Backpackers first discovered Kho Samui in the early 1970's, and at that time, it was called heaven on earth. The island is gifted with such an incredibly rich variety of beaches; bays and coves that it looks like that several islands are rolled into one. For the moment there are approximately 45.000 local Thai people in the island, who are an extremely warm and friendly people.

The main industries are tourism and the export of coconuts. Samui has about 3 million coconut trees and they each give about 70-75 coconuts a year. Every month, Samui supplies Bangkok with millions of coconuts. It is recommended to rent a car, or a motorbike, and then drive around the island to discover some of the most beautiful places on your own. "Remember to drive on the left side, thank you"

THE BEACHES OF KOH SAMUI

CHAWENG BEACH

Chaweng Beach is 7km long and it's Samui’s most popular and live beach. There are a lot of shops, bars, restaurants and discos. Chaweng offers you all kinds of music from traditional Thai to Jazz, rock and reggae. If you have kids, there is also a playroom in Chaweng, with European management, where they can play with other kids, and you can have a few hours by yourself.

BIG BOUDDHA BEACH

On Big Buddha Beach you will find a 12-meter tall religious icon, which is part of the Wat Phra Yai temple. This attraction is one of Samui's most popular sights and it's especially impressive when lit up at night. There is no city as such, but there are a lot of
gift shops, restaurants and bungalows nearby. Remember if you wish to get close to the Big Buddha, please respect the religious significance of the icon by wearing long trousers and shirts. You can 'hire' loose long pants and shirts there if you wish.

MAENAM BEACH

Maenam Beach, has a 4 km long smooth white beach where there are windsurfing facilities and several small restaurants and bungalows on the beach as well. There is no nightlife in Maenam but it's a fantastic place to spend a day or your afternoons with friends or family.

BO PHUT BEACH

Bo Phut Beach is 2 km long and located on the north side of the island and is one of the oldest developed beaches of the island.
In Bophut village, you also find a lot of fish restaurants on the beach. It's the reason that BoPhut is called the fisherman village, it has Samui's best selection of seafood.

LAMAI BEACH

Lamai Beach is Samui’s second most popular beach. Lamai is a beautiful place to go and if you walk to the back of the beach road, you will find yourself in the heart of banana groves and coconut plantations.
After dark, Lamai transforms from its sleepy daytime look into a jumping nightlife. There are some great Thai restaurants to discover, as well.

CHOENG MOON BEACH

This small beach, located just a few minutes from the Northern part of Chaweng, is one of our favorites.
A good way to check that not so far from Papillon and there are still some places very quiet and not so developed…

PLACES TO GO , THINGS TO SEE

NA MUANG WATERFALL

Na Muang No. 1 is an easily accessible waterfall between Hua Thanon and Nathon, it's just at the end of a concrete road. Rocks and tree roots are forming a naturally staircase leading to a large pool at the base of the waterfall.
Na Muang No. 2, takes you 10 minutes to climb up a rocky path, which brings you to the base of the most beautiful waterfall on Samui. Another 20-minute walk will bring you to the top. It may be hard work for some, but the vista surpasses everything. It is well worth the effort, but don't forget to take your bathing costume as you can have a refreshing swim at the top, in a lovely lagoon overlooking the entire island.

HIN-TA HIN-YAI

Also called and Grandmother rocks. These rocks are located at the end of Lamai, and are one of Samui's natural wonders. This is also the best place to buy the beautiful bowls and vases, which are amongst the best handicrafts Samui has
 to offer. Made of local coconut palm wood they are the perfect souvenirs to remind you of your trip

NATHON

Nathon is the capital of the island, but it's no longer the biggest one.
All public offices and banks are located there, as well as the ferries
destined for Koh Phangan  and mainland. If you want to go shopping,
this is the place to go. The shops are similar to the shops in Chaweng and sometimes less expensive. This is a daytime shopping area, in the evening the majority open stalls along Chaweng's main street. If you enjoy all the beautiful colors and fragrances of the east, you should definitely visit the local market where many hotels buy their supplies, such as vegetables, fresh meat and fish. Not to be missed…
If you visit Nathon in the evening, you have to remember to see the gorgeous sunset, where the sun dips into the sea behind Angtong National Marine Park.

THE SECRET BUDDHA GARDEN

The secret Buddha Garden was the inspiration of one man who built several statues, temples and waterfalls, in a hidden location high up in the hills of Samui. It's possible to drive to the garden by vehicle, the access to secret Buddha Garden is between Baan Saket and Baan Taling Ngam