Koh Tao

Koh Tao, little more than 21 km², is located about 70 km east of the coastline between Suratthani and Chumphon, in the Gulf of Thailand.

Koh Tao means Turtle Island, because in the past the waters in the area had been rich with sea turtles, nowadays they have mostly moved on to other breeding grounds.

Initially the island was not inhabited, there was only the occasional fisherman from the neighboring islands, looking for shelter in a storm or just taking a break before continuing his tiresome journey

On June 18, 1899, His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn (Rama V 1868-1910) visited Koh Tao and left as evidence his monogram on a huge boulder at Jor Por Ror Bay next to Sairee Beach. This place is worshipped even today and should be treated with respect.

From 1933 on the island was used as a political prison. In 1947, Khun A-Paiwong, prime minister at the time, pleaded and received a royal pardon for all prisoners on the island. Everybody was taken to the Suratthani shore and the "Turtle" was abandoned again. But not for long.

In the same year Khun Ueam and his twin brother Khun Oh reached Koh Tao from the neighboring Koh Phangan by trying out their traditional sail boat, for that time a quite long and dangerous journey.

Even though the island was still under royal patronage, it didn’t stop these pioneers claiming themselves a good piece of land on today's Sairee Beach. Having brought their families over, they began to cultivate and harvest the excellent soil.

The first generation of today's community had settled!They lived a very simple and tough life harvesting coconuts, fishing and growing vegetables, which were also traded with Koh Phangan. Despite the difficulties in reaching the island, the population then grew steadily.

In the eighties the first travelers discovered the island paradise and their special "backpacker-network" quickly made it widely known and a popular destination. As a consequence, bigger, faster and safer boats were used to allow easier access to Koh Tao.

During the past ten years the reputation of Turtle Island's natural beauty, especially its marine life and coral reefs, spread the world over and the number of paradise seekers increased rapidly.
It soon became one of the major dive sites in Thailand, attracting beginners and professionals alike. The local businesses expanded immediately to catch up with the needs of the new clientele. The island today, though still remaining an absolute paradise, caters for all tastes and budgets.

If you are interested in more historical details and stories about the Turtle, go to visit Khun Orawan at Seashell Resort, Sairee. She is the great-grand daughter of Khun Ueam and will be more than glad to give you further information.

Beaches in Samui

Chaweng Beach; the longest and most beautiful beach

Of all of Koh Samui’s beaches, Chaweng Beach gets top votes among tourists for its length and beauty, with many places to swim, sunbathe and enjoy various water sports, or stop by the shopping markets, bars and restaurants.

Situated on the island’s east coast, Chaweng Beach divides into several beachfront areas such as Chaweng Neu Beach (North Chaweng), Chaweng Klang Beach (Middle Chaweng), Chaweng Noi Beach (Little Chaweng), and Chaweng Tai Beach (South Chaweng). The first two are good for swimming, diving, and nighttime action; the others are quieter and more peaceful. Visitors need to take note that skin-diving in this area is best between May and October.

As the sun slowly ducks under the horizon of the Gulf of Thailand, daytime fun gives way to nighttime pursuits along this two-kilometer beach helped by light and sound from nearby pubs, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops that stay open till late.

Lamai Beach: sand, sea, and the two phallic rocks Most tourists visit Lamai Beach when it’s at its best, and most suitable for swimming, between December and May, July and August. The four-kilometer-beach has three distinct areas: Lamai Neu Beach (North Lamai), a fishing village, good for local scenery; Lamai Klang Beach (Middle Lamai), good for swimming and the liveliest spot of all, and Lamai Tai Beach (South Lamai) the rocky location of Hin Ta and Hin Yai (grandfather and grandmother), two phallic-like symbols carved by the forces of nature that have to be seen to be believed.

Taling Ngam Beach: best beach in the west The private beach of Taling Ngam Beach, with its fine, white sand and safe swimming, is considered by many to be the premier beach on Samui’s western coast. Situated 10 km south of Na Thon, this is the location of Le Royal Meridien Baan Taling Ngam a five-star resort that enjoys world acclaim. The beach overlooks the nearby island of Koh Ha and is a great place to watch sunsets.

A tranquil and peaceful location, with added color from local folk’s cottages dotted along the beach, it is quite easy to access other parts of Samui from Taling Ngam Beach via the coast road.
Thong Yang Beach: beach by the ferry Northward from Taling Ngam Beach is Thong Yang Beach, a long beach known for its peaceful and quiet atmosphere, where a few tourists drop by for a swim or just to relax.

The quiet stretch of beach from Taling Ngam Beach to Thong Yang Beach is the site of coconut farms and patches of course, brown sand. The beach is bordered by a headland with a small hill with good views over the small island of Koh Ha. To the rear are a number of reasonably priced resorts. Around the headland lies Li Pa Noi Beach.

The waters here are quite deep and serve as a port, making the ferry at Thong Yang Beach another important center of transportation on Koh Samui with two-hour ferry crossings to Don Leuk, the port of Surat Thani. The ferry is large enough for vehicles.

Mae Nam Beach: north coast beach and port
Mae Nam Beach is a long stretch of coastline on Koh Samui’s northern coast adjacent to Laem Na Phra Lan with a 4-km-long beach that shelves steeply making it suitable as a port. Laem Phra Lan port offers speedboat services mainly to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao to the north.
Mae Nam, with its quiet, spacious beach shaded by pines and coconut trees, and clean, clear waters, is one of the oldest communities on Koh Samui. Tourists visiting here will find some bungalows, resorts and seafood restaurants lining the beach area.

Bo Phut Beach: backpackers’ paradise
The peaceful bay of Bo Phut Beach lies between Mae Nam Beach and Phra Yai Beach on Koh Samui’s northern coast; good for swimming in parts, but also offering port facilities and a stretch of seafood restaurants.

Visitors can get a glimpse of the lifestyle of the local fishing community, while Ao Bo Phut is a jumping-off point for trips to Koh Tao or Ang Thong Marine National Park. During peak travel periods, speedboats leave daily from Bo Phut Beach to Koh Tao.

One of the best areas on Koh Samui for seafood, restaurants in Bo Phut beach area offer tasty dishes at palatable prices; there are also a number of economically priced bungalows that makes this spot a backpackers’ paradise.

Thong Sai Bay: a private beach with a world renowned resort
Not too many beaches have gained popularity through their proximity to first-class accommodation, but at Thong Sai Bay on Koh Samui’s northeastern corner, this is evident at the world-renowned resort of Ban Thong Sai.

Although quite small, Thong Sai beach is one of Ko Samui’s most attractive. Curved, with clean, white sand sandwiched between a deep blue sea and lush vegetation, the Ban Thong Sai beach resort management combines accommodation and service with environmental concern.

Cheung Mon Beach: a bay of peacefulness and tranquility
Also in the northeast of Koh Samui, south from Thon Sai Bay and closer to Samui airport, Cheung Mon Beach is a white sandy bay with an exceptionally beautiful beach in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Far from the local community, Cheung Mon Beach is a curved bay of fine white sand beside a deep blue sea that beckons swimmers. The small island of Koh Fan Noi is a short distance from the beach and can be accessed on foot at low tide. This location is not far from the busier beaches and tourist attractions at Had Chaweng further down the east coast.

Waterfalls in Samui

Hin Lad Waterfall

It is originated from the Lipa Yai Canal, passing the overhanging rocks to the plain below. Walking from the parking lot, tourists can see the first level of the beautiful waterfall flowing doqn a short cliff, looking like a large stream. It is shady under many large trees, with a large pond for swimming. In addition, in order to get the real touch of Hin Lad Waterfall, the tourists must woak up for another 2 kilometers to delight in the second level of the waterfall. On the upper level, there anr not only stoping rocks for relaxation, but also a few ponds for swimming.

Location and AccessIt is 3 Kilometers to the south of Nathon. Turn left at the intersection and go straight on for about 500 meters till the end of the road numbered 4172

It originates from the central mountain of the island, passing a long range of mountain to the plain below. It flows sown a steep cliff of about 30-40 meters height and 20 meters width. The Department of Forestry designated the waterfall as a nation park, Covering a total area of 10 rai. King Rama V once visited the waterfall and King Rama IX also stopped and had lunch here on April 24, 1962.It flows into a large and deep pond. Jumping from the nearly shot cliffs into the water requires carefulness because of a lot of rocks under the water. In addition, there is also elephant trekking service. Those who are interested in riding an elephant through the forest on contact the agency near the parking lot.Location and AccessFrom Nathon, go along the main road for about 11 kilometers to the entrance, follow the sign for another kilometer The waterfall is 100 meters from the parking lot.

It is a large and peaceful waterfall, taking the tourists about 15 minutes to walk up the hill. Its impressive beauty is not second to the Namuang l at all. It is preferable foe those who seek for natural touch by hiking through the forest and viewing waterfall amidst peaceful nature.There is also elephant trekking service at the entrance.Location and AccessThe entrance is 100 meters from that of the Namuang Waterfall