About Koh Samui

Koh is the Thai word for island. Koh Samui is Samui Island, the second largest island in Thailand. Originally the main income was coconut products and the whole island was planted with coconut trees. Gradually the coastline has been built on by hotels and the main income now is tourism. Inland the original beautiful countryside is still there on top of the mountains, and is well worth exploring in a 4x4 vehicle. But the main attraction of Thailand for many will always be the warm and friendly Thai people.

Getting there. Many airlines fly to Bangkok, there are flights all day from Bangkok to the island by Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways. You can buy Bus and Train tickets from Bangkok to the island, which include the ferry crossing.
By car several ferry companies go to and from the mainland.

The currency of Thailand is the Baht.  There are plenty of cash machines on Samui. Travellers cheques are easily changed at the local Banks and exchange offices. You get a higher rate of exchange for travellers cheques than for cash. There are exchange bureaux in Bangkok airport so it is not normally necessary to bring any baht with you.

There is a currency convertor on XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

Visas, Most people with a European or USA passport do not need a visa to enter Thailand as a visitor for a short holiday period.

You can check visa requirements for your Country on  www.th4u.com/visaframe.htm

Weather it is always hot. January to March is normally dry with occasional showers.
March to August is the hottest, mostly above 30 degrees celsius during the day.
The rainy season is between September and December.  Don't let this put you off. It's still hot, there's plenty of sun. The rain can be very refreshing.
There are also always exceptions of course, these can never be anything but a rough guide.

Things to do on Samui

Hire a car or motorbike to get around the island. These are easily available from the airport or in the towns,  your hotel can book one for you but prices vary greatly so check it out for yourself. You will probably only need it for a day or two if you like spending your holidays on the beach. In more remote locations you might want to keep it longer. There is plenty to do and see. To get around locally use the Songthaews, but make a price with the driver first.

If you find the west coast too quiet in the evening go to Chaweng or Lamai for restaurants, clubs and bars, Bhoput for a great choice of quiet restaurants. Taxis are readily available so you can drink and get back safely.

There are boats to neighbouring islands and the mainland. So you can use Samui as a base for exploring other islands such as Koh Pagnan or Koh Tao. You can also hire one of the longtail boats for a day trip to the small island surrounding Koh Samui. Your hotel should be able to do this for you.

Ang Thong marine park is nice a day trip by boat. See uninhabited, unspoilt islands. Take a kayak or snorkelling trip.

Shopping is a a must. Forget the Thai copies. Go for jewellery, silks, and quality handcrafted souvenirs. Enjoy the haggling on the price, but don't be too hard and always smile. A walk around the local market to see the exotic fruit and vegetables is always interesting. Buy rambutans, mangosteen, dragon fruit, lychees, fantastic juicy mangoes, green oranges, merien plums, have a fruit fest.

Eating is no problem. You can find food from almost any country in the world. If  you like Thai food but not too spicy just tell the restaurant, they are very obliging. Often they automatically make it milder for foreigners (farangs) so if you like it spicy you have to tell them. Eating from the pavement stalls is safe, they are licensed and vetted. If the Thais eat there, you can eat there.

World class spas and healing centres abound. Massage, beauty treatments, alternative medicine, relaxation etc. Most offer a day package of treatments which is good value for money. Some offer a free taxi. There is a free guide to the spas published, which should be available at the hotel.

For golfers there is the beautiful Santiburi golf course. Ask about their half price day.

For those who must be active there are plenty of things to do.
Thai cookery classes.
Bunjee jumping.
Tree canopy gliding.
Rock climbing.
Elephant riding.
Frisbee golf.
Paintballing.
Water sphere.
Trecking.
Island Safari.
Mountain bike rides.
ATV hire.
Diving.
Kayakking.
Snorkelling.

and many more.

Or for the ultimately most dangerous leap in to the unknown - get married, have a beach wedding.