Besides relaxing on the beautiful beaches in Koh Samui, there are plenty of ways to keep one occupied. After visiting the many attractions of the island, you will still find that there is still a lot you can do in this little tiny place.
Things to Do
Adventure Sports
If you are an adrenaline junkie, there are plenty of thing you can do in Samui. The Samui Shooting Sport on the main road between Bophut and Chaweng is a top-class shooting range. You can also head to Samui Quads and Paintball near Mae Nam, to play a variety of strategic games with BB guns in a jungle atmosphere. Go for a Canopy Tour (Tel: 077 414 150) of the jungle, which allows you to travel between tree-houses in a harness. For mountain bike enthusiasts, Red Bicycle offers a range of off-road trips into Samui's jungles and mountainous terrain.
Elephant Trekking
An elephant trek is a great way to explore the dense forests of Samui. For more information, call Living Thailand on Tel. 077 418 680/1. Standard trips last half an hour, in which elephants walk through steep and narrow trails, and river beds to give you the experience of a life time. Despite their huge size, elephants are incredibly sure-footed and provide a unique perspective of the world three meters up in the air.
Jungle Tours
As most of Samui is covered with dense tropical forests, a jungle tour is the perfect way to explore the natural beauty and diversity of this island. Most tours are taken in jeeps and with short hikes across the Samui’s lush terrain. Most travel agents have information about the various tours available.
Diving
Diving into the Gulf of Thailand is an amazing experience for one and all. At Samui, you can learn to dive and can even become a certified diver with an international PADI diving license. Dive shops located in Chaweng, Lamai and Na Thon offer diving lessons at quite reasonable rates. Off the coast of this beautiful island lie fabulous underwater coral reefs, caves and incredible marine life. The National Marine Park has the best diving and clearest waters. To the far north Koh Wao, Hin Nippon Yai and Lek are also good diving spots. Sail Rock, the best-known dive site in the country is here as well.
Snorkeling
The Samui coast contains many fantastic and interesting coral reefs full of the most unusual and pretty tropical fish and other sea creatures. Snorkeling equipment can be rented out from dive shops around the island or from the hotel, per hour.
Sea Kayaking
With a spectacular shore line Samui is blessed with a wealth of marine, animal and plant life. A kayak ride is the best way to explore Samui and its surrounding islands, beauty by sea. Half-day, day and overnight guided sea kayak trips are available through tours in Chaweng. Kayaks can also be rented at the beach.
Sailing
Sailing is very popular in Samui, as annually there is the international Koh Samui Regatta held off the Chaweng Beach. With its excellent weather conditions and a good all year round breeze, sailing here is near perfect. Yachts, catamarans and windsurf boards are available for rent by the local shops on the beach.
Golf
For those who prefer a more laid back vacation, Samui has excellent golfing facilities. The world class 18 hole SantiBuri Golf and Country Club in Mae Nam is a haven for golfing enthusiasts. Alternatively, The Samui Extra Golf Club at the Fair House Beach Resort has three professional standard holes for the less experienced golfer. The 18 hole Mini Golf International found in the jungle above Choeng Mon, is Thailand's only mini golf course. For family fun visit the Treasure Island Mini-Golf, Crazy Golf & Putt - Putt courses set up for both kids and adults to enjoy.
Hiking
Koh Samui is perfect for those who enjoy a good hike. With scenic waterfall trails and lush green hills, hiking is a great way to explore and take in the natural surroundings of this fabulous island. However be sure to keep a map with you at all times and always inform the hotel or someone where you are hiking at, as you could get lost.
Thai Cooking Lessons
Learn how to prepare some famous Thai specialties, as many restaurants on this island are now offering 2-hour lessons in traditional Thai cooking. The price of a lesson is around 900 Baht with lunch for two persons, and often includes instructional booklets and carving tools for fruit and vegetables.
Thai Boxing
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is Thailand's national sport and is taken very seriously. A Thai boxing match is worth watching for its colorful atmosphere, wild musical accompaniment, and frenzied betting. There are two permanent stadiums on Samui. The first is in Chaweng, just off the road leading to the Reggae Pub, while the other is in Lamai on the road connecting the main road to Route 4169. However, remember going to see a Thai boxing match is not for the weak of heart
