Overviews

Ko Samui island is located in the southern province of Suratthani in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 700 kilometers southeast of Bangkok.

Samui island is Thailand's third largest covering an area of 247 sq km it is 25 kilometers at it's longest point and 21 kilometers at its widest.

Samui island is also known as the Coconut Island as it gives harvest to over two million coconuts each month.

Not that long ago Samui island was a favourite destination for adventure seeking sun worshippers. These seasoned travellers visited Samui long before it was in the guide books. Seaside bungalows were available for as little as 150 baht per night, and you could count on spending day after sunny day on the beach in near perfect tranquillity. These visitors found there was an almost mesmerizingly restful and carefree feel to the island that often kept them here long after they intended to return home.

Those who have known and loved Samui island since those early days may not agree about the current pace of development in some areas, but for the most part they do agree on one thing. The island retains its sleepy magic and Ko Samui is still a tropical paradise.

However, much of Samui island, especially south coast, remains largely undeveloped. A day spent on a motorbike or in a jeep exploring this lush terrain is a day of sheer serendipity. With its spectacular and astonishingly diverse flora, and its dozy little neighborhoods peopled by some of the world's most amiable islanders, this kind of exploration is sure to provide the delights you imagined when you planned your holiday.

Short direct flights here now on Samui island depart several times a day from Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. You can also arrive by train, bus and boat.

How to get there

Samui is an island located about 80 kilometers from Suratthani, the nearest mainland city. You can fly here with Bangkok Airways directly from Bangkok. They also have direct flights from Phuket, Krabi and Singapore.

Those on a budget can take the trains from any of the above cities for as little as a tenth of the cost of flying here. Many people book sleeping berths in the overnight trains from Bangkok. You will disembark at Suratthani station very early in the morning, from where you are taken by bus to the ferry for the 1 to 2 hour crossing to Samui from the mainland.

Buses are the least expensive option for those on a tight budget. They also travel to Suratthani from all major cities in the region.

If you have a car or motorcycle that you wish to bring to Samui, you can drive to the Donsak Ferry Terminal in Suratthani and put your vehicle on board.

Flight:

The direct flight from Don Muang airport in Bangkok (or Singapore) to Samui is by far the most convenient way to come. Samui Airport is privately owned and operated by Bangkok Airways and the price of the ticket is high by comparison to other comparable destinations throughout the country, however the airport is a sight for sore eyes (and sore bodies). This delightful little facility has won International awards for its environmentally friendly design and bucolic charm.

Note: Upon your departure from Samui Airport, please bare in mind that you will be required to pay a 400 baht per person surcharge. An economical option to consider is a flight from Bangkok to Suratthani with Thai Airways. The cost of the ticket is substantially less than the Bangkok Airways direct flight to Samui. However from Suratthani you will still have to take a bus from the airport to the ferry for the 1 hour 20 minute boat ride across. Because of the ferry and flight schedules, this itinerary is more practical leaving than coming here.

Berjaya Air also offers two flights per week on a Thursday and Sunday direct from Kuala Lumpur

Bus:

While it has certain drawbacks, the bus is easily the most economical way to travel, and an adventure in itself. You can buy tickets and board at the major Bangkok public bus stations, or if you are stopping at Khao San Road, you can catch an overnight bus departing in the evening, to all southern destinations including Samui. You will stop very early in the morning at Suratthani, which is the mainland access city to Samui, where you will transfer to another bus for the trip to the ferry that crosses to the island.

Be aware that not all buses are the same. Spending a few baht more can make a significant difference in comfort. The most comfortable are probably the overnight "Super VIPs." These air-conditioned double decker vehicles have toilets, seats that lean back quite far with leg rests at the bottom, and they also supply blankets for the journey. All buses stop at least once for refreshment, but little or no food or drink is served on board. An evening video is almost always shown on an overhead TV, and played at volumes that may make sleep difficult. However once the film ends around 10:00 pm, if you're lucky, you may sleep through much of the night.

Note:
It is not wise to leave anything of value in the luggage compartment under the bus as it has been known for things to go missing.

Bus Time Table:

Train:

You can economize by making the trip from Bangkok (or elsewhere) to Samui by taking the train, and if you have the time, it can be good fun. Most people opt for a second-class berth in a fan-cooled or air-conditioned compartment, while a private first-class cabin for two can be very romantic! Either way, the cabin service is usually quite good.

While the trip is long and the noise of the train may wake you up often, new friendships are sometimes made during the journey. Don't forget to take a bottle of water and tissue paper on board with you. The conductor will wake you prior to your early morning arrival in Suratthani, but you might want to take a small alarm clock with you in case.

Note: If no sleeping berths or (reclining) seats in second class carriages are available, think very carefully before buying a third class train ticket. The seats are straight backed and fairly rigid, and the carriages can get very full and warm. It might be the longest journey of your life.

When you disembark at Suratthani, employees of the bus company will be waiting to stow your bags in the correct bus that will take you to the ferry pier for the boat ride to Koh Samui.

When you board the ferry, if you're still sleepy, you can buy a seat in the "VIP" aircon lounge for 40 baht. The seats recline and are very comfortable.

These Rail-Bus-Ferry tickets can be purchased at the train station in Bangkok. For the return trip from Samui, you can buy them on the island at Sophon Tour in Nathon and though travel agents.

Train Timetable:

Car Ferry:

If you have a car or motorcycle that you wish to bring to Ko Samui, the car ferry service starts at 06:00 and operates simultaneously from both Donsak and Samui ferry piers every hour on the hour until 18:00. The ferry crossing takes approximately one hour twenty minutes.

Where to stay

Think about what you want from your Ko Samui resorts vacation. Young couples seeking a private, romantic and tranquil setting will probably be happiest staying at a medium-sized hotel or a bungalow resort in Mae Nam, Bophut, Choeng Mon, Coral Cove, or anywhere on the southern or western coasts. Families with active and sports-loving youngsters, and those who don't want to be more than a few minutes from nightlife and shopping, might opt for Chaweng, located on the east coast.

Chaweng:

Chaweng is the largest tourist resort on Koh Samui. It has two big attractions, one is the beautiful sloping beach of white sand, superb for swimming and snorkeling. Watersports are available at several locations, including dive centers, jet skiing, para sailing and waterskiing.
Beach vendors sell food and souvenirs. During the months of January through to April, the sea can be rough but on these occasions other sheltered beaches can be easily reached.

The other attraction is the 'Strip', a road running behind the beach where there are numerous shops selling an assortment of merchandise, souvenirs, clothes, tailors, pharmacies etc, also many restaurants of varying prices and ethnicity, the choice is huge. These are all open very late, and there are several night spots with entertainment, dancing and live music until the early hours. Taxis can be taken to and from the other resorts, they are frequent and easily obtained.

The island's liveliest resort area, it is home to many of Samui's larger hotels with their recreational options, as well as Samui's most robust commercial center, with its many restaurants, bars, nightclubs and discotheques. Further south but also on the east coast, Lamai is almost as bustling as Chaweng, but the lodgings tend to be built on a smaller scale and are more economical

Mae Nam:

Maenam is more laid back, and cheaper, than other resorts, and there is not much in terms of nightlife.
There is a 4 kilometer sandy beach, with lots of watersports activities, fishing trips are also easily arranged. Souvenir sellers and food vendors stroll the beach which is lined by small restaurants. There are unspoilt views of the neighbouring Koh Phangan island.

The village has two main streets with several small restaurants and shops. Maenam is one of those places on Samui where life carries on regardless of visitors, who are made most welcome, so Thai life can be observed. There are many pleasant walks and cycle rides in the hills above the village for nature lovers.
For people who want a quiet peaceful holiday but with the occasional venture to some bright lights, Chaweng is easily accessible.

Choeng Mon:

Choeng Mon is a beautiful bay with a lovely sandy white beach lined with casuarina trees and some small restaurants. There is a small island opposite that can be reached at low tide.

On the main road nearby there are shops, tailors and a selection of restaurants serving Thai and western cuisine. For those wanting nighlife Chaweng is a 10 minutes taxi drive away.

Laem Set:

Laem Set is a very secluded unspoilt quiet area just beyond the village of Ban Hua Thanon. It is quite rocky which means good snorkeling, there is a long reef, but perhaps not such good swimming. It has great atmosphere and nature lovers will find this part of the island idyllic, specially as there are several places of interest nearby to visit, a snake farm, butterfly farm and tiger, aquarium and bird sanctuary, as well as two health spas.

Within walking distance is the Muslim fishing village of Ban Hua Thanon where there is a market, and the intricately painted boats of the fishermen can be seen.

Nathon:

Nathon is the island's capital, it has two main roads operating on a one way system. There are several banks, Samui's main post office, money exchanges and a variety of shops. There is a large pier with lots of boats ferrying in supplies, a small bus terminal, and a food market. Taxis there will go to any other part of the island. Souvenirs can be bought cheaper than at the other resorts. Along the road running beside the sea are several small restaurants which serve excellent Thai food. Nathon is well worth visiting to get a feel of true Thai life.

Lamai:

Lamai is the second largest entertainment district on Samui and is excellent for those seeking a lively holiday. For daytime it has a beautiful beach lined with palm trees and small restaurants. Lamai is fringed by large green hills. There is an assortment of beach activities, snorkeling, jet skiing etc, with vendors selling food and souvenirs along the beach.

On the road at the back of the beach are many shops, tailors, massage parlours etc. as well as many different restaurants serving Thai, European,

Japanese and many other type of food.At night the choice is very varied with lots of hostess bars, nightclubs with live music and bars showing all the latest national football games along with alot more.

Bophut:

Bophut has a reputation for peace and quiet. It is in part, a typical Thai village, but it has cuisine and architecture in some places that give it a mediteranean feeling. It has a pretty main street comprising of old Chinese wooden shop houses, many converted into stylish boutiques and restaurants of many nationalities, French, German, Italian and Spanish included.

The beach there has watersports and a pier. Bophut is a great place to dine as there is alot of variety. Even staying elsewhere and having a stroll along its small main street after dinner is romantic, peaceful and gives all the flavour of the East.

Chaweng Noi:

Located south of Chaweng beach. Chaweng Noi is a curving sandy beach in a rocky bay. The beach is lined with palm trees and has many small restaurants towards the south of the beach. It makes for an ideal location for those wanting a quieter alternative to its lively big sister Chaweng.

Coral Cowe:

Coral Cove is located half-way between the main resorts Chaweng and Lamai where the road climbs and dips around the coastline. There are two small sandy beaches which are hemmed in by Jurassic style bolders and rocks. This area is one of the best for snorkeling around Samui.
There are a few restaurants attached to bungalow resorts. Nightlife can be found in Chaweng and Lamai, about a 10 minute taxi drive to both ways.

Ban Taling Ngam:

A remote secluded area ideal for those who want perfect peace and no distractions other than the beauty of the scenery and views over the sea to the islands and mainland.

There is a flat sandy beach but you have to be careful as the coral can sometimes make swimming difficult.

Lipa Noi:

South of Nathon, the main town, at Thong Yang beach is one of the best places on the island to see the beautiful sunset.

There is a wonderful beach too, fringed by palm tress and the water is shallow, so it is very safe for children and those nervous in deep water. Nightlife is very subdued.

Geting around

Samui is an explorer's dream. It is just big enough to offer a wealth of diversity in landscape, vistas, flora and fauna, yet small enough to seek adventure in its many out-of-the-way places, while hardly ever losing sight of sea. Below are some of the ways you can do this.

Songthaew:

Songtheaws act as the local bus service. They are red coloured converted pickup trucks with two long bench seats facing eachother in the back. Drivers will often squeeze in as many passengers as possible, leaving late comers to hang onto the running board at the rear.Songtheaws follow set routes to and from most destinations around Samui, it's destination will be clearly marked in English on the front or back of the vehicle.

There are no official stops, so to pick one up between destinations just flag it down and tell the driver where you want to go. Day time rates are very reasonable with a charge of between 20-40 baht per person depending on where you are going. After 6pm the rate increases. Normally after 9pm you will be expected to charter a songtheaw if you want to travel between different resorts and prices vary depending on what deal you can bargain with the driver, sometimes it can be as high as several hundred baht.

Car Rental:

Car rental is available from many family-owned agencies and some large companies whose names you will recognize. Prices start from 800 baht per day upwards and depend on the type and condition of the vehicle you rent. The rental of a 4 wheel drive vehicle (jeep) will allow you a lot of freedom. It will serve as your basic transport, but you can also use it to circumnavigate the entire main ring road of the island (about 1 hour) and more. You can visit many natural hillside and man-made attractions which are accessible from the ring road.

You can stop at them all, going at your own pace. If you are especially adventurous and have experience in off-road driving, you may head up into the mountains. (Rented dirt bikes are another option for those who want to go off-road.)

There, if you can negotiate the ruts and sometimes seemingly impossibly steep inclines, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding islands, as well as flora and fauna that is overwhelmingly beautiful. If Samui is paradise, then the mountains are its Shangrilah.
Some of these vehicles come with insurance, but the coverage is limited. You had better ask for the details.

Bycicle:

This is now becoming a popular, safe and pleasant way of getting around. Good quality mountain bikes can be rented at many places around the island for around 80 baht a day. They are ideal for those who want to discover some of the many beautiful nature trails and tracks of the islands interior.

Taxi:

For many reasons this is the safest and easiest way to get from point A to B if you don't know where point B is!
Air-conditioned yellow coloured car taxis (Taxi Meter) have been around Samui since early 2001. There are many around the island so finding one is fairly easy, especailly on the main ring road or the resorts of Chaweng and Lamai. Make sure you ask the driver to use the meter before you set off, or if not, settle on a price before you start.

Motorbike Rental:

Most visitors to Koh Samui, seem to opt for motorbikes to get around town, go to the beach and go out in the evening; making these inexpensive rentals the most popular option by far. Prices range from 150-180 baht a day for a 100cc bike with semi or automatic gears, though you can bargain for a discount on a long term rental. They are fast, fun and easy to park. Large and off-road motorbikes can also be rented around the island, prices are around 500 baht per day.

BEWARE. Many local drivers have not received proper instruction in traffic safety, and tourists are often riding these bikes for the first time in their lives. Many SERIOUS ACCIDENTS happen. People are killed, and the statistics are alarming. However a prudent person need not panic. These accidents are almost always due to a serious lapse in judgement. Remember that while Samui may be a paradise you are still a mortal.

Motorbike Taxi:

Motorbike taxi drivers can be identified by their coloured, numbered vests. For short journeys they are the fastest way to get around as they can dodge in and out of the other traffic. They are really only suitable for a single passenger and not the easiest mode of transport if you are carrying luggage. They are inexpensive, fares start from 10 baht upwards depending on where you are going.

The Law:

Driving is on the left hand side. Motorcyclists are required to wear crash helmets. The fine for not wearing one is 500 baht. Car drivers and front seat passengers are required to wear seat belts. An international driving licence or national licence is required to hire any kind of vehicle, although some companies and smaller rental places may not ask for any proof at all.

Weather & Climate

Unfortunately visitors are sometimes incorrectly informed about Koh Samui weather seasons prior to their departure. Not everyone is aware for example, that we do not have the same rainy season as Phuket does. This is because Koh Samui island is situated on the Gulf coast and faces east, so it feels the effect of the Northeast monsoon.

January - February is the cool season on Samui island, temperatures average a pleasant 79°F / 26°C. This is generally the best time to visit as it is not too hot.

March - May is the hot season, the temperature starts warming up, it has been known to reach 40°C There is generally less rain on Koh Samui during these months.

June - September generally speaking, between these months, most days will be filled with sun, except for the occasional downpour, which usually doesn't last long.

October - December frequent showers (not monsoons) come in October, and last until sometime around mid December, when the Samui weather generally clears up with extended periods of dry and often sunny weather. Water sports enthusiasts should note that the sea can get rough at this time, and visibility can be affected.

The above information acts as a general guide of the normal Koh Samui weather patterns but there are always exceptions to the rule - storms in the dry season or weeks of dry weather in the wet season.

General Information

Eletricity:

The electric system is 220 Volt AC, 50Hz. American and European-style rounded and flat pin plugs can be used in sockets. Travellers with shavers, tape recorders and other appliances will require a plug-adapter kit and these can be bought in many supermarkets here on Samui. Power failures are not uncommon, especially during the rainy season; so it's a good idea to keep a torch handy.

Local Time:

Thailand time is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 6 hours ahead of British Summer Time (BST). It is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 15 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).

>Water:

Drink only bottled water, most hotels will supply at least one or two bottles daily inside your room. Bottled water is on sale in various sizes in all supermarkets. Nearly all restaurants use clean factory-made ice cubes.

Language:

Thai is the national language. English is widely understood in Samui however, it is useful to learn a few simple Thai phrases and Thai's will be delighted that you made the effort.

Business Hours:

Banking hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am-3.30pm, exchange kiosks are open until 7pm in Nathon and 10pm in Chaweng and Lamai. Shops and stores usually open seven days a week from 10am-6pm in Nathon and 10am-11pm in Chaweng and Lamai. Office hours are usually Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

Visas:

For stays of up to 30 days, most foreign passport holders automatically get a free non-extendable transit visa, providing they show proof of a confirmed date return ticket by air, sea or any other means of transport via the Thai/Malaysian border.

If you are planning to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for a tourist visa for up to 60 days at a Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand. This visa can be extended in Samui up to a further 30 days at the discretion of officals; extentions cost 1900 baht and are issued at the immigration office in Nathon.

If you overstay your visa you will be fined 200 baht per extra day when you depart Thailand.

Note: A passport valid for 6 months beyond intended length of stay is required by all.

Camera, Film:

The price of film is similar to that in western countries, and can be purchased in most supermarkets around Samui. Developing is far less expensive, very good quality and ready within a few hours. Film developing shops are located in most Samui towns and resorts.

Laundry:

Nearly all hotels and resorts on Samui offer a laundry services, as well as many small laundry businesses around the island, it is low in cost and ready usually within 24 hours. Charge is either by item or by kilo and ironing is included in the price.

Postal Service:

The main post office is in Nathon, there are sub-branches in Chaweng, Lamai and Maenam - all are located on the main road. Opening hours are from 9am to 4pm, Monday - Saturday.

The Thai postal service is very reliable and Airmail takes around 7 days to reach Europe. A postcard stamp costs 14 baht and goes by airmail, stamps can be purchased in most hotels or supermakets. Parcels can be sent by surface mail (cheapest) but take about 3 months, or by air-mail parcel service which is almost 3 times as expensive and takes around a week. A Poste Restante service is operated in Nathon.

Telephone:

IDD (International Direct Dialing) is available from most hotels and travel agents around the island. The outgoing international code is 001 followed by the relevent country code. The cheapest way is to phone from a post office or to buy an international phonecard. These cards can be used at public cardphones - usually located outside a supermarket where you can buy the cards.

Recently the telephone system on Samui has been upgraded and all local numbers are now prefixed by 077.

Email and Internet:

For those seeking email and internet services there will be no problem getting connected here on Samui. Most hotels now offer this service, as well as many internet cafes and travel shops around the island - in fact you will be spoilt for choice, especially in the main resorts of Chaweng and Lamai. Most places charge 1 baht per minute and a small charge for printing out emails. The cheapest and best value on the island is at the main post office in Nathon, where there are many terminals that can be used in air-conditioned comfort.

Newspapers and Magazines:

There are two daily English language newspapers - the Bangkok Post and the Nation. These are normally a day late, except in a few top end hotels who have them flown in specially for their guests.

Foreign national newspapers, magazines and other publications (Time & Newsweek) can be purchased in some of the bigger supermarkets.

Health and Safety

Road Safety:

Easily the single most dangerous activity on Koh Samui is driving or riding on the back of a motor bike. If you choose to rent one (and especially if you are inexperienced), take precautions to minimize the risk of injury or worse.

Beach and Water Safety:

Many people's holidays are ruined from too much sun. Samui's hospitals see many cases of heat stroke and severe burn caused by poor judgement. Limit your time in the sun, especially when you first arrive, and use sunblock. If you think there may be a chance you will fall asleep on the beach, choose a shady spot under a palm. Even a cloudy grey sky will not save you from getting severe sun burn unless you take necessary precautions.

Don't swim in the sea alone, especially if you are not a strong swimmer. DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT swimming in the sea if you have been drinking alcohol.

WARNING: During the months of January through April, extremely dangerous rip currents come and go, especially at Chaweng beaches. People lose their lives every year on the worst days. Look for the flags that responsible hotels display when conditions are dangerous. If they are red, use EXTREME CAUTION or better yet, do not swim.

Apart from these warnings, the Samui sea is generally safe.

Food and Beverage Hygiene:

All restaurants and nearly every food vendor serve safe bottled drinking water and clean factory-made ice cubes. Vegetables are washed in tap water but safe when cooked. You may want to avoid eating raw ones. If in the unlikely event that you develop some intestinal discomfort, a visit to a clinic or pharmacy is likely to provide quick relief in the form of medication that will work within hours.

Night Time Activities:

The atmosphere is so relaxed, and the people are so warm and friendly, that it's easy to let down your guard on Samui. This is especially true if you have had a few drinks. Though exceptionally safe by world standards, like any tourist area, Samui has its petty criminals. These individuals are most often present late at night, especially in some of the entertainment areas. This is not to say these places are unsafe, simply remember your common sense, exercise the same caution you would at home, and it is very unlikely you will be victimized.

If a friendly and attractive stranger pulls up beside you on a motor bike while you are out walking at night, and offers you a ride, DON'T GO.

Many people - men especially - may find it is very easy to make attractive new friends in the bars and discotheques. Bear in mind that some of these people will expect you to pay them for their company if you go out for the evening. The majority of them do not have criminal intentions of any kind, however there are occasional incidents and misunderstandings. If you choose to take a new friend (whether a local or a tourist) back to your hotel, no matter how kind-hearted she or he may seem, safeguard your valuables!

Mosquitoes:

Mosquitoes - although they are not abundant, can be troublesome, especially as darkness falls. So it is best to spray on plenty of insect repellant. Wear light coloured clothing as mosquitos are attracted to dark colours, also if you are staying in an non air-conditioned room it's a good idea to use a mosquito net.

Medical Care:

There are several hospitals on the island, at least two of which are staffed with English-speaking personnel to handle foreign patients. They are both in the Chaweng area. There are also a number of small clinics and pharmacies in every village. The hospitals are well-equipped to handle most minor injuries and illnesses. However if you have a serious medical condition or develop one while on Samui, or if you have a bad accident, you may have to travel to Bangkok or Phuket for treatment.

Coping with the heat:

There are several hospitals on the island, at least two of which are staffed with English-speaking personnel to handle foreign patients. They are both in the Chaweng area. There are also a number of small clinics and pharmacies in every village. The hospitals are well-equipped to handle most minor injuries and illnesses. However if you have a serious medical condition or develop one while on Samui, or if you have a bad accident, you may have to travel to Bangkok or Phuket for treatment.

Communicable Diseases:

There are several hospitals on the island, at least two of which are staffed with English-speaking personnel to handle foreign patients. They are both in the Chaweng area. There are also a number of small clinics and pharmacies in every village. The hospitals are well-equipped to handle most minor injuries and illnesses. However if you have a serious medical condition or develop one while on Samui, or if you have a bad accident, you may have to travel to Bangkok or Phuket for treatment.

Pharmacies:

There are many well-stocked pharmacies in most tourist resorts on Samui. Boots the UK drug and cosmectic retailer opened a store in Chaweng in 2001, they have a pharmacist on duty from 11am-11pm. All pharmacies supply up-to-date medications and will dispense antibiotics and other drugs over the counter without prescription. The pharmacy sign is easily recognised as it is standard throughout Thailand.

Tourist Police:

There is a tourist police station in Nathon. Officers patrol Chaweng on bycycle in the evening, where they are on hand to deal with tourist related complaints and emergencies. All tourist police officers speak some English and are happy to act as an English speaking liaison.

Money

Currency:

1 Baht (Bt) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of Bt1000 (grey), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue) and 20 (green), 10 (brown). Coins are in denominations of Bt10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 satangs.

Exchanging Money:

You can convert major currencies to Baht at all banks and exchange booths. The rates are fairly similar island-wide at both types of locations. Always count the change you receive.

Travellers’ cheques & Credit Cards

Travellers' cheques are the safest way to carry your money. Better rates are offered for cheques than for cash, there is normally a charge of 13 baht commission and duty per cheque. Travellers' cheques can be changed at most locations. Your passport will be required for identification.

Many exchange booths accept credit cards. These cards will be displayed in their windows. Note that businesses accepting credit cards for goods and services, often take VISA and Mastercard only. Expect a surcharge of up to 5 percent on every transaction.
In the case of lost or stolen credit cards telephone:
American Express - (02) 273 0020
Mastercard / Visa - (02) 299 1990

ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines)

ATM's or cash machines as they are otherwise known, can be found in Nathon, Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Maenam. There is normally a handling fee of 1.5 percent for every withdrawal.

Note that some ATM machines do not accept credit cards. Look for the VISA and MASTERCARD signs. Try not to depend totally on these machines, as they sometimes run out of cash or go out of order.

Bank & Wiring Money

For transactions requiring a teller, there are banks in Nathon and Chaweng (only). Banking hours are Monday - Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm.

It is possible to have money wired directly from a bank in your home country to a bank in Koh Samui. It normally takes two - five working days to arrive, and costs around US $40 per transaction.

Western Union - has an agent located at the Bangkok Metropolitan Bank in Nathon. This is the fastest but most expensive way to send money. Money wired through them should be ready for collection within twenty minutes of being sent. Note that sending larger amounts of cash this way is better value as they charge on a sliding scale.

FAQs

Sight seeing

There are several natural attractions located on or near the main road around the island. (Ring Road). These are included in most guided tour itineraries. You are likely to stop at most or all of them if you take one of the island tours offered by several companies. Or you may prefer to map out your own route, and follow it on rented motorbikes or in a jeep.

It's easy to let the sun and sea lull you into the feeling that you never want to budge from the beach. But Samui is an island of great natural beauty and variety. Even those who don't get excited about sightseeing will find that the journeys to these popular attractions will provide their own delights.

Mummified Monks

Monks are held in great reverence in Thailand, and years ago Samui chose to mummify two of them. Their bodies can be seen in their well preserved forms some 20 years after their deaths at Wat Kiri Wongkaram and Wat Khunaram.

Secret Hall of Buddhas

Wat Sumret is a very old temple housing an ancient white marble Buddha believed to be hundreds of years old. Also inside is a valuable collection of Buddha images. A monk will unlock the door for you on request.

If you visit a temple, please dress appropriately and be sure to remove your shoes before entering. When sitting or kneeling, be careful not to point your foot directly at the Buddha or worshipers, and always take care to keep your feet tucked away when in the presence of monks. Also keep your head at a level below theirs

Buddha's footprint

As there is no sign posted, finding this attraction will be part of the adventure. Take Rt. 4170 and 2 km west of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden, go up the concrete slope on the left. Housed in a hilltop shrine, four footprints have been engraved one atop another. There are 163 steps to climb in all, but the view up there of the surrounding treetops and valleys will be worth it.

Temples

The vast majority of the population consider themselves Buddhists. While the devoutness of their practice varies just as it does with religious people throughout the world, the temple remains a cultural focal point for every village. Many of the more high profile 'Wats' in the country have become tourist attractions, but remarkably the presence of foreign visitors does not seem to distract or disturb those residents who come to pray. The most popular temple attraction is the gold covered Big Buddha statue located on the tiny island of Koh Faan, the island is connected by a short causeway from Big Buddha beach.

Heaven’s Garden

High in the hills that rise from the forested interior of the island, lies an art gallery extraordinary in many ways. The inspiration and creation of Nim Thongsuk, this son of 4 generations of Samuian's decided at the age of 77, to create a little piece of heaven on earth in the hope that many of the increasing number of tourists would appreciate not only his vision, but the extraordinary beauty of the island's hilltop forests. Some of the creations are immediately apparent, others are either so small or so immense, you might miss them as you concentrate on keeping your footing. So be prepared to take your time and wear a sturdy old pair of shoes.

Waterfalls

Delightfully refreshing forest forays, if you plan to do more than admire the view - that is plunge into one of the island's natural waterfalls, then take along a sturdy and non-slip pair of old shoes and tread carefully. Those who have difficulty walking mountain paths are advised to visit Na Muang 1 and content themselves with enjoying the view.

The volume of water at the falls will vary, depending on the time of year and recent rainfall. The last few months of the year are the wettest, while the months of March through September are fairly dry.

Hin Ta Hin Yai

Viewing these astonishing creations, even scientific purists would be tempted to believe that nature too, can be as whimsical as the most eccentric artist. Also known as "Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks"; entirely formed by the elements, two extraordinarily accurate male and female genitalia-shaped rock formations share a perch overlooking the sea.

Festivals and Events

Songkran:

Songkran is the most exuberant nationwide festival in the Thai calender. It is a public holiday that is held over three days from the 13th-15th April and marks the start of the Buddhist New Year. Songkran has evolved over the centuries from a purely religious event where Buddha images were bathed in water to purify them, into a bigger celebration of water. Today everybody gets wet as buckets of water are thrown over everyone in the streets. Songkran's originals customs are still maintained, where younger Thais pay there respects to monks and their elders by sprinkling their hands with scented water.

Full Moon Party:

Once a month at Haad Rin Beach on Koh Pha Ngan (about a 20 minute speedboat ride from Koh Samui), 10,000 or more people make it a party to remember along the one-kilometre beach. People party from dusk till dawn and sometimes onto the next day. Thai and western DJ's play sounds to cater for all party goers tastes from Hip-Hop, House, Trance, Garage and Jungle. International visitors and Thai celebrate this world famous event together.

Loi Kratong:

This traditional custom has been celebrated nationwide for centuries. It is claimed that this historic ceremony has its origin in the 13th Century during the Sukhothai period.

It is celebrated during the night of the full moon on the 12 lunar month of every year (normally November). On this night all Thais go to rivers and waterways to float a Krathong in order to say thank you for the life-giving water.

Loy means float and Krathong is the name of a small artistic boat made from banana leaves and flowers. Each Krathong contains a candle and incense. After lighting the candle and incense send your Krathong off into the night. Thais believe that if the candle's still burning as the Krathong floats away, this will bring you good luck in the coming year.

The Fisherman Village Festival – Bophut

The 2nd annual Fishermans Village Festival is held over 5 days from the 22nd - 26th August.
Lots of quality live music including rock, popular and Thai rock played by local bands and artists from Bangkok. Food tents offer a wide range of cheaper and tasty cuisine provided by many local hotels, makes this festival one of the best events on the Samui calender.

Public Holidays

Entertainment

The most obvious thing to do while holidaying on Koh Samui is to laze on one of the beautiful beaches, and swim or paddle in the warm tropical waters, but you will probably want to do other things as well, and there is lots and lots to do. Some of them are mentioned here and you will find out about others as you get around the Island and through reading guide books.Watersports, Spas and Tours are mentioned in their own sections.

Thai Boxing

Thai boxing is the national sport in Thailand and is recognized as being one of the toughest forms of martial arts in the world. You can watch professional Muay Thai at the Chaweng Stadium on Tuesdays and Fridays and also at the Lamai stadium on Wednesday and Saturdays.

Thai Cooking Class

Light healthy Thai food is getting more and more popular all over the world. You can learn how to cook classic Thai dishes yourself here on Samui. Classes are available at some hotels and there is a professional Thai cooking school, "Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts" in Chaweng.

Bungy Jump

Face your fears with Samui Bungy Jump. Located near the Reggae Pub just off the Chaweng beach road. Experience the thrill of being elevated 50 metres above the ground into the air on a platform, and then launching yourself off towards the swimming pool beneath. Run by professional & committed British Jumpmasters trained to New Zealand safety standards.

Horse Riding

The Sundowner Horse Riding facility can be found at Laem Sor, Ban Taley on the south coast. You can take a horse ride by the sea and in the countryside. A wonderful experience even for the inexperienced, who are guided and well looked after.

Gym and Fitness Center

There are several purpose built gyms and fitness centres with modern equipment and facilities. Most of the large hotels have these facilities as well.

Butterfly Garden

Located opposite the Central Samui Village in Laem Set, the Butterfly Garden is built into a scenic hillside covered with netting. Vividly colored tropical butterflies can be seen along a winding foot path.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo

Just around the corner from the Butterfly Garden at Laem Set beach, this attraction features live specimens of local marine life in a darkened tunnel filled with tanks. On display are five playful Bengal tigers. A recent introduction to the zoo is a collection of tropical birds including parrots, eagles and love birds.

Go Karting

Samui Go-Kart track is located on the main road in Bophut. Their are three types of karts you can choose from: The Fun Kart is suitable for all ages; The Pro Kart is for those who prefer a bit more speed. The Speed Kart is the ultimate adrenalin fix which is recommended for more experienced drivers.

Ten Pin Bowling

The Living Bowl Centre can be found in central Chaweng above McDonalds. There are 12 top quality lanes in a disco style atmosphere and a pro shop where you can buy shoes, bowling balls and other accessories . An on-site restaurant provides food and drinks for hungry customers who don't want to stop bowling.

Buffalo Fighting

This widely loved spectacle still takes place at selected venues around the island, where banners are displayed days in advance. Two male buffaloes face off against one another in what amounts to a fairly harmless head wrestling contest. The first one to turn and run away is the loser.

Tennis

A few hotels have good tennis facilities. Courts can be rented. The going rate is 200 baht per hour. Racquets can also be rented. If you are a regular player it better to bring your own racquets.

Golf

The Samui Driving Range is located between Chaweng and Bophut, about 200 metres from the main road next to Bandon Hospital. Facilities include covered driving tees, targets for practicing distance and accuracy, a putting green and snack bar.

Monkey Theatre

Watch monkeys perform various tricks on stage, and then they climb a palm tree to demonstrate how they harvest coconuts. There are several shows a day. The Monkey Theater is located just off the main road about 300 metres from Bophut.

Shooting Range

Samui Shooting Sport is found just outside of Chaweng on the main road about 200 metres from the newly opened Tesco Lotus superstore. Here you can get some real target practice using a wide variety of weapons firing live ammunition, under the guidance of instructors. Open daily from 9am-6pm

Snake Farm

Located at Ban Phang Ka on the south west coast, the Samui Snake Farm is home to a great many species of snakes. There are two shows a day where you can see venomous snakes handled by capable and "death defying" trainers

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving from Koh Samui - Thailand

If you've finished exploring the palm tree lined beaches, temples and natural beauty of Koh Samui on the surface, then it's time to do some sightseeing below the deep blue oceans of the Gulf of Thailand.

It may surprise you to know that PADI issued more diving certifications in the Gulf of Thailand last year than in Australia's diving Mecca, The Great Barrier Reef.

It certainly didn't surprise us. Diving in the Gulf over the last ten years has been growing at a sensational rate, and the area is now firmly fixed as one of the world's great locations to dive, and to learn to dive.

The Gulf of Thailand offers a huge variety of dive sites suitable for all levels of diver.

So whether you want to blow your very first bubbles underwater or you're an experienced diver looking for something more challenging, there are plenty of options to choose from

Dive sites

So Where are We Scuba Diving?

Whether you're learning the ropes or an experienced diver hunting for the big species of the region, we've got a dive site for you.

If you're already certified, you'll find that most of the operators run daily trips, in which you'll make 2 dives.
You may wish to check that the operator offers insurance for your own peace of mind, and that they also provide relatively new and well maintained equipment. One store, 'The Dive Shop' in Chaweng, even lend their fun divers a dive computer for the day at no extra charge.

Other questions to ask should be -
Do they have a limit on the maximum amount of divers on their boat and do they have a maximum number of divers per group. There's no point coming all this way, just to get lost in the crowd!
There are three main diving areas visited by dive operators based in Koh Samui.

Koh Tao – Dive Site

The main attraction of Koh Tao and perhaps the region is Chumpon Pinnacle. The pinnacle starts at around 15m down and reaches down to beyond 30m. This is your best bet to see larger marine life. Especially Grey Reef sharks, very large Potato Cod and Grouper and Bull sharks are also sighted regularly here. Also if you're lucky enough to catch a view of a Whale Shark during your stay, Chumpon is the most likely place you will see one, along with the famous Sail Rock.

Koh Tao is dotted with many other dive sites ranging from more pinnacle dives, to bay and reef dives. Amongst the more noted are Green Rock with its maze of swimthroughs, Red Rock, where you can sometimes see turtles and stingrays and White Rock and Twins, some of the smaller pinnacle dive sites.

There are some lovely bay sites which offer a perfect learning environment for first timers or for a shallow second dive after the depths of Chumpon Pinnacle. These include Mango Bay, Japanese Gardens and Aow Leuk.
Speedboat journey time from Koh Samui are around 1 Hr 30 Min.

Sail Rock – Dive Site

Sail Rock is a large granite pinnacle which is situated mid distance between the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan. The pinnacle emerges 12m above the water surface and goes down to around 28m in places. The main topographical feature is 'The Chimney', a spacious vertical swim-through with entrances / exits at 6m, 12m and 18m. Often spotted here are large schools of Barracuda, Mackerel, Big eye Trevally and Batfish. Whilst shark sightings are rare, Whale sharks are spotted here with similar regularity to sightings at Chumpon Pinnacle.

Due to the distance to other dive sites, operators do both dives at Sail Rock on the day trip. One advantage Sail Rock has over Chumpon is the longer dive times, in the shallows up to 10m or even 5m toward the end of the dive you will still be right amongst the marine life.

Speedboat journey time from Koh Samui : 45mins - 1hr

Marine Park – Dive Site

The National Marine Park is generally shallower than the top divesites around Koh Tao and at Sail Rock which generally means the visibility is not as clear. However, fishing is limited here, and so there is an incredible variety of marine life.

Barracuda are often seen here as well as plenty of Angel fish and Butterfly fish amongst the coral. Porcupine Puffer fish, Morays and Blue Spotted stingrays are regularly found amongst the rocks and Banded sea snakes also make the dive sites of the marine park their home.
Speedboat journey time from Koh Samui : 45mins - 1hr

Watersports

Watersports are extensively available on Koh Samui, an island surrounded by smaller Islands and a clear blue crystal sea. The choice is varied and large. It is a good idea to enquire about insurance cover.

Jet Skiing

Jet skis can be hired on many of the larger beaches. This gives an opportunity for you to ride the waves and see the island from a very different perspective.

Snorkelling

Snorkellers can accompany their diving companions on scuba dive trips, take a tour organised for snorkellers, a trip arranged by local fishermen to one of the many surrounding islands, or just snorkel from the beaches and rock formations dotted around the Island.Either way, the beauty of the coral and fish that can be seen through your mask is great.

Water skiing

Equipment can be hired from several water sports centres in Chaweng, Bophut, Maenam, Lamai and Big Buddha.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing equipment is available for rent from several watersport centres such as Sa-ards Watersports around the island. Lessons are available for beginner adults and children. Prices start from 300 baht per hour for equipment rental and from 500 baht for a one hour individual lesson (equipment included).

Kayaking

Kayaks / Sea Canoes can be hired on some of the beaches. They are very stable and easy to use. Several companies offer guided day trip tours to the nearby Angthong National Marine Park, where you can paddle through coral gardens and limestone islands. Alternatively you can hire a canoe by the hour and paddle along Samui's coastline.

Fishing

Fishing tours from small fry to deep sea can be booked with a few fishing tour operators such as Sea Power Fishing Tours or local fishermen. You can also rent or buy fishing equipment if you prefer to fish off Samui's shores.

Sailing

Sailing boats such as a Laser or Hobie Cat 16, can be rented by the hour or half day from a few water sports centres. Some of the larger hotels provide their own sailing boats free of charge and there are also yacht charter companies available.

Fun

Banana boat rides are available on Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut beaches.

Thai Cooking

Either you arrived at this page out of curiosity, or you are a genuine Thai food lover. Your trip will be an opportunity to greatly expand your knowledge of the cuisine that is taking the world by storm. The reasons for the growing popularity of Thai food are now well known. It is light, nutritious, and wonderfully varied. What many don't realize is that it is possible for those living in the West to incorporate a steady diet of Thai food into their life by cooking it often at home.

Even if your home kitchen is simply equipped, assuming you have a wok, you probably already have the equipment you need to cook most of the more popular dishes. If your burners are gas you have a head start. If not, you may want to consider installing at least one gas burner if you plan to cook Thai often. Good control of the heat, and the ability to produce a very hot flame for stir frying is important.

Developing Your Repertoire

Chances are (especially if this is your first trip to the Kingdom) the range of Thai dishes you are familiar with represents just a small percentage of the range of the cuisine. Instead of sticking to the tried and true during your travels here, why not make it a point each time you dine out to order something you have never eaten before? While you may not like some dishes as much as your favorites, if you dine Thai style, (with others and sharing everything) there is bound to be something to discover and enjoy.

Copy from the menu, the names of dishes you like, and ask your waiter to write their Thai names next to them. This is important, because sometimes the English names are vague. "Fried Noodles" for example, could mean any one of 10 different dishes. Then enlist the aid of a Thai chef, cooking instructor or acquaintance who has a knowledge of culinary English, to rewrite your list with descriptions that will allow you to shop for a few cookbooks that have these recipes in them. There is no shortage of cookbooks for sale on Samui! You can now return home - perhaps with an armload of supplies - roll up your sleeves and start to get busy in the kitchen.

Where Will the Ingredients Come From?

The availability of Thai cooking ingredients in Western countries is now better than ever and improving all the time. Why not start by asking the Thai restaurant nearest your home where they get theirs? They may be reluctant to tell you, but it can't hurt to try. Visit the nearest Asian grocer who is sure to carry some of what you need, and ask him if he can get what you don't see. Finally, you can supplement what is available locally with purchases made over the Internet from one of several companies selling Thai ingredients by mail order. One of the best is right here on Samui, and they ship worldwide.

Which brings us to the next piece of good news. Koh Samui is home to one of Thailand's most established and respected cooking schools for foreigners.

Recommended by the "Lonely Planet", "Rough Guide", and "Frommer's Guide to Thailand", Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts' daily cooking classes have also been seen on BBC World TV's "Holiday" programme. Classes are taught in English, and held twice daily Monday through Saturday year round in their air-conditioned facility. The menus change every day. Lunchtime class meets 11:30 am and dinnertime class at 4:00 pm, Monday through Saturday.

For fastidious cooks/hosts and would be restaurateurs for whom presentation is important, the Institute's director and award-winner master food carver Roongfa Sringam, teaches the Thai style art of Fruit and Vegetable Carving in three day courses during which students meet 2 hours each day. Ornate flower patterns, carving garnishes and plate decoration are covered.

To see SITCA's menus and make a booking, go to http://www.sitca.net/ At their retail shop you can find a wide range of ingedients including dried herbs, spices, curry pastes, and "Easy-to-Make" recipe packs to take home. Their instructors and sales staff are on hand to offer advice. They also carry cook books and instructional carving texts. And if you run out back home, all their products are available by mail order through their website.

Preparing Authentic Thai Meals for Your Family and Friends

In these pages we are going to share a few secrets and perhaps dispel a few misconceptions. To begin with, Thais are perplexed when they see visitors order individual servings when dining out. Watch how the locals eat while you are here. Even in pairs, they almost always share everything they order, to get the most enjoyment possible from eating. Foreigners who dine as guests of Thais are sometimes stunned by the number of dishes of food that arrive to feed a small group. But the majority consist of mostly healthful fare such as vegetables and noodles. The quantities of meat used are small. Usually almost everything is eaten, with great relish.

You'll be told that you should always serve steamed rice. This is generally true. A portion is given to each person, who spoons a little of this and that onto the rice, eats it and then tries something else. Thais almost never put more than one thing (exluding the rice) on their plate at a time, to do so would be considered bad manners. BUT (we're going to stick our necks out here) there is no rule that says you have to eat rice with Thai food! In fact, if you prepare a delectable assortment of dishes for your guests and they want to skip the rice altogether so they can try more of what looks so good, that is perfectably understandable. Even Thais sometimes skip the rice at a special meal, especially those watching their weight. And let's face it, some folks just don't care much for rice. This is no reason to forego the pleasures of Thai food.

As a general rule you will want to prepare at least one dish for every person dining, to make sure there is plenty to go around. Go for a mix that includes a soup, a curry, a stir-fry, a vegetable, perhaps something deep fried, and some fish or seafood. (If you and your guests are vegetarian, you will revel in the possibilities for non-meat feasts that the cuisine affords.) An omelet is also often served. Its blandness and spongy texture give counterbalance to some of the spicier dishes, and omelet is very good with rice, especially with a little fish sauce drizzled over it. Serving an omelet is also a safe precaution when children or fussy eaters are in the group. And the inclusion of a noodle dish is this case is also a good choice, as most of them are typically not hot.

You'll want to mix up the flavorings when deciding what to include in your menu. You probably already know that Thai cuisine is not only hot (spicy) but also salty, sour, sweet and sometimes bitter. Some dishes contain just one of these elements while others, (papaya salad for example) burst with many. The creative use of many flavors are the secret to the glorious variety in the cuisine.

The basic principles that guide the preparation of any cuisine hold no less true for this one. Always use the freshest and best quality ingredients you can. Use fresh herbs whenever possible, and whole spices will make your dishes explode with flavor. Take care too, with your purchase of seasonings. Fish, oyster and soy sauces are made by many manufacturers and they are not all the same quality! Again, your trip here is an opportunity to acquaint yourself with different brands, and perhaps take a home a bottle or two of the best ones.

Hotness - How Much is Too Much? How Little is too Little?

Not all Thai dishes are hot, or need be. However it's true that a Thai meal without a fiery dish (or two or three) is like a day at the beach without sunshine.

Here is one of the trickiest issues for the Western host inviting friends to a home cooked Thai meal. What if one couple like their curries and soups etc.

with a kick, while others have no tolerance for hotness? One obvious solution is to ask only fire-eating friends to your Thai food nights. Another is to go very light on the chilies in preparation, and let your guests add their own at table.

But let's look at why from a gastronomic standpoint, the second option is not very satisfactory for the Thai food lover.

When you make or buy a curry (or Tom Yum e.g.) paste, its hotness depends on the number of chilies that were ground into its production. It's that simple.

To think that you will get an equally satisfying kind of hotness by sprinkling chili flakes on a dish right before eating it, is like thinking you can leave the garlic out of the first steps of making a marinara sauce, and then sprinkle it on your spaghetti just before tucking in. It's just not the same.

Of course a third option would be to make two of each dish, one with plenty of kick and one without, the way restaurants serving a mixed clientele must do. But this is a lot of extra work (not to mention waste) and that is one reason visitors are sometimes frustrated in their attempts to get "authentic" tasting dishes in restaurants that cater to a largely non Thai clientele.

The heat by the way, comes from the oil in the chilies, a fact you'll soon learn the hard way if you handle one and then accidentally rub your eye. Sometimes the chilies are put into a dish whole, sometimes crushed, sometimes sliced, and sometimes chopped. Red chilies are simply green ones that have ripened, and are hottest.

Expanding your Horizons

No matter how many Thai restaurants you have dined at abroad and cookbooks you own, there will remain unknown to you a world of regional dishes, unless you live or travel extensively in the Kingdom.

The only way to discover these is to leave the beaten track and venture into restaurants where tourists do not go, and that cater to a Thai clientele.

One sure way of knowing you have found one of these is the absence of English on the menu. In restaurants like these (and on street stalls) you will find dishes with unfamiliar and often strong flavors. Many curries (especially in Southern Thailand) will have a level of hotness you will not believe a human palate can endure.

The reasons Thai restaurateurs catering to foreigners do not put these dishes on their menus are many, but there is one main one. Simply put, they assume that Westerners cannot and do not want to eat them.

In many cases they are right - for these are tastes acquired with time and "practice"; much the way cheese is for many Thais who try it. The other thing that you as cook must consider, is that these dishes are made with local ingredients - the ones that are most likely to be unobtainable in any form outside of Southeast Asia.

So how to learn how to use ingredients like fermented shrimp paste; young coconut and hearts of palm and bamboo; banana leaves;, fish bellies; and vegetables you have never seen before, let alone tasted? There is only one solution that we know of. Plan an extended stay. If you're really serious, settle into a bungalow near a few local restaurants you like, befriend the cooks, and try to learn a little of the language. Good luck!

Stocking up on Ingredients During Your Stay

We'll not go into the nitty gritty of Thai food preparation here, we recommend you take some cooking classes for that. But we will offer some advice on what you might like to take (or ship) back home after you've acquired some new knowledge and skills.

Firstly, be aware than many countries will not allow you to bring agricultural products of any kind through customs. In any case you will want to try and get your fresh herbs at home from your local grocer. If you can't however, consider taking home some packages of dried ones. While the flavor isn't as good as fresh, dried lemongrass, galangal, and others herbs, can be used with satisfactory results.

Kaffir lime leaves in particular can be tricky to find outside of Thailand. If you can find a source for fresh ones you are lucky indeed. If not, you may want to stock up on dried.

Enhancing your Presentation

As stated earlier, you probably already have all the equipment you need to cook Thai. If you don't yet own a wok or even if you do, you might take the opportunity to purchase a good quality stainless steel one while you are here. The best selection of kitchen equipment on Samui can be found in the town of Nathon, in two or three shops and markets located on the main street on the way out of town heading north (away from Chaweng.) Other equipment you may want to take or ship home include a large wooden mortar and pestle if you plan to make pounded salads such as Som Tom; and a smaller stone one if you plan to make your curry paste.

To set a table that evokes memories of the Kingdom, you might also consider the purchase of some ceramic plates and serving dishes made in Thailand in the local style. One item sure to impress your guests (especially if they like their soup nice and hot as Thais do) is a clay or aluminum fire pot. This is a two piece set consisting of a base that holds burning charcoal, and a soup tureen that sits on top like a double burner.

Placed on the table at meal time, a fire pot will keep the soup piping throughout the meal, so that guests can dip in as often as they wish. You may also want to pick up a ceramic set of little bowls with spoons, specially designed for diners to help themselves to extra sauces and chilies etc. Wooden chopping knives and cleavers and knives are also excellent value.

The content in this page was contributed by: Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts

Thai food - what to eat.

Thai food is well known for it's spicy qualities, although there are many mild dishes available. Rice is the staple food of Thailand and is served with most dishes. Rice noodles are served in fried dishes and soups. Thai cuisine is full of variety, flavour and nutrition, meat and vegetables are lightly fried or boiled.

Here are a selection of popular Thai dishes we would recommend you try.

Pad Thai is known as Thailand's national dish, it is made with noodles, bean curd, vegetables, egg, peanuts and dried shrimps.

Noodle soup is made with noodels, vegetables, meat and meat balls, it is the only dish eaten with chop sticks.

Rice soup is a breakfast meal, often an egg is added which cooks as it is stirred in.

Sticky rice is glutinous rice that is eaten with the fingers and served in a lidded basket.

Penang curry is a spicy dry curry made with chicken, beef, pork or shrimp and red chilies

Green curry is a mild curry cooked with coconut milk and green chilies.

Steamed Rice is always served first and accompanies most meals.

Tum Yam is Thailand's most famous soup, it is made with shrimps, tomatoes, lemon grass and chilies

Seafood salad is spicy mixed seafood with lemon juice served on lettuce.

Mango with sticky rice is served with sweet coconut cream. Thailand's most well known dessert.

Food and Dining

One of the things that makes Samui so appealing is the fact that you can still stop at a street cart for a 30 baht plate of Pad Thai or Fried Rice, while just around the corner a lavish buffet is being served on the beach. All the options are here, including several Thai vegetarian restaurants.

In recent years an international community of entrepreneur restaurateurs have brought to Samui the cuisines of Japan, Italy, Germany, India, Switzerland, France, Sweden and Mexico, among others. Good Western cuisine can now be found in almost every village on the island. Need a "back home" style snack or a fast-food fix? There are excellent bakeries, ice cream parlours, McDonalds is in Chaweng and Lamai along with other well known pizza outlets.

If you stay long enough for your digestive system to begin to get acclimatized, you might try eating at one of the outdoor evening markets that locals frequent. Here you will find some of Samui's most authentic (and spicy!) Thai food. The seating arrangements may be crude and the air filled with the noise of nearby locals relaxing after work with Karaoke, but the food will be hot, tasty and cheap.

There are a lot of magazines on the island with lists of where to eat and a good restaurant guide to help you decide.

Restaurant hygiene

All restaurants and food vendors serve safe bottled drinking water, and most use clean factory-made ice cubes. Vegetables are washed in tap water but safe when cooked. You may want to avoid eating raw ones.

Many seafood restaurants display their wares on ice for customers to see. When choosing fish, look for bright (not cloudy) eyes, and a bright crimson color under the gills. The fish should be firm to the touch. Don't hesitate to smell shellfish for freshness before choosing it.

A final tip: if going to a buffet, try to get to there early. In a tropical climate, the longer the food has been exposed, the greater the chance of contamination.

Thai Fruits:

Night Life

When the sun goes down, the villages of Chaweng and Lamai have exceptionally vibrant nightlife. Beginning at dusk you can stroll the main strips and choose from hundreds of venues for drinks, dining, and live music. Bophut is more subdued, with a café and bistro scene that is decidedly low key, and preferred for this reason by some. The villages of Maenam and Nathon become very quiet after the shops have closed for the day.

In addition to the hundreds of local landowners and business people who have jumped on the bandwagon, many foreigners who have become smitten with life on Samui, have gone into the night time entertainment business. Whether you appreciate the proliferation of establishments or not, it must be said that a great deal of international creativity and energy (not to mention money!) has gone into some that have opened in recent years.

The result is that for such a small and remote island, Samui has an amazingly wide variety of night time entertainment venues. The themes, decors, and standards range from the truly sublime to the truly ridiculous.

If you're staying in Samui's nightlife center, you probably came to party, since after 8:30 pm you can't escape the scene. In-your-face girlie bars are scattered around, with a heavy concentration in Soi Green Mango ("Soi" means "lane" in Thai.) But you can escape them if that's not your scene. If you don't want to be accosted with cries of "Hello welcoooome, come inside please!!" everywhere you go, it helps not to make eye contact with the "greeters." Admittedly however, this can be pretty hard. Some of them are awfully persuasive, not to mention charming.

And it's not that you won't have fun! We don't have any specific recommendations, since "hostess" bars are all pretty much of a muchness. Like at Phuket's Patong Beach, Bangkok's Patpong and Nana Plaza and Pattaya, girls are employed to play counter top games with the customers, pour drinks, and for those who would like to "rent-a-date" for the evening, go out on the town and more. Of course you must pay the "bar fine" that wins them their night off from hostessing duties. This is usually about 200 baht.

Many of these bars are owned by foreign men and their Thai wives or girlfriends who act as "mamasan" (madam). If you find a bar that has an ambience you like, nice staff and maybe a proprieter that you hit it off with, it may well become your evening hangout of choice and this goes for couples as well as singles! They can be great fun, whether you choose to avail yourselves of the extracurricular options or not.

Thirsty sports lovers are not deprived on Samui. Satelllite television has become ubiquitous in recent years, and the first acquisition any barkeep makes after the stereo, is the dish and decoder. International events, movies on DVD, and pretty much all the shows visitors are accustomed to seeing at home, are available everywhere. English football (soccer) is hugely popular in Thailand and bars showing it are easy to find, or hard to escape from, depending on your point of view.

If you're planning a big night out, those familiar with Thailand's long world-famous night time entertainment scene who haven't been here in a couple of years, will be in for an adjustment. The government decided in 2002, that 2:00 am was a reasonable bedtime hour for anyone and everyone. With few exceptions, lights must now go on at 2:00 am sharp and that includes the world class discos that have helped put Samui on the party map of the world.

Oddly however, the earlier closing times haven't changed habits much. The Reggae Pub and The Green Mango still don't start heating up until after midnight, leaving just 2 hours to get your groove on before closing. If you want to keep drinking after that, you can always join the crowd sitting on the steps of the nearest 7-11 convenience store, where you can buy alcohol 24 hours a day.

There are a few places in Chaweng worth noting for warming up. Packed in high season, newly opened Tropical Murphy's on the main road has quickly become popular with people watchers and those with a yen for a draught beer and a meal that reminds them of home.

With more than a little help from many Internet downloads, the proprietor of the Barefoot Bar near the Central Samui Beach Resort has collected and plays a mix of music that is possibly unrivaled in Chaweng. Better still, he serves generously mixed cocktails that make casual passers by into regulars in no time.
Or just walk up and down the strip.

You could spend each night of your holiday bar hopping all evening long, and you still wouldn't scratch the surface.
Here's a tip: If you don't want to get ripped off by the drivers of the red public taxis, prepare exact change ahead of time. The price should be 20 baht per person to go anywhere in Chaweng. On the other hand if you wait until closing time you might not have much negotiating power. Price gouging at that hour seems to have been agreed upon by drivers as a group, and you're pretty much at their mercy.

If your interested in watching Thai boxers try to punch and kick the living daylights out of each other in what has been billed as one of the world's most violent sports, there's a proper stadium near the Reggae Pub that has been built for twice weekly events. If you miss the publicity in their print ads, their roving sound truck will soon put you in the loop.

For those who want to be seen, the Full Circle Bar is just a stone's throw from the soi Green Mango. Popular with Thais as well as foreigners, a live rock band does covers nightly and loudly. There's a disco in the back that seems to cater mostly to locals.

Some of the best sound in Chaweng can be heard at Sweet Soul Café which is just across the
street from the Green Mango at the end of the soi. The DJ plays a mix of hip hop and dance remixes of old classics, and the equipment is first class. In high season after midnight the dancing crowd spills out into the street and the ambience is second to none.

If you're planning to end the night at the Reggae Pub and you feel like a stroll, the walk from the beach road takes you past dozens of little bars with beckoning hostesses. This world famous disco did a complete renovation last year. While still cavernous with its trademark wood structure, the new décor and the fittings are very sharp indeed.. A live band plays nightly, and when they don't, long-time DJ Sergio pumps up the volume.

Lamai

In high season, Lamai rivals Chaweng for ambience and choice. Some very stylish bars and bistros have opened, and in addition to long-established "Bauhaus" discotechque, there are now at least one or two others. Of course the obligatory girlie bars are also there in large numbers.

Billabong bar on the main strip near McDonald's has a good sound system, friendly staff and posts the day's televised sporting events on a blackboard.

The Siam Bar and Grill is trying hard to establish themselves as the place to go for live entertainment. An Elvis show, live band, and ladies mud wrestling are among the treats in store for you in their air-conditioned premises. While just down the street at Banana Boat bar you can take in a ladyboy (transsexual) cabaret style stage show.

Keeping the Party Going After Hours

We won't speculate here on how a few establishments manage to stay open after the 2:00 am closing time, nor do we know their names. We hear they are mostly on the beach, and an investigation amongst the locals when you arrive will almost certainly yield the information.

Keeping Out Of Trouble

You got all the good news, now for some words of caution, meant not to put a damper on your holiday plans, but rather in the hope they will go off as beautifully as you hope.

The ambience in Samui's nighttime entertainment areas is as relaxed and freewheeling as you will experience anywhere. The ease with which one gets intoxicated by the excitement is partly due to the island being an exceptionally safe place to let loose and have fun.

However be aware that like any tourist destination, we do have our petty criminals and yes - we do have laws.

Try not to let your sense of being completely cut-off from the world you know, make you lose your common sense. If you are involved in a serious incident such a drug arrest, robbery, or motor vehicle accident, the downside to being in a land where you are an anonymous stranger, will quickly come crashing down on your head - and hard. Exercise the same caution you would at home, and you are most likely to have a perfect holiday.

Firstly and most important, if you going out drinking for the evening, leave the rented scooter home, and take taxis. While the statistics on the number of tourists seriously injured or killed every year on Samui are not commonly made public, they are shocking.

There are a great many people driving bikes and cars while under the influence at night on Samui, and driving them too fast. Again - leave the bike at the hotel.

If you decide to pay a new friend for her (or his) company for the night, needless to say, wear a condom. The vast majority of those on Samui who are these days called "commercial sex workers," do not have criminal intentions of any kind. In fact as a group, they are about as honest as people in other walks of life in Thailand. However there are occasional incidents.

In particular be extremely cautious with men masquerading as women. Walking the streets of Chaweng after 1:00 am can be like a science fiction movie. Transvestites and transsexuals ("real" women sex workers do not do this) maraud the streets on scooters late at night, inviting men unattended by women, to accompany them. If you go, you may be placing yourself in a dangerous situation.

If you choose to take a new friend (sex worker, casual acquaintance or fellow tourist!) back to your hotel, always safeguard your valuables. Finally, women especially, are strongly advised not to accept invitations from a stranger to walk on the beach at night.

Drugs

Are they available? Yes. If you consider arrest, detainment in jail for several days, a fine of US $2000 or more and then deportment and possible blacklisting ensuring you will never again step foot in Thailand, to be a risk worth taking for the high, then we have just two words for you. Good luck! Many, MANY people have had their vacations ruined and their bank accounts emptied due to drug arrests on Samui.

Police here don't need a warrant and they don't need cause to search you - at least in practice. It only takes a routine check in front of the local convenience store to find the joint in your cigarette pack.

Flower Children

The number of children selling flowers in the bars late at night has grown in recent years, as parents have realized how much money can be made by putting their young children to work in this way.

Many of these children are very sweet and charming. It's all part of the pitch, and they learn fast. Some will throw their arms around your legs or waist (if they can reach that high.) If your sense of sympathy inclines you to buy from them, please consider before doing so, that the fact they are up way past the hour children their age should be, has more do to with their parents' greed than poverty.

In spite of what the children and some barstaff may tell you, in almost all cases, it is NOT necessary for them to be doing this kind of "work" to feed their families, on an island as wealthy as Samui. And you can be pretty sure that a child who is up selling flowers until 1:00 am will probably not be getting up for school the following day in any kind of state conducive to learning.

Shockingly, some children are given substances to keep them awake, while others tranquilizers to keep them "under control." The authorities are aware of the problem and occasionally crack down.

Shopping

The major villages of Chaweng, Nathon, Lamai and Maenam all have central commercial districts. Nathon is ideal for daytime shopping with a very wide variety of stores and a market. Chaweng has many high street shops and also at night, open late, is a street market and the newly opened Tesco Lotus superstore where you can buy many well known items.

Many souvenirs, clothes, jewellery etc. are produced on mainland Thailand and brought to Samui. By comparison to Bangkok or Chiang Mai some products may not seem like the bargains you had hoped they would be. But they're still likely to be less expensive than they are at home. Try to make the best purchase possible and get a fair price.

Soap-carving

Colourful, small flowers, carved skillfully from soap, and placed in nice lacqered boxes, can be brought from many roadside stalls. With a bit of luck you can watch how such a delicate flower is carved from an ordinary bar of soap.

Wall hangings

Wall hangings can be bought in so many styles and fabrics that it will be easy to find soemthing you like. The example in the photo shows elephants on cloth, heaverly embroidered with gold thread and imitation gems.

Rattan, Bamboo and Wickerwork

There is a large variety of items available; ranging from a small bag to large piece of furniture. The prices are not too high, and large items can easily be shipped overseas.

Jewellery

A wide selection of skillfully crafted jewellery can be found on Koh Samui. You can buy Thai gold that contains a much higher percentage of gold and is therefore much softer than 18 and 24 karat gold associated with the west.

A number of gem stones, like rubies and sapphires are mined in Thailand, others are imported from places such as Cambodia and Vietnam. Bangkok is one of the biggest gem trading centres in the world.

Unless you are an expert, it is good advise to purchase jewellery only in established shops. This way you may avoid adding one more complaint to the Tourist Authourity of Thailand about jewellery scams.

Ceramics

Ceramics have been produced in Thailand for hundreds of years. Many styles show a Chinese influence. But there are some types that are distinctively Thai. One of them is Celadon; easily recognizable by its characteristic cracked patina over a very light green glaze. A second one is Bencharong, with its colourful enamelled surface. You can buy a small pot or a complete dinner set.

A bargaining tip: Smile when you say "that seems a little expensive!" Thai merchants do not respond well to aggressive, loud, or insistent tactics. You may consider yourself a good negotiator, but remember that in the Land of Smiles, the friendlier and calmer you remain, the better deal you are likely to get.

Here are a selection of handicrafts and souvenirs that are available on Koh Samui.

Wood-carving

You can buy many high quality hand carved items from figurines to furniture. Items made from coconut wood are a produced locally on Samui and can be found at Hin Ta Hin Yai (Granfather and Grandmother Rocks) as well as at many roadside stalls.

Silk and Cotton

Handwoven Thai silk is famous all over the world. Silk production in Thailand dates back to ancient times. It was beginning to die out when Jim Thompson, after the Second World War, put all his effort in reviving the ancient tradition of silk production, centered mostly in the North and North-East of Thailand, it has become a booming export business. The uneven and slightly rough texture of Thai silk is not a sign of poor quality, it means that the cloth was made without artificial processesing.

A great variety of silk items, such as ties, shirts, dresses and cushions are available, you can also have all sorts of clothes tailored to your own measurements.

Masks and Puppets

Masks and puppets have traditionally been used for dance performances and puppet shows in Thailand. Although performances have become rare, masks and puppets are still sold as souvenirs. You can buy shadow puppets, skillfully cut out from buffalo skin. Furthermore there ia a wide selection of marionettes, rod puppets, masks of ancient gods and demons.

Lacquerware

The production of lacquerware consists of applying several layers of lacquer on wood. Delicate, hand painted motives and patterns are then applied with either gold or coloured paint.

Antiques

Beautiful, charming Thai antiques, ranging from ceramics, tapestries, statues and puppets to baskets, cabinets, doors and temple artifacts are available on the island. If you want to purchase a genuine Thai antique, be very careful. A whole industry has been setup to in order to produce first quality reproductions. Buy from a reputable shop. An export permit is required for every antique and buddha image. Some of the antique shops can arrange this for you.

Fake Goods

Fake goods are widley available on Koh Samui. They can be of high quality. Do you fancy wearing a Rolex watch, Channel T-shirt or Quicksilver shorts? All that and much more can be purchased from market stalls. A wide selection of CD's, VCD's and DVD's are also for sale. Be aware that customs officers may confiscate fakes.

SPAS & Centers

There are numerous spas and health resorts offering various treatments. They are all in beautiful and tranquil settings, so you get the most out of the experience, mind andl as body.

The therapists are of many nationalities and it will not be difficult to find a course, treatment or therapy to suit your requirements. Many spas sell the natural products they use so you can carry on the good work when you return home and many have small restaurants serving health foods or drinks. Some also give lessons in Traditional massage.

Here are the different treatments and services available:

Traditional Thai Massage

Comes in many forms. From languid beachside practitioners who lay their mats under the palms to roadside air-conditioned facilities where you can have this art applied to just about every part of your body from head to toe. You will find choices everywhere you go, with prices that vary as much as the options.

Other massages include - Swedish, Tibetan and Aroma oil.

Herbal steam

Herbal steam is an amazingly refreshing experience, the herbal mixes stimulate and invigorate your skin. It also cleanses and detoxifies your body, while helping your muscles relax.

Meditation

Meditation is consciously directing your attention to alter your state of consciousness and practioners here can assist you to become an expert.

Yoga

Yoga is a psycho-physical discipline with roots going back about 5,000 years. Most Yoga practices focus on the physical postures called "asanas," breathing exercises called "pranayama," and the meditation benefits of Yoga. The benefits of yoga include improved physical fitness, mental clarity, greater self-understanding, stress control and general well-being.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi can perhaps best be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. There are a number of so- called forms which consist of a sequence of movements. Many of these movements are originally derived from the martial arts (and perhaps even more ancestrally than that, from the natural movements of animals and birds), although the way they are performed in Tai Chi is slowly, softly and gracefully with smooth and even transitions between them.

Fasting programmes

Fasting is one of the most natural, powerful therapies known to humankind. Periods of abstinence from solid food, allow the body to cleanse and purify, to remove variuos toxins, excess weight and parasites. This gives the cells, tissues and organs of your body a chance to slow down, rest, and heal.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet that correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology relieves tension,improves circulation and promotes the natural function of the related areas of the body.

Facial treatments and body wraps

Facial
There are a number of therapeutic skin care treatments. These treatments, in combination with our skin care products, can help rejuvenate your skin and bring back your youthful look.

Body Wraps
There are many types of body wraps. Generally, a body wrap is a treatment that is extremely effective in helping the body rid itself of toxins and excess fluid. Herbal wraps help sore, aching muscles and relax muscular tension which may be causing pain.

Colonic and ozone therapies

A self colonic or colonic irrigation with ozone is the most effective way to detoxify the body and clean the colon of toxins or waste. It lays the foundation for improved health and more active life. Cleaning the colon starts a new life cycle for a more enjoyable and exciting life.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is like guided daydreaming: a form of relaxed concentration. What is relaxed is first, the body and second, the conscious part of the mind. Therein lies its value as a tool of therapy.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles, on the body's surface, in order to influence physiological functioning of the body. It can also be used in conjunction with heat produced by burning specific herbs.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy. It can help in a wide range of conditions - from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health. Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives.

Reiki

Reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that allows everyone to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve health and enhance the quality of life

Chinese medicine

Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that has diagnosed, treated, and prevented illness for over twenty-three centuries. Chinese medicine can also enhance recuperative power, immunity, and the capacity for pleasure, work, and creativity.

Other treatments available on the island are:

Nutritional consultants, Detoxification, Blood analysis

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