KOH SAMUI & KOH PHANGAN Copyright: dacosta / 123RF Stock Photo THAILAND DESTINATION GUIDE - <strong>CBS</strong> TRAVEL ASIA
A POPULAR BACKPACKING DESTINATION AND A VACATION SPOT FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A LITTLE LUXURY AND PAMPERING Koh Samui is the third largest island of <strong>Thailand</strong>, after Koh Chang. It is located off the country’s east coast, off the Kra Isthmus. It is in the Chumphon Archipelago and is part of the province known as Surat Thani. The island is an extremely popular tourist destination, which is visited by many different people with a range of different interests and backgrounds each year. This is at one and the same time a popular backpacking destination and a vacation spot for those looking for a little luxury and pampering. Koh Samui is chic, sophisticated and sanitised. It is a shiny place whose wrinkles all seem to have been airbrushed over. Yet this is also an island of endless charm, in spite of its heavily tourist-orientated side. This is a place that retains little authenticity, but is none the less perhaps what people conjure to their minds when they think of the perfect beach-bliss vacation, complete with clear seas, white-sand beaches and coconut palm fringed coastlines. The beaches of the island itself and the access from this island to more remote and more unspoiled islands make this one of <strong>Thailand</strong>’s premier destinations. Koh Samui has an area of 228.7km sq. It measures around 25km at its widest point. It is surrounded by over sixty other islands, many of which are popular tourist destinations in their own right. These are included within the Angthong Marine National Park. The centre of the island is an almost uninhabitable tropical jungle, the highest point of which is 635m above sea level. While it is more difficult to penetrate the lush centre of the island, it is easy to travel around the coast, where the settlements are joined by a 51km road which encircles the bulk of the island. The centre of life on Samui was long considered to be Nathon. But though Nathon is still the seat of the regional government and the centre of the fishing industry and goods transportation, the tourism industry has grown and the commercial centre is shifting towards Chaweng, due to the north-eastern location of the airport and a range of other factors. For most tourists, Chaweng is an appealing place to stay as it offers the widest range of facilities and nightlife. <strong>CBS</strong> TRAVEL ASIA - THAILAND DESTINATION GUIDE Lamai and Maenam are somewhat less crowded and offer a more laid-back vibe, popular with young backpackers. Bophut is a more sophisticated choice of resort, with a distinctly Mediterranean feel to its sophisticated beach-front village. Samui has changed dramatically in the last fifty or so years. When you visit the island today it is hard to believe that until late in the 20th Century, Koh Samui was an isolated and largely self-sufficient community which has little connection with mainland <strong>Thailand</strong>, let alone with the rest of the world. There were no roads here until the 1970s and the 15km trek from one side of the island to the other took a long and arduous day as one would have to pass through the central mountainous jungle. The climate in Samui is one of tropical monsoons. There is technically only one ‘dry month’ in the year, which comes in February when rainfall drops below 60mm though it should be said that Samui’s climate is generally a little drier than other destinations such as Phuket and other places in southern <strong>Thailand</strong>. The showers are plentiful, but tend to be short in duration. Between twenty and sixty minutes seems to be the length of time that rain showers will generally last. It is easy to see why so many people are so drawn to this beautiful and somehow magical island destination, whether for the rest and relaxation of the beaches, bars and boutiques of the island, or the waters and natural wonders found on and off its shores. This island has much to recommend it, which is why it can sometimes be rather crowded in places, especially during the Christmas and New Year rush. But in spite of the crowds of the tourist resorts, it is still very easy to find somewhere for some quiet tranquillity. At some of the lesser of the islands off shore and in the mountainous jungle interior, it is possible to find places to be entirely alone and to imagine that Koh Samui is still the remote and almost unchanged place that it was for much of its human history. Intrepid explorers and adventurers will find the vacation destination of their dreams here, where comfort meets seat- continue on page 73... GETTING THERE The easiest way to get to Koh Samui is to take a flight from Bangkok or from Singapore, Phuket or Pattaya to the airport found on the island. Alternatively, you can take a train, bus or private car from elsewhere on the mainland of <strong>Thailand</strong> and then a ferry from the mainland to the island. If you choose to take a ferry you should be prepared to wait for several hours and should be aware that ferry times change frequently. PLACES TO VISIT Big Buddha This massive golden shrine is the island’s most famous landmark. The huge Buddha statue can be seen from several kilometres away. It is around twelve metres high. Angthong National Marine Park This is a protected area of the Gulf of <strong>Thailand</strong>, containing 42 gorgeous islands and pristine waters that are ripe for exploration. Discover thick jungle, white sand beaches, lovely lakes and secret coves amid sparkling oceans. SAMUI & PHANGAN Wat Khunaram See the fascinating sight of the mummified monk at this temple. Luong Pordaeng was a monk who died in 1973 and sits still, with little sign of decay, in a glass case at the temple. This sight offers an intriguing insight into Buddhist and Thai culture. Secret Buddha Garden See a collection of interesting statues hidden away in the lush jungle high in Samui’s hills. There are wonderful views from this unique and tranquil spot. Other places to visit: Namuang Waterfalls, Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks, Wat Plai Laem, Snake Farm, Aquarium, Samui Zoo 71
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COMO POINT YAMU, PHUKET Phuket’s
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11 km Natai Beach Resort & Spa, Pha
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