Surat Thani

There are several sanctuaries on Samui for elephants that previously worked in tourism and logging. One branch is here in Bophut. Riding or bathing with the elephants is not allowed because it disrupts their natural behaviour, but you can feed them.

Prices, route length and opening hours vary between operators — it’s best to check by phone or on the company website.

Happy Dumpling serves chebureki and dumplings with various fillings. The chebureki are large — plate-sized. Many expats say you won’t find better chebureki on the island. A portion costs about 200 baht on average.

Near Tam Rang Beach tourists can go kayaking along massive cliffs and wild, undeveloped beaches.

Hua Thanon, Bang Kao and Thong Krut are districts in the southern part of the island. The south of Samui is considered the calmest place to live. You can find very cheap but comfortable houses here. The nearest large markets are about 30–40 minutes away. The atmosphere in the south is different: there are fewer tourists, wilder nature, many palm groves and abandoned spots. The beaches in the south are not suitable for swimming and are set far from the main road. You can find a few places, but mostly the seabed is shallow, rocky or silty.

Nathon's waterfront offers some of the most beautiful sunsets. In the evening there is a strong low tide near the pier; children play on the exposed sandbanks, Thais walk their dogs and street musicians perform. It's always busy here on holidays.

You can find a children's playground, a cinema, lots of shops selling electronics, bookshops, restaurants, bars, and stores with toys and children's clothing.

The main pier where most ferries from the mainland arrive.

Hua Thanon, Bang Kao and Thong Krut are districts in the southern part of the island. The south of Samui is considered the quietest area to live in — you can find very cheap but comfortable houses. The nearest large markets are about 30–40 minutes away. The southern atmosphere is different: fewer tourists, wilder nature, many palm groves and abandoned spots. Beaches in the south are not well suited for swimming and lie off the main road. You can find a few spots, but the seabed is mostly shallow, rocky or muddy.