| Thailand is full of sublime vacation spots - there's | | | | Chaweng beach is one of the most popular on |
| the gentle beauty of the northern capital Chiang | | | | Samui and fulfills the dream of a perfect tropical |
| Mai, the energy and excitement of Bangkok, and | | | | island - long white sandy beaches fringed with |
| the breezy hedonism of the tropical island of | | | | coconut trees and a translucent sea lapping at the |
| Phuket with its beaches, grand hotels and wide | | | | shore. Its ability to cater to a diverse range of |
| array of watersports. But few have the charm | | | | visitors has seen it grow into a location replete |
| and vibrancy of Koh Samui. Until just a few | | | | with fast food joints, pubs, cocktail lounges and a |
| decades ago, this island in the Gulf of Thailand | | | | bevy of accommodation options. At one time the |
| was the sole preserve of native fisherman and | | | | beach was full of cheap beach huts and a |
| coconut farmers, until some intrepid tourists | | | | destination for backpackers, now it is mostly |
| hitched a lift on a coconut boat and soon the | | | | higher end resorts and upmarket hotels. If you |
| secret was out. Now Samui is one of the | | | | want a buzzing cosmopolitan environment, then |
| country's prime holiday destinations. But what | | | | Chaweng is for you. |
| makes it so special? | | | | Further along the coast is Lamai with a reputation |
| The first thing Koh Samui has going for it is the | | | | for attracting long-stay visitors due to budget |
| location. Set like a jewel in the Gulf of Thailand | | | | resorts and a relaxed air. For peace and quiet |
| some 700 kilometers south of Bangkok, it's | | | | then try Bang Rak and, if you fancy something a |
| convenient to get to, but remote enough to be | | | | bit livelier, Bo Phut is right next door, they both |
| off the beaten track and retain much of its unique | | | | have lots of budget and hotels at moderate |
| charm. You no longer have to hitch a ride on a | | | | prices. Mae Nam has a good selection of lodgings |
| coconut boat, with the airport and regular ferries | | | | with lots of small, family-owned bungalow resorts |
| Koh Samui travel is now a breeze. | | | | as well as a few 5 star hotels. You can even still |
| Koh Samui has a lot to offer and this is reflected | | | | find wooden bungalows for rent on the beach. |
| in the varied type of traveller that is attracted to | | | | Choeng Mon is only a small part of the island but |
| its beautiful shores. There are an abundance of | | | | has some of the most select hotels on Samui and |
| first-class 5 star resorts located all over the island | | | | is still relatively undeveloped offering a peaceful |
| and if it is a luxury holiday you are searching for | | | | and pleasant spot to hang out for a few weeks. |
| then you won't be disappointed. For those on a | | | | On the southern coast is the unspoiled region of |
| budget then don't despair as the choice of | | | | Taling Ngam where you can still see traditional |
| accommodation is just as broad, head to the | | | | fishing villages with a few very up-market hotels |
| beaches where you can still find traditional wooden | | | | scattered here and there. There are also some |
| bungalows, ideal for listening to the sound of | | | | excellent hotels and resorts, including smaller villa |
| whispering surf, and at very reasonable prices. | | | | estates on the beach at Bang Por, however it's |
| You won't have any problem finding somewhere | | | | more of a residential area. If you really want to |
| to stay, whether you are on a budget, seeking | | | | get away from it all then head to Laem Set, on |
| tranquility, desire a deserted beach or want to sit | | | | the southwest coast, as it has a few top resorts, |
| admiring the stunning views from your balcony. | | | | and yet even quieter are the small bays of Natien |
| What you pay for a room is entirely up to you, | | | | and Maret where you'll find several first-rate |
| pay international prices at the most luxury resorts | | | | resorts. |
| with so many facilities that you never have to | | | | So if you yearn for a spell on a sequestered |
| leave, or chill out in a basic beach hut for under | | | | tropical island with all the facilities you could ask |
| 300 baht a night. Especially popular nowadays are | | | | for to make a great holiday, check out koh Samui |
| boutique resorts that offer their own unique style | | | | hotels. Soon you'll be calling it just 'Samui' and you'll |
| and ambience and are small enough to be able to | | | | have made it part of your life. |
| provide a high level of personal service. | | | | |