| What is it that makes island life so seductive? | | | | activities, including some that showcase the local |
| Perhaps it's the barefoot informality of everyday | | | | culture and wildlife. If you've got limited time you |
| living, the feel of sand under your feet, the | | | | can just sign up for a one-day island tour which |
| swaying coconut palms, the glorious sunsets over | | | | will show you all the attractions of Samui in one |
| the turquoise sea, or the long warm days full of | | | | whistle-stop day. |
| possibilities. In fact it's all those things and much | | | | You can visit the Big Buddha temple with its |
| more, and where better than the Thai island of | | | | 15-meter high Buddha images looming over the |
| Koh Samui to experience island life to the full? | | | | coat, the curious Grandmother and Grandfather |
| The great thing about Koh Samui is your range of | | | | Rocks at the south of Lamai Beach, Namuang |
| options. You might well choose to spend your | | | | waterfalls and the town of Nathon which serves |
| whole time on the beach. With its fine white sand, | | | | as the island's administrative capital. |
| canopies of coconut palms and inviting sea, this is | | | | Other more specialized tours give you insights into |
| understandable. | | | | Samui culture. You can see monkeys scrambling |
| You have many options when it comes to Koh | | | | up coconut palms to harvest coconuts and take |
| Samui beaches. You can hang out on lively | | | | an elephant ride down to a waterfall. Other |
| beaches such as Chaweng which are always | | | | encounters with local fauna are available including |
| crowded with holiday makers and enjoy the buzz | | | | butterflies, snakes and crocodiles. |
| of beach sports and social life. Or find your own | | | | Evenings on Koh Samui usher in a new phase of |
| secluded spot away from it all and sprawl on your | | | | island life. Perhaps you'd like guzzling on freshly |
| private stretch of sand with just a book for | | | | caught seafood cooked over an open fire under |
| company. | | | | the stars. Or if French or Italian fare is more to |
| Then if you prefer something more active, Samui | | | | your liking, you can find that, too. For authentic |
| offers a huge range of choices. You can charter a | | | | Samui cuisine, head to Ban Huathanon Seafood in |
| boat and go snorkeling among the coral reefs or | | | | Fisherman Village at Bo Phut Beach in the north of |
| just take boat trips to nearby islands. You have | | | | the island. |
| plenty of possible destinations; the Koh Samui | | | | And if you'd prefer the laid back lifestyle and quiet |
| archipelago contains over 60 islands. Other water | | | | nights, you can walk along the beach or visit a |
| sports include jet skiing, water skiing, speedboats, | | | | quiet bar or cafe. And the pulsating nightlife of |
| parasailing and banana boat riding. | | | | Chaweng's Beach Road is there all night. Real |
| Back on dry land, you can get your thrills blasting | | | | party people will head on a boat and go full moon |
| off an AK47 at the shooting range, go carting or | | | | partying on nearby Koh Phangan. |
| if you're really into adrenaline sports, take a | | | | When it comes to accommodation, your island life |
| bungee jump. If golf is your thing, there are golf | | | | can be as basic or as elaborate as your wish. |
| courses and some hotels have their own facilities. | | | | Whether you want a beachside hut with a |
| For the full Monty, head for the international | | | | thatched roof and bamboo balcony or the most |
| standard Santiburi Country club with eighteen | | | | luxurious 5-start resort, Koh Samui hotels have it |
| scenic holes in the foothills behind Mae Nam Beach. | | | | all. Chaweng Beach is home to a huge array of |
| To explore Samui, you can go for walks in the | | | | quality Koh Samui hotels to suite all tastes and |
| lush tropical jungles in the hilly inland. If you've got | | | | pockets. |
| strong legs, you could hire a bike and make a trip | | | | Living the island life means you can choose |
| right around the island. You can see the contrast | | | | exactly the kind of life you want to lead and koh |
| between the less developed southern part of the | | | | Samui travel is easy and convenient. So make |
| island and the tourist enclaves of the north. | | | | your reservation today and get ready for total |
| For something more organised Samui has lots of | | | | pleasure. |