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Koh Samui - Thailand
Koh Samui is a gem in the crown of the Gulf of Siam. This beautiful
island epitomizes the idyllic simplicity of a tropical hideaway. It is
characterised by beaches of soft white sand, crystal-clear waters and
bright clear sunshine.
Koh Samui (Koh meaning "island")
is Thailand's third largest island measuring 21km at its widest point
and 25km at its maximum length. A mountain ridge runs east to west and
most of the hinterland comprises lush tropical rain forested hills. The
rich hues of wild tropical plants contrast with the greens of coconut
palms and emerald paddy fields, before swooping down to glorious sandy
shores.
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Koh Samui is easily accessible from many popular destinations in Thailand.
Just a short 80 minute flight
from Bangkok, but literally a world away
from the action packed streets of the capital city. Bangkok
Airways offer
more than 15 direct flights daily to Koh Samui. Thai International Airways
offers 3 flights daily to Surat Thani, from where you can get to Koh
Samui via ferry or express boat. Alternatively, travel overland from
Bangkok to Surat Thani by train (eight departures daily) or first-class
air-conditioned coach.
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In such a restful setting, the temptation is simply to laze peacefully
on the beach and soak up the tropical sun. For those of you looking for
more active pursuits, there are amenities for water sports such as windsurfing,
Jet Ski rides, snorkelling and Scuba diving. The coastal waters are exciting
to explore and are especially rich in shoals of brightly coloured fish
and exotic coral formations. Koh Samui's PGA International Golf Course
is also a main recreational attraction. The spectacular setting of this
internationally designed 18 hole course has stunning views of the surrounding
Gulf and mountain valleys. With more than 20 health and beauty spas,
Samui is a first choice destination for those looking to pamper themselves. |
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Principal among Samui's natural sights are two picturesque waterfalls,
Hin Lat and Na Muang. Visitors can visit the falls by elephant and relax
by taking a dip in the cooling water. On neighbouring Koh Fan, connected
to Samui by a causeway, is the Wat Hin Ngu temple and meditation centre.
Island hopping is another attraction and
boats can be easily hired for trips to Koh Phangan (the nearest island
to Samui), and to the smaller islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan where
beautiful bays with colourful coral reefs offer excellent conditions
for scuba diving and snorkelling.
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Samui represents a paradise for gourmets, and a great place to partake
in a little ‘retail therapy'. With more than 400 restaurants featuring
the best in Asian and International cuisine, you can fully indulge yourself
and enjoy the good life on Samui. Chaweng is the most popular and developed
of Samui's beaches, located on the east coast of the island. With many
bars, quality restaurants and a myriad of shops, Chaweng is the nightlife
centre of the island. Right on the beach itself is a selection of quieter
bars and restaurants, offering a relaxing evening with a superb view
of the Gulf. |
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Koh Samui's weather is almost always beautiful.
Blue-sky days and a balmy ocean breeze are the norm. For the purists,
late December to the end of March is the ideal tropical island weather
experience. Some like it hot, if so, April to June is the time to really
bake. July to October is idyllic with the wet season starting mid-October
to early December.
Check out the link below for an up-to-date forecast of the current weather on Koh Samui:
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