Koh Samui Factfile
Brief History
Koh Samui with its white sandy beaches, lush tropical foliage and cool blue waters was first discovered by backpackers in the early 1970s when a thatched hut without running water and electricity was regarded as heaven on earth. Nowadays Samui is home to about 40,000 full-time inhabitants. Like the other islands around Samui, it was first settled by ethnic Malay fishermen from the mainland, as well as immigrants from Southern China at a time when the surrounding waters teemed with fish.
There is not much written history of the island, and most of the known information has been passed down through generations. About the origin of the island's name are two theories. The first theory tells that the name of a commonly-found tree called "mui" was extended at a certain moment. The second one, and probably more likely to believe, is that "Saboey" which is a Chinese word for safe haven was adopted by Chinese fishermen, and later become the name Samui which is used at present day. Vestiges of the once thriving fishing communities can still be seen in villages such as Nathon and Maenam. Coconut and rubber farming industries also developed, and harvesting of these bushes and trees still takes place in the inland hills of the island. Samui is home to more varieties of coconut palms than any other place on earth.
Until not much more than two decades ago, the Samuians had barely seen foreigners. With the number of increasing tourism an industry blossomed up, creating thousands of jobs. Through foreign currency coming in as well as foreign investments, the local people were having benefit of it all.
With infrastructure and development pressing forward, Koh Samui is quickly becoming the Riviera of South East Asia. Even so, the island is so gifted with an incredibly rich variety of beaches, bays, capes and coves that despite its rapid development, it is still able to maintain the classical image of a tropical beach fringed by coconut palms.
Visitors to Samui can be sure to enjoy an enviable mix of peace and tranquility across different parts of the island through a myriad of accommodation types, entertainment venues, health and lifestyle retreats, water sports, action activities, sight seeing and dining possibilities.
The People
Life in Samui is as easy going and relaxed as can be, and the Samui residents are notably tolerant of even the oddest characteristics. Shoes should be taken off when entering a private home. Thais are of cool nature and therefore remain patient even under hard times and visitors who wish to get along with the people should do the same. A smile, for which Thai people are known for, would get you a lot further than a frown, even when you are annoyed.
The Climate
The climate of Koh Samui is tropical and therefore warm throughout the whole year. At the same time it is dominated by the monsoon winds that bring about the seasonal changes from dry to wet. There are two very hot periods of weather on Samui, the first between March and June when the average temperatures range from 32 to 38 degrees Celsius and only the occasional tropical thunderstorm brings relief from the heat. This is the least crowded time of the year and good bargains on bungalows can be made during this off-season period. It is also very hot between July and September with the temperatures rising to highs about 35 degrees Celsius. There are occasional showers but these hardly last more than a few hours. The months from November to February are generally cool enough to spend more time enjoying outdoor activities. Although this is, November in particular, officially the rainy season, you will probably nonetheless see a good deal of sun and clear skies, as tropical rain showers tend to last not for long.
Getting Around
The main mode of public transport is covered by red colored converted pick-up trucks with two long bench seats facing each other called Songthaews. The fare ranges from 30 Baht depending on the distance you wish to cover. The official taxi service time is until 21.00 hours after of which there are plenty of “supposedly” metered taxis willing to separate you from your hard earned cash. Negotiate before boarding!
A more flexible way to get around would be to rent a motorbike at 200 Baht a day or a jeep for 800 Baht plus depending on the model. When renting a bike, make sure everything on the vehicle is functional. Make a note on the contract of any dents, scratches or missing parts before you drive of with the vehicle to avoid disputes on return.
Although the majority of people don't wear a crash helmet, for your own safety ask for one, not to mention the trouble you can have if you are stopped and fined by the police. Be aware, the roads of Koh Samui are a harsh training ground for those who do not understand the operating features of their bike. Samui has the highest traffic fatality statistics in the Kingdom and statistically speaking, the most dangerous activity that you can engage in while visiting Samui is motorbike driving.
Clothing
Attire on Koh Samui is absolutely informal, so light, loose cotton clothing is most recommended. When visiting mountainous areas or national parks, a wind breaker can be handy. When visiting temples short tight skirt or blouses are not acceptable. Especially when exploring the night-life, tight dresses and miniskirts are no problem. On the other hand, naked sunbathing or topless appearance in public places is considered rude and is generally not accepted.
Code of Behaviour
Thai's are flexible in nature and understand very well, that foreigners cannot know their code of behaviour. Mostly, they are too polite to complain about anything you do out of ignorance, but to earn some respect from their side, it is important to show proper behaviour. Most important is to show respect for the monarchy in every way. Thai people are very fond and loyal to their King and Queen and the whole royal family. Temples, Buddha statues or monks (it is not allowed for a woman to touch a monk, for example) are to be revered. Buddhist and Chinese shrines are open to foreigners but you should dress appropriately when visiting. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are discouraged. Hilltribe houses have special spirit rooms, which are closed to outsiders; entering them will violate their sanctity. Thais are amenable to being photographed but, if in doubt, ask first. Monks can be photographed, temples, Buddha images and all Buddhist ceremonies as well. Remove your shoes before entering a Thai home or temple.
Photographic Services
Most popular brands of film are available in Samui and one hour processing is common. Nowadays, with the increasing number of people carrying digital camera's, there are many shops around the island who offer a myriad of services like express processing of normal or APS film, digital to print, film to print, digital to CD and film to CD. Print from slide, passport photos, photocopying and laminating.
Communication Services
The post offices are open from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm. The Thai post service is usually reliable. Important items can be sent by Express Mail Services (EMS) via the Post Office. This is faster and safer but the cost is higher. Another service to use for sending items is UPS, located on the ring road, near the Chaweng Post Office. Most travelers in this modern age carry their own mobile phones set to world roaming. If not, it is easy and very cheap to purchase a Nokia 12Call Mobile at the Tesco Lotus Superstore in Chaweng or a 12Call SIM card for your mobile at any 7-Eleven to sort out your on island communication problems. Also, internet café's are practically located on every street corner and certainly near or within every hotel to check your e-mail, browse the internet or chat with family back home on Messenger or SKYPE.
Immigration
Tourists traveling to Thailand holding valid passports or traveling documents issued by a country included in an officially issued list of eligible countries are permitted 30 day visa free visits. If you are planning to stay longer, a 60 days tourist visa must be obtained from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. At the Immigration Department in Bangkok and in some cases at the Immigration Office close to Nathon visa extensions are offered. Should you have any questions regarding visas feel free to stop by as the staff there are friendly and speak English.
Business Hours
Most offices open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, except on and around public holidays when business hours may vary widely. Stores and exchange counters all close at 7.00 pm in Nathon. General banking hours are Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Exchange booths are open for in the beach areas till 10.00 pm. Many stores are open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Electricity
Electricity in Thailand is 220 Volts AC at 50 cycles. Several different plugs and sockets are in use, so travelers will need to beware of this when using shavers, CD players, laptops or other appliances that require main power. Overall sockets are not grounded, so beware in wet areas (like bathrooms). There are occasional blackouts and power variations, especially during rainy season. Care should be taken to protect delicate equipment from power variations.
Tourist Health
The first class hotels in Samui offer free bottled drinking water but you should not drink the tap water (though it can be used for brushing your teeth). If you order a drink in a public place don't be afraid of ice cubes in your drink, these are safely made from drinking water (the Thais don't use tap water themselves for these kind of things either). When buying food from food stalls make sure they are covered and no flies are lurking around the food. Thais add a large amount of chili in their food and if you don't like spicy food, make them aware of the amount of chilies you would like in the dish you order. When visiting the beaches in Koh Samui, use a generous amount of sunblock, be aware of heatstroke and use your head whilst in the sun and drink enough water to avoid dehydration.
Travel & Tour Services
There are many travel agencies and internet sites that offer travel, hotel bookings, and tour services throughout Thailand and Samui. Most just recommend tour operations that pay the highest commissions and not necessarily the best service. Travel Solutions whose management company is incidentally recommended by the Lonely Planet is one of the islands bona fide travel and tour consultancies where you can be assured that whatever itinerary they put together is going to involve the nations and islands best operators. Visit them in their office in Chaweng, close to McDonalds and besides The Pizza Company or at their Kiosk right on the beach in front of Long Beach Lodge. Contact them on telephone number 077 239 007 or 077 239 008 & mobile number 08 9873 7575 or through their website www.travelsolutionsthailand.com.
Tipping & Bargaining
Although tipping is not expected or required in most cases, it is considered a nice gesture to leave a small amount when you receive good service. The average monthly income of the employee serving you is probably around the 100 US$ mark! Most restaurants, bars, supermarkets, department stores, pharmacies, public transport and larger hotels do not offer discounts and you may have to pay a surcharge for using your credit card. On the other hand, nearly any independent small business, from jewelry stores to street vendors is open to bargaining. A discount cannot be taken for granted right from the start so all discussions should be done in a friendly manner.
Getting Laid
Again, be careful! Sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS are prevalent in Thailand. It's hard to imagine but central Chaweng and Lamai Beaches are crawling with northeastern girls and boys working an angle. Great if that is your thing and exactly what you are looking for, not so if you are sincere and naive. Nothing is, as it seems so keep an open mind, be friendly and stay focused whether you are partaking or not.
Criminality
Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand so do not get involved with drugs offered in the less reputable entertainment areas or venues. Any tourist destination across the world attracts the countries criminal element. In Samui it is usually in the form of break and enter or purse / bag snatching. Be very aware when you carrying your valuables on you to keep them close and held tightly. A favourite trick is to have them snatched from you as they drive by on a motorbike. Overall your personal safety is well taken care of in Samui and the tourist police demonstrate a polite and competent attitude all around. By traveling with confidence, being aware and showing the proper caution, you will surely enjoy your stay.
Beyond Samui
If you are tired with the life on Koh Samui perhaps it is time for you to explore the small islands around Samui. Koh Phangan is almost as big as Samui but is much less developed and is easily accessed by daily ferry boats from Maenam, Bophut and Bang Rak piers on Samui and also from Suratthani. The island offers over 100 small budget bungalows with prices ranging from about 200 Baht per night upwards. They are simple and comfortable with their own fan and electricity. If you want more luxury, no problem, the island also houses a couple of luxury resort with high end facilities.
Koh Phangan is also famous for its monthly Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach, for which people and DJ's come from all over the world. Several tables with goods for sale are set up on the beach and thousands of lamps are lit. You will find all kinds of music here, trance, rave, techno, drum and base, reggae, everyone is guaranteed fun. The intention here is to feel free and have an unforgettable time.
Drugs on the Full Party? Do you really need it to have a great time and have the opportunity to extend your holiday with weeks, months or even years behind bars? Better keeps your hands off it! Thai law hands out harsh penalties for those caught participating in this cycle. The incumbent government also believes that foreigners are providing a market and creating a bad example for Thai youth across the country! There are dozens of undercover cops walking around at the party who will receive a bonus for catching drug users.
Some 45 kilometers north of Samui lies Koh Tao or Turtle Island which is the largest dive training center in South East Asia. A small island that offers ideal conditions to learn diving for those who have never dived before. Surrounded by coconut palms and boulders, this island is the perfect place for those who want to get away from the crowded, bustling cities. From Samui to Koh Tao the normal boats take about 3 hours but the daily high speed catamaran service which leaves from Maenam at 8.00 am and 12.00 noon take about 2 hours. Lying 1 kilometer off the northwest coast of Koh Tao is Nang Yuan Island that consists of tiny islets all connected by a strip of beach. A perfect place for honeymooners and those who are eager to dive or snorkel.
Angthong National Marine Park is another popular attraction located about 30 kilometers northwest of Koh Samui. The archipelago consists of tropical rainforests, wildlife, deserted beaches and massive rock formations. A perfect option to explore the beauty of the Marine Park is to book a trip with Blue Stars Kayaking.
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