Koh Samui has become a very popular island destination for holiday makers coming to Thailand, on par with Phuket , especially for budget travellers, and Travel Clearance have great bargain hotel deals all over this fun- packed island. The backpacker crowd has been very warmly welcomed on Koh Samui for many years, but the number of upmarket resorts and villas has also grown dramatically in recent years changing the face of this once undiscovered paradise isle.
Many of Koh Samui’s hotels and resorts are right on the beach, so you’ll be able to find your own piece of heaven without too much trouble on any of the white-sand beaches running from north to south and east to west on this magic island. Koh Samui is considered on of Thailand's hot spots for affordable beach holidays plus lots of activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
The main attraction of Koh Samui is its natural beauty, with beaches, waterfalls and coral reefs as the most famous of the island’s features. You can choose your beach and accommodation based on what kind of holiday you are after – from the vibrant, activity-filled beachfront of Chaweng where you can hop from bar to club at night to the more laid back beaches such as Maenam and BoPhut which are more tranquil and relaxing beaches, lined by coconut trees. There are some great dining options here too and great places to escape the crowds without sacrificing all the creature comforts.
Diving is also a very popular Koh Samui activity, with some breathtaking diving opportunities and trips to nearby divesites on smaller islands and coral reefs in the Angthong Marine National Park and Koh Tao. One can enjoy splendid sights of underwater mountains, coral gardens, undersea rock formations, hard and soft coral, whale sharks.
For the non-divers and families the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo offer you an alternative way to come in contact with the local marine and wildlife. Situated on Ban Harn beach, the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo offer a fun day out for the family. The undersea world of the aquarium has an amazing collection of tropical fish and other vibrant aquatic animals such as turtles and colorful coral. The tiger zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards, and you can even have your picture taken with one of these big, friendly cats….if you dare.
Other day tours include Samui Butterfly Garden / Insect Museum, in the south-east of the island which has a huge collection of different butterflies, some quarter of a metre wide.
Then there is the Secret Buddha Garden, a beautiful garden made by a 76 year-old local fruit farmer in 1976. It is surrounded by lush jungle, rocky hills and is adorned with sculptures depicting both humans, in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the highest point on the island, there are also some awesome views to be had.
Koh Samui is also quite famous for it’s Monkey Shows which can be enjoyed at the open-air theatre on the main road behind Bophut beach. The entertainment also includes performing elephants.
Koh Samui Thailand is the sister island of Koh Phangan, where the infamous monthly Full Moon Party takes place. The tiny diving hotspot of Koh Tao is also close by, meaning you can easily include other stops if an island-hopping tour is how you'd like to pass the time on your trip to Thailand.
But the major reason why people come to Samui is, quite simply, to enjoy the wonderful beaches and nature. Few ever leave disappointed.