Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand, behind Koh Phuket and Koh Chang. Each day there is between twenty and thirty flights to the island. Currently, Bangkok Airways is the only airline that flies here. Koh Samui is popular with both foreigners and Thais alike.
Location
Koh Samui is a one hundred-year-old Amphoe in the Surat Thani Province. This area includes the fifty-three small islands nearby. There are only three islands, Koh Samui, Koh Taen, and Koh Pha Luai, which are inhabited by people. Despite this being a heavily visited tourist destination, the locals still retain their traditional lifestyle.

Highlights The Beaches Koh Samui is best known for its beaches. The most popular are:

	Chaweng Beach Chaweng provides everything within a short distance. A choice of restaurants, a great beach, some interesting shops, and a the best nightlife in Samui. During the day, life revolves around the beach. You can relax, walk to the nearest offshore island at low tide, go canoeing, go sailing, have a Thai massage or a pedicure, eat a wonderful lunch overlooking the beach, or simply snack on your beach mat with some fried chicken. It's relaxing and friendly, which attracts families, singles and couples year after year.
	Lamai Beach Located 10 Km south of Chaweng on the east coast, Lamai is a little quieter, more relaxed and a little cheaper than Chaweng. The wide sandy beach has hundreds of coconut trees bending over the blue-green waters giving Lamai a tropical and natural atmosphere. Unprotected by a lagoon or reef, the sea is a little rougher, but if you prefer less people, but some action, Lamai should be your choice.
	Had Nathon is the commercial center of Koh Samui. This is where the majority of the stores and the pier are located. From the pier, you can arrange for trips to Koh Tao and Koh Pha-ngan. The beaches here are quiet and the best place to see the sunset.
	Had Mae Nam On the northern side of Koh Samui, between Bophut and Bang Po, there is one of the most quiet beaches of the island. Maenam beach is some two kilometers of white sand along the calm, scenic bay with Koh Phangan's excellent views. The tranquillity of the bay make this a pleasant, secluded spot for swimming, sunbathing and watersports.
	Had Bophut Not far from the famous landmark of Big Buddha is Bophut Beach. The beach itself encompasses some two kilometers of white sandy shoreline fringed by coconut palms leaning over the sea. The calm waters of the bay make this a popular spot for simply relaxing. Stretched along the main road you will find many small shops and restaurants. Bophut is a good compromise between the super quiet places and the hustle and bustle of Chaweng. This is one of the few beaches on Samui where you can rent jet skis, as well as kayaks and snorkeling gear.
	Choeng Mon Beach Chaweng provides everything within a short distance. A choice of restaurants, a great beach, some interesting shops, and a the best nightlife in Samui. During the day, life revolves around the beach. You can relax, walk to the nearest offshore island at low tide, go canoeing, go sailing, have a Thai massage or a pedicure, eat a wonderful lunch overlooking the beach, or simply snack on your beach mat with some fried chicken. It's relaxing and friendly, which attracts families, singles and couples year after year.
	Big Buddha Beach Not far from the famous landmark of Big Buddha is Bophut Beach. The beach itself encompasses some two kilometers of white sandy shoreline fringed by coconut palms leaning over the sea. The calm waters of the bay make this a popular spot for simply relaxing. Stretched along the main road you will find many small shops and restaurants. Bophut is a good compromise between the super quiet places and the hustle and bustle of Chaweng. This is one of the few beaches on Samui where you can rent jet skis, as well as kayaks and snorkeling gear.
	Waterfalls On the island there are two moderate sized waterfalls called Na Muang I and Na Muang II. These flow all year-round.
	Koh Taen is a small island located near Had Thong Klud. Most people visit the white-sand beaches via a long-tail boat.

Map Google Earth Koh Samui

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Phuket Hotels and Resorts Recommended

How to Get There
Going from Bangkok
There are a couple of good options:

Flight You can catch a plane from the Bangkok International Airport, Don Muang. Bangkok Air flies direct to Samui Airport. A flight schedule with Bangkok Airways is found here. Thai Airways flies to Suratthani. From there, just take a bus or taxi to the ferry. (A new airport in Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport has just been built, but there are no flights to Samui or Suratthani from there yet)

Bus If you want a more economical way to travel, take the VIP bus from the well-known Khao San Road or from the Southern bus terminal at Boromrat Chonnani Road. The VIP buses are more comfortable than the so called A/C bus. You can buy a ticket in almost every travel agency in Bangkok. Ferry is often included in the price.

Train Another great way to travel is the night train from Hualamphong, the Bangkok railway station, to Suratthani. The sleeping cars are comfortable. It is a little more expensive than the bus, but you will get a good sleep. Upper beds are less expensive than the lower ones. A private "first class" cabin for two persons, is also available.

Ferry The fastest ferry leaves from Donsak pier on the main land. The price is about 85 baht. The ferries are not luxurious in any way, but you will see many of the small surrounding islands if you don't fall asleep. Thai-guys on some ferries will maybe try to convince you that "their" resort on Samui is great. It can be a blank or a prize in that "lottery". You can easily book a room or bungalow here 24 hours a day and all year round.

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Important numbers
Police emergency: 191
Tourist Police: 0 7742 1281
Tourist Police - Emergency: 1155
Fire Department: 106
Bangkok Hospital: 0 7742 9500
Samui Hospital: 0 7742 1232
Immigration: 0 7742 1069