Koh Samui first entered the world of tourism in the early 1970's, when discovered by backpackers. Samui and its neighbouring islands were first inhabited by Malay fishermen from the mainland as well as immigrants from Southern China, taking advantage of the sea that at that time was teeming with fish.
The Chinese influence is still evident on Samui, especially at Fisherman's Village, where rows of Chinese Shop houses sit next to European influenced buildings to form a quaint village atmosphere. There are several Chinese temples on the island, and Chinese New Year is celebrated with a bang, literally, at the temple near the Mae Nam walking street market.
But if you're hunting for white sand beaches, turquoise waters and all-day sun, Samui can be a fine choice. Use Samui as a base to explore the neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, as well as the Anthong National Marine Park. The islands and the park are both only a short boat or ferry trip away.
There is very little recorded history of the island, and there are two schools of thought on how the name came about.
Before the crowds drag themselves out of bed popular Chaweng and Lamai remain pretty, while on the north side, quieter Mae Nam has a growing reputation. Of course there are many other beaches worth investigating, such as Choeng Mon and Bophut, and quiet secluded bays in the west and south -- don't make the mistake of spending your entire Koh Samui sojourn on just the one stretch of sand.
Koh Samui has a large expat community, with the majority being from the UK, France, Germany, Scandinavia and Russia. The island has several good schools, and boasts the UK affiliated International School of Samui to cater for both the expat family needs as well as those of wealthier Thais. Most locals can speak a fair amount of English, being exposed to so many foreigners, and with tourism being the island's main income. Samui offers all the modern conveniences, with supermarkets such as Tesco Lotus, Big C and Macro. The island has a bowling alley and cinema, five hospitals, and an abundance of optometrists, dentists and pharmacies. It does not at this stage have the large shopping malls of Phuket. With all of these western influences, Samui may no longer be considered 'real Thailand', but there are still areas of culture to be found. One only has to attend a buffalo fight, bird singing competition, or authentic Muay Thai fight to see where the locals congregate in their free time.
Samui has a number of excellent viewpoints, though you'll either need to be on a tour or have your own transport to reach them. The most popular is Secret Garden, a large sculpture garden off the Airforce road towards the centre of the island. Built by a fourth generation Samui native who died a few years ago, the sculptures are based on the Buddhist scriptures and are certainly worth taking a peek at. The big selling point here though, are the stunning views. Other viewpoints include Woodlands Resort and the Yod Khao Restaurant. Both are marked on maps of the island. A road constructed in 2010 now joins Lamai to Mae Nam. From Lamai, it leaves the Ring Road near Tamarind Springs, and from Mae Nam, turn left at the bridge opposite My Bar. This road winds through the jungle, banana and coconut plantations and over hills, offering spectacular views as well as scenery from old Samui, as it is not yet developed along the road.
You can pursue TEFL in Koh Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand as it is the ideal location to do your TEFL course, before venturing to other locations in Thailand, Asia or beyond if you are planning to begin your TEFL career.
A 4-week TEFL course featured by Asian College of Teachers from Samui will equip you with the knowledge and ability to obtain a TEFL job worldwide. In order to feel the beauty and vibrant culture of Samui we do conduct our teaching practice sessions at local temple schools and these sessions really benefit the local kids as well.
Being immersed into a real school environment, also prepares you for entering the school system, should you decide to teach at a school. For those preferring to teach adults, we have arranged adult teaching practices at the school, where you can teach the Thai staff as well as at local businesses in the area. We also do practicals at the International School of Samui.
With lots of adventurous sports like Canopy rides, Kayaking, Thai cooking Classes and Messages life is beautiful in Samui. Samui has no limit in what it offers in the way of dining experiences, bars and clubs. Food ranges from roadside vendors, to fancy fine-dining establishments.
Many expats have relocated to Samui meaning that one can savour authentic cuisine from all over the world. At night, the beachfronts convert to a romantic dining scene, as palm trees don fairy lights and lanterns, restaurants set out seafood buffets, play chill music and set tables at the water's edge.
Bay Beach Hotel (Ex Choeng Mon Beach Hotel) is right on the beach and about a 300m walk to the training centre. The rooms have king-size beds, air-con, free wifi, hot water showers, TV, fridges, safes and small balconies. You can use the hotel’s pool and gym, and the hotel has a beachfront restaurant. Please note that the rooms at the reduced rate are NOT the seafront bungalows or rooms, but those closer to the back in the garden. The rate is 15,000 baht for a month. www.baybeachkohsamui.com
Choeng Mon Residence is about 200m from the beach and about 200m from the training centre. Here there is the option (subject to availability) of twin rooms or queen beds. Rooms have air-con, free wifi, hot water showers, TV, fridges and kettles, and small balconies The rate is 10,000 baht for the 4-week period (day before the course to day after). If you arrive earlier, you may need to stay elsewhere first, as the previous students will not have checked out yet, and this is a small hotel. http://www.choengmonresidence.com/rooms.htm
A great new boutique backpacker hostel near the training centre, across the road from the beach, with many facilities, including huge swimming pool, common room with TV, pool table and dart board, spotless bathrooms, kitchen, laundry etc, and voted best hostel in SE Asia.
Dorm room is a per person rate. Superior room is a per room rate.
A) Dormitory 8 beds (Separate or Mixed Male/Female) 290.-nett (8,120 per 28 days for course period)
B) Dormitory 6 beds (Separate or Mixed Male/Female) 330.-nett (9,240 per 28 days for course period)
C) Dormitory 4 beds (Separate or Mixed Male/Female) 370.-nett (10,360 per 28 days for course period)
D) Dormitory 2 beds (Separate or Mixed Male/Female) 410.-nett (11,480 per 28 days for course period)
E) Superior Rooms (Twin/Double bed) with private bathroom 940.-nett/room/night Remark : Supplement charge THB 250.-nett /person/night for guests who stay during 20 Dec.17 – 5 Jan. 18 Guest Benefits:- Free wi-fi, Free Flow Coffee/Tea, large swimming pool with sunbeds, Common room, shared kitchen, laundry and washing line. www.sirinsamui.com
Female Dorm 6 persons / room (Private bed, bathroom & Toilet inside)
Two Mixed Dorm (4 persons per room) sharing bathroom & toilet)
Two Private Men Dorm (4 persons / room)
Facilities - Air Condition - Free Wifi in all areas - Hot Water - Relaxing Area - Curtain in all beds - 4 sharing bathrooms and 2 men's sharing toilet s and 2 women's sharing toilets. Free towel and body soap. Clean, cosy and comfortable and safe.
Rates: 150 baht per day and 4,500 baht per month per person (promotion price for Samui TEFL) https://www.facebook.com/HI-SAMUI-Hostel-Restaurant-590507654615917/
Our Total fee in Samui is provided to you at 35000 INR / 17500 THB / 500 USD / 375 GBP only. For enrolling in our TESOL course, you need to pay an initial deposit amount of 17500 THB as Registration Fee. The remaining payment has to be cleared 7 days prior to the commencement of the course date.
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