Cheap flights to Koh Samui land at the relatively new and privately owned airport. Designed with a tropical island feel, chandeliers sparkle above the check-in area, there are armchairs at the departure gates, and leis when you land. It's a perfect introduction to this paradise island on the Gulf of Thailand. It was not always so swanky. In the 1970s Koh Samui was a backpackers' destination, now it caters for a more moneyed type of tourist.
However pricey the resorts around the beaches have become - and however busy, with shops, restaurants and bars - Koh Samui's beaches are the main attraction. They are beautiful, fringed by palm trees, with soft sand lapped by crystal-clear waters. Under the sea, the coral is plentiful, the fish colourful and the visibility great.
Among the most beautiful, and most popular, beaches are Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai. Other, less-well known beaches include Hat Choeng Mon and Hat Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, on the east, Koh Samui's capital.
Aside from the beaches, Koh Samui's Buddhist heritage is apparent. There are many ornate temples, of which the most famous is Wat Phra Yai, home to the 12-metre high golden Big Buddha, which can be seen from the plane as you arrive, or say goodbye to Koh Samui.
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Koh Samui has a Tropical climate - the weather is warm and dry for much of the year and there is a short, wet season. The average high is 30 degrees year-round.
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Peak Season:
December to July is peak season on Koh Samui.
Off Season:
September and October are the rainy months. Visiting Koh Samui at this time is a gamble; you may just have to dodge an afternoon downpour or you may be confined to your room.
Shoulder Season:
Between February and April and May-June there are fewer tourists and accommodation is more reasonably priced.
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There are several car-rental companies with desks at the airport including Hertz, Sixt and Budget. There are also minibus and private taxis that can be booked at the transport counter (Arrivals area).
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If you are keen to explore Koh Samui, renting a car is a great option. Renting a motorbike is also hugely popular and hiring a bicycle has become increasingly popular. It's cheap.
Songthaews (local buses) operate around the island. They follow set routes and are cheap. Taxis are convenient, but try to settle on a price in advance.
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- Fisherman's Village is packed with restaurants, shops, market stalls and bars. There is an Irish bar, naturally, called The Irish Times. The Billabong Surf Club flies the Aussie flag.
- Hua Thanon is a Muslim village on the south coast. While there are some restaurants and a wonderful beach, seeing the fishermen at work and looking at their beautifully decorated boats is the best thing.
- The bonus to playing a round of golf on Koh Samui are the beautiful views. The Santiburu Samui Country Club on the north coast is an 18-hole, par-72 course. The Royal Samui Golf and Country Club is located next to Chaweng Beach and will be an 18-hole course. It's nine holes at present. There are views of Lamai, Cheweng and the surrounding islands.
- Samui Shooting Sport is close to Chaweng about 200 metres from the Tesco Lotus superstore. It's a great place to let off some steam with, perhaps, an AK-47. Elephant trekking is a gentler option. It's a great, slow, way to go into Koh Samaui's jungly heart.
- From the pier at Bophut beach you can take a boat to Ko Pha Ngan or take a day trip to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, which consists of 42 limestone islands with soaring mountains, sheer cliffs and dense, green forest.
- Hin Ta and Hin Yai - Grandfather Rock and Grandmother Rock - provide a quirky photo op. The rocks, south of Chaweng beach, are shaped, suggestively, like male and female genitalia.
- The Muay Thai stadium in Chaweng town is worth a visit to experience this traditional sport.
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