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Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan

Neighbors with seasonal appeal
Koh Samui’s allure to tourists began well over 20 years ago with the arrival of the “back-packer” who came seeking a unique tropical paradise. The breed was hunting paces where locals were friendly and life was simple; and inexpensive.

Contrary to the high society of Phuket, Ko Samui’s population consisted of simple coconut farmers and fisherman-not tin barons and businessmen. Thus, Ko Samui quickly secured worldwide fame as the ultimate traveler’s paradise of Southeast Asia. Well as the saying goes, that was then, and this is now. Samui today is a paradise, no doubt. But it is no longer the free wheeling, easy living Isle of yore. It boasts many 5-star hotels and resorts as well as the cheep and cheerful variety.

Today, surprisingly little has changed from those early days, as the charm of Ko Samui-as well as the aimless unhurried lifestyle-has remained largely intact. About the only noticeable changes today are the addition of an airport-thankfully decorated with a tropical island feel-and the building of several top-class international resort hotels.  

Samui has also emerged (geddit?) as a divers destination. Considering that most dive sites are sites are situated at least two hours by boat from the island-and considering that water clarity is not something the island is noted for-scuba diving is extraordinarily popular on the island. Ko Samui has developed into one of the main diver training centers in all of Southeast Asia. Most instruction is completed in the shallow water directly off the coast at Chaweng Beach, Coral Cove, or one of the other secluded little bays or beaches that decorates the island.  

For the more advanced diver, Koh Samui has two main dive areas, each with an approximate six-month opposing season. Hin Bai-or Sail Rock-located north of Ko Samui is dived daily from February until September. During the rest of the year, the Ang Thong Marine National Park to the northwest is the choice spot. Both dive areas are interesting and although most enlightened divers would not take a dedicated dive holiday to Ko Samui or Ko Pha-ngan, most divers will enjoy a few dives at both these areas.

Koh Pha-ngan, a small just north of Samui also has diving centers, and has become very popular as a learning center as well.

Hin Bai is the preferred day trip from Samui since it offers the most exciting diving. The likelihood of seeing larger animals such as sharks are better hear than at other spots. Similar in shape to the islands around Ko Phi Phi, Sail Rock just over 30 meters. You begin the dive exploring one of the deeper peaks away from the main rock. The rock is covered in the beautiful tubastraea micrantha, a dark green hard coral that blooms green or bright yellow polyps when it is feeding. Also, black coral trees with either lime green or reddish brown polyps grow out of the nooks and crannies. There is a delightful chimney-like cavern at the dive site, as well that more experienced diver will enjoy.

Both Samui and Pha-ngan have unique features that are hard to characterize, but somehow they feel different from other island in the region. The nonchalant, open life-style, picturesque coconut plantations, sinfully beautiful beaches, enjoyable diving and charming accommodation make it a perfect place to spend a relaxing interval during a visit to Thaniland.

How to get there: Daily flights are available to Samui from Bangkok and Phuket. Ferries are available from SuratThani.

 

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