Koh Samui

Looking for a laidback sojourn in the sun? Or perhaps a week of partying till sunrise? Then look no further than Koh Samui....

Just a one hour flight from Bangkok, it's the perfect place for those in search of a relaxing beach holiday or, equally, a crazy one. The 'island of the coconut tree', Koh Samui has curved sandy beaches, turquoise waters, coconut plantations, rolling hills and offshore islands. It's shores are lined with wonderful bungalows and resorts, its interior is filled with international restaurants, and, in its busiest locales, a thumping soundtrack fills the sultry air each night.

Click here for more about Koh Samui.

Luxury suite or budget rooms? A cute boutique hotel or a humungous resort? A thatched beach bungalow or mountainside villa? Koh Samui has them all, and more. Many are blessed with stunning views of emerald green ocean, others of dramatic jungle. And you'll be amazed at just how affordable your stay in paradise can be.

Go to Koh Samui hotels for some great deals. Here you can search by beach, by name, and by price.

Beaches are Koh Samui's forte. Seemingly lifted out of some glossy travel advert are their swaying palm trees, powdery white sands, turquoise blue waters and evocative sunsets. Some are virtually uninhabited, others well populated with people and everything visitors need. The two most popular are buzzing Chaweng Beach and quieter Lamai Beach - both have a wide variety of good value accommodation. More tranquil, Maenam, Bophut, Big Buddha and Choeng Mon offer villas, exclusive resorts and little pockets of paradise.

For in-depth guides to each beach see Koh Samui Beaches

Just because Koh Samui is marooned from the mainland, doesn't mean visitors here eat like castaways. Far from it. From cheap streetfood sold off humble street shacks to sophisticated 5-star international cuisine and beachside seafood barbeques, Ko Samui is literally swimming in great food. The range of restaurants, stalls, bakeries, fast-food outlets and local eateries is staggering - not just on busy Chaweng Beach but island-wide.

Find out more in Koh Samui Dining.

Koh Samui's obvious attractions are beach based. Have a massage, buy fruit or ice cream from a passing vendor, have lunch at a local beachside restaurant, then sink into your deck chair and take it easy before adjourning for a cocktail at sunset - without leaving the beach!

If you do venture inland, go sightseeing. There's the Big Buddha that dominates the island coast, monkey shows, the Tiger Zoo, the Aquarium, Crocodile Farm and the Butterfly Garden. Or you could go for a spot of extreme pampering at a lush, luxurious Koh Samui Spa. Mmmm... now there's a thought...

See Koh Samui Attractions for more information

The island is a haven for activities for sightseer, explorer, and thrill-seeker alike. Our Koh Samui Tours section proves it with a diverse selection of available excursions in and around the island, ranging from snorkeling, kayakaing and sailing, to fishing, jungle safaris and eco tours.

See Koh Samui tours for more information.

Surprisingly for such a laidback place, Ko Samui offers a wealth of high-energy activities. Go snorkeling or diving in crystal clear water, hire a sail or speedboat and go island hopping - and that's just on water. Samui is also a great place to try something new. Try a course in karate, a bungy jump, a round of golf, the brand new sport of kiteboarding, or learn to cook superb Thai food. Go quad-biking, paintballing, bowling, or get a tatoo!

See Koh Samui Activities for more information

Among the best in Thailand. Nightlife on Chaweng Beach is loud, often debauched: discos, clubs, music venues, bar beers, classical Thai dancing. A close second comes Lamai Beach, which features foot stomping, mud wrestling (yes) and even weekly Thai Lady boxing. There are also a huge variety of restaurants around the island.

The famous Full Moon Party scene has evolved into almost as wild half-moon and black moon events. Packages are available to save you the hassle of organising anything except yourself...

Read Koh Samui Nightlife for more information.

Located on the Gulf of Siam, Koh Samui is just a one hour flight from Bangkok. Domestic flights operate 7 days a week with several flights a day. Flight schedules can be found on the Thai Airways web page or by calling them (Tel: 02 232 8000 (Bangkok office) or 076 327 144 (Phuket office)).