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Saturday, April 27, 2013

Koh Samui - Ultimate Travel Destination of South East Asia Thailand

There are five regions of Thailand: North, Northeast, East, Central, and South, which are divided into 75+1 provinces, each geographically distinct from the others; each Thailand province contains unique cultural, historical, and natural attractions from the northern peaks (replete with wildlife and home to exotic hill tribes) and the central plains (the “Rice Bowl of Asia”) to the northeastern plateau (stretching to the Mekong River border with Laos) and the spectacular beaches and islands of the south including both Phuket and Koh Samui.


Someone painted the sky … Sunset over Five Islands |
Koh Samui | Thailand
Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand (bordering the South China Sea in the Pacific Ocean). The island is a "Amphoe" or district in the Surat Thani Changwat or province. Samui is divided into seven "Tambon" or sub districts (administrative regions): Maenam, Bophut, Maret, Taling Ngam, Namuang, Lipa Noi and Angthong. Koh Samui has been a backpackers destination since late 70's. Today, tourist from the whole world go to this easygoing "paradise". It is surrounded by more than sixty other islands, some small and inhabited, some are larger such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao (divers island). Other popular destinations in the area are: Koh Nang Yuan (next to Koh Tao) and the Angthong National Marine Park (located between Koh Samui and the Suratthani mainland).



Silver Beach, Koh Samui
How to reach from Bangkok  - 


Flights

There are many daily flights from the International and domestic Airport in Bangkok; Suvarnabhumi Airport (opened in September 2006). Bangkok Air flies direct to Samui Airport. A flight schedule with Bangkok Airways is found here. Also Thai Airways has a two daily flights to Samui Airport (since February 2008).Thai Airways and Air Asia also flies to Suratthani. From there, just catch the bus or taxi to the ferry in Donsak.

Panorama BanTai
Bus

If you prefer a more economical way to travel, we recommend a so called VIP bus from the well-known Khao San Road or from the Southern Bus Terminal at Boromrat Chonnani Road. The VIP buses are more comfortable, and has less seats than a so called A/C bus. You can buy a ticket in almost every travel agency in Bangkok. The ferry ticket is sometimes included in the price.

Train

Another comfortable way to travel is the night train from Hualamphong, (the Bangkok railway station) to Suratthani. The sleeping cars has rather comfortable beds. To travel by railway is a little more expensive than the bus, but you will probably get a better sleep. Upper beds are less expensive than the lower ones. A private "first class" cabin for two persons, is also available. Ideal for couples!

Ferry in the Sea
Ferry - The fastest ferries departures from the two main piers in Donsak on the main land with the operators Seatran, and Raja Ferry. The price is about 150 baht for passengers and 420 baht for cars (2009). You will see many of the small surrounding islands if you don't fall asleep.

You might also take the Lomprayah catamaran which departures from Chumphon. The also offer bus rides from Banglamphu in Bangkok. On smaller ferries (such as the ones operated by Songserm from smaller piers situated at the Suratthani coastline), you might be contacted by Thai guys trying to convince you that "their" resort on Samui is the one to choose. It can be a blank or a prize in that "lottery". 


Money and ATMs

Nowadays there are many exchange offices (mini banks) and especially ATM machines on the island which accepts all major credit, electron and debit cards such as VISA, MasterCard, Amex etc. You will also find many banks on the major beaches and in Nathon.


Nightlife and Bars



On Samui you'll find a few nightclubs and discotheques if you like that kind of entertainment. We can recommend; Green Mango (on Soi Green Mango next to Chaweng Bach Road), Reggae Pub (on Chaweng beach) and Bauhaus, Super Sub (on Lamai beach) There are also smaller pubs and bars all over the island. Enjoy! So called girlie bars are rather common and often a little more expensive. If you are a man, do not be to surprised if one of the girls wants to follow you to your room. Normally she is not too serious if she say that she is in love with you though. She is doing it as a work to support herself and often also her family.

Click here to view more pictures from Koh Samui.



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