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Located some 84 kilometres east of Surat Thani province,
Ko Samui, the Coconut Island, is one of the most famous
attractions of Thailand. With an area of 247 sq.km.,
Ko Samui is the third largest island of Thailand after
Phuket and Ko Chang (off the eastern coast). It is the
main island of a group of islets numbering 48 altogether.
The archipelago is a peaceful home for fishermen and
a natural habitat for seagulls and other birds. Apart
from its many lovely beaches and bays, Samui island
is famous for its high quality coconuts growing densely
everywhere. The best time to visit Samui is from February
to April during which the sea is calm. Here are some
fascinating attractions of Ko Samui.
Chaweng Beach
This 7-km beach is the longest and the most popular
and developed beach on the east coast of Ko Samui. The
clean white sand and sparkling water make the place
charming.
Chaweng Beach |
The underwater world is inviting. In addition to numerous
accommodations, this pretty beach is packed with restaurants,
souvenir shops, bars and discos catering for all types
of visitors. There are a number of dive shops on the
beach, some of which also organize night dives.
Lamai Beach
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Lamai Beach (left), Hin
Ta and Hin Yai (above) |
| The second most popular beach on the
island, Lamai Beach is situated to the south of
Chaweng Beach. This 4-km beach offers various attractions
like health and meditation centres, a cultural hall,
a market and dive shops. Especially recommended
for a visit is the twin rocks on shore -- Hin Ta
and Hin Yai, both grotesquely shaped. All kinds
of accommodation, restaurants and places of entertainment
are available. |
Na Thon Bay
This is the island's major settlement on the west
coast, where express and night ferries from the piers
in Surat Thani arrive and is a shopping centre of the
island. A wide selection of souvenirs and handicrafts,
silks and jewellery are available. It also provides
visitors with all necessary facilities -- a post office,
banks, a police station, telephone services, and a hospital.
Taling Ngam Beach
Located to the South of Na Thon, this quiet beach is
the most beautiful one on the western coast of Ko Samui.
It is also a good spot to view the sunset.
Phang Ka Bay
This little beach, close to Taling Ngam, is not good
for swimming as the ground is muddy and the water is
very shallow. However, the place offers the most beautiful
view of sunset on the island, especially in the evening
of a summer day when the sky is perfectly clear.
Thong Krud Bay
Located to the South of the island next to Taling Ngam
Beach, this bay is not far away from Ko Taen, a good
fishing ground of Samui. Though not suitable for swimming,
the beach has boat services for Ko Taen.
Choeng Mon Beach
Located 4 km. to the North of Chaweng Beach, this lovely,
clean and quiet beach is suitable for those who need
a real relaxation.
Bang Rak Beach (Big Buddha
Beach)
The beach has derived its name from the 12-metre high
golden Buddha, which is the spectacular landmark of
the island. It is also a quiet beach with a number of
bungalows.
Bo Phut Beach
This beach next to Big Buddha Beach well retains its
peacefulness due to the existence of a fishing village
and a pier nearby. The waters around here are good for
water sports such as water skiing and sailing.
Mae Nam Beach
Situated next to Bo Phut Beach, this 5-km white beach
is one of the most popular spots for holiday-makers.
Apart from numerous bungalows and restaurants, there
are also dive shops and other water sports facilities
on the beach.
Bang Po Beach
The calm sea and coral reefs in this area make it suitable
for snorkeling.
Hin Lat Falls
This falls is located at the end of Route 4172, 3 km.
south of Na Thon. Surrounded with palms, ferns and creeping
plants, Hin Lat provides a few natural pools for bathing.
To enjoy a more peaceful ambience, visitors need to
walk for 2 km. to reach the top level.
Na Muang 1 Falls
This large scenic falls, about 11 km. to the south of
Na Thon, flows from a steep cliff about 40 metres high
and 20 metres wide. Its large pool below is inviting
but visitors should be careful about the numerous boulders
underwater.
Elephant back riding is provided by nearby tour agents.
Na Muang 2 Falls
Just 100 metres from Na Muang 1, this falls is comparable
with its sister in beauty an |