5 Best Koh Samui Travel Tips For A Perfect Island Vacation!
Here are a few essential tips that you ought to take a note of if you’re visiting Koh Samui anytime soon. These won’t just help you to plan an impeccable holiday, but will also let you have a hassle-free experience!
1. Best time to visit
- Weather surely is an important consideration while planning your trip to this enchanting island paradise. Here’s some important weather-related Koh Samui travel advice, before you plan that perfect holiday:
- The best season with perfect beach weather, ideal for swimming, sun-tanning and enjoying the island is between December end and April. There’s plenty of sunshine and hardly any rain.
- May to September also has good sunshine with some brief showers. However October-November are the rainiest months on the island with a few sunny days if you get lucky.
- Christmas and New Year’s time gets really busy so booking well in advance is a great idea; July-August also witness huge tourist influx. You can get great deals in October-November, which is the low season on the island.
2. What to pack
Since the charming beaches of Koh Samui will entice you to spend most of the time sprawled on the satin sand gazing at the breathtakingly beautiful seascapes or enjoying a refreshing dip in the clear waters, these are a must:
- Good, comfortable swim wear along with tons of sunscreen to ensure you stay protected from the strong sun at the tropical island. Make sure the sunscreen is at least an SPF50.
- Comfortable sandals are great for walking around in the humid weather as well as using on the beach or while visiting temples.
- A wide-brim hat and sunglasses will go a long way in warding off the harsh sun as you amble along the island.
3. Documents and Currency
To avoid waiting at the airport to get your visa, you can apply for a visa well in advance at the Royal Thai Embassy, which usually processes the application within 3-4 working days.
Make sure you carry your travel insurance along with the passport and other important documents.
The prevalent currency is the Thai Baht (THB). If you want to carry cash then getting US dollars is a better idea, though traveller’s cheques command a better rate and are a safer option.
ATMs and Forex booths and Western Union counters are widespread across the island, with a greater concentration around Chaweng and Lamai beaches. ATMs dispense only Thai Bahts with a withdrawal limit of THB 20000 per transaction and a miniscule fee per transaction.
Though most boutiques, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, an additional service fee is applicable.
4.Where to stay in Koh Samui
- Chaweng – This is the island’s most popular area with the best resorts, restaurants and bars as well as options for fun and adventure. If you want to be close to the stunning white sand beach then pick your stay at south Chaweng.
- Choeng Mon – For a more laidback and friendly vibe, though with a smaller selection of restaurants and bars. It is home to many luxury resorts and is great for snorkelling right off the beach.
- Bophut – With its cultural core at the Fisherman’s Village, Bophut retains the island’s authentic Thai-Chinese culture and is also the best place for foodies, with its eclectic range of restaurants and bars.
- Lamai Beach, Mae Nam Beach and Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach) are perfect for backpackers with a huge selection of mid-budget and cheap accommodation and awesome Thai street food.
5. Things to do in Koh Samui
- Visit the beautiful and unique temples for your dose of culture: Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plae Laem must not be missed.
- Catch a speedboat from Bophut to one of the wildest full moon beach parties in the world at Koh Phangan. Don’t forget to try out the Thai ‘bucket’ cocktail as you dance to the crazy beats.
- Head to the vibrant night markets for your shopping and Thai food fix: the night market at Fisherman’s Village Walking Street every Friday and Lamai Walking Street every Sunday are great to experience the local buzz.
- Experience the thrill of snorkelling & diving through marine wonders at Angthong National Marine Park
- Explore the gorgeous natural wonders like the surreal Secret Buddha Garden, Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks and the spectacular Namuang Waterfall.
