Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [479]
Ko Samui is a choose-your-own-adventure kinda place that strives, like a genie, to grant every tourist their ultimate holiday wish. You want ocean views, daily massages and personal butlers? Poof – here are the keys to your private poolside villa. It’s a holistic aura-cleansing vacation you’re after? Shazam – take a seat on your yoga mat before your afternoon colonic. Wanna party like a rock star? Pow – trance your way down the beach with the throngs of whisky bucket–toting tourists.
Beyond the merry-making machine, the island will also offer interested visitors a glimpse into local life. Chinese merchants from Hainan Island initially settled Samui and today these unique roots have blossomed into a small community that remains hidden beneath the glossy holiday veneer.
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Orientation
Ko Samui is quite large – the ring road around the island is almost 100km long. The island has been blessed with picturesque beaches on all four sides. The most crowded are Hat Chaweng ( Map) and Hat Lamai ( Map), both on the eastern side of the island.
The beaches on the island’s north coast including Choeng Mon, Mae Nam, Bo Phut ( Map), Bang Po and Big Buddha Beach (Bang Rak) are starting to become busy as well, but the prices are still decent, and secluded nooks can still be found. For a quieter experience, try the secluded beaches along the southern coast, and western shore south of Na Thon.
Information
BOOKSHOPS
There are several places around the island where you can snag a paperback to read in your hammock. Many hotels also have libraries or book trades.
Bookazine ( Map; 0 7741 3616; Hat Chaweng; 10am-11pm) Chain outlet selling new books, magazines and loads of Lonely Planet guides.
EMERGENCY
Tourist police ( Map; 0 7742 1281, emergency 1155) Based at the south of Na Thon.
IMMIGRATION OFFICES
During high season, the Bangkok Samui Hospital also has an immigration booth and can offer small extensions on tourist visas.
Immigration Office ( Map; 0 7742 1069; 8.30am-noon & 1-4.30pm Mon-Fri) Offers seven-day tourist visa extensions. Located about 2km south of Na Thon.
INTERNET ACCESS
There are countless places all over the island for internet access, even at the less popular beaches. Prices range from 1B to 2B per minute. Keep an eye out for restaurants that offer complementary wi-fi service.
INTERNET RESOURCES
The following websites cover dive centres, accommodation and tours. They also have transport timetables.
Sawadee.com (www.samui.sawadee.com)
Tourism Association of Koh Samui (www.samuitourism.com)
MEDIA & MAPS
The Siam Map Company puts out quarterly booklets including Spa Guide, Dining Guide and an annual directory that lists thousands of companies and hotels on the island. Its Siam Map Company Samui Guide Map is fantastic, free and easily found throughout the island. Essential (www.essential-samui.com) is a pocket-size pamphlet focused on promoting Samui’s diverse activities. Samui Guide looks more like a magazine and features mostly restaurants and attractions.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Ko Samui has four private hospitals, all near the Tesco-Lotus supermarket on the east coast, where most of the tourists tend to gather. The government hospital in Na Thon has seen significant improvements in the last couple of years but the service is still a bit grim since funding is based on the number of Samui’s legal residents (which doesn’t take into account the heap of illegal Burmese workers).
Bangkok Samui Hospital ( Map M01AA; 0 7742 9500, emergency 0 7742 9555) Your best bet for just about any medical problem.
Hyperbaric Chamber ( Map; 0 7742 7427; Big Buddha Beach) The island’s dive medicine specialists.
Samui International Hospital ( Map; 0 7742 2272; www.sih.co.th; Hat Chaweng) Emergency ambulance service is available 24 hours and credit cards are accepted. Near the Amari Resort in Chaweng.
MONEY
Changing money isn’t a problem on the east and north coasts, and in Na Thon. Multiple