 Samui
Activities and Top Things to do guide
Bungy Jumping  This
is a fairly recent activity on Koh Samui. The equipment was
brought over from one of Phuket’s bungy establishments
and is proving as popular here as it does on the west-coast
island. Jungle Bungy Catapult is a definite ‘thrill-seekers’
choice, for the ‘older kids’ amongst us.
Go-Karts What child (especially boys) doesn’t
like the thrill (and spill) of this fast-paced sport? Samui
Go-Kart, open 9 to 9, just off the 4169 Ring Road west of
Bophut village is the place to go
Paintball You can shoot your friends with paintballs
at Samui Paintball, near the Samui International Hospital.
You can head to Lamai to shoot up into the air compliments
of the Jungle Bungy Catapult.
Elephant Trekking
For quiet relaxation and something most children will love
Elephant riding (trekking) is the way to go. Here the island's
interiors can be easily accessed from the backs of these wonderful
giants. Sit back and enjoy the silent ride. Standard treks
last for 30 minutes, but longer trips can be requested.
Diving There is hardly a beach on Koh Samui that doesn’t
have a diving school nestled on its foreshore somewhere. This
is one recreation in plentiful supply. Do make sure you go
with a reputable company that has internationally recognised
instruction such as ‘Padi’ or something similar.
Samui’s underwater world is a must for those wanting
to don a pair of goggles and do more than paddle around in
the shallows.
Cabaret shows: where all that glitters isn’t gold.
The glamour of the performers is the main attraction, exciting
the audience with their sparkling costumes, made to complement
the dazzling production designs. Bring your whole family and
spend a wonderful time watching a cabaret show.
Discos and Nightspots
offerings here vary from a lounge in the bar to disco dancing.
You can't expect Bangkok here, but you will certainly not
miss excitement if that's what you are looking for. The Beach
Pub at Secret Garden has become one of Koh Samui’s leading
venues during the last few years. Musicians, both pro and
semi-pro have the chance to play stress free, on a wonderful
beach, with other musicians from all over the world. If you're
a musician and are planning a visit to Thailand, join in.
There is plenty of professional equipment, instruments and
professional staff on the engineering side. Jamming sessions
take place every Sunday afternoon from 4pm until 8pm and usually
attract a crowd in a party mood. Other good ‘music and/or
dancing venues are the Reggae Pub, Sante Fe Disco, Green Mango,
The Club and the Bauhaus amongst others.
Full moon parties  Some
years ago, a group of tourists and the owner of Paradise Bungalow
(Koh Phangan) arranged a party along the crescent-shaped beach
of Haad Rin to celebrate the Full Moon night. It was so successful
that it became a social event every 28 days (or so depending
on the moon). People from all over the world join the celebration
and now there are 7,000-10,000 people at the party each month.
Beginning at dusk, when the moon makes its appearance the
evening progresses and the beach explodes into a dancing frenzy.
There is something for everyone here, trance, techno, drum
and bass, commercial dance and reggae, none are disappointed.
Jugglers and fire-eaters entertain the crowds as the night
rolls on and with the brilliant impromptu fireworks display,
the party atmosphere is complete. Full moon parties have since
sprung up all over the country and now there is hardly a beachfront
that tourists frequent that doesn’t celebrate one at
least once.
Tan and Matsum islands make a fine day trip from Samui.
Located just 2km. from the southern end of Koh Samui, Koh
Tan, or "Koh Katen", as it is sometimes known, offers
a long sandy beach and good oral off the eastern and southern
coasts. If you get tired of sunbathing, diving and snorkelling,
there's always hiking, fishing, bat caves and just plain sightseeing.
 Fishing
Village The fishing village of Hua Thanon is the only Muslim
community on Koh Samui. The people here migrated from Pattani,
which borders Malaysia in Thailand's far south. With them
they brought their distinctive high-bowed boats, painted with
bright patterns. The village market offers the freshest fish
direct from the boats.
Thai massage Massage has a long history of therapeutic
healing in Thailand. It has been practiced for centuries as
it is to day. The roots of Thai Massage are traced back to
India. Therapeutic massage for treatment of specific conditions
and diseases is practiced by a small number of very skilled
people. It takes several years of study.
 Herbal
Saunas No trip to the island is complete without a relaxing
spa treatment. The prices are low for the services offered,
and anything from beauty treatments to hang-over remedies
are available.
Kayaking Paddle yourself around the Ang Thong National
Marine Park, looking out for marine life as well as land animals
and birds. Remember the quieter you are, the more you will
see (don’t even whisper if you can help it).
Thai Cooking Lessons A good cook will never be turned
away from a party. Develop your culinary skills at Samui Institute
of Thai Culinary Arts. Telephone the institute on 413172 for
more information. Some hotels also run classes so make a few
enquiries at your hotel on arrival.
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