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Samui
Activities and Top Things to do guide
Activities
Bungy Jumping 
This is a fairly recent activity on Koh Samui. The
equipment was brought over from one of Phuket's
bungy establishments and is proving as popular here
as it does on the west-coast island. Jungle Bungy
Catapult is a definite 'thrill-seekers' choice, for
the 'older kids' amongst us.
Go - Karts What child (especially boys) doesn't like the
thrill (and spill) of this fast - paced sport? Samui
Go - Kart, open 9 to 9, just off the 4169 Ring Road
west of Bophut village is the place to go
Paintball You can shoot your friends with paintballs at Samui
Paintball, near the Samui International Hospital.
You can head to Lamai to shoot up into the air
compliments of the Jungle Bungy Catapult.
Elephant Trekking
 For
quiet relaxation and something most children will
love Elephant riding (trekking) is the way to go.
Here the island's interiors can be easily accessed
from the backs of these wonderful giants. Sit back
and enjoy the silent ride. Standard treks last for
30 minutes, but longer trips can be requested.
Diving
There is hardly a beach on Koh Samui that doesn't
have a diving school nestled on its foreshore
somewhere. This is one recreation in plentiful
supply. Do make sure you go with a reputable company
that has internationally recognised instruction such
as 'Padi' or something similar. Samui's underwater
world is a must for those wanting to don a pair of
goggles and do more than paddle around in the
shallows.
Cabaret shows:
where all that glitters isn't gold. The glamour of
the performers is the main attraction, exciting the
audience with their sparkling costumes, made to
complement the dazzling production designs. Bring
your whole family and spend a wonderful time
watching a cabaret show.
Discos and Nightspots
offerings here vary from a lounge in the bar to
disco dancing. You can't expect Bangkok here, but
you will certainly not miss excitement if that's
what you are looking for. The Beach Pub at Secret
Garden has become one of Koh Samui's leading venues
during the last few years. Musicians, both pro and
semi-pro have the chance to play stress free, on a
wonderful beach, with other musicians from all over
the world. If you're a musician and are planning a
visit to Thailand, join in. There is plenty of
professional equipment, instruments and professional
staff on the engineering side. Jamming sessions take
place every Sunday afternoon from 4pm until 8pm and
usually attract a crowd in a party mood. Other good
'music and/or dancing venues are the Reggae Pub,
Sante Fe Disco, Green Mango, The Club and the
Bauhaus amongst others.
Full moon parties 
Some years ago, a group of tourists and the owner of
Paradise Bungalow (Koh Phangan) arranged a party
along the crescent - shaped beach of Haad Rin to
celebrate the Full Moon night. It was so successful
that it became a social event every 28 days (or so
depending on the moon). People from all over the
world join the celebration and now there are 7,000
-10,000 people at the party each month. Beginning at
dusk, when the moon makes its appearance the evening
progresses and the beach explodes into a dancing
frenzy. There is something for everyone here,
trance, techno, drum and bass, commercial dance and
reggae, none are disappointed. Jugglers and fire
-eaters entertain the crowds as the night rolls on
and with the brilliant impromptu fireworks display,
the party atmosphere is complete. Full moon parties
have since sprung up all over the country and now
there is hardly a beachfront that tourists frequent
that doesn’t celebrate one at least once.
Tan and Matsum islands
make a fine day trip from Samui.
Located just 2km. from the southern end of Koh
Samui, Koh Tan, or "Koh Katen", as it is sometimes
known, offers a long sandy beach and good oral off
the eastern and southern coasts. If you get tired of
sunbathing, diving and snorkelling, there's always
hiking, fishing, bat caves and just plain
sightseeing.
 Fishing
Village The fishing village of Hua Thanon is the
only Muslim community on Koh Samui. The people here
migrated from Pattani, which borders Malaysia in
Thailand's far south. With them they brought their
distinctive high-bowed boats, painted with bright
patterns. The village market offers the freshest
fish direct from the boats.
Thai massage Massage has a long history of therapeutic
healing in Thailand. It has been practiced for
centuries as it is to day. The roots of Thai Massage
are traced back to India. Therapeutic massage for
treatment of specific conditions and diseases is
practiced by a small number of very skilled people.
It takes several years of study.
 Herbal
Saunas No trip to the island is complete without
a relaxing spa treatment. The prices are low for the
services offered, and anything from beauty
treatments to hang-over remedies are available.
Kayaking Paddle yourself around the Ang Thong National Marine
Park, looking out for marine life as well as land
animals and birds. Remember the quieter you are, the
more you will see (don't even whisper if you can
help it).
Thai Cooking Lessons A good cook will never be turned away
from a party. Develop your culinary skills at Samui
Institute of Thai Culinary Arts. Telephone the
institute on 413172 for more information. Some
hotels also run classes so make a few enquiries at
your hotel on arrival.
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