The Funky Site

Ko Samui is the largest, most developed, and also the busiest of the three, and owing to its proximity to the coast it's normally the first stop. Despite the resorts of Maenam and Bophut on the north coast which are well worth a visit , the vast majority of visitors head straight for Chaweng on the east side. Large multinational hotels reside here along the two mile strip of golden sandy beach, with cheap traveller accomodation nestled inbetween. In some ways Chaweng is similar to Bangkok on a smaller scale - the same stalls selling cheap designer clothing, watches, sunglasses etc, even the unwelcome return of Thai prostitutes, but in others it's completely different. The scenery outside the towns is beautifully green and lush, the accomodation was about half the price of Bangkok and there was a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. Seafood is readily available and includes fish such as shark, white and red snapper, and barracuda. Just fifteen minutes drive from Chaweng gets you to the two waterfalls at Na Muang which are eighteen and eighty metres high. Elephant trekking is available at the waterfalls but can't be recommended as the duration is short and doesn't compare to the elephant trekking available in northern Thailand. There is also Hat Tae and Hat Yai, the grandfather and grandmother rocks. These rock formations are said to resemble the male and female genitalia, but I personally think it took someone pretty obsessed to spot them in the first place! Despite spending more than two weeks on Ko Samui we didn't see half the island because we spent too much time drinking and dancing at the Reggae Pub. Viking Huts was a very social place and many days and nights were spent relaxing on the fine beach, playing volleyball, drinking cocktails at sunset, followed by a night of drunken dancing somewhere in town with whoever was out that night.

One word of warning - we stayed at Viking Huts towards the southern end of town, one of the most popular backpacker places and while there three people had possessions stolen from their locked bags in locked rooms. Also, avoid the Thai Boxing here - it's advertised as being an International lineup including English, Australian and Italian but in reality it's just local fighters.

Two hours by boat off the coast of Samui is the Ang Thong Marine Park, a National Park consisting of forty one islands, all of which appear to be covered in lush tropical forest bordered by untouched golden beaches. This place was the inspiration behind the best selling novel The Beach by Alex Garland and it's easy to see why. The Emerald Lake is a landlocked salt water lake bordered by high limestone cliffs on all sides and therefore hidden from view until you ascend the steep steps over the cliffs. This lake is preserved and swimming is prohibited. Our tour then took us to Ko Wua Talab, the largest island in the archipelago and the base for the park's headquarters. A viewpoint at the top of the island gives spectacular views although the climb is a very challenging yet enjoyable one. This island is the only place where staying overnight is allowed, and even then it's limited to three days and there are only a handful of huts.