Making the most of Koh Samui
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise vessels anchor off Nathon and use their own tenders to land guests. The town centre is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the pier. Taxis are normally waiting, often offering tours, but agree the fare before leaving.
Take the printable map with you.
Samui, Thailand's third largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand, 420 miles south of Bangkok. Its first settlers came from Hainan Island, now part of China, and began cultivating coconuts about 150 years ago. Alongside tourism, coconut palms remain an important source of income, with up to two million coconuts sent to Bangkok each month. Most residents live in Nathon, the oldest town, on the island's western side. Journeys were once made entirely by boat or on foot, before work began in the late 1960s on a main road that now circles the island...
Kunaram Temple displays the mummified remains of Ko Samui's best-known monk, Loung Pordang, inside a purpose-built temple. At the time of his death 20 years ago, he was meditating, and he can still be seen in that same seated position today.
Secret Buddha Garden was created by one man during the last 20 years and contains Buddha images, temples and waterfalls.
Getting around
Ko Samui Taxi Service is a public service, but its drivers are reluctant to use meters, unlike those in Bangkok. At popular beaches and island entry points, foreigners may be quoted far above the normal fare. Drivers at Na Thon pier might present official-looking "fixed" prices of 600-800 baht for a 25-30 km trip to Chaweng or Lamai beach, but these are not genuine. Once a driver knows you understand this, bargaining is usually possible; for that distance, try to bring the fare down to 400, or preferably 300 baht.
Taxi tours are also available; ensure the driver speaks your language.
Songgthaew, covered pickup trucks operating as local buses, are the least expensive way to travel. Flag down one heading in your direction. Approximate fares are 50 baht to the Big Buddha and 70 baht to Chaweng beach.
Food and shopping
Coconuts feature heavily in the island's cooking, and seafood is another good option. Several of the best restaurants line the coast road.
Central Festival Samui calls itself 'the most complete and largest lifestyle shopping complex in Samui'.
A Tesco supermarket is two blocks east of the cruise pier.
Money
The Thai Baht is the local currency and divides into 100 satang. ATMs are widespread.
Staying connected
Thai is the national language. English is understood widely, and some Chinese dialects are also spoken.