Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island. During the last decade it has become one of south East Asia’s premier tourist destinations.
Koh Samui sits in the Gulf of Thailand, surrounded by other islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, and is located about 84km east of Suratthani. With soft – sand beaches shaded by towering palms, delicious fresh seafood and a vibrant night life, Samui has a magical formula that seems to cast it’s on everyone.

Getting around
Songtaew - red coloured converted trucks with two long bench seats facing each other serve as the island local bus service. They follow set routes to and from most destinations around the island. The destination is clearly marked in English on the front and back of the vehicle.
Daytime rates are between 40Bht – 60Bht per passenger, depending on where you are going. After 9pm, you may have to charter a songtaew if you want to travel between different locations and rates vary.

Car rental
Car rental is widely available on the island. Rates start from 1,200Bht per day depending on the type and condition of the vehicle. Some of these vehicles come with insurance, but the coverage is limited. Ask for details.

Yellow taxi
Air – conditioned car taxis are in yellow. Most have metres but, though frowned upon by law, most taxi drivers insist on a negotiated fare. So settle on a price before hiring the cab.

Motor bike rental
A motor bike taxi is the most convenient way to get around town. Rates range from 250Bht – 300Bht a day and you pay for the gasoline you use. You can bargain for a discount on long term rental.

Motor bike taxi
Motor bike drivers can be identified by their coloured, numbered vest. For short journeys they are the fasted way to get around as they can dodge in and out of traffic. Fares start from 30Bht upwards depending where you are going.

Nathon is the main town, the arrival town for all ferry passengers. You
can find all official government buildings here and it is known for daytime shopping.

Chaweng is the main tourist town with the best night life. It clearly has 2 faces, the busy one on the street and the relaxing one on the beach, 2 complete different worlds not even 100 m. apart. In the daytime you can relax on the beach. You can try your bargaining skills with one of the vendors. They sell everything; hammocks, watches, sarongs, you name it… Watch how they peal the fruits, it is a true art.

Lamai is the second tourist place. You can compare it with Chaweng, but than about half size. Lamai is known for its live band bars and Ladies Boxing.

Bophut is an authentic fisherman village. Small but exceptional. This village is special for its romantic seaside restaurants with splendid menus.

Mae Nam is located along the main road. It has a beautiful quiet stretched beach. Here you can swim in the sea the whole year, as all other places have low tide during some months.

Hua Thanon is an original Muslim village. It has the best fishing market on the island.
The west side of the island around Lipa Noi, is quiet. Well worth visiting for a fascinating sunset dinner, view to Angthong Marine National Park and the main land. A dream.

WATS / Temples
The main Temple on the island is the Big Buddha set on its own little island on the top north eastern corner of Samui, surrounded by quaint little shops, restaurants and mythical statues.

The rest of the island is pure nature, green, green, green. Jeep safari’s will take you into the mountains, show you the fruit plantations, view points and take you to amazing waterfalls. Take a dive in the pond or go elephant trekking. Another attraction on the island is the Canopy. Glide from tree top to tree top, through the rainforest of Samui.

There are many more attractions on the Island, just contact the gym for more information.