Fam. Rusten

Koh Samui is an Island located in the Thailand gulf. It has its own airport where only one company has a license. The flight to the Island from Bangkok is only approx. 40 minutes with a small jet. The airstrip is quite small, so only relative small plains can land here. The island is relatively round, with a road that runs along the coast around the island. The largest city (port city) is located on the west coast, while the 2 largest tourist resorts located on the south coast.

"Chaweng Beach" is the largest and most touristy beach on the Island, while "Lamai Beach"is the second largest. In any case, this was the situation the summer of 2003. The entire island is developing rapidly, with construction projects several places. We stayed at "Lamai Beach", on a resort named "Weekender". It is located at the end of the main street, yet central. It is quiet in the area, but only minutes away from bars and restaurants. The hotel is not entirely new, but well maintained. It has the most important facility that families with children needs - a pool! In addition, they have a pavilion in the middle of the garden. There runs a family (2 older sisters and their children) a Thai massage business. The price is very reasonable, and this can only be recommended. Some of the guests took it almost every day. I was contented with it every second day!

What do you do on a normal day, on an island in the Thailand gulf? It is of course a lot of sunbathing and swimming. In addition, one should try snorkeling. We bought the needed equipment all together. You can snorkel at the beach, just beyond the hotel. There is a small coral reef just off shore. On the beach it is sandy bottom and very poor visibility. In fact it is actually much better visibility on most Greek islands. You should go to Koh Tao or Koh Nanyuang, for great snorkeling. THERE it is great, just like swimming in an Aquarium!

On the Island the following places is worth visiting:

- Big Buddha. This is a large gilded Buddha statue, and a monastery.
- Namuang Safari Park. Here you can ride elephants, see the crocodile show, and wildlife in general.
- Aquarium. One fairly large Aquarium, with a great bird show also. Well worth a visit. The adventurous of us may get a picture together with a Tiger!
- Shopping. Both in the Chaweng and Nathon (capital of the island) ther is a lot of of shops. Here you can get god deals.
- Go-Cart. Close to Chaweng ther is a Go-Cart track, of a fairly descent size.
- Spa on Tamarind springs. It's beautifully situated in the jungle behind Lamai beach. One of Thailand's most beautiful spa facilities.