Koh Samui is one of the most popular attractions of Thailand. With an area of 247 square kilometers, Thailand is the 3rd largest Island of Thailand after Phuket and Koh Chang.
The Island is 20 kilometres wide and 25 kilometers long and can be toured around in just two hours. There are many ways to get around.
The island is accessible by ferry from Surat Thani or by plane via Bangkok Airways.
Flight schedule for Bangkok airways
http://www.bangkokair.com/eng/pages/view/flight-schedule
During the last decade it has become one of south East Asia’s premier tourist destinations. Koh Samui sits in the Gulf of Thailand, surrounded by other islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, and is located about 84km east of Surat Thani. With soft – sand beaches shaded by towering palms, delicious fresh seafood and a vibrant nightlife, Samui has a magical formula that seems to cast it’s on everyone.
Getting around Songthaew – red coloured converted trucks with two long bench seats facing each other serve as the island local bus service. They follow set routes to and from most destinations around the island. The destination is clearly marked in English on the front and back of the vehicle. ?Daytime rates are between 40Bht – 60Bht per passenger, depending on where you are going. After 9pm, you may have to charter a songthaew if you want to travel between different locations and rates vary.
Yellow taxi Air – conditioned car taxis are in yellow. Most have metres but, though frowned upon by law, most taxi drivers insist on a negotiated fare. So settle on a price before hiring the cab.Motor bike taxi Motor bike drivers can be identified by their coloured, numbered vest. For short journeys they are the fasted way to get around as they can dodge in and out of traffic. Fares start from 30Bht upwards depending where you are going
Nathon is the main town, the arrival town for all ferry passengers. You can find all official government buildings here and it is known for day time shopping.
Chaweng is the main tourist town with the best nightlife. It clearly has 2 faces, the busy one on the street and the relaxing one on the beach, 2 complete different worlds not even 100 m. apart. In the daytime you can relax on the beach. You can try your bargaining skills with one of the vendors. They sell everything; hammocks, watches, sarongs, you name it… Watch how they peel the fruits, it is a true art.
Lamai is the second tourist place. You can compare it with Chaweng, but than about half size. Lamai is known for its live band bars and Ladies Boxing.
Bophut is an authentic fisherman village. Small but exceptional. This village is special for its romantic seaside restaurants with splendid menus.
Mae Nam is located along the main road. It has a beautiful quiet stretched beach. Here you can swim in the sea the whole year, as all other places have low tide during some months.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Thailand information 1133
USEFUL NUMBERS
Koh Samui Airport 077 245 600 – 8077 425 011
Suvarnabhumi Airport 02 132 0342 – 5402 134 3888 – 89
Koh Samui Immigration 077 421 069
Tourism Authority Thailand0 77 420 504
Samui Rescue (Ambulance) 077 421 444
Fire department (Nathon) 106 / 199
Police Emergencies 191
Police Station
(Lamai)077 424 068
(Maenam)077 425 070
(Bophut)077 425 071
Samui Tourist Police 077 421 281077 430 018
Suratthani Tourist Police 077 281 300
Navy / Marine Police 077 421 245077 421 245
Hospitals
Samui Hospital (Nathon)077 421 230
Samui International Hospital 077 422 272
Thai International Hospital 077 245 721 – 6
Bandon Hospital077 425 236 – 9
Bangkok Hospital077 429 500
Credit Card Lost / Theft
Visa, Master Card BKK 02 299 1990
American Express BKK02 273 0020
Banks
Bangkok Bank077 421 105
Thai Military Bank077 420 360
Siam Commercial Bank077 420 186
Thai Farmers Bank077 421 200
Siam City Bank077 421 110
Bangkok Metropolitan Bank077 420 777
Krung Thai Bank077 421 503
