The temple is surrounded by a shimmering lake and there are numerous other smaller statues throughout the grounds too. Samuis beaches are better than Phukets, and while theres nothing in Samui that compares to Phuket Old Town, theres always nowhere near as seedy at Patong. Chiang Mai Lantern Festival 2021 (Yi Peng): Where, Bangkok Ultimate Travel Guide 2021 Everything Visitors, #1 Visting beautiful beaches in Koh Samui 2022, #3 Visiting Big Buddha (Big Buddha statue), #5 Visiting Angthong National Marine Park, #7 Short trekking to see Na Muang Waterfall, 7 Islands in Thailand you might not know (Updated 2022), Koh Samet 2022 Travel A detailed guideline. . Make sure you also check out the Na Thon Night Food Market on the west coast for another incredible Koh Samui experience. Big Buddha: Big Buddha is the #1 landmark of Koh Samui Thailand and can be seen if youre flying into the airport. Here are 10 reasons why visiting Koh Samui is worth it. Blah, Im so confused on this subject. It sits out in the sparkling Thai Gulf some 11 miles from the coast of Nakhon Si Thammarat. While its more pleasant and less seedy than Phuket, its beaches arent as nice as those in Krabi, and certainly not as pristine as the ones in Koh Similan, or even nearby Koh Tao. If you already happen to be on one of the other popular isles in the region (lucky you) places like Koh Phangan or Koh Tao then boat links to Samui should be both cheap and frequent. The months that are considered to be the golden tourist time of Koh Samui are January to March or June to August every year. I saw a few people wandering around Big Buddha but it wasnt until I went for a ride to the Chaweng region did the touristy side uncover itself. These shoulder months on either side of the high season can also be dry with good weather. Visit The Koh Samui Beaches 4. Best & Worst Times to Visit Koh Samui: Weather By Month - ThaiGuider Its likewise important to give your itinerary breathing room if you plan to visit nearby islands such as Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Tao and Ang Thong Marine Park. And, while other isles Koh Lipe, Phi Phi lay claim to the finest in Thailand, theres no denying just how stunning they are on this favorite rock in the Thai Gulf. Theres no cost to enjoy the public beach and visitors will find an array of places to eat, drink, and shop close to the beach. a free lounge-style experience in many airports and complimentary food and beverages on flights, including the short, 50-minute hop from Bangkok. - Black Island The ferries and speed boats also run from the nearby islands which we will discuss more later. Shes lookin juicy. The many resorts and fun activities we mentioned above are also ideal for kids. Local legends surround the curious rocks. Koh Samui is probably the easiest of all the Thai islands to reach bar Phuket, which has the added cheat of a direct road link to the mainland. Now, with those useful tips covered, here are the best places to visit in Koh Samui: Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Taxis are also quite expensive compared to other parts of Thailand - a 15 minute drive from the airport to Chaweng will cost you 300 THB and 900 THB to the south of the island. Lets find out. You can buy Seatran tickets from either Surat Thani Airport, Surat Thani town or Donsak. Plai Leam Temple Night Markets: There are night markets that pop up all over the island and especially on the weekends. The national park is home to an abundance of flora and fauna and its a top place to spot a variety of wildlife. Koh Samui is a fantastic holiday destination. Some must-see spots for families include Aqua World, Samui Aquarium, Bophut Fisherman's Village, and Nathon Pier. All You Need to Know about Koh Samui - Alyona Travels Koh Samui is famous for its palm-fringed beaches and crystal clear waters. So you can come here by two main means of transport: plane and ferry. There is also an international airport in Koh Samui Thailand! Ill be honest: Koh Samui isnt my favorite Thai island. Be sure to check out our epic travel itinerary for Koh Samui to plan your trip before traveling there! Couples and honeymooners will love Koh Samui. While some islands are set so far off the beaten path they don't have any properties where you can use your points, Koh Samui isn't one of them. How about a ride on a banana boat?! Here's why you should be planning your own trip here right now. Take a dip in the glimmering sea and cool down as you splash in the gentle waves. Ferries leave all day from Donsak Pier on the mainland so you will have no problems getting there. Waste no more time and find out about the BEST backpacks to take hiking! Appreciate the red and gold details of the main temple building and see a variety of Buddha statues throughout the small complex. In this guide, well take a look at nine things that help Koh Samui stand out from the crowd. Final Verdict: Im split on this one and overall I would lean towards yes, it is overdeveloped. Need something more specific to your needs? Also known as Wat Phra Yai, the golden, 12-metre-tall, seated Buddha statue was built in 1972 and remains one of Koh Samui's most popular attractions. If you plan to stay exclusively (or primarily) on Samui, its essential you give yourself enough time to explore its relatively large land area. January 10, 2023 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment. Thats a huge difference in expectation! In the Chaweng area there was people everywhere but also shops everywhere to keep people busy. The coastlines can vary quite a lot. 2.1. It will last from 1h45m to 4h, depending on your ticket. Filed Under: Thailand Destinations Tagged With: Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Surat Thani. Most people who travel to Thailand for the first time often choose Phuket or Koh Phi Phi as a destination because it is really a popular place to escape to the tropical country in Asia. To the south of Koh Samui are two fancy rocks Hin Ta Hin Yai. While Koh Tao has a rustic backpacker vibe and some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Southeast Asia. Not the Best Beaches: Maybe were being picky here but after seeing the quality of the beaches on the other islands we werent so impressed with Koh Samui. However, as a Thai island, Koh Samui also offers some of the best selections of seafood going. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is an island that is known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and . Your email address will not be published. I chose to stay in Chaweng for a few reasons: it was cheaper than the other areas of Samui, I was simply curious about the area I had heard so much about, and I wanted to have a different, more lively experience compared to the one I just had on my retreat. Thats the Thailand people get wrapped up in a bubble with I think. There are also stacks and stacks of boat links that connect Koh Samui with the mainland of Thailand. So, if youre planning a trip to Thailand and wondering is Koh Samui worth visiting, read on to find out more about my experience. 2021 Tiki Touring Kiwi // You Are Awesome. Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? Supply and demand folks! Culture, economy, history, future, who knows! 1. Is Koh Samui worth visiting? To be honest, it wasnt our favorite place weve been to in Thailand. Here's why you should be planning your own trip here right now. Many of the islands in Thailand require a hot, sweaty ferry experience, but not Koh Samui. Why is it awesome: The unusual rock formations of Hin Ta and Hin Yai are among the most famous places in Koh Samui and will be present on most backpacking Thailand travel guides. While the beach itself is beautiful, I was constantly pestered by people trying to sell me trinkets; everything from inflatables and ice cream to sarongs and beach towels. Shopping in Koh Samui is diverse, with hundreds of bargains to be found around the island. Climb the steps up to this sacred monument at the Phra Yai Temple Complex. What to do on Koh Samui 2022? Ultimate guide to visiting Koh Samui with kids I loved how relaxing and peaceful the environment was and I left feeling so refreshed. My Reality: I stayed in the Fishermans Village area. If you plan to dive, I'd recommend checking out Ocean Sound Dive + Yoga. Where in the world are we? If you have the time in Southern Thailand, it should definitely make it . To play Devil's Advocate, I can see where they're coming from. The more expensive the ticket is, the faster you will get to the island. Approaching Surat Thani l started to reasearch getting to the island. Outdoor Activities: As youll see in our things to do in Koh Samui section, this island has an abundance of great outdoor activities! That being said, I only spent time on my retreat, in Chaweng, and a bit of time in the north of the island to visit a bar for sunset drinks and a feast at a night market. Both are world-renowned as beautiful destinations, offering all of the sun, sea and sand you could possibly want during your vacation. So is Pig Island in Koh Samui worth visiting? Ko Samui Thailand. Step 2: Move from Surat Thani airport to Koh Samui island.When you arrive at Surat Thani airport, you can buy a combo ticket for Bus + Ferry to get to the island with the reference price. Family Friendly: Koh Samui is known as one of the best islands for families in Thailand. And seeing pigs roaming freely on an island far from the mainland is pretty neat too! No matter how many days in Koh Samui you plan to spend, a good base is essential. To enjoy Koh Samui weather, you should avoid the rainy season months from October to December every year. Watch as your kids cut loose in the play area, explore the cool attraction of the Pirate Adventure Horror House, and let teens have heaps of fun in the gaming zone. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! It confuses the fuck out of me. Yep, Koh Samui has risen and risen in the last 10 years or so to become arguably the vacation mecca of the country. Compared to other areas in Thailand, Koh Samui is expensive. Lets start off with the Big Buddha, a popular tourist site and hypnotizing Buddhist temple. What to do there: Stroll hand in hand with your love along the beach, swim in the sea, and lap up some sun from the sands. Pattaya will generally have more choice, being a larger city that's easily reachable by land. Chaweng offers the most choice and Lamai has a nice range of quirky little stores, but Nathon usually has the cheapest deals. Too touristy?Again, Chaweng was by far the busiest area. Ill be honest: Its difficult to see Koh Samui in a day, unless youre already on a neighboring island (likely Koh Pha Ngan) and dont have very far to come. Specifically, in the areas of Chaweng Beach and Lamai, you will see a wild bar scene that gets even louder at night. It's possible to arrive nonstop from other cities in Thailand, like Chiang Mai, or from other hubs outside Thailand, like Penang, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Still, Koh Samui is big enough that you can avoid these areas if youre not into it. Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting for Young Adults? - Wandering Thailand Wander through the fishing village and youre likely to see fishermen returning with their days catch as well as small silvery coloured fish drying in the sunshine. Is Koh Samui worth visiting? 10 mistakes to avoid on your first trip to Thailand - The Koh Samui Guide Heres the best neighbourhood in Koh Samui: These are the BEST Places to Visit in Koh Samui! Be sure to check out where to stay in Koh Samui, find the best area for you and get that accommodation booked before its snapped up! Its an ideal place to enjoy a low-cost day when you explore Koh Samui, warmly welcoming families, friends, couples, and solo travellers the same. Is Koh Samet Worth Visiting? An Ultimate Koh Samet Travel - BringYou The sandy beach is a pleasant place to relax and take it easy, while the quaint fishing village has old wooden Chinese shophouses and a variety of shops and restaurants. This place is simply breathtaking. Na Muang Waterfall is located deep in the jungle. Fishermens Village: Dont let the name fool you! Make sure to check out our post about our 40 favorite Thai dishes! Oh, and its possible to fly straight in from Bangkok! Plan Your Trip to Koh Samui Today - Thailand Starts Here Koh Samui can see a fair amount of rain during the wet season (usually October to December), which can deter travellers from visiting the island at this time. Ultra Luxury Conrad Koh Samui Private villas overlook Aow Thai Beach for the ultimate luxury getaway! I refrained from answering last time, but am going to lean towards no. Is the island over developed? Including ourelectronics and camera gear, must-havemedical items, andlong flight essentials! Why it is awesome: Lamai Beach is Koh Samuis second most popular beach, drawing especially large crowds during the high season. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. It has many resorts and restaurants tend to be more expensive. Massive Island: As we mentioned earlier, Koh Samui is huge! Development is real! When you go to the beach, do look around to see if there is a taxi coming or not. Thanks for this information. His writing and explorations have brought him to various locations, including the colonial towns of Mexico, the bustling chowks of Mumbai, and the majestic Southern Alps of New Zealand. If you want to go island hopping in Koh Samui, this is one of the best tours. The dry season is the best time to visit Koh Samui, between December and February. Even riding an elephant in the forest gives you a very new experience. Tell us about your experience in the comments, below. This is one of the most popular and upscale areas with luxury hotels, nice restaurants, and happening beach bars. Due to it being so large there are very few places you can walk on the island. It doesnt take too long to get away from everyone though. The views from the base of the Big Buddha are amazing. If you would prefer to have a quieter trip, try to visit Koh Samui around March or November. It's on the southeastern shoreline, fronted by perfect gold-white sand beaches and clusters of towering coconut palms. All the information online was confusing and nothing seemed concrete. Youll hit your 2k goal in no time , Your email address will not be published. The 7 Best Breakfast Places and Restaurants in Koh Phangan, Is Krabi Worth Visiting? They range from waterfall hikes to parasailing and snorkeling/scuba diving. The temple is filled with other smaller statues of the Lord Buddha in various poses, as well as statues that depict characters from Thai mythology. After 15+ hours in transit that wasnt exactly what I was looking for. If youre looking for a fun night out, Chaweng is where you want to be we saw somegreat live cover bands and a few of the beach bars have nightly fire shows. This gives you time to explore the culture, do some sightseeing, and soak up some sun on the beaches. When comparing onward and day trip destinations, its a bit murkier. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Koh Samui Guan Yu Shrine: The Worth Visiting Historical Place With a weekend in Samui, you can explore more broadly than youd have been able to do in a day. 10 Reasons Why Koh Samui is Worth Visiting. Nowadays you see a lot of travelers visiting Koh Samui who are not typical backpackers, which is not a problem. There are interesting pieces of architecture throughout the lush landscaped gardens too. As you explore the site youll come across an array of colourful and attractive pieces of architecture; its well worth planning to spend at least an hour here to fully appreciate the temples beauty. Had booked Thai pass flight to KS, but am not sure if it is really worth the trip. You get to see two different islands in one day. Is Koh Lipe Worth Visiting? Four days is the perfect amount of days you need to spend in Koh Samui. You can make your vacation as affordable as you'd like, but even if you splurge to your heart's content, Koh Samui is relatively inexpensive compared to other island destinations. Koh Samui: Expectations vs. Reality Visiting My First Thai Island What to do there: Browse a huge selection of goods in the assorted shops and pick up items like clothing, accessories, toys, home items, traditional Thai homewares, books, and souvenirs. However, if youre planning a trip to Samui because you think its a beautiful island oasis, you might want to think again. Companies like Lomprayah provide bus and boat combo tickets to take you the entire way there. . Awesome, thanks for letting me know. The inland is filled with ziplines and villa complexes with jungle-shrouded pools. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Its a Party Island: Make no mistake, even though Koh Samui is family-friendly, its got its fair share of party animals, too! Alternatively, you can take to the waters in a kayak or on a jet ski. Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island. This is a good place to stay if you want to be near the action but still be able to escape for a good sleep at the end of the day. On our recent trip, we started at the furthest one (Koh Tao) and worked our way back towards the mainland ending in Koh Samui. From this park, you can see the beautiful natural scenery of more than 40 islands in the middle of the sea. There are enthralling temples and shrines here that are sure to wow. Beachfront Banana Fan Sea Resort Set right on the gorgeous Cheweng Beach, this resort is an amazing place to base yourself from Koh Samui. DAEGU LANTERN FESTIVAL 2021 How to enjoy? 2. Plus, our list of the best places to visit in Koh Samui also includes a variety of attractions, suitable for all weather conditions. Has Koh Samui crossed the line into being overdeveloped? Located on the eastern side of Koh Samui, Lamai Beach has a laid-back vibe and a long stretch of powdery white sand. 1. So, it makes sense to wait until the best time to visit. However, I do think a trip to Samui can be worth it, again if you properly calibrate how many days in Samui you end up spending. This means there are plenty of different areas to stay in, all with their own unique features. Koh Samui and all the islands get lots of tourists for a reason! Built in 2004, it is home to two gigantic and eye-catching statues: a towering 18-limbed image of Kunyin (the Chinese Goddess of Mercy) and a 30-metre-tall (98-feet-tall) statue of a Chinese-style laughing Buddha. There are 4 ways to move from Phuket to Koh Samui. Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting? 9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Somewhat off the beaten track, its in a fairly remote jungle setting. Update: I visited Koh Samui again in April 2018 and have added a few thoughts at the bottom of the post. Enjoy the spa and pool area while also having a scenic view from your balcony. Koh Pha Ngan is home to popular Full Moon parties and stunning bays and beaches. Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan pack a powerful 1-2 punch after exploring Koh Samui; but then again, so do Koh Similan, Koh Yao and even Koh Racha vis--vis Phuket. Curious Goose | A guide to visiting Koh Samui, Thailand . What to do there: Lay your towel down on the soft sands to soak up the sun or pay a small fee to rent a sunbed and parasol if you prefer to lie in the shade. Generally speaking, its the eastern shoreline thats the most popular. This is a noodle stir fry traditionally served with sweet-savory-sour sauce and crushed peanuts. We do not represent World Nomads. Which Italian City Should I Visit? 2. Many travelers, not surprisingly, stay near popular beaches like Chaweng and Lamai. You can bask on the splendid sandy beaches, swim in the Emerald Lake, hike around the island, and enjoy marvellous views. is koh samui worth a visit? - Ko Samui Forum - Tripadvisor After all, who wants their beach holiday to be spoiled by storms? Why its awesome: Thong Takhian Beach, also known as Silver Beach, is a gorgeous hidden gem to add to your Koh Samui itinerary. Koh Samet was brought to me as a solution to beat the insane crowds in Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Phi Phi. Theres no charge to visit the temple, though donations are gratefully received. Its among the most unusual things to do in Koh Samui and is sure to raise an eyebrow. Yes! Maybe it was simply seeing a friend for the first time in 10 months, or being back on a scooter. Went to some Muay Thai training this time around. Wander through the pretty gardens, seeing the diverse flowers and statues, and pass through the elaborately carved teak doors to peek inside the main temple building. Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting: My personal experience - thisgirlabroad 2023, The Broke Backpacker. The Thai island of Koh Samui is an idyllic destination with a mixture of natural and man-made attractions worth seeing. That's if you're traveling as a couple, based on an average outgoing of between 1,300-2,025 THB ($40-60) on hotels, up to 440 THB ($13) for food each day, and a total daily spend of up to 675 THB ($20) on transport . Koh Samui is a destination worth visiting, from its beautiful beaches and lush forests to its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. The Best Ferry From Surat Thani To Koh Samui. The Fishermans Village Market is held on a Friday so no doubt it gets way crowded then but while I was there there werent many people floating about at all. From the glorious beaches that often put it on the front of travel brochures to the top-quality hotels, it showcases some of the true highlights of the isle, plus some more practical things that we think make it a doozy of a destination this year. This is Thailand. And there are oodles, oodles more to get through besides: Keen to chase some waterfalls? Getting there: 15-minute car ride by taxi or Songthaew from Amari Koh Samui. Splash about at cool water parks, enjoy a blissful massage in one of the many spas, play a round of golf, and make many magical memories thanks to our list of the best places to visit in Koh Samui! The western shore is rockier and home to the larger ports, so wed avoid that if youre on the hunt for the best beaches of all. Its no secret that its the beaches that really keep the crowds flocking to Koh Samui. 10 Helpful Things to Know Before Visiting Koh Phangan Thailand, Koh Tao Thailand Guide: 12 Important Things to Know Before You Go. Phuket or Samui - Which Island is Better? - 10 Answers to Make the #h, G I V E A W A Y Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island. There are hotels of all shapes and sizes. Two full days in Koh Samui will allow you to get to know popular areas like Chaweng, Lamai and Bo Phut, and maybe even to be able to explore lesser-visited destinations around the islands periphery or in its interior. You can also catch ferries to Koh Pha Ngan (about 20 minutes away by boat) or Koh Tao (about 75 minutes away by boat). The bulk of them are in and around the popular beach towns of the east coast. Beach Hop: There is said to be over 40 beaches on the island of Koh Samui! The monk, LuangPho Daeng, died in 1973 while meditating, and has been on display since. You bet your bowl of spicy tom yum soup it is! You can also participate in scuba diving to discover the mysterious and colorful world beneath the clear blue water of Angthong. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about visiting Koh Samui. You bet your bowl of spicy tom yum soup it is! Now, when you talk to the older generations is where it gets interesting. However, you also need to consider in advance that Koh Tao island is quite far. If youre heading to Samui for a wellness or yoga retreat and dont mind paying a million dollars to get there, Id say definitely go for it. Koh Samui - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides 7 Reasons Why the Answer is Yes! Plus, the airport has cute open-air trolleys that drive you from the runway to the baggage claim, welcoming you to Koh Samui in the most adorable way ever. From Phuket to Koh Samui in 2022 3. Im not the greatest athlete in the water. Koh Tao is famous for its diving the island is home to more than 50 dive schools and is the perfect place to get your PADI certification. The mummified remains are on display in a glass box, letting you really stare death down. You will be able to plan a four-day itinerary and tick off most things in Koh Samui before moving onto the next Thai island. The left side of Guan Yu Shrine is a small traditional hotel in Chinese style named "Tangren Hotel". Were here to show you, however, that a trip to Koh Samui is not only possible at all times of the year, but fun too! Koh Samui is the largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, ideal for all types of travelers. Koh Samui has a wealth of fabulous beaches, including Chaweng, Maenam, Lipa Noi, Bang Por, and Choeng Mon. You wont see any rain, however, these are also peak seasons for tourists. The enchanting gardens were the work of a local farmer, Nim Thongsuk. This lively district has plenty of bars and restaurants to explore, as well as a nice sandy beach to take on the role of dancefloor when the sun goes down. Need a place quick? The average cost of a holiday to Koh Samui Photo by Envato Elements. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! There are plenty of hotels here, from the boutique Casa de Mar in central Chaweng, to the upmarket Centara Reserve, which is more of a villa-style resort than what you might think of as a hotel.. It was hard to picture exactly what this exactly meant, but after visiting Siargao Island in the Philippines (after Koh Samui) I can somewhat relate to what they mean. You always hear so many negative things (it was so much better here 20 years ago) about the islands mixed in with a few good things. Day Trip to Ang Thong Marine Park: One of the best things to do in Koh Samui actually lies right off the coast! Is Koh Samui Still Worth Visiting? Day 1 - Lamai. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I hope Tiki Touring Kiwi isn't making your day too miserable. ct intro final Rains rarely last all day long and after a downpour, the skies are usually bright blue and the sun shines dazzlingly. All rights reserved. Taxis are also quite expensive compared to other parts of Thailand a 15 minute drive from the airport to Chawengwillcost you 300 THB and 900 THB to the south of the island. Which is the best month to visit Koh Samui? Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? She's been based in Madrid, Spain almost 15 years and is an expert in travel throughout destinations such as Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa. So make sure you choose your dates well to make your trip to Koh Samui worth it. Take plenty of pictures of the cool and interesting statues as you come across all manner of mythical creatures and beautiful Buddha images in a variety of postures. Placed in a zazen posture, visitors believe that those who come here will be blessed with health and good things. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. 14 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui with Kids - Four Around The World Soak up the views before descending the steps to explore the rest of the temple. Yes, party animals will be thrilled to know they can rage all night long on Chaweng Beach, but families can enjoy kid-friendly attractions on and around Bo Phut Beach, while solo travelers, couples or groups of friends wanting to relax can find many low-key areas to chill, like Mae Nam and Bang Po beaches, or pretty much anywhere along the western and southern edges of the island. If you're reading this, you just got 15% OFF Heymondo's tailor-made travel insurance. You have to check out the cabaret shows. There is no hot water, facilities are basic, and the electric generator is switched off at 11 pm every night but its true Robinson Crusoe stuff! So, is Koh Samui worth visiting? Im sure there are other parts of the island that are much more chilled out and tranquil, so it would definitely be worth it to look into alternative locations on Samui. Needless to say, it was amazing. I like how you broke it all down. In addition to swimming and enjoying the scenery, you can use scuba diving services with prices ranging from 200-400 THB. Koi Samui was on my mind .probably I should check on some other destination.we visited krabi and Phuket last year..Here is my blog on the same http://www.madhuonthego.com.
