Question 1

The history of Koh Samui

Accepted Answer

I am delighted to present to you the stunning island of Koh Samui, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Samui is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush greenery, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Let's embark on a virtual journey to explore this tropical paradise together.

Located in the Chumphon archipelago, Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand. Nicknamed "the island of coconuts" because of the abundance of its coconut trees, Koh Samui is part of the Chumphon archipelago.
Koh Samui is part of the province of Surat Thani and is about 700 kilometers south of Bangkok.
Historically, the island was a thriving fishing community and a haven for sea traders.

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Question 2

The essentials of Koh Samui

Accepted Answer

Beaches:

• Chaweng Beach: The most popular beach with crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands, and vibrant nightlife
 • Lamai Beach: Known for its relaxed atmosphere, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
 • Bophut Beach: Home to the charming Fisherman's Village, offering a glimpse into the island's traditional way of life.

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Must-sees :

• Overlap Stone : The Overlap Stone viewpoint is a unique spot made up of a giant rock and one of Koh Samui's lesser-known hidden gems. From the Overlap Stone viewpoint, you'll have a breathtaking view of Lamai beach and the surrounding area. 
 • Hin Ta and Hin Yai : (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks): Natural rock formations resembling male and female genitalia, which have become a unique cultural attraction.

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Waterfalls :

• Na Muang Waterfall: A two-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush rainforests, perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers
		  
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• Hin Lad Waterfall: A serene and secluded waterfall, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling beaches.

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Marine Life :
 • Ang Thong National Marine Park: A stunning archipelago of 42 islands featuring limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs—ideal for snorkeling and diving.

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Question 3

The magnificent temples of Koh Samui

Accepted Answer

•  Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai): An iconic landmark housing a 12-meter tall golden Buddha statue, offering panoramic views of the island

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• Wat Plai Laem: A colorful and elaborate Buddhist temple known for its giant Guanyin statue and ornate architecture.

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• Wat Sila Ngu temple, also known as Wat Ratchathammaram, is located at the top of Hua Thanon beach, in the south of Koh Samui. Access is via a staircase from the beach or a gate from the road.

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Question 4

Activities and Recreation

Accepted Answer

•  Watersports: Enjoy a variety of water-based activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and sailing.
 • Island Hopping: Explore nearby islands such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, famous for their idyllic beaches and world-class diving spots
 • Thai Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare traditional Thai dishes and immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of the region.
 • Spa and Wellness: Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and wellness retreats, offering relaxation and tranquility. We can recommend the Fisherman Massage & Beauty Salon (https://g.co/kgs/8NEEtS)in Fisherman's Village.

Question 5

Nightlife and entertainment

Accepted Answer

Nightlife and Entertainment:

Night falls early on Koh Samui, at 7pm! This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the nightlife.

Walking Street Markets: Experience the vibrant night markets offering local handicrafts, delicious street food, and live music.

Here's the planned program (subject to change):

• Monday: Fisherman's village in Bophut (smaller than Friday).
 • Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Central Festival Chaweng on the lake-side parking lot, from 5pm to 11pm.
 • Thursday: Mea Nam, from 5pm to 10pm.
 • Friday: Fisherman's village in Bophut, from 5pm to 11pm.
 • Saturday: Large parking lot by Lake Chaweng, opposite Central Festival, from 5pm to 11pm.
 • Sunday: Lamai, from 5pm to 10pm.

Beachfront Bars and Clubs: Discover the energetic nightlife scene with beachfront bars, live music venues, and clubs catering to all tastes.

Question 6

Health: vaccine, insurance...

Accepted Answer

Vaccines and health:
There are no compulsory vaccinations to be taken before arriving on the island, but some are recommended (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, tetanus-poliomyelitis and typhoid).
Protect yourself as much as possible from the sun and heat. Remember to stay hydrated, but don't drink tap water in Thailand (ice cubes in restaurants and bars are safe).
Dengue (flu) is occasionally reported. Mosquito repellents can be used to protect against their bites.

World-class hospitals, are present on the island of Koh Samui.

Insurance :
You are insured with your credit card for a stay of less than 90 days.
Some insurances require you to have paid for your plane tickets with your credit card, while others work no matter what. 
This often extends to your spouse and children traveling with you. 
There's no point in piling on insurance: ask your bank about it and ask the essential questions: 
Are you covered for hospitalization? 
Do you have repatriation cover?

Question 7

Driving in Thailand

Accepted Answer

If you wish to drive in Thailand, it is strongly recommended that you get your international driving license before you leave (not required by rental companies, but often requested by insurance companies in the event of an accident).
This formality is totally free and relatively quick.
You'll easily find scooters and cars for hire in the country, at very reasonable prices. Many rental companies will ask you for a photocopy of your passport and visa, plus a deposit.

Be very careful when the vehicle is made available to you, and immediately carry out a detailed inspection.
Even the slightest scratch you don't notice could cost you several thousand bath.
We strongly advise you to take photos and videos of the vehicle in front of the rental company, as this will dissuade them from blaming you for damage that has already occurred.

Contrary to what you might think if you see all the two-wheeled drivers with their hair blowing in the wind, helmets are compulsory. There are frequent police checks on Koh Samui.
Think "safety" first and foremost, and bear in mind that Thailand is sadly ranked in the top 3 countries with the highest number of fatal accidents. All rental companies will provide you with 2 helmets, so be careful and use them.

In the event of an accident, don't touch anything and notify the tourist police.

Cabs :
There are plenty of taxis on the island, so you'll be spoilt for choice. Unlike other cities in Thailand, in Koh Samui no driver turns on the meter when you get in. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it's very important to negotiate the price of your trip before you leave.

Question 8

All about visas

Accepted Answer

Identity documents :
A passport is required to travel to Thailand. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months (from the date of your arrival in Thailand).
Make copies of your passport before you leave, so that once you're in Thailand you can leave it in the safe and take the copy with you when you go out and about.
We also recommend that you scan your passport and keep the scan in your mailbox. That way, you'll always have access to your document.

Visa :
You don't need a visa for a stay of less than 30 days in Thailand. If you stay longer than 30 days, you'll need to go to immigration to extend your stay by another month.
For a stay of 90 days (maximum possible), you'll need to apply to the Thai embassy for an Evisa before you leave (always check the embassy's website, as this changes frequently).

Question 9

Communicate in Thailand

Accepted Answer

If you have an unlocked phone, you'll often be given a free chip with a Thai number at the airport.
Often, a 50Thb credit is offered with the chip (if not, you'll find top-ups starting at 100Thb in Family Mart or 7 Eleven stores on every street corner in Thailand).
 Internet access is plentiful, and many establishments (bars, restaurants, hotels, massage parlors, etc.) offer free wifi connections to their customers.

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Explore the island of Koh Samui aboard our vehicles