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Special Event
Chumphon Marine Festival
Each March or April, the town holds a Marine Festival, which in includes cultural and folk art exhibits, a fishing competition, and seafood festival, as well as a mini-marathon and a windsurfing competition at Hat Sai Ri.
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A True Island Paradise ...
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, the third largest Thai island and a true island paradise. Accessible by boat or air (1hr 10mins from Bangkok), Samui retains a laid back feel with a broad selection of accommodation available to suit most budgets. The island is environmentally friendly with no building allowed to exceed the height of the coconut palms.
While the island’s interior is mountainous and forested, it is also blessed with warm seas and long, white sandy beaches that offer the perfect beach escape. There is also some marvellous snorkelling and diving opportunities for those so inclined.
The most popular beach is Chaweng, which also serves as the main shopping, restaurant and entertainment point. Other popular spots are Lamai, Choeng Mon, Bophut (with the fantastic Fisherman’s Village) and Maenam Bay – all featuring local restaurants and bars and lovely long beaches.
Traveller’s Secrets
What to Do and See
Temples
The Temple of the Big Buddha is a site worth seeing, especially at sunset. It was built in 1972 on a small rocky island, joined to the north of Samui by a causeway. The 12 metre structure is surrounded by meditation huts, which can be used by visitors for this purpose.
Waterfall
If you have the inclination and feel like climbing 1.5km to the top of Samui Island, you will be rewarded with a three-tiered waterfall, Na Muang Falls, as well as fantastic views to the sea.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
40 islands make up this archipelago. If picture-perfect scenery, blue waters, white sandy beaches & hidden lagoons are your thing, then island-hopping is for you!
Diving
The most highly recommended dive spot is Koh Tao (Turtle Island) and its immediate surrounding. This island can be accessed from other nearby islands or from Chumphon, on the mainland.
Open-air discos, markets and bars
Set back a little from Chaweng Beach is a line of market stalls, bars and restaurants. At night, an area converts into an open-air disco, where you can enjoy the holiday party atmosphere and dance the night away.
Koh Pha-ngan and Full Moon Parties
20 km north of Samui is a mountainous island, made famous by the monthly full moon parties. Every month on the night of the full moon, thousands of visitors dance from dusk till dawn on the beach.
Snake shows
For anyone fascinated by snakes, a visit to one of the island's snake shows is a must. The fearless handlers play with deadly species, and offer visitors the chance to get up close and touch their slithery skin
Monkey shows
The monkeys' famed ability as coconut collectors once formed the basis of Samui's economy. During the performance all their skills are shown to ludicrous effect.
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