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General Information
This beautiful island off south-eastern Thailand is covered with coconut
plantations and circled by (call us clichéd but it's true) palm-fringed
beaches. It was once an 'untouched' backpackers' mecca, but is now well
on its way to becoming a fully-fledged tourist resort. Coconuts are
still the mainstay of the local economy, however, and up to two million
of them are shipped to Bangkok each month.
The most popular beaches are Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai: both have good
swimming and snorkelling but are getting a little crowded. For more
peace and quiet, try Mae Nam, Bo Phut and Big Buddha on the northern
coast. The main town on the island is Na Thon.
Most of the beaches have plenty of rustic, thatched-roofed
bungalows but accommodation can still be hard to secure in the high
seasons between December and February and July and August. The best time
to visit is during the hot and dry season between February and June.
There are flights from Bangkok to the island's Don Sak Airport. Several
ferry and jetboat companies operate from Surat Thani: express boats take
two and a half hours and jet boats take one and a half hours. Local
transport comprises songthaews (trucks with two rows of seats in the
back), though several places hire motorcycles.
Ko Samui's northern neighbour, Ko Pha-Ngan, is more tranquil,
and has equally good beaches and fine snorkelling. Its renowned beach
parties at Hat Rin are popular with backpackers, though not with the
local police. The island is a half-hour boat ride from Ko Samui.
Around Koh Samui
 There
are many wonderful destinations to visit in Thailand. Why include Koh
Samui in your travel plans?
Not that long ago the island was a favorite destination of
adventure seeking sun worshipers. These savvy travelers visited Samui
long before it was in the guide books. Seaside bungalows were available
for as little as 150 baht per night, and you could count on spending day
after sunny day on the beach in nearly perfect tranquillity. These
visitors found there was an almost mesmerizingly restful and carefree
feel to the island that often kept them here long after they had
intended to return home.
Those who have known and loved Samui since those early days may
not agree about the current pace of development in some areas, but for
the most part they do agree on one thing. The island retains its sleepy
magic. Koh Samui is still a paradise.
Tourist arrivals have been increasing steadily in recent years.
An impressive island-wide effort was undertaken in late 1999 and
continues in early 2000 to improve the island's infrastructure to
accommodate these developments. Those who visited prior to 1999 will be
astonished at the number of newly paved and widened roads, drainage
systems, and perhaps most welcome; the addition of sidewalks in the
bustling villages of Chaweng and Lamai - home to many of the islands
hotels, nightlife and shopping areas.
However much of the island, especially the south coast, remains
largely undeveloped. A day spent on scooters or in a jeep exploring this
lush underbelly is a day of sheer serendipity. With its spectacular and
astonishingly diverse flora, and its dozy little neighborhoods peopled
by some of the world's most amiable islanders, this kind of exploration
is sure to provide the delights you imagined when you planned your
holiday.
Short direct flights here now depart several times a day from
Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. You can also arrive by
train, bus and boat.
Safety & Wellbeing
Road Safety
Easily the single most dangerous activity on Koh Samui is
driving or riding on the back of a motor bike. If you choose to rent one
(and especially if you are inexperienced), take precautions to minimize
the risk of injury or worse. (See Getting Around for important tips that
may save your life.)
Beach & Water Safety
Many people's holidays are ruined from too much sun. Samui's
hospitals see many cases of heat stroke and severe burn caused by poor
judgement. Limit your time in the sun, especially when you first arrive,
and use sunblock. If you think there may a chance you will fall asleep
on the beach, choose a shady spot under a palm.
Don't swim in the sea alone, especially if you are not a strong
swimmer. DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT swimming in the sea if you have been
drinking alcohol.
 WARNING:
During the months of January through April, extremely dangerous rip
currents come and go, especially at Chaweng beaches. People lose their
lives every year on the worst days. Look for the flags that responsible
hotels display when conditions are dangerous. If they are red, use
EXTREME CAUTION or better yet, do not swim.
Food and Beverage Hygiene
All restaurants and nearly every food vendor serve safe
bottled drinking water and clean factory-made ice cubes. Vegetables are
washed in tap water but safe when cooked. You may want to avoid eating
raw ones. However in spite of your best efforts to avoid it, you may
develop intestinal discomfort. This may be painful, but probably not
serious. A visit to a doctor, clinic or pharmacy is likely to provide
quick relief in the form of medication that will work within hours.
Nighttime Activities
The atmosphere is so relaxed, and the people are so warm and
friendly, that it's easy to let down your guard on Samui. This is
especially true if you have had a few drinks. Though exceptionally safe
by world standards, like any tourist area, Samui has its petty
criminals. These individuals are most often present late at night,
especially in some of the entertainment areas. This is not to say these
places are unsafe, simply remember your common sense, exercise the same
caution you would at home, and it is very unlikely you will be
victimized.
If a friendly and attractive stranger pulls up beside you on a
motor bike while you are out walking at night, and offers you a ride,
DON'T GO.
Many people - men especially - may find it is very easy to make
attractive new friends in the bars and discotheques. Bear in mind that
some of these people will expect you to pay them for their company if
you go out for the evening. The majority of them do not have criminal
intentions of any kind, however there are occasional incidents and
misunderstandings. If you choose to take a new friend (whether a local
or a tourist) back to your hotel, no matter how kind-hearted she or he
may seem, safeguard your valuables!
Finally, women especially, should not accept an invitation from
a stranger to walk on the beach at night, no matter how attractive he or
she may be.
Avoiding Bodily Harm
Arguments sometimes arise that lead to physical confrontation.
Inevitably this seems to happen at night in areas where alcohol is
consumed. Do not argue with individuals or groups of people in these
situations. If you feel you have been wronged, stay calm and call the
nearest Tourist Policemen. He will help you!
Money, Credit Cards, Banks
Currency
1 Baht (Bt) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of Bt1000
(grey), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue) and 20 (green), 10 (brown).
Coins are in denominations of Bt10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 satangs.
Exchanging Money
You can convert major currencies to Baht at all banks and
exchange booths. The rates are fairly similar island-wide at both types
of locations. Always count the change you receive.
Click here for the latest exchange rates
ATMs (automatic teller machines)
ATM or cash machines as they are otherwise none can be found in
Nathon and Chaweng only. There is normally a handling fee of 1.5 percent
on every withdrawal.
Note that some ATM machines do not accept credit cards. Look for
the VISA and MASTERCARD signs. Try not to depend totally on these
machines, as they sometimes run out of cash or go out of order.
Travellers' Cheques & Credit Cards
Travellers' cheques are the saftest way to carry your money.
Better rates are offered for cheques than for cash, there is normally a
charge of 13 baht commission and duty per cheque. Changing travellers'
cheques can be done at most locations. Your passport will be required
for identification.
Many exchange booths accept credit cards. These cards will be
displayed in their windows. Note that businesses accepting credit cards
for goods and services, often take VISA and Mastercard only. Expect a
surcharge of up to 5 percent on every transaction.
In the case of lost or stolen credit cards telephone:
American Express - (02) 273 0020
Mastercard / Visa - (02) 299 1990
Banks & Wiring Money
For transactions requiring a teller, there are banks in Nathon
and Chaweng (only.)
Banking hours are Monday - Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm.
It is possible to have money wired directly from a bank in your
home country to a bank in Koh Samui. It will normally takes two - five
working days to arrive, and costs around US $40 per transaction.
Western Union - has an agent located at the Bangkok Metropolitan
Bank in Nathon. This is the fastest but most expensive way to send
money. Money wired through them should be ready for collection within
twenty minutes of being sent. Note that sending larger amounts of cash
this way is better value as they charge on a sliding scale.
|
Bank |
Location |
Telephone |
|
Bangkok Bank |
Nathon |
+66 (0) 7742 1105 |
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Bank of Ayudhaya |
Nathon |
+66 (0) 7742 0176 |
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Bangkok Metropolitan Bank |
Nathon |
+66 (0) 7742 0277 |
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Goverment Savings Bank
|
Nathon |
+66 (0) 7742 1119 |
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Krung Thai Bank |
Bophut |
+66 (0) 7742 1503 |
|
Siam City Bank |
Nathon / Chaweng |
+66 (0) 7742 1110 |
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Siam Commercial Bank |
Nathon / Chaweng |
+66 (0) 7742 0186 |
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Thai Farmers Bank |
Nathon |
+66 (0) 7742 1200 |
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Thai Military Bank |
Nathon |
+66 (0) 7742 0360 |
Health Services
Medical care
There are several hospitals on the island, at least two of which
are staffed with English-speaking personnel to handle foreign
patients. They are both in the Chaweng area. There are also a
number of small clinics and pharmacies in every village. The
hospitals are well-equipped to handle most minor injuries and
illnesses. However if you have a serious medical condition or
develop one while on Samui, or if you have a bad accident, you
will have to travel to Bangkok or Phuket for treatment.
Communicable Diseases
There have been no outbreaks of any serious diseases on Samui in
recent years. Always practice safe sex to avoid contracting
hepatitis and other sexually transmitted diseases. In the
unlikely event you are bitten by a dog, see a doctor
immediately.
Hospitals
|
Name |
Location |
Telephone |
|
Bandon
International Hospital |
Bophut |
077
425-382 |
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Samui
Hospital (Goverment) |
Nathon |
077
421-230 |
|
Samui
International Hosiptal |
Chaweng |
077
230-781 |
Doctors and clinics
|
Name |
Location |
Telephone |
|
Dr Joe |
House
Call |
01 606
5833 |
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Surasit
Clinic |
Nathon |
077
421-011 |
|
KAN
Health Clinic |
Chaweng |
077 230
802 |
|
Muang
Thai Clinic |
Lamai |
077
424-219 |
|
Nursing
Home |
Chaweng |
077 230
045 |
|
Sea Sun
Medical Service |
Chaweng |
077
422-463 |
|
Samui
Medical Clinic |
Nathon |
077 420
160 |
|
Dr
Theerasak (Bone & Joint Clinic) |
Nathon |
|
|
Chaweng
Medical Health |
Chaweng |
01 27 07
898 |
Dentists
|
Name |
Location |
Telephone |
|
Dr.
Jimmys Dental Clinic |
Nathon |
077 421
219 |
|
Dr. Lex
Dental Clinic |
Nathon |
077 421
075 |
|
Jidee
Dental Clinic |
Nathon |
077 420
355 |
|
Samui
International Hosiptal |
Chaweng |
077
230-781 |
Pharmacy's
|
Name |
Location |
Telephone |
|
Boots |
Chaweng |
077 231
376 |
|
Pharmahouse Pharmacy |
Chaweng |
077 230
457 |
|
Samui
Pharmacy |
Chaweng |
077 230
279 |
|
Poo's
Pharmacy |
Nathon |
077 420
- |
Other
|
Name |
Location |
Telephone |
|
Recompression Chamber |
Big
Buddha |
077 427
427 |
Passports, Visas and Overstays
 PASSPORTS
Passport valid for 6 months beyond intended length of stay
required by all except: holders of a Hong Kong certificate of
identity bearing a Thai visa issued in Hong Kong, and holders of
a Singapore certificate of identity issued in Singapore with a
visa
VISAS
Transit visa (30 days)
The following passport holders automatically get a free
non-extendable transit visa for stays up to 30 days in Thailand,
providing they show proof of a confirmed date return ticket by
air, sea or by any other means of transport via the
Thai/Malaysian border:
Entry Visa
The following passport holders can obtain an entry visa on
arrival at the immigration checkpoints at Don Muang (Bangkok),
Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Hat Yai airports, provided
they have a confirmed ticket to leave within 15 days, a valid
passport, 2 passport-size photos and that their visit is for
tourist purposes only:
Americas
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Antigua & Barbuda
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Bahamas
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Barbados
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Belize
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Bolivia
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Chile
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Colombia
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Costa Rica
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Dominica
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Dominician Replublic
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Ecuador
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Grenada
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GuatemalaHaiti
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Honduras
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Jamaica
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Panama
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Paraguay
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Peru
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St. Kitts & Nevis
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Saint Lucia
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St. Vincent &
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Grenadines
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Suriname
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Trinidad & Tobago
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Uruguay
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Venezuela
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Africa
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Botswana
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Burkina Faso
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Burundi
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Cameroon
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Cape Verde
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Central African
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Republic
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Chad
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Comoros
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Congo
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Cote D'lvoire
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Equatorial
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Guinea
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Guinea
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Lesotho
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Liberia
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Malawi
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Mali
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Mauritius
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Niger
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Rwanda
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Soa Tome &
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Principe
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Seychelles
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Sierra Leone
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Somalia
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Tanzania
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Togo
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Uganda
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Zambia
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Zimbabwe
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Europe
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Albania
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Andora
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Bulgaria
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Croatia
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Cyprus
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Hungary
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Latvia
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Leichtenstein
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Malta
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Monaco
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Poland
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Romania
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San Marino
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Slovak
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Republic
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Vatican City
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Asia
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Kiribati
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Nauru
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Soloman Islands
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Tuvalu
Pacific
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Tourist visa
60 day tourist visas can be applied for from a Thai embassy or
consulate outside of Thailand. This visa can be extended in
Samui for a further 30 days at the discretion of officals;
extentions cost 500 baht and are issued at the immigration
office in Nathon (tel: 077 421 069)
Non-immigrant visa
90 day non-immigrant visas "O" ordinary and "B" business must be
obtained prior to arrival. To obtain a non-immigrant "B" visa
you will be required to produce a letter from an employer in
Thailand. To obtain a non-immigrant "O"; (a) if married to a
Thai national a copy of your marriage certificate. (b) a letter
of recommendation from a official Thai source or sponsor, to
explain why you need to be in country for three months.
Tourist and non-immigrant application requirements
(a) Passport (valid for at least 6 months after intended stay).
(b) 1 completed application form. (c) 2 recent passport-size
photographs. (d) Fee
Overstays
If you overstay your visa limits you will be fined 200 baht per
extra day when you depart Thailand.
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