size kingdom of thailand there is no particular need to study weather features for each resort individually – and in vain. Weather on koh samui is different from the all-russian weather reports so for many tourists are surprised by excessive rainy November and December – and after all, many come here to wait out winter or spend at sea the New Year holidays.
In the cold months, the air temperature drops to 23-26 degrees, and in the roast – reaches 30-32. Such drops cause smile in people who have just arrived from -20 with snowdrifts knee, but long-livers of the island suffer from cold. If you come for wintering in September – October, you will have time more or less Acclimatize and experience the full horror of the Thai winter, when it is cold to walk around the tile in the house, you have to wear socks and sleep under a blanket.
The hottest months on Samui are from the end of February to April. Most rainy – from November to mid-January. Summer is considered a period monsoon rains in Thailand, but on Koh Samui this is expressed in clear cloudless days and short daily rains closer to in the evening, well, or during the day. More clouds and rain starts at late September, October is not particularly happy with good weather, November – peak precipitation, December – precipitation begins to decrease.
In the winter months, almost all the beaches of the island “delight” a high wave, and do not listen to local realtors who write about the November showers “it rains a little more than usual” and “it’s nice to jump on the waves” – no, it is unpleasant. Dirty agitated sea with foam and some rubbish, which washed away from the island of recent rain – it is unpleasant. Of course, there is always a chance for changes in the weather, which are increasingly occurring due to global warming. November can turn out to be almost dry, and March is upset by overcast weather, but observations of past years, I would advise to focus on that climate that I described above.
From me you still have a little life hacking: pay your attention to Koh Samui in the summer months. This period is not very fond of our travel agencies that urgently need to push Turkey and others seasonal resorts that fly like hot cakes in the summer. But Samui in the summer months is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand: a large number of sunny days, rare rains, the amazing colors of nature, the seasonal decline of tourists and how consequence, lower prices for everything.
Upon arrival at the resort
How to get to your hotel
Samui Airport is located in the northeastern part of the island. AND at least it would seem that Chaweng, Lamai and Bo Phut are right next to him, but you have to either take a taxi / transfer or get into a mini-bus, which is usually tailored for flights. And if there is a problem to get from pier (when you’re on the ferry), the distance is already pretty decent it turns out and go up to the same Chaweng can be a whole hour.
So, to get around the island to the hotel in several ways. The cheapest is a mini-bus at the airport, 150-200 baht will be released for person. Taxi at the airport will cost from 500 to 1,200 baht, depending on mileage. Transfer from the hotel, which is ordered at the time of booking the hotel, the most expensive way, closer to 1500 baht, and little depends on the distance. Details all the ways sign in the post how to get from the airport to the hotel.
There is another option, transfer from the famous transfer Kiwitaxi service. Convenient way, you will be met with a sign with your name, take the luggage to the car and deliver to the hotel. Minimum problems in place, even knowledge of the English language is not necessary, the driver is aware of your route. I have already used them more than once, here my review
Transfer to the hotel on Samui →
What to see from the sights
If you are an inexperienced person, then sights on Samui you have enough for the whole vacation and even wintering. But if you have already visited in the north of Thailand or managed to go around the world and see large-scale attractions, you will need to get used to the fact that The island is all in a reduced size. Waterfalls, lakes, caves, temples, the mountains are all parochial, seasonal and not spectacular. Probably, half of the sights on Samui are man-made objects, and they are not always in an interesting performance.
The very best places on Samui are included in sightseeing tours of any travel agencies that are not very expensive. If you are new to island, it is better to take a tour once and see everything at once. AT she enters the transfer and you do not have to bother with movements, as with public transport everything is bad. Big Buddha, Namuang waterfalls, the Play Lam temple complex, rocks Hin Ta and Hin Yai, one of the safari parks with elephants, mummified monk at Wat Khunaram, Kao Hua Chok Pagoda, Buddha’s Magic Garden – Here is an incomplete list of the main and most visited landmarks on Samui
If you’re on a motorbike and you’re sick of jostling with twenty by tourists in one minibus, then all these places are easy to visit independently, and besides them I would recommend more Sights simpler, but no less interesting: Hin Falls Lad, Taling Ngam Cultural Center, Red and White Temples, Lam So and Little Buddha pagoda, Khun Si waterfall, mangrove forest, The second mummified mummy in Wat Kirivongkaram, the embankment in Nathon, and a lot of viewpoints – all this is marked on my Samui map. If you are friends with Google Maps and Navigator, then you will be something to do on the island.
What to see on Samui →
And when Samui himself gets bored, you have him at your side wonderful brother Phangan, who is not so aggressively built up houses and bars. Phangan – it’s about 30 beaches and there are almost two thirds of the island covered with jungle; wild place, you must like it. And besides Phangan is even more distant from Samui the island of Tao, the mecca of local divers and snorkelers. And if you want in general, “the separation of the head” and complete uninhabited, then around Samui there is several small satellite islands and the National Marine Ungtong Park – there is generally wilderness and beauty primordial.
Where to eat, in which cafe
Recommend cafes and restaurants – this is a thankless and unpleasant task. risky. Today I will enjoy their cooking and sincere service, and tomorrow the same staff will have a different mood or no one for they look after from the authorities, or the owner will change at all – and here already begin disagreeing reviews on my recommendations. So that, keep in mind the fact that the listed institutions worked and were perfect at the time of the visit, and if you are unlucky with them – that’s the will of the Buddha.
On Lamai, the best edals are: – Russian cuisine in a cafe Cucumbers. Tasty, many, inexpensive. – San Burmese Cafe, Thai kitchen. Burmese husband is preparing – Alexander, cooks very tasty, better to come in the afternoon – more places and cook in no hurry. – Thai cuisine, sushi and seafood – Sala Thai Had Lamai – pizza, seafood, Italian cuisine – Antica Locanda – Thai cuisine – Imchai Thai Food – Thai cuisine in an unpopular place, so there is always table – New Hut restaurant, cheap. – Thai cuisine The Bamboos Restaurant – Sabienglae Restaurant, Thai cuisine and seafood. – Swedish cuisine Roestiland, excellent European cooking. – ageha Sushi bar, Thai cuisine and seafood.
On Chaweng: – Thai cuisine, very popular with locals Ranong 2, with open air and without air conditioning. Seafood, authentic cuisine, inexpensive. – MK restaurant inside the hypermarket Tesco Lotus – Black Canyon restaurant in the same Tesco – great coffee and selected dishes Isana cuisine.
On Bo Phut: – Bistro Journal on Bo Phut, European cuisine and Coffee – a small cafe with Thai cuisine The Hut Cafe, difficult to find leave too – Gekko Bar – great necks, cocktails and Thai food. Stunning views during the day, there is a pool.
At Maenam, the best edals are: – A cafe of Thai cuisine. Spice – cozy, only five tables, but very tasty and not cheap. – restaurant of the hotel Maenam Resort – can be reached from the side of the alley, which leads to the sea. Great restaurant, long wait for an order, prices restaurant, but they prepare Thai cuisine very worthy. – indian Restaurant Babus Indian Hot – expensive, tasty, authentic. – taykafe Uncle Noi – terribly popular place in the evenings not overflowed. Cooks Thai, smoker and mothershinnitsa, but prepares delicious. – breakfasts at Angelas Diner are very popular with farang. European breakfasts and sandwiches, pastries and coffee. Expensive. – Thai cuisine – Apples Kitchen. Tasty, fast, average price tag. – the best BBQ Buffet Koh Samui is located near the night market. The most delicious choice ingredients, reasonable price, authentic, in the evening there is little space. – amazing Thai food – La Boudoir
In Ban Tae: – Thai and European cuisine at Kodrayak Cafe. Tables only indoors, european style, lots of glass furniture, excellent burgers, pizza and Thai dishes. UPD from August 2018: already closed.
On Bang Po: – Italian restaurant and the best island pizza Cellis. Tables are indoors only, a classic restaurant with glasses, rags napkins and excellent wine. Italian family keeps for many years. – Thai cuisine, awesome seafood at Krua Bang Por, people come from all over the island to try it is their concoction. – Siripoca on Bang Po, Thai cuisine, floor – sand, walls – no, it works from 7 am to 5 pm – new cafe Racha Samui restaurant – open in September 2017, prepare good dishes with curry, but how will they continue to behave? watch.
In the area of Nathon: – a cafe on the seashore Kalasea, with the original design, excellent necks and decent salads. UPD from August 2018: Closed after a strong storm – everything broke. On his place there is a similar institution with a different name.
On Lipa Noe: – THINK! Retro cafe – the design of the room is made of sea containers. Sunset place, right from the corner – cape with military base interferes. Great drinks.
On Taling Ngame: – Air Bar Continental – rooftop restaurant Inter Continental. Expensive, beautiful, tasty, sunsets.
At Bang Kao: – Sweet Sisters cafe – a vegetarian cafe. Sudden flavor combinations in salads with different herbs, but ordinary food is also present.
List all decent restaurants do not make much sense and place on the page, so choose the closest one on my map and go inspect. On Samui you can wonderfully give a bunch money for that hole in the half a pineapple, sitting at a table of one of top rated restaurants, and get no pleasure. But in an inconspicuous cafe on the side of the road, without ads and names on the facade, you can find a crowd of Thais who tuck behind both cheeks cooking some Thai grandmother.
If suddenly you are a fan of fast food network, then Samui is McDonald’s (Chaweng and Lamai), Burger King (Chaweng) and Coffee Shop Starbucks about Big C. But I immediately insert my five satangs: coffee in Starbucks is disgusting, and the food at McDack is very strange and absolutely not similar to my usual Moscow McDuck. More or less tasty cook in burger king where I didn’t notice much difference with familiar snacks in the Russian Federation.
On-site transport
Of course, as elsewhere, the most popular transport is bike rented. With motorbikes is always easier than with the same by cars: there is no large deposit, low prices for rent and repair. AT In principle, Samui has no problems with divorces, so scooters can be to rent almost everywhere, for example, at the hotel reception, in where you settled, or through the host of the resort / house / villa. The main thing – avoid rentals, where you require a passport as a deposit. The price is about 200-300 baht / day.
Rent a bike in Samui →
Rent a car is more expensive, but comfort is completely different – condo, trunk, plenty of space, and so on. Especially convenient if you have a child, or you go far (to the mainland). Honestly, many who ride with a child and on a bike on Samui, but I would not risked, and you yourself are watching. It’s best to rent a car international companies with a world name, so as not to have problems with contracts, insurance and so on. Offices are located at the airport. TO the same does not have to look for anything and read the reviews. Cost about 800-1200 baht / day, the more days, the cheaper. Similar private cars also have cars, but the risk is higher.
All about renting a car in Thailand →
Rent for a long term of 1-2 months or more already more interesting (cheaper) from small local companies or private owners, but the candidates among them are very desirable to choose by reviews. There are rentals that rent their own cars, but there are and those who work for a percentage of the surrender, and when contacting the client just contact those rentals who have something suitable. It also happens that the car surrenders as if in sublease, though you can’t do that. How is it then resolved in case problems without a clue.
Public transport on Samui is absent as a class. More or less in that steppe work the Songteo (pick-up minibuses), but they Do not walk around the whole island. Routes are divided into two main segment: Nathon – Chaweng and Chaweng – Lamai, they pass through the northern parts of the ring road. Tuk-tuks (three-wheeled scooters) on The island is not in principle. There are motorbike taxis, and mini-shuttles, in the rest, people move on their own or rented transport. That is why I always wonder if a person intends see the neighborhood, but does not want to rent equipment.
Samui Map
P.S. Ask questions, add, if something is missing. AND leave your reviews about the rest on Samui, how did you like it or not 
Life hacking 1 – how to buy a good insurance
Choosing insurance is now unrealistically difficult, therefore, to help everyone travelers, I make a rating. To do this, constantly monitor forums, I study insurance contracts and use insurance by myself.
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Life hacking 2 – how to find a hotel 20% cheaper
First, choose a hotel on Booking. They have a good base offers, but the prices are NOT the best! The same hotel is often possible find 20% cheaper in other systems through the RoomGuru service.
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