Koh Samui

The local Thai population of some 35,000 are an extremely warim and friendly people who seem eternally happy displaying ready smiles. Not so surprising really when one realises that they have the good fortune of enjoying Samui's laid back lifestyle all year round. Until the relatively recent advent of tourism, coconut farming and fishing were the main sources of income here, these latter industries are still major operations and the pleasant woodsmoke aroma of coconut husks charring is widespread.

Chaweng, Lamai and Maenam provide the largest and most popular beaches although even they with their many resorts, restaurants, and bars are never uncomfortably busy, even in the high season. For those wishing to find quieter places and even solitude, there are 23 other beaches to seek out.

 Around the Island

 Off The Beaten Track

Rustic little fishing villages; Quiet palm-fringed beaches; vibrant markets; grazing water buffaloes; Buddhist temples and statues; cascading waterfalls. They're all here on Samui and the best way to find them is to rent a jeep or motorbike and explore. To drive non-stop around the island takes abount an hour. Going off the beatem track and taking time, however, will reward the adventurer with insights into the real Samui.

Over the next pages we have listed some of the many island discoveries to be made. Beaches and villages, temples and beauty spots, restaurants and nightspots await, as well as a host of activities that are now available to make your stay here even more fun.

 Chaweng

Before 1989, when Bangkok Airways opened their airports here, Chaweng was a small seaside town attracting mainly backpacders. It has since blossomed into a resort which provides something for everyone.

Now it's unquestionably the most popular tourist area on the island. It offers: seven kilometres of soft and sandy East coast; accommodation ranging from 100 baht-a-night huts o 16,000 baht suites in 5-star resorts; multinational restaurants serving everything from hamburgers to spicy Thai curries; nightclubs, bars and even an 18 hole mini golf course. The main beach road which runs parallel to the shore at a 200 metre distance also has a wide variety of shops.

 Lamai

Similar to Chaweng in many respects, Lamai is also on the East coast, has a long sandy beach and provides holidaymakers with a wide choice of shops, restaurants and bers. The accomodation here is slightly less expensive and the town is more compact. Though smaller than Chaweng, it is growing rapidly and can cater for most holiday requirements.

 Big Buddha Beach

At the Eastern end of the North coast, this beach is near enough to the main action of Chaweng without being engulfed by it. There are many small resorts on Big Buddha Beach and the area is popular with famillies, chiefly because of its particularly calm waters.

 Nathon

With the town hall, main police station, central post office and branches of all Thailand's major banks situated here, Nathon is he administrative capital of Koh Samui. Being the only large town on the West coast, it also attracyts many people with its shops. Tourists and travellers pass throughout the day.

Although not a beach town, the views out to sea across the sands at low tide are quite lovely. This is especially so in the early evening when the sunsets here can be spectacular.

 Hua Thanon

The largest fishing village on the island is a mixture ofcultures. While the village which runs along the main road is Chinese in style, the part along the beach is Muslim.

Although it's interesting to see the intricately painted fishing boats, the beach itself is in need of a big clean-up. The market is vibrant and colourful however, and it's exciting watching the locals barter for the fish when a new catch arrives.

 Bophut

Facing Samui's Northern neighbour, Koh Pha Ngan, Bophut is a quiet, charming fishing village. Several of the old, wooden, seafront shoppouses have been transformed into quaint little restaurants which make dining here a delightfu experience. Boats leave the jetty on fishing trips and journeys to other islands, notably Koh Pha Ngan, famous for its full moon parties on Haad Rin beach.

 Maenam

Still very much a traditional old Thai town, Maenam village is quite unspoilt. Some of the wooden houses and shops are over 70 years old and it's well worth taking a stroll down to the waterside to savour the unique character of the place.

There are many small tracks and lanes leading to the beach from the main ring-road. Countless small bangalow resorts are dotted along the coast and most offer excellent value for money both for their food and accommodation. The laid back lifestyle found here attracts many honeymooners and those not interested in a busy nightlife scene.

THINGS TO DO & SEE ON THE ISLAND

 Snake Farm

Be amazed as trained staff handle these dangerous exotic reptiles. Daily shows feature many different species of poisonous snakes, scorpions and centipedes. Show start at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily. Tel: 423 247. Located on the 4170 road at the far Southwest corner of the island.

 Go Karts

Enjoy the fun of hurtling around a racetrack in a powerful racing machine at Samui Go Kart. International standards of sefety are strictly adhered to. Open from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM. Tel: 245 041. Located on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometre West of Bophut Village.

Jungle Tours

Many companies now offer jeep trips along the jungles paths and up into the island's interior. The views are spectacular and the places they visit would be difficult to reach without a guide. Luch is normally provided on the tour at a mountaintop restaurant. Contact any travel agent for further details.

 Thai Boxing

Known as the most dangerous martial art in the world, Thai kick boxing is an enthralling sport. Prebout rituals, traditional Thai music throughout and the sheer artistry of the boxing itself make for and exciting spectacle. Many Western teams visit for matches which create much partisan support. A must for all martial arts fans and those eager to witness Thailand's age-old fighting tradition. The Chaweng stadium is at the back of the Doors Pub on the Reggae Pub road. Flyers are distributed and vans with loudspeaker systems drive around the island to advertise upcoming contests.

 Hin-Ta & Hin-Yai

The most popular natural wonders of Samui are the Grandfather and Grandmother rocks. Shaped by the eiements into huge sculptures of human genitals, they are indeed a sight to behold. Southwest of Lamai on the 4169 ring-road, the lane leading to them is clearly marked.

 Butterfly Garden

See a wide assortment of multicoloured tropical butterflies in a peaceful garden setting. Situated in Laem Din at the Southeast corner of Samui off the 4170 road.

Elephant Trekking

Climb up for a ride into the jungle aboard these massive mammals. The standard trips last for 30 minutes, but longer treks can be arranged.

 The Secret Statue Garden

Way up in the hills, near Samui's highest peak, sits a garden full of Buddhist and Hindu statues. Lovingly created over the past few years by a local man, Khun Nim, the garden has become a favourite stopping place for mountain tours. Access to the garden can be gained by following the track opposite Wat Khunaram, but four wheel drive vehicles or motorcross bikes are essential.

 Target Shooting

Try your hand at firing live ammunition with either a handgun or a rifle at the Samui Shooting Range. Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's on the 4169 ring-road between Bophut and Chaweng. Tel: 425 370.

 Mini Golf

The new Treasure Island adventure mini golf course has 18 holes to excite and thrill from noon until midnight. The last tee-off is at 11:00 PM. Behind Bamboos restaurant on Chaweng Beach Road.

 Elephants and Monkeys

Throughout Samui there are signs proclaiming "Monkey work coconut". Follow one, and you'll see monkeys being sent up palm trees, finding ripe coconuts and then twisting them until they drop off.

The Samui Monkey Theatre has shows three times daily, in which both elephants and monkeys perform. The show times are 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Tel: 245 140 for more information. It's on the 4169 ring-road 400 metres South of Bophut Village.

 The Eight-headed Coconut Tree

This extremely rare specimen of a fluke of nature is still in the process of dividing its trunks. Although it's known to have 8 heads, it's quite likely to have 10 by now. The well signposted track leading to it is on the 4169 ring-road southbound into Nathon, opposite the coast road to the post office.

 Buffalo Fighting

Samui's favourite sporting event attracts crowds of thousands. The purpose-built stadiums come alive as the bustling throngs of spectators place their bets before each fight. Although the initial clash of the buffaloes is violent, the rest of the encounter is just pushing and shoving. Eventually, one loses courage and backs off: he's then chased around the circular enclosure until he spots the exit. Seldom do the animals suffer any real injury so it cannot be classed as a blood sport. Prior to the event, banners appear and loudspeaker vans announce it to all.

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