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| Ko Samui Travel Guide for backpackers |
| Once the idyllic island retreat, Ko Samui is today a tourist playground and its beaches are filled with visitors in varying shades of pink. Where visitors found uncomplicated and easy-going accommodation in simple bungalows that have all but disappeared, now find souped-up lodgings in five star hotels that may be very comfortable but don’t have the primitive charm of the original Thai houses. There is still natural scenic beauty on the island, as well as great beaches, and there are magnificent mountainous and heavy forested areas to be explored. All in all, Ko Samui is still a tropical paradise, just a little more crowded than before. |
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 DAILY BUDGET in KO SAMUI - Backpackers arriving in Ko Samui, must think they have died and gone you know where, because this really is a paradise for the hard-up and hungry, with US$16 – 20 a day covering meals and accommodation, and US$31 a day giving a touch of luxury to the accommodation, great food, and enough small change to cover a few entrance fees. |
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Wonderful Rocks – found at Lamai Beach are some truly wonderful rocks, where some higher being must have been bored and started playing around, laughing at us puny mortals and definitely putting pressure on male self image.
Wat Phrayi – This majestic, gold-tiled Big Buddha is over 80 ft tall and can be found at Ko Faan (Barking Deer Island), although not an entirely free attraction, a token US45cent contribution is expected.
Na Muang Falls – There are a number of waterfalls dotted about Ko Samui, all adding to the natural beauty of the island.
Sunrise at Moutainview - Rent a 4WD and drive to one of the restaurants on top of the hills to see the sunrise!
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Poppies – South Chaweng Beach, This is just what the starving backpacker ordered, fresh seafood on the beach… and cheap too!
The Oriental Gallery – Chaweng Noi Bays, This fine arts and antiques gallery displaying some amazing works also has a swish little café where the food is good, and the prices, surprisingly are not too bad.
Upstairs Restaurant and Lounge – Uh, upstairs from the Oriental Gallery, this restaurant changes the scene from its sister below, and serves Western recipes with Thai style, and dishes start at US$2.70-US$7.95.
Ninja Crepes - Located in Chaweng, Ninja Crepes is an institution. Very ordinary decor, but sensational inexpensive thai food. Pad Thai for30bht. Always packed night and day. One of the best.
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The Reggae Pub – Located on Chaweng this is a funky place where a lot happens, what else would one expect with that name?
The Secret Garden Pub – Found on Big Buddha Beach, it beats me as to where the ‘secret’ comes in, because it is one of the most popular spots in Ko Samui, where celebrities have been known to jump on the stage and give impromptu performances.
The Green Mango – Catcandoo Bar, at the Soi Green Mango, beware and be warned, the ‘bar girls’ who staff this place know what they are doing.
Samui Shamrock Lamai beach - A cracking irish pub with great food and live music every night located in Lamai,much nicer feel to it then crowded Chewang.
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