Overview to Koh Samui: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
A small tropical island with good infrastructure, great beaches and friendly locals, Koh Samui is probably many travelers idea of a dream. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but if you’re looking to have an uncomplicated good time, Koh Samui simply can’t be beaten.
The island’s capital, Na Thon is, by and large, unexciting. Most visitors who arrive there spend a quick night making the most of its amenities (English bookshop, internet, post office, tourist information point) before heading off to the palm-fringed beaches.
To the north, Maenam, Bophut and Bangrak (with its huge Big Buddha Statue) present a succession of endless traveler-friendly beaches. Crystal clear waters, golden shorelines and attractively low prices tend to draw the majority of budget travelers on the island here.
Along the eastern edge of Koh Samui, Chaweng beach swings between shameless nightlife, backpackers' accommodation and more luxurious hotels. The beach is by far the island’s best, although the seediness of the nearby town is, admittedly, not for everyone.
But those put off by Chaweng might prefer a trip inland to explore Koh Samui’s endless natural beauty. A little to the north of Ban Thurian, the pools and cascading water of the Na Muang waterfalls are like a picture-postcard, and perfect for a dip!
Koh Samui is an absolute thrill a minute. If you’re not riding a 50cc bike around perilous inland bends then you’re banana-boating or windsurfing, or shooting AK47’s at the rifle range. With beaches, nightlife and activities all in plentiful supply, many travelers find it difficult to leave it all behind.
