(#wanderlusttips #Kosamui #Thailand) There are many ways to hide from the tropical summer heat. You can find refuge in the green valleys filled with grass and flora, the windy mountains, or the stunning yet tranquil beaches. For adventurers who love the ocean, why refrain from visiting some diving paradises in Vietnam and neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. Sea diving is one great way to delight your summer.
[rpi]Ko Samui is one of the biggest islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The island in Surat Thani Province is famous for its beautiful beaches shaded by coconut trees, dense forests and crystal-clear waters. It is also home to many luxurious resorts and exciting nightlife, attracting many visitors from all over the world.
There is little opportunity to be bored on Ko Samui simply because there is so much to explore and experience. In Na Thon and Mae Nam tourists can book day tours to Angthong National Marine Park in the Angthong archipelago. The archipelago is made up of over 40 small islands with majestic limestone cliffs, secret lagoons, caves, coral reefs, white sand beaches and green forests. The perfect backdrop for your photos.
The island has many beautiful beaches including Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Maenam and Lipa Noi. They are famous for their white sand, crystal clear water and lush greenery lending shade. Bring your favourite book, find a place in the shade and enjoy a relaxing holiday. Those who prefer physical activities can visit Nam Tok Na Muang waterfall in the centre of the island, about 12km from Na Thon. During rainy season, the majestic cascade falls down to reach the purple rocks, creating a unique natural pool. In the north of Ko Samui on a small rock island Wat Phra Yai temple houses a 15-meter Buddha statue, standing in the middle of the sky and the sea. Nearby, guests can visit Laem Wat Plai home to a giant 18-handed Buddha statue.
On Ko Samui, Scuba diving is a not-to-be-missed activity. It is an experience of a lifetime. In the main areas of the island, there are many training agencies and tour providers who offer scuba diving lessons and tours. Bophut has a number centres that have received good reviews on TripAdvisor, including Discovery Dive Centre TripAdvisor, CSI: SAMUI Dive School or The Dive Academy. When booking a scuba diving tour, visitors will get a training day at the centre, and will be accompanied by a diving coach throughout the tour. Prices of these tours range from 4,500 Baht to 13,000 Baht (2.8 – 8.1 million Vietnamese Dong), depending on the stops and length of the tour. Usually a boat takes divers from Ko Samui to the beautiful surrounding waters filled with coral reefs and marine animals around Koh Nangyuan or Koh Tao islands.
The best time of the year to visit Ko Samui is from December to June. The weather can get extremely hot from March to June. Currently, there is no direct flight from Vietnam to Ko Samui. Fly to Bangkok and from there with Bangkok Airways to Ko Samui. This trip can be expensive and a way to save money is to fly or take a bus to Surat Thani from Bangkok and take a ferry to the island.
Food on the island is cheap and delicious, including fresh seafood on the beach that you certainly should not miss. You can find affordable restaurants almost everywhere, or visit highly recommended restaurants like Dining on the Rocks, Sabeinglae or Five Islands. Stroll around Hua Thanon Market to enjoy local specialties.
There are three main areas with accommodation in Ko Samui: Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut. Hotels by the ocean are more expensive than those further inland, with differences ranging from 300,000 – 500,000 Vietnamese Dong per night. If the budget allows stay in a seaside resort at higher rates. Chaweng is the most exciting area featuring a beautiful beach and dynamic nightlife. Bophut is more quiet and peaceful, but in its Fisherman’s Village, the nightlife is not any less exciting. Lamai has many resorts and peaceful scenery, best for those who are looking to relax and unwind.
Minh Hang | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet