With Amazing Thailand gradually opening up to fully vaccinated travellers from low to medium risk countries, Thailand’s third largest and most spectacular island – Ko Samui is poised to welcome back international travellers once again to its white sand beaches, high end resorts, jungle-clad inland hideaways and captivating ambience. ‘Samui Plus’ which is the reopening of the luxury holiday destination Koh Samui and nearby island of Koh Phangan & Koh Tao will begin from 15th July 2021.
Beyond stunning tourist attractions and facilities; Ko Samui boasts of a rural life and plethora of hidden gems as well. Travellers who wish to visit Ko Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao would have to strictly follow the formulated SOPs with taking utmost pre cautions of hygiene and safety. For more information about Ko Samui re-opening, please visit https://www.tatnews.org
Ko Samui is certainly one of the favourite islands of Thailand amongst the foreign travellers coming to the island, enjoy it’s atmosphere and sandy beaches, host of activities on offer with the quality and variety of restaurants, bakery shops and a wide range of accommodation from budget hotels or guesthouses to some of the best five-star luxury resorts in the world. Ko Samui is a perfect place for those who want to experience the beauty of long coastline alongside the sea, coconut trees along coastline and crystal-clear water.
Ko Samui island is situated in the Gulf of Thailand 84 kms eastward to Surat Thani Province. The area covers approximately 247 square kms. There are roads and streets around the island with 53 kms long. One-third of the island area is a plain surrounded by mountain.
ATTRACTIONS
While Samui is small enough to be covered in just a couple of hours by motorbike or car, the island features such a variety of beaches and activities that it would be impossible to experience everything in a single visit. There are so many beautiful beaches such as Chaweng, Lamai, Taling Ngam and Natien. Besides plentiful nature, the island is also full of history and culture.
Ko Samui’s biggest attractions are its beaches and there are a number of these spread around the island’s coastline. Each beach offers a different vibe and accommodation to suit ranging across the island from budget through mid-range up to luxury five-star, from the bustling Chaweng and Lamai beaches to the more peaceful and laidback Bophut, Mae Nam and Choeng Mon beaches.
Among the most prominent of the island’s sights are its various Buddhist temples. Probably the best known is the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) on the small rocky island of Ko Fan off the northeastern corner of the island. Reached by a causeway, the temple features a golden, 12-metre Buddha statue that sits in the posture of subduing Mara and is viewable from several kms away. It is a major local landmark, so the beach here is commonly referred to as Big Buddha Beach.
A major natural attraction offshore when visiting Ko Samui is Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, a picturesque archipelago of 42 islands that offers limestone cliffs, jungle, waterfalls, hidden coves and lakes, and of course, beautiful white sandy beaches. Only government-approved tour boats can enter the Park and day trips can be taken from Ko Samui, which typically stop at a few of the islands and combine sightseeing with time to relax on the beaches. Activities-wise, there is snorkelling, sea kayaking, hiking, and diving to enjoy. Situated 28 km from Samui, Ang Thong National Marine Park is best visited in this current time of the year, between March and October when seas are calmer.
The Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram, about six kms west of Lamai Beach is a more unusual attraction. The monk Luangpho Daeng died in 1973 and his body has since been on display in a glass case, until this day showing little sign of decay except for the eyes which are covered with sunglasses.
Located on the southeastern coast a couple of kms south of Lamai Beach, the two rock formations – known locally as Hin-Ta Hin-Yai are famous for their resemblance to the male and female genitalia. While the rocks amuse the tourists, they are revered by the locals who believe they can bring luck and fertility. Along the walk side to Hin-Ta Hin-Yai, there are a number of souvenir shops, selling products from coconut shells, coconut oil and the most well-known souvenir-Kalamae – a soft sweet candy in a reasonable price.
Waterfall-lovers can visit the Hin Lat and Na Muang Waterfalls. Just over three kms from Nathon Town, Hin Lat Waterfall is next to the small forest monastery of Wat Hin Lat Waterfall, which offers a peaceful and inspirational setting to appreciate, while Na Muang Waterfall about 12 kms from Nathon Bay features two cascades named for the purple shade of their rock faces.
FUN & ACTIVITIES
While there are a few quieter beaches that are ideal for relaxation, particularly those that feature some of the finest five-star resorts in the world, and some that exude old-world charm, Samui is a lively, exciting place than it was a few decades ago. Ko Samui has developed into its own style of island paradise, retaining much of its natural beauty while offering nearly every imaginable activity or service for the ultimate beach holiday.
Activities around Ko Samui include Cooking Courses, Yoga Instruction, Muay Thai Training, Scuba Diving, and even Golf. Not only beautiful beaches, travellers can also go for Snorkelling and diving to see beautiful coral reefs.
Ko Samui also offers its local art and culture, which has been the root of many communities’ history to the tourists at Wat Samret, Wat Lamai and Chedi Laem Sor.
Apart from its wonderful scenery and clear water, there are also some relaxing activities at Ko Samui such as water therapy by showering or bathing with mineral water or hot water, massage therapy, or botanical therapy using natural aroma for relieving. Both hotels and specialised spa centers provide these activities with relaxing atmosphere, convenience and excellent service.
EATING OUT
From delicious local snacks to international five-star cuisine every taste is well catered in Ko Samui. The range of restaurants, cafes, street stalls and beach vendors are available in large numbers across the town. Travellers can enjoy fresh seafood at the restaurants around Tapee River (or Ta Pi) or having seafood with the sea view at Aow Ban Don Tai. There are so many delicious food and sweet dishes in Surat Thani Province including Khanom Jung, Phumriang Shell, Oyster, Khanom Chin (thin rice noodles) with spicy curry paste in southern style, Khanom Chindae and bitter beans which has its unique aroma.
Some of the best options in Ko Samui:
Full Moon: Alfresco/Gay Friendly/Romance/Waterfront
Natural Wing: Budget/Corporate Functions
Chao Ko: Children/Family
Ocean Kiss Restaurant: Supper/Night Dining
Dining On The Rocks: Live Music/Roof Garden/Terrace Dining /Night Dining
Sky Hug Restaurant: Night Dining/View/Scenery
Spice Island: Fine Dining
SHOPPING
Vacation without shopping becomes a bit boring but the travellers need not to worry as Ko Samui offers numerous shopping options which can be found at almost every corner of the island. Most famous and with plethora of shopping options the focal shops are located in Chaweng, Nathon and Lamai area of the island. When Chaweng offers the most choices, the Lamai offers a nice range of quirky little stores. Most affordable items can be found at Nathon.
STAY
Apart from the spectacular tourist attractions, the island of Ko Samui offers a wide range of accommodation from affordable budget hotels or guesthouses to some of the best five-star luxury resorts in the world. Accommodations available in Ko Samui combine excellent recreational activities, first class restaurants, comfortable rooms and last but not least the perfect locations.
All foreign visitors coming to Ko Samui are required to stay in a ‘SHA Plus’ accommodation and must show proof of the booking at such establishment when applying for the Certificate of Entry or COE. Find more at: www.thailandsha.com
Some of the best SHA APPROVED options at Ko Samui:
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Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa
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Chaba Cabana Beach Resort & Spa
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Impiana Resort Chaweng Noi Koh Samui
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Samui Verticolor
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W Ko Samui
NEARBY
Kop ha-Ngan I Nakhon I Si Thammarat I Phang Nga I Ranong I Ko Tao
Tourism Authority of Thailand will be providing regular updates on Thailand’s preparations to safely reopen to foreign tourists ranging from entry requirements and public health procedures to local vaccinations and hygiene standards. Find more at: www.tatnews.org
Content & Image Courtesy: Tourism Authority of Thailand
