Koh Samui
Thailand
Backpacking Koh Samui
Information on Koh Samui, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Koh Samui, Thailand's second-largest island, is one of the most well known holiday destinations around, so it is no surprise that it is a melting pot of visitors from Europe and Asia alike. A world away from the concrete jungle of Bangkok, its broad appeal comes from its white sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife that attract all kinds of holidaymakers. Backpackers usually stay long term at beachside bungalows and wealthy tourists drop in for a week or two to recharge at one of the luxury resorts or upscale spas. Samui also houses a trove of dense mountainous rainforests to explore where its hidden gem, the Tamarin Magic Garden, can be found along with some magnificent waterfalls. There is no shortage of activities either - If you're not afraid of heights, you can try your hand at ziplining across jungle canopies, you can also stroll through and admire the vividly adorned temples including Wat Phra Yai that houses the famous Big Buddha statue. Or, simply just relax on the beach and enjoy the activities on offer in the form of snorkeling, paragliding and banana boating. You can even go on an excursion to Ang Thong National Marine Park, and take in the towering limestone karsts made famous from Leonardo di Caprio's starring role in "The Beach".
It is in the evening though when Samui really comes alive thanks multitude of night markets that are available for shoppers to barter for souvenirs whilst indulging their taste buds in local delicacies like mango with sticky rice. We recommend the Fisherman's Market in Boput, located right next to the beach with its very own Muay Thai stadium!
For partiers, Chaweng's famous beach road becomes a Las Vegas strip at night where a number of pubs, restaurants, clubs and bars compete against each other until the early hours. Koh Samui is also famous for its dining opportunities - regional curries and spins on traditional Thai dishes will blow your mind as you enjoy the unique flavors from your seaside restaurant.
Must See
Chaweng Beach - Koh Samui's busiest and biggest town has sprung up around one of the island's best beaches. As well as offering more accommodation options than elsewhere on the island, Chaweng is also nightlife central with bars and restaurants catering to every taste. From beachside institutions to sophisticated cocktail bars, Chaweng's nightlife is streets ahead of anywhere else on Samui in terms of choice.
Namuang Waterfalls - Hidden in the depths of the mountains of Namuang district are two unforgettable waterfalls: Namuang 1 and Namuang 2, reaching heights of 18 meters and 80 meters respectively. If you’re looking for an alternative to the beach for some hiking, swimming, and exploring, this is a great day out where you can bask in the cool natural pools under the falls.
Must Do
Ang Thong Islands Tour - Angthong National Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Siam situated North-West of Koh Samui covering an area of 102 square kilometers. The limestone islands are encircled by coral bands in shallow water that are edged by secluded beaches, covered with evergreen forests and where you’ll find a wide range of undisturbed flora and fauna. Taking this excursion will get you access to one of the most popular and rewarding sights of Thailand. Exploring these jungle islands is a unique experience to say the least. You’ll get to see monkeys, kayak through the pristine waters, and enjoy some of the best viewpoints you’ll ever experience.
Nightlife
Koh Samui nightlife is famous for being amongst the best in Thailand. The island’s full moon parties, while not as crazy as Ko Pha-ngan are still great fun and continue to attract an endless stream of visitors keen to party on the soft white sand until the break of day. The wealth and variety of discos, clubs and beer bars is also a major pull, bringing a lively young crowd of backpackers. Koh Samui hosts a great choice of nightlife entertainment options. The undisputed Ground Zero of nightlife on Samui is of course Chaweng, which is the Samui version of Patong Beach in Phuket; featuring a myriad of lounge clubs, naughty bars, beach bars, and discos, it is definitely the place to have fun at night.
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