If you are planning your next vacation to Koh Samui, but you are not quite sure about it yet. Here are 10 facts that will be useful for your trip to Koh Samui.
1. Humid weather
Due to its location, Koh Samui has tropical weather with plenty of sunshine as well as humidity. Koh Samui mainly has three seasons – hot season, dry season and rainy season.
On a normal day, an average temperature on the island is around 30 Celsius Degree. However, you can actually feel the temperature way higher than that.
It might be a little uncomfortable at first, but with enough of water, proper attires and beautiful sunshine while strolling on one of the top must visit beaches in Koh Samui, you will hardly feel annoyed by the humidity.
2. It rains
As a tropical island, Koh Samui embraces the sunshine as much as the rainy day. Despite the rain and occasionally storm, Koh Samui is a year-round destination.
The best time to travel to Samui is during December to February. However, Koh Samui’s sky still boasts plenty of sunshine throughout June.
Samui will become wet during its rainy season which falls in September to November.
3. You can expect mosquitos
Insects and warm weather are like best friends, so they are something you should know by the time you decide to travel to a tropical country. One of the top insects you will come across in Koh Samui is mosquitoes.
Therefore, mosquito repellent will be very useful for your trip in this tropical island.
Insect or mosquito repellent are available at almost every convenient store on Koh Samui. Choose the natural one that made from citronella which is relatively safer than the chemical ones and gives very good scent.
4. Tap water is not drinkable
Tap water in Koh Samui is not drinkable, that’s why your accommodation is likely to provide in room “complimentary drinking water”. That’s just the way to tell their guests that – tap water is undrinkable.
However, there is plenty of drinking water in bottles available at convenient stores around the island at a very affordable price. Therefore, you do not have to worry about there will not be enough drinking water for you.
5. No official public transport
You will find several choices of transportation on Koh Samui, however; the island doesn’t have its official public transport system, just yet.
The most popular way of transportation on the island is by using the motorcycle. However, some travellers might find it a bit scary to ride on a bike. No worries, you can also choose to travel by a private taxi or a rental car with very wide rates.
6. We drive on the left
In Koh Samui, or to be more accurate, in Thailand, people drive on the left. So if you are not familiar with driving on the left-hand-side, you better use transport service that comes with the personal chauffeur, especially when you are planning to experience the nightlife in Koh Samui.
Be aware that sometimes locals will drive against the flow of the traffic which is very dangerous for everyone and especially for those who did not expect that to happen.
7. The English language is not really locals’ strength
Although you might find many people in Koh Samui can speak English, you will find that just a few of them can actually maintain the conversation with you.
Most of the locals can speak basic English as they are trained to communicate with their customers and guests. However, if you would like to continue the talk with them, you might find it difficult or impossible.
Therefore, the best way is to learn some basic Thai words in order to survive in the island. You should get a guide book with basic Thai words and conversation that you might come across such as greeting, thank you, sorry and so on.
8. Thai Baht is an official currency
In Koh Samui, Thai Baht is an official currency just like any other provinces in Thailand. You can find many banks and currency exchange counters almost everywhere on the island so you don’t have worry about where to exchange your money.
However, it is recommended to exchange some Thai baht with you, as there might be some areas that do not have exchange counter in your walking distance.
9. SIM card for mobile phone is easy to find
These days, mobile access is a must for every traveller. In Koh Samui, you can find SIM card with internet service in almost every convenience store.
It is easy and cheap for you to get one legit SIM card. You can just buy it, top up your credit, and you are good to go.
10. Two-legged electric plug
In Koh Samui as well as in any part of Thailand, two-legged electric plug with 220 volts at 50 Hz is being used.
If you did not prepare voltage converter from home, you can buy one at the convenient stores nearby or simply ask from your accommodation. If you have not decided on a place to stay yet, we have picked some of the famous areas as a guide on where to stay in Koh Samui.
Featured image credit: travels.kilroy.net