Saturday, July 4, 2009

Ko Samui in Surat Thani Province

http://seasonhot.com/content/img/samui-info.jpg

Ko Samui is a 247 km² large island located in the Gulf of Thailand, in the province of Surat Thani. It is, by many people, considered as one of the most beautiful islands in the South-East Asia region. Foreign tourists started to explore Samui in the 70s and today the island is a modern tourist destination with paradise like beaches.

Ko Samui Beaches

Chaweng beach
Had (beach in Thai language) Chaweng is found on the island's East coast and it is the most popular beach on Ko Samui. Soft sand and shallow water makes Chaweng beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The 8 kilometer long beach road is pretty much covered with cozy restaurants, resorts, hotels and bars.

Lamai beach
Had Lamai is situated a few kilometers South of Chaweng and is the second most popular destination on Ko Samui. The 6 km long beach has a little grainy sand and the deep water is perfect for swimming, especially in the Southern and middle parts of this beach. Even if the Lamai area is growing, the relaxed atmosphere is still dominating.

Ao Thong Takian
A small almost idyllic beach North of Lamai with five small resorts. A lot of corals is found on the sea bed (mind cuts) and some days the water is very clear and turquoise and then suitable for snorkeling.

Maenam
Maenam beach is found on the Northern part of the island and one of Samui's calmer beaches. Many families chose to rent a bungalow along the 5 km long beautiful beach. At low season the beach can be almost "empty of people".

Bo Phut
A rather quiet and calm beach which earlier functioned as a fishing village for the local fishermen. The traditional house of teak tree can still be found in the small village. Even if there is no extensive nightlife found in Bo Phut, you will still find a number of cozy seafood and fish restaurants that work as natural meeting point.

Big Buddha beach
Also a rather quiet beach, next to the large Big Buddha monument/statue. The white sand and (often) calm water, makes the beach perfect for the visitor who are looking for a peaceful environment. Big Buddha is located not so far from Chaweng and the airport.

Choeng Mon
This beautiful but rather short beach is found in the North-East parts of the island. Here you will find mostly three, four and five star resorts. A perfect place for families and couples who are looking for a pleasant and convenient holiday. Choeng Mon beach is also located rather close to the airport and Chaweng.

Bang Por, Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam
Three quiet and long beaches on the North-West and West coast of Samui. For people who prefer a calm, very relaxed vacation. At low season, these beaches are often almost empty of people, but a some restaurants and resorts are to be found here.

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