Ko Samui

Nathon
The town on Samui is named Nathon. You will find banks, post offices, restaurants, stores and shops here, but it's is not a place where so many people choose to stay at. Nathon also has a rather long pier where boats from mainland of Thailand arrives. 

Things change
Some tourists started to come here in early 70s, when the only business here were coconuts and fishing. I went to Samui first time in 1989-90. Electrical power cuts were then so common, you didn't even notice them. Of course prices were lower (Khao phed gai; fried rice with chicken was 10 bath) But as Samui has become a very popular tourist destination, prices is of course higher today, even if they still can be considered as very reasonable. Many hope that Samui stay at least a little more relaxed then Phuket and Pattaya but time will show.

Samui attractions
Koh Samui is not a place where you will find the "most famous" Buddhist wats (temples) or statues etc. I would prefer Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Chaing Mai, Sukhothai or Ayuthaya. And if you are looking for really big hotels and a busy nightlife, I would prefer Patong beach in Phuket or maybe Pattaya. But Koh Samui is perfect if you want a place without really big hotels, resorts and discotheques, but where you still can find great beaches, places to eat, bars and even a couple of fine nightclubs. Most people who has visit Koh Samui wants to come back and some returns again and again and...

Waterfalls
To be honest, you will not find a "Niagara looking" waterfall on Samui, but it can be a nice experience anyway.

Na Muang waterfall is located about 10 km south of Nathon. It is about 80 m high. You have to walk for a while to get here.

Hin Lad waterfall is located 2 km south of Nathon Town. Take a walk in the forest and enjoy a soft drink or why not a refreshing Thai beer afterwards.

Big Buddha
Wat Phra Yai is a more than 12 meter tall Buddha statue, first built in 1972. It is located on a small island but today connected with main land with a bridge. Please show respect and wear proper clothes and shoes while visiting. This is not just a tourist attraction, but also an important Buddhist symbol for the local Thai people here. In 2005 and 2006, Big Buddha has been extended with a Dharma wheel and a traditional Suphannahong boat.

Hin Ta Hin Yai
The grandfather and grandmother rocks located on South Lamai beach. 

Nightlife and bars
On Samui you'll find a few nightclubs and discotheques if you like that kind of entertainment. We can recommend; Green Mango, Reggae Pub (on Chaweng beach) and Bauhaus, Super Sub (on Lamai beach) There are also smaller pubs and bars all over the island. Enjoy! So called girlie bars are rather common and often a little more expensive. If you are a man, do not be to surprised if one of the girls wants to follow you to your room. Normally she is not too serious if she say that she is in love with you though. She is doing it as a work to support herself and often also her family.

Around the island
Walk - Nice, but use a lot of sun screen.Bicycle - Just rent it. It's cheap.Motorbike - Most common here. From 100 cc to Harley Davidson. Prices from 120 baht per day and up.Pickup taxi (Songtaew) - From early morning to 7 pm. Price: 20-50 Baht, but it's more expensive at night after 6 PM.Car - You can rent a jeep or a car. Prices starts from about 800 Baht.Taxi - Convenient! But most of them do not use the taximeter. Ask for the price in advance. The prices usually start from about 100 baht and up.

Safety
Many people dies every year in Samui traffic! The roads can be very dangerous at nighttime. It is stupid and like playing Russian roulette to drink and drive here. IMPORTANT! Please, do always bring your insurance with you! Some hospitals require it if you end up in an accident. Be careful in the Samui traffic - Always! Also, try not to leave your precious belongings in your room when you go out. Especially between 5pm and 8pm there might be some mosquitos outside. Please protect yourself with cloths or repellents as some cases of dengue fever are reported occasionally.