Koh Samui Resorts and Hotels, Thailand

Ko Samui Resort

Ko Samui is one of the most popular islands in Thailand, it possesses the characteristic beauty and offers a wide variety of activities. Originally, Koh Samui was used to be the area of coconut plantations, but after being discovered by backpacked travellers, it is noted by them as a peaceful and magnificent paradise some time 20 years ago. Since then, Samui Island began to be a relaxation heaven for the travellers who are looking for spending their valuable holidays in this paradise island.

Koh Samui is strategically located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 84 kilometres east of Surat Thani mainland, or approximately 700 kilometres south of Bangkok which is called Coconut Island. It is one of the most famous and popular destinations in southern Thailand with an area of 247 square kilometres, where Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand after Phuket (the largest) and the second largest Koh Chang (of Trat Province). The topography of the island is formed of plains on both sides with a mountain range in the middle and 7 important streams. In addition, there is a 50-kilometer paved ring road covering the whole island for the convenience of transportation around the island. Moreover, Samui island stretches to a group of 48 surrounding islets including the famous Anthong National Marine Park. Koh Samui is also very near to Koh Phangan where world's famous Full Moon Party is held every month.

Despite its fast-going development, Koh Samui has been able to maintain its charm of natural beauty – its classical image of a tropical beach resort destination fringed by coconut trees. Travellers can enjoy a mixed blessing of vibrant day and nightlife along with tranquillity which can readily be found over different parts of Koh Samui as the archipelago is a peaceful home for fishermen and also a natural den for seagulls and other rare birds.

The Southern dialect and the standard Thai language are spoken while English is understood in tourist areas and widely used in International standard hotels and resorts.

How to get to Samui Island

There is the direct flight or bus or train from Bangkok to Koh Samui. By bus to Koh Samui or by train to Suratthani and from Suratthani, there is the ferry transfer to cross over to Koh Samui. Getting Around Koh Samui

By Air from Bangkok to Samui
The most convenient and fastest mode of travel is flying to Samui by air. Bangkok Airways is the only airway running between Bangkok and Samui. There are many flights everyday and there are the promotion flights; one early-bird flight and one late-night flight per day. Please check with Bangkok Airways whether promotion is valid when you book the air ticket. Airline information and air ticket reservation can be available at Bangkok Airways Website www.bangkokair.com

By Bus from Bangkok to Koh Samui
If you would like a more economical way to travel, take the VIP bus from the well-known Khao San Road or from the New Southern Bus Terminal at Boromrat Chonnani Road. The VIP buses are more comfortable than the so-called air-conditioned bus. The tickets are easily available in almost every travel agency in Bangkok. Ferry fee is often included in the price. Please confirm it when you buy the bus ticket. Please contact New Southern Bus Terminal at telephone: 02-4345557 – 8 or visit http://www.transport.co.th/Eng/HomeEnglish.htm

By Train from Bangkok to Suratthani
Another way to travel is the night train from Hua Lamphong, the Bangkok Railway Station to Suratthani. The sleeping cars are more comfortable to take a ride in this long-hour journey. It is a little bit more expensive than the bus, but you will enjoy a good sleep. Upper beds are less expensive than the lower ones. A private "first class" cabin for two persons is also available. From Suratthani, you can take a ferry ride to Koh Phangan.
The fastest ferry leaves from Donsak pier on the main land. The ferries are not luxurious in any way, but you will see many of the small surrounding islands if you don't fall asleep. Some Thai guys on some ferries may try to convince you that "their" resort on Samui is great. It can be a blank or a prize in that "lottery". For further details, please call 1690, 02-2237010, 02-2237020 or visit www.railway.co.th