Koh Samui beaches?
Nov 9th, 2006, 05:36 PM
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Koh Samui beaches?
We're planning to spend three nights on Koh Samui in August and chose it over Phuket because of weather. I've done a fair amount of reading about KS, but still don't have a sense of what to expect. Is it scenic? Are the beaches nice? How does it compare to Phuket? We've made a reservation at the new Four Seasons which is due to open in January. Any thoughts about its location?
Nov 9th, 2006, 06:15 PM
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In terms of scenic, clear water, ideal swimming conditions, Samui's best beaches are along the east coast - Lamai, Chaweng Noi, Chaweng, Choengmon.
The north coast beaches - BoPhut, MaeNam, and around the Big Buddha, are kinda OK but the water's not clear.
The west coast beaches (where Four Seasons Koh Samui is) are not very nice, from memory the tide goes out a long way revealing smelly rocks. However, these are just general comments, I haven't seen the Four Seasons precise location and they may have managed to get a better piece of the west coast.
But there's no doubt that the east coast beaches are far better. That’s the prime reason why the east coast is so popular and the vast majority of accommodation is built there.
On a plus side, Four Seasons is not far from Nathon (Samui’s main town) so it will be easy for you to go there for shopping/dining.
The north coast beaches - BoPhut, MaeNam, and around the Big Buddha, are kinda OK but the water's not clear.
The west coast beaches (where Four Seasons Koh Samui is) are not very nice, from memory the tide goes out a long way revealing smelly rocks. However, these are just general comments, I haven't seen the Four Seasons precise location and they may have managed to get a better piece of the west coast.
But there's no doubt that the east coast beaches are far better. That’s the prime reason why the east coast is so popular and the vast majority of accommodation is built there.
On a plus side, Four Seasons is not far from Nathon (Samui’s main town) so it will be easy for you to go there for shopping/dining.
Nov 10th, 2006, 02:49 AM
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Thanks for the information. If we want to try for more scenic beaches and better water conditions, could you recommend a luxury resort that would fit the bill? I've seen mixed reviews for Anantara and Le Meridien although both hotels look very nice.
Nov 10th, 2006, 06:27 AM
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If you are interested in snorkeling then the waters around Koh Samui are not good unless all you want to see are a few fish. I suggest you consider taking an excellent snorkel trip to Koh Tao BUT make sure you goon the speed boat that takes about 12 people, a little crowded, but you get to better spots and faster than the Big Boat. They advertise the Big Boat for its buffet lunch which is only passable vs. sandwiches on the speed boat. The snorkeling is as good or maybe better than Phi Phi since the Tseunami of 12/26/04 which masy have damaged the coral in 5-15 ft depths which is best for clear visibility.ou will see several dozen different types of fish, intersting oysters, corals and sea amenomies. The tour services for the Speed Boat picks you up at you hotel if you are in a major area and I think it cost $60-$70+/- when we went this past April.It is an all day outing but if you have 3 full days in Koh Samui 2 days on the beach may be enough.All I can say about FS is we have stayed at 9-10 FS and they were all wonderful, excellent food (except for the food at the one on Great Exuma in the Bahamas) and the service will likely be up to all the FS standards.
Areas of Phuket are nicer in my opinion and in 2 years the rebuilding, as I read it make it likely better than it was in 2002hen we were there. It has a little more scenic beauty, in my opinion but outings on land are limited as in Koh Samui.The Banyan Tree and the Meridian Yacht Club )completetly re-built, I am told, were lovely when we were there. We stayed at the Aman resort in I think 1999 and did not like it and the room rates were unreasonable and the place was sterile and we checked out after 2 nights and went to the Banyan Tree for ~$150USD/nt. less when you add tax ans service.
Areas of Phuket are nicer in my opinion and in 2 years the rebuilding, as I read it make it likely better than it was in 2002hen we were there. It has a little more scenic beauty, in my opinion but outings on land are limited as in Koh Samui.The Banyan Tree and the Meridian Yacht Club )completetly re-built, I am told, were lovely when we were there. We stayed at the Aman resort in I think 1999 and did not like it and the room rates were unreasonable and the place was sterile and we checked out after 2 nights and went to the Banyan Tree for ~$150USD/nt. less when you add tax ans service.
Nov 10th, 2006, 06:55 PM
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I had a look at the Four Seasons web site and saw a pic of the beach that confirms my earlier comments - rocky beach, shallow water, I doubt if you'd want to try swimming there, though it's probably fine for an evening stroll. However, unless you're a real beach fanatic I wouldn't worry about changing, you're only staying 3 nights and the resort will undoubtedly have several stunning pools.
Nov 10th, 2006, 08:37 PM
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One of my best experiences was staying a few days on the beautiful beach of MaeNam at the Koh Samui resort. Was the water clear? We were there in Oct - it was sooo clear and warm - it's my DHs benchmark when it comes to perfect days at the beach...he says it's like being in the womb again..
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