About Koh Samui

There are many wonderful destinations to visit in Thailand. Why include Koh Samui in your travel plans?

Not that long ago the island was a favorite destination of adventure seeking sun worshipers. These savvy travelers visited Samui long before it was in the guide books. Seaside bungalows were available for as little as 150 baht per night, and you could count on spending day after sunny day on the beach in nearly perfect tranquillity. These visitors found there was an almost mesmerizingly restful and carefree feel to the island that often kept them here long after they had intended to return home.

Those who have known and loved Samui since those early days may not agree about the current pace of development in some areas, but for the most part they do agree on one thing. The island retains its sleepy magic. Koh Samui is still a paradise.

Tourist arrivals have been increasing steadily in recent years. An impressive island-wide effort was undertaken in late 1999 and continues in early 2000 to improve the island's infrastructure to accommodate these developments. Those who visited prior to 1999 will be astonished at the number of newly paved and widened roads, drainage systems, and perhaps most welcome; the addition of sidewalks in the bustling villages of Chaweng and Lamai - home to many of the islands hotels, nightlife and shopping areas.

However much of the island, especially the south coast, remains largely undeveloped. A day spent on scooters or in a jeep exploring this lush underbelly is a day of sheer serendipity. With its spectacular and astonishingly diverse flora, and its dozy little neighborhoods peopled by some of the world's most amiable islanders, this kind of exploration is sure to provide the delights you imagined when you planned your holiday.

Short direct flights here now depart several times a day from Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. You can also arrive by train, bus and boat.

Safety & Well Being
Road Safety
Easily the single most dangerous activity on Koh Samui is driving or riding on the back of a motor bike. If you choose to rent one (and especially if you are inexperienced), take precautions to minimize the risk of injury or worse. (See Getting Around for important tips that may save your life.)

Beach and Water Safety

Many people's holidays are ruined from too much sun. Samui's hospitals see many cases of heat stroke and severe burn caused by poor judgement. Limit your time in the sun, especially when you first arrive, and use sunblock. If you think there may a chance you will fall asleep on the beach, choose a shady spot under a palm.

Don't swim in the sea alone, especially if you are not a strong swimmer. DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT swimming in the sea if you have been drinking alcohol.

WARNING: During the months of January through April, extremely dangerous rip currents come and go, especially at Chaweng beaches. People lose their lives every year on the worst days. Look for the flags that responsible hotels display when conditions are dangerous. If they are red, use EXTREME CAUTION or better yet, do not swim.

Food and Beverage Hygiene

All restaurants and nearly every food vendor serve safe bottled drinking water and clean factory-made ice cubes. Vegetables are washed in tap water but safe when cooked. You may want to avoid eating raw ones. However in spite of your best efforts to avoid it, you may develop intestinal discomfort. This may be painful, but probably not serious. A visit to a doctor, clinic or pharmacy is likely to provide quick relief in the form of medication that will work within hours.

Nighttime Activities

The atmosphere is so relaxed, and the people are so warm and friendly, that it's easy to let down your guard on Samui. This is especially true if you have had a few drinks. Though exceptionally safe by world standards, like any tourist area, Samui has its petty criminals. These individuals are most often present late at night, especially in some of the entertainment areas. This is not to say these places are unsafe, simply remember your common sense, exercise the same caution you would at home, and it is very unlikely you will be victimized.

If a friendly and attractive stranger pulls up beside you on a motor bike while you are out walking at night, and offers you a ride, DON'T GO.

Many people - men especially - may find it is very easy to make attractive new friends in the bars and discotheques. Bear in mind that some of these people will expect you to pay them for their company if you go out for the evening. The majority of them do not have criminal intentions of any kind, however there are occasional incidents and misunderstandings. If you choose to take a new friend (whether a local or a tourist) back to your hotel, no matter how kind-hearted she or he may seem, safeguard your valuables!

Finally, women especially, should not accept an invitation from a stranger to walk on the beach at night, no matter how attractive he or she may be.

Avoiding Bodily Harm

Arguments sometimes arise that lead to physical confrontation. Inevitably this seems to happen at night in areas where alcohol is consumed. Do not argue with individuals or groups of people in these situations. If you feel you have been wronged, stay calm and call the nearest Tourist Policemen. He will help you!

Money, Credit Cards, Banks

Currency
1 Baht (Bt) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of Bt1000 (grey), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue) and 20 (green), 10 (brown). Coins are in denominations of Bt10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 satangs.

Exchanging Money
You can convert major currencies to Baht at all banks and exchange booths. The rates are fairly similar island-wide at both types of locations. Always count the change you receive.
Click here for the latest exchange rates

ATMs (automatic teller machines)
ATM or cash machines as they are otherwise none can be found in Nathon and Chaweng only. There is normally a handling fee of 1.5 percent on every withdrawal.
Note that some ATM machines do not accept credit cards. Look for the VISA and MASTERCARD signs. Try not to depend totally on these machines, as they sometimes run out of cash or go out of order.

Travellers' Cheques & Credit Cards
Travellers' cheques are the saftest way to carry your money. Better rates are offered for cheques than for cash, there is normally a charge of 13 baht commission and duty per cheque. Changing travellers' cheques can be done at most locations. Your passport will be required for identification.

Many exchange booths accept credit cards. These cards will be displayed in their windows. Note that businesses accepting credit cards for goods and services, often take VISA and Mastercard only. Expect a surcharge of up to 5 percent on every transaction.
In the case of lost or stolen credit cards telephone:
American Express - (02) 273 0020
Mastercard / Visa - (02) 299 1990

Banks & Wiring Money
For transactions requiring a teller, there are banks in Nathon and Chaweng (only.)
Banking hours are Monday - Friday 8:30am - 3:30pm.

It is possible to have money wired directly from a bank in your home country to a bank in Koh Samui. It will normally takes two - five working days to arrive, and costs around US $40 per transaction.

Western Union - has an agent located at the Bangkok Metropolitan Bank in Nathon. This is the fastest but most expensive way to send money. Money wired through them should be ready for collection within twenty minutes of being sent. Note that sending larger amounts of cash this way is better value as they charge on a sliding scale.

Health Services
Medical care
There are several hospitals on the island, at least two of which are staffed with English-speaking personnel to handle foreign patients. They are both in the Chaweng area. There are also a number of small clinics and pharmacies in every village. The hospitals are well-equipped to handle most minor injuries and illnesses. However if you have a serious medical condition or develop one while on Samui, or if you have a bad accident, you will have to travel to Bangkok or Phuket for treatment.

Communicable Diseases
There have been no outbreaks of any serious diseases on Samui in recent years. Always practice safe sex to avoid contracting hepatitis and other sexually transmitted diseases. In the unlikely event you are bitten by a dog, see a doctor immediately.

Doctors and clinics

Dentists

Pharmacy's

Other

Transit visa (90 days)
The following passport holders get a free non-extendable ninety-day visa providing they show proof of onward travel arrangements.

Entry visa
The following passport holders can obtain an entry visa on arrival at the immigration checkpoints at Don Muang (Bangkok), Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Hat Yai airports, provided they have a confirmed ticket to leave within 15 days, a valid passport, 2 passport-size photos and that their visit is for tourist purposes only:

Tourist visa
60 day tourist visas can be applied for from a Thai embassy or consulate outside of Thailand. This visa can be extended in Samui for a further 30 days at the discretion of officals; extentions cost 500 baht and are issued at the immigration office in Nathon (tel: 077 421 069)

Non-immigrant visa
90 day non-immigrant visas "O" ordinary and "B" business must be obtained prior to arrival. To obtain a non-immigrant "B" visa you will be required to produce a letter from an employer in Thailand. To obtain a non-immigrant "O"; (a) if married to a Thai national a copy of your marriage certificate. (b) a letter of recommendation from a official Thai source or sponsor, to explain why you need to be in country for three months.

Tourist and non-immigrant application requirements
(a) Passport (valid for at least 6 months after intended stay). (b) 1 completed application form. (c) 2 recent passport-size photographs. (d) Fee

Overstays
If you overstay your visa limits you will be fined 200 baht per extra day when you depart Thailand.

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