Koh Samui Holidays
Koh Samui, a paradise island situated on the Gulf of Thailand, the laid back atmosphere, glorious beaches and the quaint oriental villages make it the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. By day you can snorkel around Coral island, take day trips to the many attractions or relax on the palm fringed beaches. The nightlife ranges from chilled out beach bars to open air discos. There is a good choice of hotels as well as bungalows for the budget traveller. Chaweng has the most popular beaches but there are about 23 others around the island to see.

Weather
With only two seasons in the year southern Thailand has temperatures ranging between an average of 23°C and 33°C. The hottest months are between November to April and the rainy season is from May to October. There is always a breeze blowing and even in the wetter months you will still see lots of sunshine.By Day
Koh Samui has something for everyone from relaxing on the fine sandy beaches to visiting glistering temples and the waterfalls with breathtaking scenery. Excursions such as elephant trekking and snorkelling trips can be arranged and other sports such as golf can be enjoyed. Chaweng is the longest and busiest beach, yet the most beautiful on the island. You will find a range of watersports available and some discreet sandy coves to discover. This place also comes alive at night with a number of bars and restaurants. On the south and west coast of the island lay many quieter beaches perfect for those seeking peace and tranquillity. By Night
Koh Samui has a variety of nightlife to suit all tastes, from sophisticated gourmet restaurants to all night parties. With Chaweng offering some of the best in Asia, ranging from beach bars to nightclubs, cocktail lounges to cabarets and even and English pub! Ko Pha Ngan is famous for the legendary full moon party’s, people flock from all over the world to experience the biggest party on earth. Other areas of the island such as Lamai Beach and Maenam Beach are slightly smaller and are more popular with couples seeking traditional bars with a more romantic feel and low key nightlife. Top Attractions
• Na Muang waterfall, the islands most stunning waterfall, falls from about 80m high and is located about 10 km south of Nathon.
• Boat tours around Ang Tong Marine Park and across to other smaller islands.
• Golf is available for the more sporty.
• Big Buddha Shrine, Samui's most well known landmark, the 12 metre high golden Buddha can be seen from several kilometres away.
• Elephant trekking
• Thai boxing is very popular and even lady boxers can bee seen taking part in Thailand’s most famous sport.
• Samui Aquarium & Zoo - home to coral fish, huge catfish and several sharks. The zoo houses some south-eastern Asian tigers, sea hawks, eagles and otters who may perform for you.
• Crocodile Farm – Take a look at Thailand’s crocodiles, snakes, lizards and monkeys.
• Hin Ta/Hin Yai, these are Samui’s phallic rocks, meaning Grandfather rock and Grandmother rock with stories to tell the only way to here of them is to visit these whilst enjoying Samui’s coconut candy, which is rarely available anywhere else on the island.
Events
The half moon and full moon beach party’s, people will dance till dawn to celebrate the full moons each month.Local Flavours
Traditional Thai food is fresh, tasty and spicy. Throughout southern Thailand fresh seafood is served in a unique southern Thai style, they like to use plenty of herbs, garlic, chilli, lemon and lime. You can eat out for very little money, the average main course is approx £3 - £5. The local beer is Singha and costs about 30 - 50 pence a bottle in most places.

Shopping – Thai Silk, local handcrafts and leather goods can be found in the open air stalls.
History
Traditional Thai food is fresh, tasty and spicy. Throughout southern Thailand fresh seafood is served in a unique southern Thai style, they like to use plenty of herbs, garlic, chilli, lemon and lime. You can eat out for very little money, the average main course is approx £3 - £5. The local beer is Singha and costs about 30 - 50 pence a bottle in most places.

Shopping is mainly around the bustling open air market stalls but there are also the western style department’s stores. Traditional handcrafts and woven Thai silk garments are stunning, they make great gifts and souvenirs. Other bargains to pick up are their own designed clothing, jewellery and leather goods.
Shopping – Thai Silk, handcrafts, their own design of clothes and leather goods, with a choice of malls, superstores and not forgetting the open air markets you can find it all in Pattaya.

The first arrivals to Koh Samui were fishermen about 1500 years ago, the main source of income came from the local fish and coconuts on Koh Samui island until the 1970’s when the first backpackers arrived. Now the famous beaches attract around 50,000 visitors a year. Size & Location
Samui is Thailands 3rd largest island at 95 sq miles. It is located about 700km south of Bangkok on the west coast in the Gilf of Thailand. The population is approx 48,000.

Links Thailand Hotels

Thailand travel site with online hotel and resort booking in various places like samui, phuket, bangkok and chiang mai. as well as comprehensive guides and maps in and around thailand.
http://www.lostinthailand.com