Entertainment on the island of Koh Samui. What to see on Koh Samui for a tourist

Is it worth going to Koh Samui? Of course, undoubtedly, definitely, on the very first flight! Ask why so many emotions in response to such a simple question? Because I returned from this wonderful island just a month ago and still cannot calm down from the emotions and impressions that captured me.

This vacation left only positive emotions, a sea of ​​positive emotions and a great desire to return to Koh Samui again.

Judge for yourself: magnificent nature; the cleanest beaches who clean every morning; gentle warm sea without a single wrinkle of waves; very smiling and friendly Thais. On the island, without exaggeration, very, very tasty food. Compared to the same Phuket, European food is much better here. If you ask for something not spicy, then the dish is not brought spicy according to European standards, and not according to the standards of the Thais themselves (as was the case with us in Phuket).

Getting around the island is a pleasure. All roads are either paved or concrete with very good quality canvases. On the island, you can rent a car or a motorbike and easily travel from one end to the other, completely regardless of the whims of excursion tour operators. We rented a motorbike and with pleasure traveled all over the island, and the road in the center of the island is also excellent, so it is quite possible to overcome it even on a bike. The island itself is not big, and if you plan a trip to any attraction in the morning, you can calmly and slowly ride back and forth, while still having time ... read more

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Weather on Koh Samui by months:

* This table shows average weather data collected over more than three years

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Charming and bright island of Koh Samui

Koh Samui in February is quite hot and with high humidity. This was the first impression of arriving at a place praised by all our friends and acquaintances. The Land of Smiles really smiled warmly and wetly at us. But even this first impression did not overshadow the beauty of the nature of the island. As soon as we arrived at the resort, it became clear that we would live in paradise. The ennobled territory exuded a honey-tart aroma, a variety of colored butterflies, the blue water of the pool, and strolling peacocks did their job with a mass of outlandish plantings. Avanta conquered us, we did not regret that we chose this apart-hotel. Then, of course, we realized that it was not very convenient to get to the sea and rented a motorbike, the problem was solved, but the proximity to the peacocks brought us “joy” the whole vacation, whoever doesn’t know how they sing, they won’t understand, but who knows, sympathize.

There are a variety of beaches on Koh Samui, which is why the reviews of tourists vary so much. If you take Chaweng, Lamai and Maenam, these are the places where most of our citizens are, they talk about dirty and very crowded beaches, but party-goers will like this place. There are many restaurants and bars there. According to our experience of scouts, I share the really gorgeous beaches of the island, I warn you that it will not be easy to find some of them, but it’s worth a try, these are the beaches: Ban Tai - a lot of palm trees, fine, pleasant and clean sand, suitable for children, smooth entry and clear crystal water , Lipanoy - good sand, an abundance of various shells, good for sunbathing, but shallow for swimming, not ... read more

Food and products

On average, 500 baht was spent on food per day - about 1000 rubles. With this money, we could safely eat in large shopping centers such as BigCi on the 4th floor in the food court, in small eateries, of which there are a lot on the island. Sometimes we bought ready meals at 7/11 or FamilyMart. We didn't prepare ourselves. Don't go to expensive restaurants either. For example, a large portion of Tom Yam, or noodles with chicken costs 40-50-60 baht (80-120 rubles). Beer on average about 90-120 rubles. They bought fruits in the markets, but they are more expensive than we even came out with - bananas from 70 baht (140 rubles), pineapple 80 baht (160 rubles).

Souvenirs and other goods

The child was bought clothes, T-shirts, blouses, glasses, towels, slippers, and so on little things. Prices are about the same as in Russia. The total cost of shopping is not more than 15,000 rubles for 2 months.

Cost of services and entertainment

They took a moped for 2 months, the price is 4000 baht (8000 rubles a month).

Total money spent on vacation

Breakfasts seemed to me somewhat overpriced (as it later turned out to be), so I went to neighboring cafes.

Maenam Beach is a very long beach located in the north of the island. Pleasant sand, good deep sea, almost no waves. Gentle entry into the sea. Along the beach there is a palm grove where you can hide from the sun. The beach, in my opinion, is suitable for people who prefer relaxing holiday or for families with children. There are few cafes and bars, in general the beach is not crowded. In the evening, only a few bars are open and you will hardly meet anyone on the beach.

Near Maenam Beach is Bo Phut Beach and is radically different from its neighbor: in the evenings it is fun and crowded. I really liked the waterfront. It seemed to me that the place is more suitable for youth recreation.

Lamai Beach is not a crowded beach (at least it was like that in March). Hotel beaches are equipped with everything you need, there were no showers in the rest of the territory, toilets are only for cafe visitors. Sunbeds can be taken there, but there are not too many of them and not enough for everyone (100 baht). If there is no umbrella, you will have to roast in the sun, as there is no natural shade on the beach (or almost none). The beach is quite long. I was in its southern part: deep sea with large boulders that you can suddenly stumble upon when swimming. It was stormy for several days, so I realized that this is not uncommon in March.

Where can you eat?

I really liked Mae Nam (Maenam Beach): excellent cuisine at the level of a good expensive restaurant, despite the fact that the prices are average. I note that they are not lower in comparison with other places, but in most cases the kitchen lost in comparison with Mae Nam. In addition, the institution is distinguished by a high quality of service. Excellent food presentation.

About the quality of food and service

Good food (with rare exceptions). Service varied, sometimes had to wait a long time.

How much does it cost to eat? About food prices.

Breakfast within 150 baht (near the hotel) - mostly coffee and something to it. Lunch cost me somewhere between 150-200 baht: as a rule, it was limited to one or two dishes, depending on the size of the portions, since the portions are often large, and I am generally restrained in food. It could be: pizza (180-280 baht), seafood salad (80-130 baht), vegetable salad (70-90 baht), chicken salad (100-130 baht), freshly squeezed juice (60-80 baht), soup (60-80 baht). Fast food was also present: burgers (130-150 baht), sandwich with tuna or chicken (100-130 baht). As for dinner, it turned out differently depending on the place and mood.

Mae Nam: rice with shrimp and vegetables - 120 baht, fresh - 60 baht, tom yum - 150 baht, seafood salad - 139 baht, burrito - 195 baht, baked rice in pineapple - 160 baht, coconut shake - 80 baht.

The tropical holiday begins right at the airport, which can be safely called a local attraction that deserves attention. The departure and arrival zones of this international airport, which serves at least a million passengers a year, have virtually no interior space. All modern functionality is perfectly organized under awnings, among flower beds and fountains. At this moment, both the long exhausting flight and all the problems are forgotten.

Where to stay on Koh Samui

Koh Samui offers guests luxurious five-star hotels, comfortable hotels and bungalows a few meters from the sea. Hotel service on Koh Samui is exemplary, regardless of the number of stars. Due to the small size of the island, you can get from any point to the airport or attractions in no more than half an hour.

What attractions are there on Koh Samui

Among the most interesting sights of Koh Samui are - beautiful waterfalls Hin Lad and Na Muang, lost in the jungle. Na Muang is located in the territory natural park, you can ride an SUV with guides or take a walk on an elephant. In addition, the park has a snake and crocodile farm.

Hin Lad Waterfall is located near the city of Nathon. It can only be reached on foot, walking along the path in the jungle for about two hours. The waterfall consists of multi-level cascades that end with a pool.

Fans of snorkeling and enjoying the beauty of uninhabited tropical islands should definitely visit the Ang Thong Marine Reserve. This unique complex of 42 islands, most of which are made of limestone. The height of some of them above sea level is 400 meters. The observation deck offers a beautiful view of the Emerald Lake of volcanic origin and steep cliffs.

For those who are going to visit cultural attractions, the 12-meter gilded statue of the Big Buddha awaits - not only a lure for tourists, but also a place of worship for the inhabitants of the island. Be sure to keep this in mind when visiting this architectural complex. Local residents must take off their shoes before climbing the Big Buddha - tourists should not neglect this rule either.

High in the mountains is Magic Garden (Garden of Miracles) - a real gallery of stone sculptures, located along the bed of a mountain river. According to legend, the park was founded in 1976. local resident, who already at a venerable age decided to master stone carving. Fourteen years were devoted to creating a composition depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and paradise. Now the garden is open to everyone for a nominal fee collected for the restoration of the statues.

Entertainment on Koh Samui is so diverse that you can talk about them for a long time. But even a simple walk along the beach will leave an unforgettable impression and allow you to feel the atmosphere of joy and serenity that reigns on the island.

Koh Samui is interesting first of all beach holiday, and they are disposed to it. If you objectively look at the nature of the island, the first thing that catches your eye is simplicity. There is nothing here that could be called "amazing", "mind-blowing" or "I have never seen anything like this in my life." The center of Koh Samui is high hills and mountains overgrown with jungle. All this is surrounded by endless beaches, and in some places in the mountains there are beautiful places where streams fall from stones and they are called waterfalls. So Samui residents had to attend to the construction of artificial sights, and here there is already something to see on Koh Samui even for a sophisticated tourist. Below I tried to make some TOP of the most-most, or as our colleagues in England say - "must see" places and attractions of Koh Samui.

Knowing the skepticism of our person towards paid services abroad, I assume that a lot of people, in pursuit of a penny, spoil their unfortunate two weeks of vacation in an attempt to save money. Well, if you have everything in order with driving skills and you can rent a cheap scooter for two - I myself am like that. But if you don’t know how to drive, if you want to do more during the time allotted by your vacation schedule, then take excursions, it simplifies everything for you. You are taken to the most popular places, they help in case of incomprehensible situations, and all connections and key points for visiting are verified by the time and experience of the office. That is, you will not climb into the grotto before the high tide, for example.

Excursions are sold at every corner, including at the hotel reception. The only caveat - you need to find out if there will be a Russian-speaking guide. This is true in cases where the tour involves some kind of story, in other cases the tour will be essentially a transfer and what language the guide will speak is no longer important, since then his task will only be to bring you to the place and take you back .

What to see on Koh Samui

Namuang Waterfalls and Safari Park

Rocks Grandma and Grandpa (Hin Ta & Hin Yai)

Rocks Grandmother and Grandfather - stone Grandfather

Dusit Deva - Samui Cultural Center

Guan Yu Chinese Shrine

The construction on a grand scale and with a perspective, it was built for several years, and the money was given by the residents of Koh Samui themselves. On the this moment the sanctuary itself was built with a huge statue of the red-faced god Guan Yu, the decoration of part of the interior was completed, tea rooms, parking and shopping malls along the road are waiting for visitors. The organizers plan to complete the construction of a large shopping center in the wasteland behind the sanctuary, but in general, the attraction is very spectacular, photogenic and free. For inspection, you can safely lay about an hour, and if you come here on your own, then guess at lunchtime, at the same time and have a bite. I would like to immediately throw out the secret mission of this sanctuary to you, but it’s better to follow the link and read my post dedicated to Guan Yu and the Hainan community of Koh Samui -.

Angthong Marine park

Angthong Marina Park consists of a scattering of islands of various sizes that lie in the sea to the west of Koh Samui. This is one of the few places where you can get only as part of an excursion (although if you have a lot of money, you can also hire a private boat). I am not going to tell you now about the volcanic origin and historical facts Who the hell cares what rocks are made of and who found them? The guides will tell you about it. Another thing is much more important - Marina Park, this is a tropical "Lost World", with islands noisy from birds, secret lakes, many caves and grottoes, wild beaches and stunning panoramas. Remember, at the beginning of the post I wrote about the simplicity of the nature of Koh Samui? So in Marina Park, everything is exactly the opposite: bright, beautiful, sunny, breathtaking, you have never seen anything like it! Do not cancel your trip under any circumstances.

Magic Garden - Magic Garden

Mummified monks

paradise park

Fisherman's Village - Fisherman's Village on Bophut

The fishing village on Koh Samui is one of the very first settlements on the island, which has long ceased to be a fishing village, despite the presence of two piers. Now it is a kilometer long street, completely occupied by cafes, restaurants, shops and other tourist attractions. The street runs along the coast, so the side facing the sea is mostly restaurants. In 2016, a beautiful shopping mall The Warf, where in a small area there are rooms of one or two floors, stylized as a fishing village. A very cozy place with cool restaurants and a cool bar on the beach - I highly recommend visiting in the evening at sunset. The embankment was also cultivated, covered with a lawn, tables and hammocks were set up. On Fridays, Fisherman hosts a weekly night fair, when the already cramped street fills with collapsible stalls from street vendors.

Big Buddha Big Buddha

Buddha Statue - Big Buddha

Plai Laem Temple Complex - Wat Plai Laem

Not far from the main attraction of Koh Samui, the statue of the Big Buddha, there is the Plai Lam temple complex, undeservedly deprived of the attention of travel agencies. The complex is an artificial reservoir on which three concrete foundation platforms are built. The Plai Lam temple was erected in the center, to the right of it is the multi-armed Chinese goddess Kuan Yin, and to the left is the Hindu Hottei surrounded by smaller deities. Plai Lam is a clear example of how the three main Asian religions easily coexist in Thai culture. Near the reservoir there is another temple and Primary School. Entrance to the territory of the complex is free, there are many tourists, but not to compare with the number that pushes around the Big Buddha, although in my opinion Play Lam is much nicer and more comfortable. All the details and many pictures of this attraction -.

Red Temple and Serpent Stone Pagoda

Khao Hua Chook Chedi Pagoda

Viewpoints Koh Samui

Standing Buddha in the Lamai Mountains

Buddha Teepangkorn or Pra Putta Teepangkorn is an attraction available either to those who have bought a jeep tour or to desperate daredevils who independently conquer not the best road to Koh Samui. The statue is located on the second highest point of the island, along with historical museum and a building for Buddhist events. The views here are simply fantastic, the main thing is to be lucky with the weather. The area around the standing Buddha is constantly being updated, new statues appear, and the road surface around the summit is improved. But the rest of the road, several kilometers of mountain serpentine, is constantly affected by rain, which makes a trip to Teepangkorn Buddha a real adventure even for experienced motorcyclists. There is no need to rent something super-powerful, even a Honda Click will drag you here, the main thing is to stop and cool the brakes more often on the descent. The road is ordered here for passenger cars - only all-wheel drive.

Location away from the main tourist routes, and therefore unloved by travel agencies and deprived of the attention of the masses. And in vain, because the Lam So pagoda is the number one stupa on Koh Samui in terms of its size, it has interesting story and a beautiful location - right on the beach. In the neighborhood of Laem So, there are three interesting Buddhist sights at once, which few people know about at all: a boat temple, a statue of a monk on a ship, and the Rattanakosin Pagoda. This pagoda is also called Buddha Chedi or Little Buddha, because of the statue of the little Buddha, which first meets you at the very top of the hill adjacent to the Laem So pagoda. In addition to the small Buddha, there are quite large statues of sitting and reclining Buddhas, as well as a place for meditation and a magnificent view to the south and east. Let me tell you - it's beautiful. observation deck for those who want to watch the sunset without leaving for West Coast Samui. See this post for details -

For me, this format of posts is somewhat unusual, and therefore all the more attractive - it is always interesting to try something new. However, on foreign blogs, such posts are quite a frequent occurrence. So I thought about what places on Koh Samui I would advise a person who has never been here to visit. From the height of my three-year experience of living on the island, so to speak))

I, as a lover of delicious food, simply cannot help but start with a restaurant. And this one is one of my favorites on the island (although not a damn cheap one)

This is definitely the best place to go for dinner. If you book a table in advance by phone, then ask for a seat with a seat. From the veranda of Dr. Froggs offers a mythical night view of Chaweng and the Gulf of Thailand.

2. Big Buddha Temple + Wat Plai Lem

Well, you'll get here anyway. Big Buddha Temple is in some way business card islands. The Big Buddha ride is included in almost any sightseeing tour. However, it is better to visit the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Lem (temple nearby) on your own. When you go up to the big Buddha, be sure to go around it clockwise, knocking on the bells with a special wand and making wishes at the same time)) There are a lot of souvenir shops right there, in most of them you can bargain.

3. South of Koh Samui + Koh Tan and Koh Matsum

And this is actually a song. It is only better to go to the south of the island (Thong Krut beach area) in good weather and in the morning. There, in coastal restaurants, you can order a 5-hour boat trip to the islands of Tan and Matsum for little money (from 1500 - 2000 baht).

During the walk, you can swim, watch the fish and dine on an almost uninhabited island. You will get a lot of good impressions. By the way, as a piece of advice, before sailing, buy beer or water in a restaurant, since you are unlikely to find a store anywhere until lunchtime.

On Thursdays, in the evening (after 19:00), a kind of “walking street” opens in the Maenam area. Going here is definitely worth it and preferably hungry. Here you can buy souvenirs, drink all sorts of alcoholic and non-alcoholic snacks, and eat local Thai food. You can also taste fried insects right there)) The street runs past the Chinese temple and they make especially good cocktails in that place))) Go-go and strip bars are not here. Everything is purely cultural. I will definitely devote a separate post to the bad places of Koh Samui.

A very interesting place and a good viewpoint, where you are unlikely to get on a tour. The pagoda is located right next to the Q bar near Chaweng. You don't have to pay to enter - just stand and enjoy the magnificent views)

Inexpensive Thai restaurant on Choeng Mon. The owner, kun Anan, came to Koh Samui from the north of Thailand, and therefore some dishes are slightly different from those offered at every turn. However, everything here is delicious. If you do not like spicy - just tell the waiter about it. Chefs have mastered the art of preparing Thai dishes in such a way that delicate Europeans do not immediately grab a glass of water or a bowl of rice.

PS. Only God forbid you order European dishes there)) they don’t know how to cook them at all)))

An excellent place where all tourists are sure to be taken. But it's definitely better to go here on your own. You can go down to the sea itself, sit on a pebble and poke at the beauty of the Gulf of Thailand. For Thais, this is a favorite place for evening picnics.

8. Fighting Muay Thai

Watching real Muay Thai fights is a must. It is very exciting. To see the performances of real fighters, and not some kind of farce, you have to go to Chaweng Stadium. You can tell the taxi driver - "Muay Thai stadium near Reggy Pub".

It is especially interesting during the fight between a Thai and a European)) and sometimes fighters from Russia perform - there is someone to cheer for)

9. Ark Bar in Chaweng

And this is for party lovers. Ark Bar, perhaps one of the most famous bars in Chaweng, is located right on the beach. You can lie by the sea and drink all sorts of cocktails to choose from. Or dance right here.

I don't have a photo of him.)

10 Fool Moon Party

Well, this is all clear. Incendiary open air on the island of Koh Phangan. Full moon dancing by the sea and all that. I already posted on the blog, you will also find the party schedule there. Most importantly, be careful with all sorts of delicious drugs, because the Koh Phangan police are not asleep)))

In general, there are many beautiful places on Koh Samui and I have listed only a part of them. So to say my must see list.

People who come to Koh Samui for longer than 1-2 weeks often ask us: What to do on Koh Samui? How do you live here for so long, isn't it boring?

Such questions baffle us, because we are definitely not bored on Koh Samui - there is always something to do besides work or swimming in the sea.

Judge for yourself.

1. Swim and sunbathe. There are more than 25 beaches on Koh Samui alone, and among them there are no more than a dozen tourist beaches, of varying degrees of crowding. Sea on Koh Samui all year round warm and comfortable for swimming.

2. Explore the island by visiting the sights with guided tours or on your own.

Mandatory recommended itinerary on Koh Samui:
- Ang Thong National Marina Park.
- A trip to the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan with snorkeling.
- Trip to Koh Matsum (desert sandy beaches and snorkeling).
- Day, night or deep sea fishing.
- Trip to Koh Phangan for a party full moon(Full Moon Party).
- Sightseeing tour of the island (Big Buddha, grandparents stones, mummified monk, temple complexes, snake and rubber farms, snake and crocodile shows). If possible, it is better to take a private sightseeing tour along an individual route, for the whole day.
- Jeep safari through the jungle.
- Paradise Park - a farm in the mountains with a swimming pool from which wonderful views open.
- White and Yellow Pagoda (Khao Chedi and Laem Sor) in the south of the island.
- Pagoda Kho Hua Jook overlooking Lake Chaweng and the runway of Samui Airport.
- Zodiac signs and Crab.
- Big Buddha in the mountains.
- Waterfalls, and there are 11 of them on Koh Samui, and you can choose the one that you like.
- Observation platforms.
- Magic Buddha Garden.
- Cultural Center.
- Rum brewery with local rum tasting.

3. Explore interesting places in Thailand near Koh Samui.

4. Go diving. You can start from scratch - they will teach you everything, show you, help you.

5. Rent a kayak and snorkel interesting places, rent a paddleboard, learn how to ride a kite and ride the waves on the Jet Sky (jet ski). Wakeboard, water skiing, water tablet, parasailing - everything is at your service. Take to the skies and dive deep on the Flyboard. Try the Jetpack.

6. Try adrenaline-filled activities like quad biking through the jungle, downhill cable car, bungee jumping, karting. Roll down the slopes of Bophut in a Waterball ride - it's fun.

7. Go to Muay Thai fights.

8. Take up dancing - bachata, salsa, pole dance.

9. Attend a retreat and spend an unforgettable week of silence, meditation and self-discovery.

10. Get creative in the studios of Koh Samui - for example, in the Art Zone of Kazan-Baran.

11. Learn and improve your English, French, German, Chinese and Thai by interacting with native speakers of these languages ​​in the most relaxed and friendly environment. There are also courses and tutors.

12. Go to the cinema - foreign films are in their original language with Thai subtitles, Thai - with English subtitles.

13. Go bowling. You can do this in the Tesco shopping center, Chaweng, next to the cinema.

14. Visit Karaoke. There is Russian karaoke on Lamai, there are Thai - next to the bowling alley and in many cafes and restaurants.

15. Taste dishes of Thai cuisine and other cuisines of the world, because on Koh Samui there are restaurants of Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Indian, Arabic, Turkish, Greek, Uzbek, Italian, etc. And if you miss your favorite borscht, cutlets and buckwheat - at your service numerous Russian cafes and restaurants.

16. Have a romantic dinner and photo shoot against the backdrop of the most beautiful places Samui.

17. Learn how to cook Thai food. Finally figure out what a pestle and mortar are for, how much fish sauce to use, where to add oyster sauce, and how to cook Nam Prik. Pamper your loved ones with Som Tam, Pad Tai, Khao Pad, Tom Yam, Tom Ka, etc. prepared by you. Prepare with your own hands, from spices, using a mortar and pestle, the basis for Massaman curry, Green curry and others.

18. Dance in the discos and have fun relaxing in the best beach bars in Koh Samui.

19. Play billiards - there are tables in almost every bar.

20. Visit famous cabarets with transvestite shows. It's bright and unforgettable!

21. Pamper yourself with Thai massages and spa treatments, including Fish Spa (fish peeling) and a foot scrub that makes heels like a baby.

22. Go to the sauna, there are several of them on Koh Samui.

23. Take part in our bike and car rides on unknown places Koh Samui, which are held once every two weeks (watch for announcements in our groups