Interesting Facts On Koh Samui
Koh Samui is considered one of the best islands in Thailand, Asia, and anywhere in the world! The real name o the Island is "Samui", as "Koh" means "Island". The word "Samui" is possibly derived from the Malay word "Saboey" meaning "safe haven".
Among the many islands in Thailand, it’s one of the most well-known destinations. Koh Samui is a tropical haven located in the Gulf of Thailand that boasts many lovely characteristics and qualities that once visited; one cannot help but fall in love with.
Here’re some fun facts about Koh Samui.
- Koh Samui is sunny over 300 days a year
- The central part of the island is an almost uninhabitable tropical jungle mountain called "Khao Pom" peaking at 635m.
- Until the late 20th Century, Koh Samui was an isolated self-sufficient community, having little connection with the mainland of Thailand.
- Samui has the most charming airport you’ll ever see.
Samui Airport is a private airport built and owned by Bangkok Airways, whic is still the main operator and was the only airline with services to Koh Samui from Mainland Thailand since the airport's construction in 1989.Now the airport has partnered with a few other airlines and provides flights to Singapore, Malaysia and other destinations.
- There’s plenty of Muay Thai action on Koh Samui.
Everyone loves Muay Thai! But you don’t have to go to Bangkok or the too-crowded Phuket to see a great Thai boxing fight. Chaweng boxing stadium is the biggest stadium on Koh Samui and plays host to all the major fights on the island, but there are plenty of smaller stadiums and open-air ring matches on Saturday nights. Or if you prefer to train and compete like a real Thai fighter, you can take advantage of the island’s Thai training camps, like Saman Muay Thai and many others.
- You can dive with whale sharks!
These regal and extremely gentle (thankfully!) sharks are most commonly spotted from March though October. Known as the biggest fish in the world (whales are mammals), they are harmless to humans and a marvel for divers and snorkelers who can get up close and personal. But if you don’t dive, there are also boating trips and whale shark sighting expeditions to help you catch a glimpse of these exotic and rare marine creatures.
- Some of the best viewpoints in Thailand.
Koh Samui has some of the best viewpoints you will ever see. However most of them are hidden away on beaten paths and jungle roads making it hard to get there. If you do get the chance to see one of them it will be the best experience in your life. The challenge of finding and getting to them makes the viewpoints way more special.
Samui Regatta is an event hosted every year. The event is a big sailing competition with competitors coming from surrounding countries such as Australia and Singapore
- There are 4 beautiful waterfalls here.
Namuang 1, Namuang 2, Hin Lad and Khun Si are all must-see waterfalls on Samui. They are good generally the whole year and leave an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits them.
- Chaweng is the heart of the island
There are many beautiful beaches in Samui, but Chaweng is the most popular and lively beach on the island. Most of the tourist facilities such as accommodation of all types, restaurants, shopping arcade, activities, clubs, bars, and nightlife in Koh Samui are all in the area, making Chaweng the heart of the island.
- Fishing and coconut plantation
Before the tourist era, Koh Samui relied on fishery and coconut plantation. The island used to get a nickname as “island of coconuts and monkeys”. Although these days, visitors still see coconut trees on the hill, there is not much coconut cultivated area left on the island.
- Surrounded by the Marine National Park
With its enviable location, Koh Samui is surrounded by the charming tropical treasures – Angthong Marine National Park and many amazing nearby islands that are perfect for a day trip. Vacationers can choose to have a full-day trip to the national marine park to visit the natural wonder or to just have a beautiful view from the island.
The Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party that originated in Haad Rin on the island of Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand on the night of, before or after every full moon. Some time ago, a group of tourists found that the most beautiful moon was in Koh Phangan. They arranged a party along the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin to celebrate the Full Moon night. From then on, people from all over the world come to join the celebration...
-- Reaching there:The Samui ferry will drop you off at the main dock of Thong Sala or Haad Rin, depending on time of day and ferry company. During the Full Moon Party, boats go from Koh Samui to Haad Rin every hour. A lot of companies run overnight buses from Bangkok to Koh Phangan for 450–600 baht. This price also includes the ferry.
