Samui Island
Samui Island
History Ancient Coconut Island “Koh Samui” (SamuiIsland). This name had been known for a long time among ancient boatmen. Stories of the thousand-year past are told. “Khwan Fa stone ax used in the past as a device for hunting animals is found; it is believed that human being lived on Samui Island since the Stone Age. “Glong Mahoratug Sumrid” (Mahoratug Sumrid Drum), the most important archaeological evidence, was found in 2520 B.E. (1977) A.D.) in the area of Wat Taling Pung (Wat Kiriwong Karam), Talingngam District (Today it is kept at Chaiya National Museum, Suratthani Province).
Recently, the kind of drum was found at Moo 6 Marid District (Baan Lamai) in July 2000 and is kept today at Lamai Cultural Hall. These evidences are best proof that people on Koh Samui had made contact with people outside before the History, especially trading sea goods and culture.
Glong Mahoratug found is considered to be a part of DongSon culture that has its originality around Songam River, Thanhua District located in the North of Vietnam. On the drum, a soul delivering boat is pictured. The boat is long, its head and tail are a little curled upward. In the boat, a bird and 5-6 half man half bird creatures that have feather on their heads are decorated. The kind of boat is believed to make from some kind of glass, the same kind as the first glass boats in Egypt painting. The drum was popular in the South East Asia. It had been found on lands in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Burama and the south islands.
According to the Fine Arts Department’s discovery of archaeological sea resources in 2527 B.E. (1984 A.D.), archaeologists found that Samui Islanders had traded with near and far lands since Ayuttaya Era. This is believed so according to evidences such as “Rua Samui” (called after the place it was found), a sampan with flat body and many pottery wares, sunk under the water about half way between Koh Samui and Koh Tan (south of Koh Samui)
Most of the pottery wares found ware products of Srisatchanalai and Mae Nam Noi, Singburi Province. The potter wares are, for example, tall and short, big and small earthen jars with 4 holders, cooking pots, jugs, cooking ovens, Sangkalok porcelain, and celadon. Porcelain and celadon made in China, Bronze-coated utensils from Ayuttaya Era, and short rounded stone tables were also found.
The discovery suggests that this sampan sailed around South East Asia. There is no evidence to conclude what kind of goods it contained. Even though porcelains were found, they were only a little amount compared to the size of the sampan. However, it is possible that these porcelains were one of the goods. This is similar to the coconuts found; they could be provision of goods (They might float away when the sampan sank).
It is possible that coconuts might be major goods in Samui sampan; this sampan might have stopped at a port on Koh Samui. Morever, Koh Samui itself has been the land of coconut for a long time. Therefore, it is possible that Samui sampan had sailed from a port north of ThaiGulf and stopped at Koh Samui, Then, it headed south to Nakornsrithummarat or Pattalung. However, is sunk before completing the trip. The last trip of the sampan could have been around 23rd to the beginning of 24th Buddhist Century, which was around the end of Ayuttaya Era.
Koh Samui East Route:
Chaweng Beach
The delicately white sand beach, stretching for about seven kilometers along the eastern coast of the island, has been the most popular of SamuiIsland so far. It is a paradise for those fascinated both by the beautiful nature and by the merriment of the night. Moreover, it is also a center of a wide range of accommodations and very kind of entertainment.
Twenty years ago, Chaweng was nearly a small fishing village. On the country, nowadays it becomes a favorite for both Thai and Foreign tourists, without any traces of being once a fishing village. The hotel, restaurants, and beach bar, scattering along the beach ca be a clear evidenced of the great changes.
The middle of Chaweng beach is most vivacious, with many interesting aspects. Apart from the uncontaminated beach of white soft sand, also situated there are various kinds of accommodations, of which prices ranging from a few hundred baht to around ten thousand baht per night. The Thai, Chinese and European restaurants, clothes and shoes shopping centers, souvenirs shops, pubs, bars and various kinds of entertainment fill the most popular beach with colorful liveliness.
However, even though Chaweng is the center of varieties, crewed by tourists, it is not difficult to find a solitary place in order to rest blissfully in the embrace of the beautiful nature. The southern ChawengBeach never disappoints those who want to get away from the tiresome confusion not only for its tranquility but also for the not very deep yet purely clear seawater, very delightful for swimming.
Location and Access: It is located 22 Kilometers from Nathon, on the eastern coat of the island. To get there leaving from Lam Din Seafood Market, go along the road until Chaweng Beach Crossroad and go straight on.
Lamai Beach:
Although LamaiBeach is second to ChawengBeach in colorful gaiety and the softness of the sand, it is advantageous is its tranquility and the lower cost of living. What causes LamaiBeach to be so well-known among the foreigners that it is renamed “Lamai Gulch” is tens of bear bars, gathering on both sides of the middle Lamai Beach Road. Those bars greatly vivify the night on Lamai Beach.
However, the merriment of the shops, restaurants, and entertainment places on LamaiBeach lasts only for a sort span of time. Thus, it is not difficult to attain tranquility and privacy here. Even though LamaiBeach today is a little second to ChawengBeach in prosperity, its image as an original community is a lot more vivid. Lamai Beach is four kilometers long. The northern most and the southernmost areas are quite calm but the rocks and coral reefs cause them not to be suitable for swimming. In contrast, with the clean sandy beach and clear seawater, the middle area is much more pleasurable for swimming and relaxation.
Location and Access: It is situated 18 kilometers from Nathon, on the eastern coast and to the south of ChawengBeach, There are minibuses on service from Nathon to LamaiBeach
There are two ways to get there: the first one is near the crossroad at the Lugano and the other one is near Chuan-Chim restaurant, to the north of the beach.
Hin Ta & Hin Yai :
It was originated in a natural phenomenon, in which granite was worn out and deformed by seawater and heat. Hin Ta is the granite that changed its shape into a penis shape and Hin Yai is the one that changed into the shape of a uterus.
According to and old couple Mamedkeng and Ream, Natives from Pak Panang in Nakorn Srithammarat Province, sailed a flagship to Prajuab Kirikan Province in order to ask for the had of a old man named Monglai’s daughter for their son. When their ship was passing Laem Lamai Lamai Cape I. a disastrous storm took place and sank the ship. The old couple were drowned. Leter, their dead bodies were driven on the beach and become the peculiar-shaped stone as present.
Location and Access: It is 1 kilometer from Lamai Beach from the entrance, go straight on for about 300 meters.
Koh Samui Northern Route:
Bang Po Beach
The calm sea and colorful coral reefs almost all along the beach cause it to be highly preferable for snorkeling. There are many bungalows along the beach.
Location and Access: It is on the northern coast, not far from Mae Nam Beach, and about 5 kilometers from Nathon.
Mae Nam Beach:
Two kilometers from Bo Phut Beach is situated a peaceful and white sandy beach, of about 5 kilometers. It is extremely delightful for families and honeymooners who seek for romantic private atmosphere.
The community in the area is quite large and well developed. Also located there is the
Samui-Pangan Pier. As a result, there are many accommodations, restaurants, diving services, and water sport apparatus ships, without noisy bars or clubs.
Even though MaeNamBeach is not prominent in the originality of its community as Bo Phut Beach, a lot of tourists choose MaeNamBeach because of its clean sandy beach, beautiful scenery, and peacefulness, Swimming and sunbathing on Mae Name Beach is always a very impressive relaxation.
As it is a tranquil beach, the tourists who want change for the merriment of the night have to drive elsewhere on the eastern coast.
Location and Access: It is in the north of the island, 12 kilometers from Nathon.
Bo Phut Beach :
The sandy beach bending along the northern bay of the island never disappoints any tourists who seek for peaceful and privacy. Apart from the beautiful natural scenery, the tourists are also impressed by the original lifestyle of the local fishermen. The calm sea is near a fishing village and piers. For swimming, the tourists should be quite far from them.
Remaining on the two sides of a small road along Bo Phut beach are the traces of Chinese community. All the shops, travel agencies, and restaurants along this road are modified from the Chinese original architectural structure. The night on Bo Phut Beach is fascinatingly romantic, with a joyful festive atmosphere.
Location and access: It is on the Northern cost, not far from BangRakBeach.
Choeng Mon Beach
This peaceful clean northern beach is extremely delightful for those who wish to escape from the wearisome confusion and take a pleasurable rest. As it is not a center of a village or community, it is thus preferable for families and couples who seek for privacy. This beach is enjoyable for swimming because of the not very deep sea water, There are several accommodations of various prices along the beach, as well as some restaurants and shops along the road.
Location and Access: It is on the northern coast, near BangRak Beach. It is located 4 kilometers from ChawengBeach and 25 kilometers from Nathon.
BangRak Beach (Big Buddha Beach)
It is always called “Had Pra Yai” or “BigBuddhaBeach” because of its location near the big Buddha, which is an important religious site of SamuiIsland, situated in FanIsland.The tranquility of the beach and the calmness of the sea cause BangRakBeach to be greatly pleasurable for families and couples who wish for not only privacy but also some amusement. There are not many accommodations and shops along the beach.
Location and Access: It is 4 kilometers from Chaweng beach and 1 kilometer from SamuiAirport, on the northern coast. There are minibuses from Nathon to the beach.
Big Buddha:
Big Buddha Image is the famous visiting point of SamuiIsland. The Buddha image “Phra Buddha Kodom” is not an ancient Buddha image but a big and decorated with golden tiles Buddha Image in Subduing Mara Posture. This Buddha image is 5 wahs 9 inches and 12 meters tall, built in 1972. This Buddha image is respected by the Buddhists and tourists.
From here, you can see clearly Phangan island, beautiful scenery of Bo Phut Beach and Bangrak Beach. Those who come to Samui Island by plane are so lucky as they can see the Big Buddha Image with the different perspective. We suggest those who will come to Samui of leave Samui by plane not to miss this marvelous scenery.
Location and direction: The big Buddha image is situated on the peak of Koh Fan Mountain, on which the meditation center is located, Tambon Bophut, on the northeast of Samui Island, not far from the airport. We suggest you use the road number 4171.
Koh Samui Soutern Route:
Laem Sor Chedi :
Laem Sor Chedi is all over decorated with golden mosaics. This Chedi is located on the coral beach of Laem Sor, from this Chedi, you will see nearby Tan Island and far away mountain rages on the mainland. It is said that, in the past, this Chedi was located on Laem Sor, Housing the relics that Phra Kru Phhiboon Thammasarn, the former leader of monks of Koh Samui District and former abbot of Praderm Temple brought back to Thailand after his trip to Sri Lanka, India and Nepal around 1908. The area is 40 rais and it is the habitat of the monks. Then he was dead, it was abandoned. Later, in 1938. The area is 40 rais and it is the habitat of the monks. When he was died, it was abandoned. Later, in 1938, Luanpor Dang Tisso, sailed his boat passing this temple and stopped over this place and persuaded people to restore this Chedi.
Twenty nine years later, this Chedi was stucked by lightning and it was severely destroyed. Therefore, Luangpor Dang decided to rebuilt the chedi on the coral beach with Sri Wichai Style, Designed by Fine art Department. The construction finished in 1974.
Location and Direction: Laem Sor Chedi is located in Tambon Na Muang, on the south of the island, between Ban Thalay and Ban PangKa. Starting from main road number 4169, make a turn to main road number 4173. Go straight about 3 kilometers and then turn right to the road number 4170. Go straight about 2 kilometers. When you see Wigigi Bungalow, turn left and go straight until you see the end of concrete road and you will see The Chedi on the beach.
Pang Ka Bay :
Even though Pang Ka is not pleasurable for swimming because of its muddy beach and very shallow seawater, the fascinating atmosphere when the sun is setting makes a trip to samui Island unforgettable impressive Pang Ka is the most beautiful scenic point of sunset, especially when the sky is clear in summer, the beautiful sunset can be clearly see. Besides, the scene is even more impressive with the fishing boats of local villages anchored along the bay. There are a few peaceful bungalows in the area.
Location and Access: It is the south of Taling Ngam bay, 13 kilometers from Nathon.
Tong Krut By :
From TongKrutBay, the tourists can clearly see TanIsland. The local villagers still live on the fertility of the sea as the bay is near Tan Island, one of the fertile fishing areas. Moreover, tourists can take a ship to Tan Island and Madsum Island at this bay. There are several restaurants and travel agencies. The muddy beach and shallow seawater, like those at pang Ka Bay, cause it not to be preferable for swimming.
Location and Access: It is to the south of the island, 2 kilometers from Pang Ka Bay.
Laem Set Bay and Na Thien Beach :
The beautifully coral reefs and the tranquil atmosphere are the most eminert attractions of this area. It always impresses those who seek for privacy and enjoy snorkeling. There are many delightful resorts here.
Location and Access: It is 3 kilometers to the south of Ban Hua Thanon.
Sunset at Taling-Ngam Bay:
Rocks scattering in the sea. However, the beautiful sea and sky in the dusk, when the sun is setting, is such an impressive natural scene that the tourists cannot miss.
Location and Access: It is on the western coast, with a pier to take a ferry to the mainland and the near nearby islands.
Taling Ngam Bay:
Among the western beaches, Taling Ngam is the most beautiful, with high privacy. As a result, many five stared hotels choose to run business here. As Taling Ngam Villag is not much developed, it is quite peaceful, with a few bungalows. Furthermore, it is also one of the most beautiful scenic points of sunset.
Location and Access: It is 140 kilometers from Nathon.
Samui Butterfly Garden:
It is on a foothill, next to the southern sea in Laem-Set Bay. It is a center of various kinds of butterflies, plants, flowers, and herbs. Moreover, it is also another scenic point of the beautiful southern se. For more information tel. 424020-2.
Samui Snake Farm:
Enjoy exciting and adventurous fights of men against snakes, centipedes, scorpions, and other venomous animals daily at 11.00 and 14.00. It is in Ban Pang Ka. Tel 423247.
Samui Aquarium:
This private aquarium in the Laem Set Bay is a center of various kinds of fish at other living things in tropical sea. It is open daily from 9.00 to 17.00. Tel 242017.
Koh Samui Western Route:
Nathon Bay :
With a large pier for transporting tourists, Nathon is like a parlor of Samui Island. It is simultaneously the end and the beginning of the trips, not only throughout the island but also to other nearby islands. For example, Phangan Island, Angthonhg Islands which is a National Park, Tao Island and Nang-Yuan Island.
The pier is very lively and crowed, especially in high seasons, as well as theother piers for transporting merchandise and seafood. Thus, Nathon is a center of everything, including governmental offices, public enterprises, private companies, banks, shops, and markets.
Nathon beach is not preferably suitable for swimming because of the piers, a large community, and a lot of rocks scattering in the sea. However, the beautiful sea and sky in the dusk, when the sun is setting, is such an impressive natural scene that the tourists cannot miss.
Location and Access: It is on the western coast, with a pier to take a ferry to the mainland and the near nearby islands.
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 down 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 walk up for another 2 kilometers to delight in the second level of the waterfall. On the upper level, there are not only shopping rocks for relaxation but also a few ponds for swimming.
Location and Access: It 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.
Na-Muang Waterfall :
It originates from the central mountain of the island, passing a long range of mountain to the plain below. It flows down a steep cliff of about 30-40 meters height and 20 meters width. The Department of Forestry designated the waterfall as national park, covering a total area of 10 rais. 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 nearby short 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 and elephant through the forest contact the agency near the parking lot.
Location and Access: From 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.
Na-Muang Waterfall II :
It is a large and peaceful waterfall, taking the tourists about 15 minutes to walk up0 the hill. Its impressive beauty is not second to the Na-Muang I at all. It is preferable for those who seek for natural touch by hiking through the forest and viewing waterfall amidst peaceful nature. There is also elephant trekking service at the34 entrance.
Location and Access: The entrance is 100 meters from that of the Na-Muang Waterfall I.
Taling Ngam Bay:
Among the western beaches, Taling Ngam is the most beautiful, with high privacy. As a result, many five stared hotels choose to run business here. As Taling Ngam Village is not much developed, it is quite peaceful, with a few bungalows. Furthermore, it is also one of the most beautiful scenic points of sunset.
Location and Access: It is 10 kilometers from Nathon.