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Samui is a an idyllic tropical island by day, but as the sun goes down the girls most defiantly come out to play! The bars are plentiful and varied, and there are just 2 gogos however the nightlife is all there for those who look.Samui has two main resort towns and more recently Big Buddha Beach to the North and the next door Fisherman's Village have grown popular. Near the airport on the North of the island are several upmarket beach resort style hotels. The island capital is Nathon, which is a port and commercial town. Chaweng and Lamai beaches are the main areas, with Big Buddha and Maenam popular alternatives. Chaweng is very, but not over, developed and has the best beach. Lamai is much more informal and is still developing, although it's location will always ensure it is smaller than Chaweng. Samui is very much a holiday destination for those who want the beach and the sea. Little happens during the day, although, of course, there are tours to the various Island attractions. At night both Lamai and Chaweng have plenty of action in the bars and gogos. Chaweng is now much more organised and has several international standard restaurants and bars. Lamai is more laid back, maybe too so for those who want a little sophistication with their service and food!
Unfortunately a single airline operates to Samui. Bangkok Air can now be booked online booked online and more and more booking is essential. There are hourly flights from Bangkok, as well as daily flights from Pattaya, Singapore, Krabi and Phuket. Bangkok Air are now using jets on some flights: they are much quicker but somehow always seem to eb late!. The alternative methods of travel are bus, train and air via Surat Thani on the mainland. The ferry time is a two hours plus another hour to Surat Thani. So it is a question of deciding upon time against the avaricious price of Bangkok Air and the airport operator. Coming from Europe the prices are normally swallowed without much comment. From the airport many hotels will collect, however there is a good minibus service based at the airport that will drop you at your hotel. The buses can be very crowded. There are also taxis, but you need to agree prices (normally after a discussion!).
Lamai has a bars around the MacDonald's in the middle as well as several bars and restaurants along the main street. In the last year the central road to the ring road (Soi Kingmaico) has become the focal point for bar beers. There is virtually nothing on the beach, a few hotel bars during the day, but after dark the scene moves into the centre. Fishermans Village in the North is a haven for those who want to escape loud music and predatory girls, whist the next door Big Buddha Beach (Bang Rak or sometime known as the North Shore) is going down the opposite route!
Chaweng is a long resort and these buses can also be used to travel about the resort. Lamai is much smaller and therefore it is normally possible to walk. Many people hire motor bikes to get around. There are three rules to riding motor bikes. 1. Do not ride when drinking. 2. Have plenty of insurance and check it covers bike accidents. 3. Write a will before leaving home. You have been warned!
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