Koh Samui, situated off the East coast in Southern Thailand, is
the largest of an archipelago of more than 80 islands, for the
greater part uninhabited, the Angthong Marine National Park (The
Golden Bowl).
Of a surface area of about 250 square kilometres, it is the third
largest island of the Kingdom after Phuket and Koh Chang. The most
close continental city is Suratthani at about 60 kilometres
westwards.
Discovered at the beginning of the 70s by backpackers when there
were only huts without electricity and tap water, and a population
which lived mainly on the fishing and coconut plantations.
Presently, Koh Samui still sends more than 2 million of coconuts a
month to Bangkok.
Tropical island lined with coconut palms and with white sandy
beaches, Samui is connected several times a day by boats and
planes. It is part of Suratthani's province.
Within two decades, Samui became a choice destination in Asia.
Today, with its guests, Samui built up itself a robust reputation
of small tropical paradise.
accommodation for every budget, a varied and delicious local food
(sometimes a little bit too spicy for Westerners...), a lushy
tropical vegetation, waterfalls, idyllic beaches, numerous
Buddhist temples, strolling around with motorbike or car, trek
inside the island, a nice population, a whole variegated colorful
which makes a destination of it for all the tastes.
CLIMATE
The climate is very pleasant all year round, with temperatures
varying between 25 and 34 degrees Celsius.
There are three seasons, warm and dry season from February till
May, rainy season from the end of September till November and
"cool" season which extends from October till January.
From February till October, the average temperature is from 32 to
38 degrees, but from July till September, there can be some
showers, but only for a few hours.
Rainy season often amounts in fact to some "refreshing"showers
followed by the return of the sun.
The climate is tropical so very humid all year round, but Samui
remains always refreshed by a pleasant sea breeze blowing from the
Gulf.
In conclusion, if you love the sun and if you can withstand
heights of summer, come from February till May! It is very rare
that it rains...
POPULATION
Samui counts a population of about 40'000 Thais, mainly Buddhists
with a minority of Moslems, especially concentrated in Hua Thanon
village and in the neighborhood of Nathon town. There is also a
small Chinese population.
LIFE ON THE ISLAND
Life on Samui Island is relaxing, the Thais are a passive natural
people and very patient and the guests feel at their ease. Smile
is an universal language even though sometimes we have some
difficulties understanding eachother.
On the other hand inside hotels, there is always a member of the
staff who will be able to inform you in English.
If you enter a temple or a house, it is a custom to leave your
shoes outside, also do not point people, it is unpolite.
When you will go visit Buddhistic monuments, watch to get dressed
suitably, try to avoid strolling in temples in swimming suit for
example, even though generally they are rather tolerant. The short
trousers are not a problem as a rule in the temples of the island.
TO FIND AN ACCOMMODATION
On the island you will find a whole range of hotels and bungalows
for all the purses, by way of the simple wooden bungalow with
thatched roof in border of sea to the large international luxury
hotel complexes.
The two longest beaches of the island are Chaweng and Lamai, they
also are the most popular. It is in Chaweng, spread on 7
kilometres, that you will find most wide selection of hotels
(luxury), it is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island as
well. Lamai, its little sister, smaller and more concentrated also
has got its own charm.
If you look for tranquillity, go toward Bophut, Big Buddha or
Maenam which also have magnificent beaches with sight on Koh
Phan-Ngan.
Beach of THAILAND
The climate is very pleasant all year round, with temperatures
varying between 25 and 34 degrees Celsius.
