Avec ses plages de sable blanc entourées de cocotiers, ses stations balnéaires privées accessibles uniquement par bateau et ses étendues de forêt tropicale luxuriante; Koh Samui est aussi proche du paradis que partout en Thaïlande. Blottie au large de la côte du golfe de Thaïlande et accessible en ferry depuis Chumphon et Surat Thani, l'île de Samui est la plus grande de l'archipel de Chumphon et se classe deuxième après Phuket pour le titre d'île la plus visitée de Thaïlande. Sur la côte est, la plage de Chaweng est le centre de la fête de l'île, bordée de bars de plage, de discothèques et de complexes 5 étoiles, tandis que Lamai Beach, Choeng Mon Beach et Bophut offrent des alternatives plus décontractées. Loin de la plage, les points de vue spectaculaires abondent, avec des points forts tels que la cascade Na Muang, les rochers Hin Ta et Hin Yai, et l'éblouissante façade dorée du temple du Grand Bouddha (Wat Phra Yai). L'île est également un camp de base populaire pour explorer les îles environnantes et des hors-bord sillonnent la route entre Koh Phangan, hôte des célèbres fêtes de la pleine lune en Thaïlande, et Koh Tao, un site populaire de plongée sous-marine et de snorkeling. Au large de la côte ouest, une excursion en kayak de mer ou en plongée avec tuba dans le parc marin national d'Ang Thong - un groupe d'îles recouvertes de jungle, entourées de rochers déchiquetés, de criques de sable et d'un arc-en-ciel de corail - est peut-être l'option la plus enchanteresse pour une excursion d'une journée .
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.
...PlusSamui 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.
...PlusChaweng 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.
...PlusYes. 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).
...PlusA 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.
...PlusSilver 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.
...PlusNombre d'attractions | 13 |
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Nombre de visites | 393 |
Nombre d'avis | 5 912 |
Devise | THB |
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