Choosing Thailand as the vacation destination is easy for tourists worldwide due to the abundance of natural beauty, its array of beaches, tropical forests, scope for both water and land-based activities and well-developed tourist infrastructure. With all the famous beach resorts vying for the tourist’s attention, Koh Samui stands out for its serenity and virgin beaches and forests.

Some time back, Koh Samui used to be the favorite haunt of tourists looking for sunny beaches that are calm and quiet. Even with no advertisements and proper tourist facilities, the place had a steady flow of tourists. In those days, the rooms used to cost just 150 baht and many used to stay back for longer duration than they had planned for.

Now the developmental activities taking place in Koh Samui have changed the place to some extent. Still the old-timers agree that Samui is a peaceful place suitable for a laid-back vacation.

In 1999, efforts were made to improve the island’s infrastructure, by laying new wide roads with sidewalks and drainage system. Those who have seen Samui before this period, will find it difficult to believe that things can happen at such a fast pace.

Some areas of the island like the southern parts are still left untouched. Tourists looking for tranquility and solitude in company of unspoilt nature can rent a jeep or a scooter and explore the southern coasts. The sleepy villages with friendly people, lush green forests and virgin beaches are sure to make your holiday memorable.

Reaching Koh Samui is easy with daily flights operating from Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Other options are train, bus or boat.

Road Safety

If you are planning to rent a bike and drive or pillion-ride it around the place, be warned that it is one of the most dangerous activities in the island. Most of these accidents happen due to the inexperience of the drivers concerned. For more tips and instructions for a safe drive, refer TAKS Guide Booklet.

Beach and water safety

Many tourists, especially on their first holiday to Thailand, fall prey to heat stroke and severe sunburns. This happens due to over enthusiasm and poor judgment. Using a good sun block and restricting your time in the sun will save you from this problem. Choose a shady place, if you are planning to fall asleep.

Swimming in the sea alone is not recommended. Venture out alone only if you are a very good and strong swimmer. Do not swim after drinking alcohol.

The beaches here, especially the ones at Chaweng, are dangerous during the months of January to April. Rip currents appear suddenly on some days and take away a few lives each year. Many hotels display warning flags for the benefit of tourists to warn them of danger. If red flags are displayed, exercise extreme caution while going out for a swim or better still do not swim at all.

Food and Beverages Hygiene

All over Thailand, bottled drinking water is served in restaurants and even small eateries. In case of food, try to avoid eating raw vegetables. Eating hot, well-cooked meals is the only way to eliminate the chances of stomach infection.

Even after all your efforts, if you fall sick, a visit to a General Practitioner will solve the problem in no time.

Nighttime Activities

The warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere of Samui is perfect for an enjoyable nightlife. The place is much safer than most of the regular tourist spots. However, Samui has its share of petty criminals, who are seen generally during late nights, when everyone’s guard is down after a few drinks. A little bit of caution and common sense is enough to escape from being victimized.

Most of the time, lone tourists are approached by attractive and friendly strangers, offering rides. Do not look at the pros and cons of the arrangement – just refuse to go.

In bars and discos, attractive friendly strangers approach mostly men who find it difficult to resist the temptation. These people demand payment for the company by the end of the evening. Some among these even have criminal backgrounds, so be careful, if you are taking them back to your hotel. Keep your valuables at the hotel safe-deposit box to avoid incidences of cheating.

Women tourists must exercise restraint and refuse to accept the invitation of attractive strangers to walk the beaches at night.

Avoid Bodily Harm

Drunken brawls do happen at nights when all concerned have consumed a few drinks. Refrain from arguments with individuals or groups, even when you feel you have been wronged. The best option in these sorts of situations is to stay calm and call the Tourist Police. They are there to help you in sticky situations.

Climate and Weather

The weather and seasons of Koh Samui are different from those of other well-known parts of Thailand like Phuket.

From January to September, it is usually sunny and bright with occasional short spells of rain. Long-lasting rains occur from October to December. During this period, the sea gets rough at times with poor visibility. Those engaging in water-sports should take adequate precautions at this time.

Currency

One baht is equivalent to 100 satang. Currency notes are in denominations 1000 baht (grey), 500 baht (purple), 100 baht (red), 50 baht (blue), 20 baht (green) and 10 baht (brown). Coins are in denominations of 10 baht, 5 baht, 1 baht, 50 satang and 25 satang.

Currency Exchange

All Banks and exchange booths authorized by banks have money exchange counters where all major currencies can be converted to baht. The rates may vary slightly in different banks and exchange booths, but not vastly. One thing to remember while transacting at these places is to remember to count the change given to you.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)

ATMs or cash machines are found all over Koh Samui, except for Nathon and Chaweng. They charge a handling fee of 1.5% on the amount withdrawn. Some ATMs do not accept credit cards. To be on the safer side, lookout for VISA and MASTERCARD signs. ATMs are not totally dependable, as they frequently go out of order or run out of cash.

Traveler’s Check and Credit Card

Traveler’s checks are the best and safest way to carry money while traveling. They command better rates than even cash, but invite a handling fee of 13 baht per check. Cashing of traveler’s checks can be done at many locations and is quite easy. For proof of identification, you will be required to produce your passport.

Credit cards are accepted in most exchange booths. The list of credit cards accepted in these booths will be displayed prominently in their windows. Only VISA and MASTERCARD are accepted by most businesses who accept credit cards. They levy a handling fee of 5% of the transaction amount. To report loss / theft of credit card, contact (02) 273 0020 (American Express) or (02) 299 1990 (MasterCard / Visa).

Banks and Wire Transfer

There are banks in Nathon and Chaweng for transactions requiring a bank teller. The working hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm.

You can wire transfer money directly from your home country to a bank in Koh Samui. It may take anywhere between two to five days for the transaction and the charges will be $40 per transaction.

Western Union

This is the fastest and easiest way to send money. The money will be ready for collection in twenty minutes from the time it was sent. It can be collected through an agent present at the Bangkok Metropolitan Bank, Nathon. However, their handling charges are too steep for small amounts. As the charges are low for bigger amounts, it is the best option for transferring huge amounts.

Passports

A valid passport with more than six months validity beyond the intended length of stay is required for all except
• Holders of a Hong Kong Certificate of Identity issued in Hong Kong with a Thai visa
• Holders of a Singapore Certificate of Identity issued in Singapore with a Thai visa

VISA

30-day Transit Visa
The passport holders of the below listed countries are eligible for free, but non-extendable transit visa for stay up to 30 days in Thailand. For this, you have to produce the confirmed return ticket via Thai/Malaysian border.

90-day Transit Visa
The passport holders of the below listed countries are eligible for free, but non-extendable transit visa for stay up to 90 days in Thailand. For this, you have to produce the confirmed onward journey ticket.

Entry Visa
An entry visa is given to the following passport holders at the immigration checkpoints at Don Muang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Hat Yai airports, if they satisfy these conditions: must possess confirmed return ticket for a date within 15 days, must have a valid passport, the visit must be for tourist purposes and must possess two passport photos.

Tourist Visa
The Thai embassies in different countries can grant a 60-day tourist visa on receipt of application. The requirements are a valid passport with validity beyond six months of intended stay, completed application form, two recent passport-size photos and the fee amount. This visa can be extended for a further 30 days at the immigration office at Nathon. This will cost 500 baht and is granted at the discretion of the officials. Telephone: 077 421 069

Non-immigrant Visa
90-day non-immigrant visas of two categories ordinary (O) and business (B) must be obtained before arrival in Thailand. For ‘B’ visa, a letter from an employer from Thailand is needed. For ‘O’ visa, you should produce either of these two documents: a copy of the marriage certificate, if married to a Thai national or a recommendation letter from a Thai sponsor giving reason for your 3 month stay in the country. The other requirements are a valid passport with validity beyond six months of intended stay, completed application form, two recent passport-size photos and the fee amount.

Overstays
You will be charged 200 baht for each extra day, if you overstay your visa limits in Thailand.

Medical Care

The island has several hospitals, clinics and pharmacies to handle minor illnesses and injuries. However if you have a major accident or have a major medical condition, you will have to travel to Bangkok or Phuket for treatment. The Chaweng area has two hospitals with English-speaking staff for the convenience of tourists coming to the island.

Communicable Diseases
There has been no case of any serious contagious disease in Koh Samui in the recent past. Avoid unsafe sex to eliminate chances of contracting hepatitis and other STDs. In case of the rare eventuality of dog-bite, consult a doctor immediately.