Con sus playas de arena blanca rodeadas de cocoteros, complejos turísticos de playa privados a los que solo se puede acceder en barco y franjas de exuberante selva tropical; Koh Samui está tan cerca del paraíso como en cualquier lugar de Tailandia. Abandonada frente a la costa del Golfo de Tailandia y accesible en ferry desde Chumphon y Surat Thani, la isla de Samui es la más grande del archipiélago de Chumphon y ocupa el segundo lugar después de Phuket en el título de la isla más visitada de Tailandia. En la costa este, la playa de Chaweng es el centro de la fiesta de la isla, repleta de bares de playa, discotecas y complejos turísticos de 5 estrellas, mientras que Lamai Beach, Choeng Mon Beach y Bophut ofrecen alternativas más relajadas. Lejos de la playa, abundan los miradores espectaculares, con lugares destacados como la cascada Na Muang, las rocas Hin Ta y Hin Yai, y la deslumbrante fachada dorada del Templo del Gran Buda (Wat Phra Yai). La isla también es un campamento base popular para explorar las islas circundantes y las lanchas rápidas recorren la ruta entre Koh Phangan, sede de las famosas fiestas de luna llena de Tailandia, y Koh Tao, un lugar popular para practicar buceo y esnórquel. Frente a la costa oeste, un recorrido en kayak de mar o esnórquel en el Parque Nacional Marino Ang Thong, un grupo de islas cubiertas de jungla, rodeado de rocas irregulares, calas de arena y un arco iris de coral, es quizás la opción más encantadora para una excursión de un día .
If you come to Koh Samui in the dry season (December through February), don’t expect to have the popular island’s sunny shores to yourself. While temperatures can climb beyond 85°F (19°C) in March through August’s hot season, it’s also the best time to snorkel, scuba dive, and do other water sports, with the highest visibility. The annual Songkran (Thai New Year) festivities in April will cool you down—it’s impossible to not get wet at the world-famous "water festival."
At just 15 miles (25 kilometers) in length, Koh Samui is fairly compact, but heavy traffic and steep roads can make it tricky to travel far on foot. Songthaews (converted pickup trucks that act like shared taxis) ply the main roads and take you to all corners of the island. The quickest and cheapest option—especially if you can haggle—is to hop on the back of a motorbike taxi. Or, get your own wheels and rent a moped.
Beachfront restaurant Krua Chao Baan is popular with locals as well as in-the-know travelers. Pair your brunch with fresh-from-the-tree coconut juice, and then take to the water for a paddle—kayaks are provided free of charge for diners. Or, if you need a change from all those 200-baht cocktails and Singha beers, head to Bee’s Knees, the only brewpub on the island, which serves European-style craft beers.
Some of the most popular places to stay in Koh Samui include Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Chaoeng Mon along the east coast of the island, as well as Maenam Beach on the north shore. These towns boast some of the island’s best beaches, as well as being close to the airport.
...MásSamui International Airport (USM) is Koh Samui’s airport, located just north of Chaweng village on the island’s northeast coast. Flying is the quickest and easiest way to get to Koh Samui, with direct flights to Bangkok taking around 90 minutes. You can also fly direct from Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket, and Pattaya.
...MásChaweng is the buzzing epicenter of Koh Samui’s nightlife, filled with beach bars and nightclubs. Other fun things to do at night include attending a Muay Thai boxing match or a Thai cabaret, visiting Chaweng or Lamai night markets, or hopping over to Koh Phangan for the legendary Full Moon parties.
...MásYes. Island-hopping tours are a popular choice for a day trip, exploring the many islands of the Ang Thong Marine Park or the small islands of Koh Mudsum and Koh Taen off the south coast of Koh Samui. Regular ferries also run to Koh Phangan (45 minutes) and Koh Tao (2 hours).
...MásA minimum of three nights on Koh Samui are recommended to take in the highlights of the island, soak up the nightlife, and enjoy the beaches. However, many visitors opt to stay a week or more at one of the island’s beach resorts or use the island as a base for island-hopping tours.
...MásSilver Beach (Thongtakian) is one of Koh Samui’s most beautiful beaches, with pristine white sands and swaying palms. While Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are deserving of their popularity, some of the island’s most photogenic beaches include Bophut Beach, Maenam Beach, Thongson Bay, and Taling Ngam.
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