| A 2-hour ferry ride from the coast of Sarat | | | | more heated parties found elsewhere on the |
| Thani will land you on the banks of Samui, | | | | island. Lamai Beach has a thriving red light |
| one of Thailand's most popular resort islands | | | | district and plenty of go-go bars, while |
| which has grown increasingly popular in the | | | | Chaweng Beach hosts a variety of live bands |
| past few years. Well-known for its wild | | | | that play a mix of Thai and western covers. |
| parties as well as for its luxurious resorts, | | | | |
| stunning coral reef environments and natural | | | | Daytrip down south |
| landscape, Samui has rightfully earned its | | | | |
| place as one of Thailand's most-loved | | | | For those seeking the less touristy side of |
| destinations. | | | | Samui, you may consider heading to the south |
| | | | side of the island. There has been less |
| Beaches | | | | development here, and a daytrip provides |
| | | | insight into what Samui once looked like, as |
| Chaweng Beach is probably the most popular | | | | well as offering a glimpse of day to day life |
| beach to visit on Samui. Its clear waters and | | | | for the locals who don't work directly with |
| white sand make it very inviting, and the | | | | tourists. You'll find several enticing, |
| exciting night life and Muay Thai boxing | | | | secluded beaches connected by coconut groves |
| matches are an added bonus. Choeng Mon is | | | | and predominately Muslim fishing villages. |
| more secluded and offers five-star | | | | |
| accommodation, while the bay of Ao Tong | | | | Waterfalls |
| Takian is named after the silver hue of its | | | | |
| sand. Lamai Beach is packed with water sports | | | | It's worthwhile to journey out to one of a |
| ranging from jet-skis and banana boats to | | | | few waterfalls on the island. Hin Lat Fall is |
| activities like parasailing. | | | | most conductive to swimming, as there aren't |
| | | | many boulders or sharp edges underwater. |
| Temple of the Big Buddha | | | | Trekkers and groups of elephant riders |
| | | | regularly journey to the Na Muang Falls |
| The Temple of the Big Buddha, or Wat Phra | | | | system-specifically to the second waterfall, |
| Yai, was built in 1972 and is one of Samui's | | | | because it's easily accessed by elephants. |
| top attractions. In the past few decades, it | | | | The first of the two falls cascades |
| has become a beacon of prosperity for the | | | | magnificently down a steep cliff. |
| island, a sentiment embodied in the 12 metre | | | | |
| Buddha statue that sits in the grounds. There | | | | Diving |
| is also a meditation centre on-site that's | | | | |
| open to visitors. | | | | Samui has a firm reputation among snorkellers |
| | | | and divers. Beginners can receive instruction |
| Full Moon Party | | | | from local gurus that work at one of multiple |
| | | | diving shops. More experienced divers have |
| Full Moon parties have become synonymous with | | | | many options, ranging from the nearby Ang |
| the hedonistic side of this region. These | | | | Thong National Marine Park or Sail Rock, out |
| high-octane celebrations take place once a | | | | to the farther but highly esteemed Koh Tao, |
| month on the nearby Koh Pha Ngan. Thousands | | | | where divers from all over Thailand gather. |
| of foreign tourists flock to the island for | | | | In any event, the clear waters and stunning |
| what compares to an outdoor, coastal rave. | | | | coral reefs make diving a wonderful |
| Music blares, prices soar and controlled | | | | experience. |
| substances abound. As the popularity of these | | | | |
| parties has risen, savvy locals have added an | | | | Adventure sports |
| interim Half Moon Party to add an extra | | | | |
| weekend of debauchery and partying. | | | | Samui is an ideal place for those who are |
| | | | full of energy as there are many adrenaline |
| Eating out | | | | pumping activities and exciting water sports. |
| | | | You can also get up close and personal with |
| Eating out is one of the simplest pleasures | | | | Samui's local elephants. The less energetic |
| in Samui, with fresh seafood served up in | | | | will be content with the lovely beaches that |
| every fashion according to international and | | | | offer perfect tropical swimming, or a day |
| local recipes. Visitors will find authentic | | | | spent shopping or at a spa. |
| street vendors selling delicious treats at | | | | |
| phenomenal prices, along with more upscale | | | | Viewing wildlife |
| establishments that sell gourmet Thai dishes | | | | |
| as well as international cuisine. One way to | | | | Samui has every manner of wildlife. Marine |
| treat yourself is to take your dinner on the | | | | life teems at the Samui Aquarium, while |
| beach in the comfortable surroundings of a | | | | snakes and scorpions are employed in |
| beachside restaurant. | | | | death-defying shows at the Snake Farm. The |
| | | | Crocodile Farm has more than just reptiles, |
| Partying and nightlife | | | | with a few monkeys and other animals in |
| | | | addition to crocs and lizards. Violent |
| Big Buddha Beach is a good place to spend an | | | | Buffalo fights are held at one of several |
| evening for families or perhaps for the faint | | | | buffalo stadiums, while delicate butterfly |
| of heart. Many establishments here are | | | | species can be observed at the Butterfly Farm |
| laid-back and lack the pulsing music of the | | | | in the island's southeast corner. |