Are you going to go on vacation to Thailand, namely to visit Koh Samui? Then this article is for you. It will consider the most popular beaches of Samui. But first, a little about the island itself.
Samui Island: beaches, general information
Samui, or, as the locals call it, Koh Samui, is located in the Gulf of Thailand, which in the southeast passes into the South China Sea. Due to the geological and geographical features of the location of the island on it, the tsunami never happened, unlike Phuket.
Samui's area is 228.7 square kilometers. Local time is three hours ahead of Moscow. There are more than 50 thousand inhabitants. The coastline of the island is four kilometers long. It can be noted that almost all the beaches of Samui are clean and amazing with their unforgettable beauty. During low tide, water from the shore does not go far.
You can get to the island by plane from Bangkok. You can navigate the surroundings on Songthavas. These are pickups with seats that are located in the back. You can also rent a motorbike, car (if you have an international driver's license).
So, if you decide to visit this island, then a map of Samui with beaches, hotels, attractions will help you decide on a tour to Thailand.
Weather on the island
The climate is different from other regions of the kingdom of Thailand. On the island, the rainy season is not particularly pronounced, and there is no such heat as on the mainland. Consider the weather for months. For example, from January to March, the following is observed: rains become less and shorter, the sea becomes calmer. Months such as February and March are considered ideal times for relaxation. Daytime temperatures reach 31 degrees, nighttime temperatures 21, and water temperatures 28. The hottest season is in April and May.
In Samui, bad weather is very rare. The climate is tropical, hot with high humidity. The rainy season here is short-lived, usually begins in October and ends in December. From June to September, sunlight becomes less and less. On the beaches, low tides are noticeable. Waves, tropical showers, severe thunderstorms appear.
Where to stay on the island
On the coast there are many hotels for every budget and taste. You can choose a chic or budget option. But Samui hotels with their own beach are rare for the kingdom of Thailand. You can also rent apartments.
Hotels on the island are presented as complexes in the form of small villas or bungalows. Since Samui is forbidden to build tall buildings.
Before booking your favorite tour, it is worth examining the reviews of guests about Samui hotels, carefully consider the photos of the beaches, the presence of sun loungers and umbrellas on them.
Choose based on your options and preferences.
Where to eat
In the bars and restaurants there is a variety of cuisines: European, Chinese, Korean, Italian and, of course, local - Thai. Therefore, even the most demanding gourmet will find a restaurant for himself.
There are first-class restaurants with an exotic menu, as well as the usual Thai eateries that are scattered throughout the island. So do not worry, you will always find a place where you can have a delicious lunch and dinner. Do not be afraid to try Thai food. Many refuse to try it, as dishes are often spicy. Take the following advice into account: when ordering food from a waiter, ask them to serve it “spicy know” (without pepper).
We advise you to try the most common dish - Tom Yam soup. Make it based on chicken or shrimp. According to your choice. And, of course, where without rice. Serve it, again of your choice, with chicken, shrimp or pork. The most popular fruits are coconut, bananas, passion fruit, mango. At the bazaars you can buy ready-made seafood.
Kingdom of Thailand (Samui): beaches
The most popular among tourists are located in the east of the island. Among them are the following beaches on the island of Samui: Chaweng and Lamai. They are famous for very clear water and white sand. In the north, the most visited are Bophut and Maenam. The water there is clean, but not as clear as on previous beaches, and the sand is yellow. The West is not so popular with tourists. Since there is a seaport, and the water is dirty. So let's take a closer look at the best beaches of Samui. Each in its own way is unique and beautiful.
A map of Samui with beaches will help you better understand and appreciate the location and size of the island. Be sure to purchase it.
Chaweng Beach
Located on the east coast of the island. Chaweng Beach (Samui) - the most popular among vacationers. It is the center of tourist life. Holidays in this part of the coast are suitable for young people and lovers of fun.
The panorama of the beach is enriched with picturesque bays. Shore with fine white sand, which does not heat up at all. Crystal clear sea water washes it.
Distinguish the northern, central and southern parts of Chaweng. The southern beach, or, as the locals call it - Chaweng Noi, is silent and beautiful. He is famous for the large-scale events that take place every year. Namely, a sailing regatta is held.
The northern part is considered the most serene and calm. On the beach, fine-grained sand, when you walk along it, it begins to crunch like starch. There is no noise and unnecessary fuss. It is an ideal place to merge with nature. And the emerald sea, palm trees, the lulling sound of the surf are conducive to relaxation.
In the central part of Chaweng, life is in full swing from morning until late at night. Here you will find an abundance of various entertainment programs held in DJ bars, pubs, clubs. And on the beach, parties are held with fireworks.
While relaxing on the coast, you can notice pacing Thai merchants who offer to buy clothes, jewelry, leather goods and various Thai dishes from them.
Things to do in Chaweng
In this part of Koh Samui, you can not only lie on a deck chair and splash around in the sea, but also go windsurfing, snorkeling, diving and other marine activities (ride a water bike, catamaran).
Be sure to go on a trip around the island, arrange a picnic in the place you like. Take a walk along Chaweng Lake. Shopping, visit the following supermarkets: Macro, Lotus and Big C. You can also look into the massage parlor, spa. In the evening, you can visit discos, foam parties, clubs, where you can watch transvestite shows (see above, you can still entertain yourself in the central part of Chaweng).
We advise you to attend Thai courses to later delight your relatives and friends with exotic dishes of this country.
There are also extreme entertainments, they are intended for those who like to tickle their nerves. This is a cable car descent , a swim with sharks, a bungee jump. The cable car is a great attraction. Between the trees in the middle of the jungle, ropes are stretched at different heights along which the descent is carried out.
The island offers tourists many different attractions that will make your vacation more interesting and dynamic.
Lamai Coast
This is the second most popular beach among tourists. Located just south of Chaweng. Lamai beach (Samui) stretches for four kilometers. The sea is quiet, transparent. The sand has a golden hue, similar in structure to coarse salt and mixed with small shells. Almost along the entire coast, the bottom is safe. Only on the outskirts is the picture completely different. There are coral gardens, boulders, sharp stones, sea urchins. This part of the coast is not suitable for swimming. On Lamai beach, it’s more relaxed, life is measured. It is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday with children. But it is worth noting that there are few trees, be sure to go with a sunblock and an umbrella when going to sunbathe.
Like Chaweng, daily merchants patrol the coast, offering to buy fruit, soft drinks and much more. Along the beach are massage rooms. Here, tourists can enjoy Thai massage. Here you can book an excursion to any nearby island.
What to do on Lamai Beach
You can ride jet skis, sailing catamarans, rent kayaks and everything for water skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing, diving. In the south of Lamai beach are picturesque piles - Hin Tai & Hin Yai stones. These stone formations, symbolizing the feminine and masculine, are a natural attraction. Definitely worth a look. There are a huge number of legends about their origin. One of them tells of lovers who have not received approval from their parents. As a result, the young rushed into the stormy sea. This abyss devoured them, and their bodies turned into stones.
Men should go to Thai boxing, karate competitions. And for women - visit the SPA center. In the evening, visit the night bazaar and go-go parties.
Be sure to rent a car and go explore the surroundings of the island. Visit the fishing village inhabited by the Muslim community. There, people observe and honor the customs of their ancestors and live in fragile teak huts.
You can still visit the Wat Khunaram Temple, it houses the mummified body of the monk Loung Por Daeng. In life, he was a respected man. At the age of twenty, he renounced the vain world and then he studied religion all his life. In the temple he mastered the practice of meditation. The monk became a mentor for many students, gave them his knowledge and skills. At the age of 79, he died sitting in a lotus position during meditation. For several decades, his body has been in a glass sarcophagus, and it does not have any signs of decomposition. His eyes are covered with sunglasses.
Other coasts
The best beaches of Samui have been reviewed. Now only the choice is yours! But it is worth noting that prices on these coasts are overstated. If you prefer a modest vacation, then you should consider the other beaches of Samui. Here are a few options. On the north side of the coast are almost untouched places: Bang Por, Bophut, Big Buddha beach. In the northeastern part is the beautiful Chang Mon coast. In the west, there are practically no comfortable places to relax. Since the coast is rocky.
In this article we tried to briefly talk about the island, its coasts and attractions. The beaches of Samui were selected the best. Have a nice holiday!