The earliest reference to the island of Koh Samui comes from maps created in the late 17th century, when the island was called ‘Pulo Cornam’. From archaeological finds, inhabitants of the island were know to have been here from around 500 A.D. They probably were fishermen who arrived on the island from Malaysia and southern China. The name ‘Samui’ has no clear origin but it is belived that the name derives from the Chinese word Saboey which means ‘safe haven’ and ‘Mui’ which is the name of one of the native trees on Koh Samui.
Up until the early 1940’s, Koh Samui had no roads or motorised vehicles and as a consequence, island life existed with almost no contact to the outside world. To get from one village to another the only land route available was paths across the mountain ranges or through the jungle and took so long that it was impossible to make the journey there and back in one day. Tourism was completely unknown, with the only way to reach the island was from the mainland by a daily boat taking more than 6 hours from Suratthani harbour to Nathon.
In 1967, Khun Dilok Suthiklom, the headman of the island decided that something had to be done to develop the island and contacted the government for help. To begin with, it was necessary to construct a ring road around the island. Hundreds of labourers had to clear rocks and trees from the proposed route and eventually they created a dusty track extending almost all the way around the island.
Two major obstacles preventing the completion of the road were the high mountains between Nathon and Maenam and the long mountain stretch between Lamai and Chaweng.
The area between Lamai and Chaweng is the rockiest cliff landscape where over a distance of more than 3000 metres, the road had to be more or less carved out of the mountains. Between Nathon and Maenam, dynamite was used to make a pass through.
Tourism really began to take off...... Koh Samui Accommodation
On this paradise island life is as easy going and as relaxed as it can be, and the Thai’s are friendly and welcoming. When entering shops or private homes shoes should be removed by the front door.
Bicycle
If you are prepared to face the chaos on the roads in order to find the freedom and off the beaten track places that a bicycle gives you access to, the 100 baht a day hire cost is well worth the outlay.
Motorcycle
The most popular type of motorcycle offered for rent on Samui are the "step through" type, these are small, usually no more than 100cc's, and have automatic transmission. Rental costs are approximately 100 - 170 Baht for 24 hours
Jeep and Car rental
There is a huge choice in car rental companies on the island, as well as sources through the hotel where you are staying. Jeep rental costs are approximately 800 - 1500 Baht per day. If you like it more comfortable you can rent a car from Budget Car Rental which delivers the car to your hotel or awaits you at the airport on your arrival. It is also a good way to discover Thailand as you can return the car everywhere in the country.
Taxi
Taxi hire during the day costs between 20-50 baht for every 10k you travel, rising to 150-200 baht at night. You can stop a taxi in the street or find one in the centre of any of the towns.
Fortunately for the foreigner on the island, you don’t have to speak Thai to get by living or visiting on the island. However, learning a few phrases will be welcomed by the locals and can be fun too! Here are a few phrases to learn:-
Sawadee-khrap/ka - Hello Sabai-dee-mai? - How are you? Khaw-toat - Excuse me Kwah-may-nuu-nai? - Can I have a menu please? Check-bin-duuay - The bill please Khawb-khun-maak - Thank you very much An-nee-thao-rai? - How much is it? Lot-daai-thao-rai? - How much can you discount? Yin-dee-thee-daai-ruu-jak Nice to meet you Khun-cheu-a-rai? - What’s your name? Chok-dee - Good luck!
Koh Samui dress code is completely informal, and practical in the climate, so shorts, shirts and light clothing is the norm. When visiting a temple, it is a mark of respect to be more discreet and cover up. For those feeling liberated by the wonderful weather, warm seas and sun, removing your clothing is sadly unacceptable and considered rude.
Are there places you found on the island where you could have a fantastic meal, meditate or contemplate, have a party at, watch a breath-taking sunset, or simply somewhere you would like to share with other island explorers. If so, please let us know and we will post your comments here.
The hilly interior of the island is worth a day's investigation in a 4WD vehicle - its mountainous and atmospheric terrain is dotted with coconut-farming hamlets.
I spent my honeymoon on Koh Samui - it was like a dream. The atmosphere is so peaceful and beautifull that you will feel like you are in heaven.
It is an absolutely fabulous place for a getaway vacation - great beaches, great food, great snorkelling, and a great full moon party. Rent a bike to explore the island, and for the rest of the time, sack on the white sands. And of course, be sure to enjoy the foot massages.
Head over to Koh Phan Nang and chill out at Bottle Beach on the opposite side of the island to Hat Rin where the Full Moon Party takes place. It is just stunning, the only way to get there is by boat as there are no roads that lead to it.
International telephone call charges from hotels may be expensive, a good alternative is to buy a pay as you go phone and sim card while you are on the island. Calling anyone in Europe is considerably cheaper when you prefix the number you are dialing with 0044 007.
Access to your email is possible in almost every location on the island, with internet cafes on almost every corner.
Tap water should not be consumed, but with chilled bottled water readily available this does not present a problem. Ice in drinks is made from bottled water as the Thai’s don’t drink the tap water either! Do not allow the heat of the day and the balmy breezes to fool you in to thinking that sun-block is not needed – even ex-pats living on the island are susceptible to sun-burn and dehydration! Sun block is must and remember to drink plenty of (bottled) water.