Koh Samui - Beach, Sun, Food & Drink - what else?

Advantages: Crystal blue waters, white sands, shops
Disadvantages: Not for the culture-seekers...

...I will start by admitting that Koh Samui is one of the more touristy islands of Thailand, and that we have seen more naturally stunning and more cultural places... it?s main attraction being white sandy beaches and relaxation for the likes of sun dogs like us. Still, it is definitely worth visiting once you have had your fill of culture and just want to relax in the sun with a coconut shake and sun lotion by your side. Many places in Thailand are suited for the long-haul traveller and may offer more cultural delights, but for those who havent?t got the time, Samui is much nicer than Phuket or Pattaya (aka the ?underbelly of Asia?) and Samui has the added benefit of being close to other islands that you can visit. Even if you are backpacking, like we were, you?ll enjoy the luxuries here as we sank our teeth into toasties, chips (with...

SophieWehr 14.06.2004 · Read review
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Review of Ko Samui (Thailand)

Paradise Park Farm

Advantages: Gorgeous location, excellent views, lovely swimming pool
Disadvantages: Can only get nice views if its a sunny day.

...Myself and my boyfriend went to Thailand in October 2007, where we spent three nights in Bangkok and then a further 9 nights in Ko Samui. While we were in Ko Samui, we decided to hire out a Jeep so we were free to visit all the attractions we wanted to. One of these attractions was Paradise Park Farm. About Paradise Park Farm Paradise Farm Farm is located at the top of Khao Pom mountain and is set within tropical rainforest which makes for a lovely setting for this unique park. The park covers 20 acres and inside there are walking trails, picnic / resting areas, an infinity swimming pool, a restaurant, a souvenir shop and many different animals to see. Visitors to this attraction can take advantage of a guided tour round the park which is offered for free. However, we decided we would prefer to explore the park by ourselves...

daylehall 27.11.2007 · Read review
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Review of Paradise Park Farm, Koh Samui, Thailand

Samui Snake Farm

Advantages: cheap entrance, interesting
Disadvantages: A little out of the main town

...Myself and my boyfriend visited Samui Snake Farm while on holiday in Ko Samui in October 2007. Getting There Samui Snake Farm is located in the south west of Ko Samui so you would need to take public transport such as a taxi to this attraction. We hired a Jeep for the day and drove ourselves here which was very easy as Samui Snake Farm was labelled on the map we followed. Admission Prices We paid roughly £2.50 each for admission which we thought was very reasonable. Samui Snake Farm Samui Snake Farm holds many different species of snakes including some of the most venomous snakes around such as the King Cobra. As we walked into the Snake Farm, we noticed a man with a HUGE snake draped round his neck. They offer for you to hold the snake and take a photo of you. We had a photo taken and were asked if we would like to buy it...

daylehall 16.01.2008 · Read review
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Review of Samui Snake Farm, Thailand

The Kala - the undiscovered gem of a hotel on Ko Samui

Advantages: Evo friendly, ideal location - peaceful with access to nightlife, amazing views, awesome service
Disadvantages: limited to only 1 restaurant

...We stayed at the Kala hotel on a recent trip to Ko Samui, we found it through a hotel website and we got an exceptional deal for a 5 night stay. It is situated on the coast just between Lamai and Chaweng - so it is easy to get to the nightlife, but during the day you are far enough away to enjoy the serenity of the lush greenery and infinity pool. There are a variety of rooms - some come with their own private infinity pool and private massage area. There is a Spa on the grounds and there are a variety of treatments to keep any frequent spa goer happy. Make sure you book though as it can get quite busy towards the end of the day when everyone is looking for that de-stress! The hotel itself is built into the rock face and offers excellent views out over the sea, you can also take a kayak out for a paddle and I recommend that highly...

barryjnr 16.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of The Kala Hotel, Koh Samui

A fantastic tropical resort paradise found in Koh Samui

Advantages: Secluded hotel & Cottages in natural surroundings ustilising natural materials. Very tasteful
Disadvantages: Quite expensive.

...Tongsai bay cottages and hotel. 5 Star resort hotel. This unique hotel is situated in its own private bay in the North East of Koh Samui with its own private beach in a natural cove. The selling point of this hotel is that it is built in natural surroundings without damaging any of the natural flora or fauna and is eco friendly. Each of the 61 cottages are dotted around the bay hidden amongst the foliage some even have trees growing through the balconies. There is also a block of 24 suites that are down nearer the beach. The resort was started over 25 by a man who after seeing the bay decided to buy it and transform it into its current day state without damaging the look of the bay. Each cottage is individually made with natural materials without impacting as much as possible on the environment. It is very secluded and away from...

garymarsh86 24.09.2009 (27.09.2009) · Read review
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Review of Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Ko Samui

The Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks

Advantages: Scenic, easy to get to, free entrance
Disadvantages: Can't make a day trip from it

...on a Jungle Tour Trip so we were taken to this attraction in a Jeep. Many local shops and stalls offer trips to this attraction so it is very easy to arrange a trip here. There is also the option of hiring a car and you can easily drive yourself there. The rocks are located about a 20 minute drive from the main town of Ko Samui and they were marked on every map we saw so they are very easy to find. My Opinion of the Attraction I must admit to being quite amused by these rock formations as the resemblance to male and female genitals is remarkable. Aside from these formations being a highlight, I also thought that the views from this attraction were stunning. The Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks themselves are probably spaced about 30 metres apart with the Grandmother Rock being further towards the sea on the ledge. The ledge is made from...

daylehall 16.10.2007 · Read review
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Review of Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui....Is there more to be said

Advantages: Relatively unspoiled, freindly, great value for money
Disadvantages: None, really

...Arriving in Koh Samui after what seemed like a whole day's travel from Bangkok I did wonder if I had made the right decision. Hot, sticky and tired is not the best state of mind to arrive anywhere but I have to say that the first people we met made it all worth while. I knew from experience that the Thais are natural and gregarious but nothing prepared me for the welcome at our hotel and in the resort (Chaweng) generally. Yes, Chaweng is a little more commercial than I expected but compared to Patong (Phuket) or Pattaya it was charming and quiet. There are bars aplenty and, of course, lots of "adult" type entertainments but it is never "in your face" or overtly annoying. Whilst we were there a ten pin bowlng centre was opened to tremendous fanfare. Eating out can be really cheap and cheerful or sort of mid range and fabulous...

lyntmirh 25.01.2002 · Read review
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Review of Ko Samui (Thailand)

Why backpackers love Thailand

Advantages: Cheapish, convenient for backpackers, decent roads, great massages, solid nightlife
Disadvantages: Poor diving, littered with tourists

...My apologies to those who have read this before. Certain aspects of it were I now admit, rather crude making it unsuitable to have been posted on Ciao. Here?s the PG version. Having taken several holidays in Asia I?ve steadily become fascinated with the ?backpacker vibe.? Quite what the attraction is of strapping an unfashionably heavy bag on your back and a smaller but more important one onto your front and then spending the majority of your tiny budget on accommodation, travel and left luggage lockers, I?ve never quite managed to grasp. I managed to realise one thing completely when I went to Koh Samui and that was why so many backpackers seem to just pass though Malaysia and Singapore in a couple of days only to spend a seemingly endless amount of time in Thailand. The cost of living was always the obvious one but cost should...

Briz_Hatchings 11.11.2001 · Read review
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Review of Ko Samui (Thailand)

Backpacking in Samui

Advantages: big, choice of accomodation
Disadvantages: commercilaised,

...Being a Backpacker, I'd heard a lot about Samui, it being relatively famous on the Asia scene for the past 20 Years, so i thought i'd see what all the fuss was about. I got there via ferry from the mainland.I bought a combi ticket in Bangkok which took me down there by night bus and then the vehicle ferry across from Don Sak. There are numerous ticket versions available with options also to get there by train and ferry.With the coach down, it is better to listen to other travellers advice on which company to choose from, as some are much better than others.I found the best way was to travel by Government Bus, which is slightly more expensive, but you get a hell of a lot of legroom and a free meal. The whole trip down is overnight, and you arrive in Samui around 9 in the morning. Most people from here then head to Chaweng Beach...

rj_1973 16.05.2001 · Read review
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Review of Ko Samui (Thailand)

I love Samui

Advantages: Beautiful beaches, great food and friendly people
Disadvantages: Over-crowding

...My husband and I visited Samui as part of our honeymoon in February 2000. We booked with Kuoni and the whle trip was wonderfully smooth and unproblematic. We stayed at the Imperial Samui on Chaweng beach. Being our honeymoon, we were upgraded to a superior room with champagne and fruiit on arrival as well as heart shaped pillows on the bed. The room itself was beautiful and spacious with a fabulous bacony and a well appointed bathroom. The hotel was highly luxurious and we found the staff to be friendly and courteous. The facilities were excellent with 2 swimming pools (one saltwater one chlorinated) and also a private beach for residents. The beach was a little rocky and somewhat choppy so we made use of the saltwater pool most of the time. The hotel has a group of masseurs it emplys to give guests massages, manicures...

mrsclark 27.08.2003 · Read review
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Review of Ko Samui (Thailand)