Daydreaming on Samui

The island of Ko Samui is known and loved by people from all over the world. Its fantastic combination of Thai hospitality, white sandy beaches, charming hotels and tropical climate, make it a world class destination. Fun-filled and fancy-free, Ko Samui promises to give you a taste of island high life. No wonder so many of people have found their way here.

Ko Samui attracts visitors looking for relaxation, scenery, and excellent accommodation. Like any cosmopolitan beach resort, Ko Samui offers plenty of opportunities for excursions. Dotted around the sundrenched island you’ll find water parks, go-kart tracks, and elephant camps. Snorkelling and sailing trips are very popular amongst tourists on the island. You can also hop into a rental jeep or moped and explore the lesser travelled roads of Samui. Leaving the beach behind, you'll find that the interior is quiet, hilly and beautiful.

Duration

4 days / 3 nights
(Extensions possible)

Accommodation

3 nights in a double room,hotel with swimming pool and air conditioning, breakfast included.
Comfort level 3 or 4 (see accommodation)

Price

From £104 per person - Comfort level 3 Bungalow with pool

From £270 per person - Comfort level 4 Spa Resort with pool and jacuzzi on private balcony

Both based on 2 people

Includes

Accommodation with breakfast.

Travel

Day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park possible.
Extra £45 per person

Excludes

Transport to Ko Samui hotel. Other meals, drinks, excursions and entrance fees. High season surcharge may apply.

Day 1: Arrival on Ko Samui

We can arrange reservations and tickets for the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. In Surat Thani, you can either do the jungle Giant Trees and Lakes module first, or head straight to Ko Samui by ferry. The boat trip takes approximately 2½ hours. On the way, you will pass the neighbouring islands of Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan. It is also possible to visit these islands before settling down for a few days in Ko Samui. Please see the Island Hopping to Samui module for more details.

There are direct flights from Bangkok and Chiang Mai to Ko Samui, leaving several times a day. The airport on Samui is an attraction in itself- with offices under thatched bamboo huts and luggage conveyor belts surrounded by tropical gardens. This is certain to plunge you headfirst into the holiday island mood.

Days 2-3: Staying on Samui

You will stay on Lamai beach, just below Chaweng beach, which is the largest resort on the island. Lamai lies on the east coast of the island and the hotels here are smaller and far more personal. Your accommodation will be right on the beach with a swimming pool and air conditioning (see photographs below). In the evening, you can choose one of the candlelit restaurants on the beach. If you are looking for complete beach-isolation, you can head for the north side of the island to the quiet beaches of Bophut and Maenam. Let us know if you would rather stay on one of these beaches instead, or if you would like more luxurious accommodation. We have plenty of options available. You will stay for 3 nights on Samui, giving you 2 whole free days to spend at your own leisure. Shop your heart out, take a dip in the pool, stroll along the beach, or just laze under a parasol with a good book, your iPod and a fruit shake. Perfect.

If you start feeling restless on the beach, you can take an excursion, or hire a moped to explore the interior of the island. Behind the beaches, Ko Samui is draped in lush green vegetation and countless coconut palm plantations. There are shimmering waterfalls at Na Muang and a temple at Laem Saw. Snorkellers and divers can take advantage of the nearby Ang Thong Marine Park- 18 protected islands in a nature reserve with incredible underwater life. Here you swim in crystal clear waters over and between coral reefs, full of sea anemones, sponges and tropical fish. We can arrange for a fantastic day trip to this Marine park to be added to your Travel Plan, just ask.

Equally, the island of Ko Pha Ngan is a mere 30 minutes away. The ferry arrives and departs from the beach at Had Rin, where the famous Full Moon Parties take place. Every month, about 30,000 young people, mostly backpackers, flock to the island for this legendary party. If Full Moon has already passed, you might catch a Half Moon, New Moon, or Black Moon party. In other words, parties are not in short supply. You can also follow rough unpaved tracks that take you to the other side of the island, leaving the party crowd far, far behind. Here, you’ll find tranquility, deserted beaches, and a couple of very good hotels.

Day 4: Departure from Ko Samui

If you're ending your Thailand journey on Ko Samui, you can take the ferry and overnight sleeper train back to Bangkok. We can also book you a flight, which will connect as closely as possible to your international flight home. Please request this on your quote request form, and we'll look into the options on your behalf.

On the other hand, after relaxing on Ko Samui you might like to try some diving in the Gulf of Thailand, then head for Ko Tao, otherwise known as Turtle Island. For further beach options, we can arrange for you to travel to the other side of the mainland to Krabi or Phuket. From these destinations you will find good connections on to the islands and beaches of the west coast and Andaman sea. See the module Hidden Paradise for further details.

Best time to visit: Late November to late August.

Eating and drinking: On Ko Samui, you will be completely spoilt for choice as far as bars and restaurants are concerned. Those who really enjoy fish can indulge in a wide variety of fresh seafood, cooked in every manner imaginable. For something a little romantic, you can eat by candlelight on the beach as the lights of the fishing boats shine far out at sea.

A peek at your accommodation on Ko Samui

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