Useful Information
Introduction
Your first trip to Koh Samui? Then take a look at this article. Here will find useful information on what you need and don't need for your stay on Koh Samui.
(No responsibility is taken for information on vaccinations or on prices. Status: August 2006)
Vaccinations
Koh Samui does not belong to the malaria high risk areas in Thailand. Cases of dengue fever are also very rare. Vaccinations are advisable for diphtherie and tetanus (must be refreshed every 10 years).
Even though it is unlikely that you will catch malaria during your stay on Koh Samui it makes good sense to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos. Especially in areas near ponds or the like mosquitos can be annoying. Their peak time is between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Modern insect repellents like Autan are useful, tiger balm is helpful against the itch after the bite.
Clothing
The average temperature on Koh Samui is 30 degrees centigrade (86 fahrenheit), so you obviously do not need a fur coat. Actually you do not need to pack much in your luggage at all since clothing and sandals and the like are quite inexpensive on Koh Samui in comparison to Europe, North America or Australia. But beware: If you are very large or have very big feet you might have some problems finding articles in your size.
Medicine and First-Aid
Pharmarcies on Koh Samui are well stocked with standard pharmaceuticals like aspirin, herpes medication, antibiotics and the like. It is highly advisable to bring your own sun screen lotions and insect repellents. Western products are quite expensive and their Thai equivalents have different compounds. Equivalent products produced in Thailand may contain chemicals you would rather not have on your skin.
Your Passport
Your passport is probably the most important document you will take with you. You need it to enter the country and for many other things in Thailand, for example car or motorbike rentals. Do not let car or motorbike rental companies or hotels keep your passport as "security". Carry it with you at all times. If you feel sure about your hotel, you may leave it in a hotel safe, but be sure to have a receipt for it and a fotocopy. A good workaround is take your id-card (if your country issues these) with you, as well as, your passport. You can leave your id-card as security if this cannot be avoided. It is much more of hassle to lose your passport than your id-card.
Transportation on Koh Samui
Koh Samui's taxi drivers are proud of their taximeters - but they are never turned on, despite the fact that this is required by law. The reason is simple: the price for a taxi ride on Koh Samui is much higher than a ride with a taximeter (for example in Bangkok). A taxi from the airport to Lamai for example cost at least 300 baht. If you are not too tired from your flight, you can try to bargain with your taxi driver.
Song Thaeo(s) are hailed shared taxis. They are much cheaper and you can reach many destinations for 30-50 baht. You may need more time to reach your destination because the drivers take detours in their attempt to get more passengers on board or to drop them off.
Motorbike taxis are not very useful on your arrival (no place for your luggage). You may consider them for short trips later on.
Renting a motorbike is a good idea if you feel you can handle driving on the right, on roads that are not always in good shape and you feel capable of adapting to "Thai-style" traffic behaviour. A semiautomatic motorbike with starter will cost you at least 150 baht per day as a rental. An automatic motorbike costs at least 180-220 baht per day. If you are sure that you want to use a motorbike for your complete stay you can negotiate a better long term rental. A good price for a semiautomatic motorbikes runs at about 3000 baht per month.
Car rentals start at about 800 baht per day - usually rattling jeeps or pickups. Better vehicles cost more. You can negotiate discounts for long term rentals.
The prices for gasoline ( 25.05.2007) you can see on the picture below!
Mobile Telephones
One of the first things you should do (if you want to use your mobile phone) is to get an account from one of the Thai carriers. They are inexpensive (400-500 baht). You can open an account in one of the many mobile phone shops on the island.
Most people with mobile phones in Thailand use prepaid cards. You can buy cards for 50, 100 or 300 baht at any 7/11 shop (grocery store) and in the mobile phone shops mentioned above.
Please note! The prepaid cards are only valid for a certain period. It does not make sense to keep them for your next visit to the island. If you have credit left over and will not visit Thailand shortly then give your card away to someone who can use it.
Money/ATM/Cashpoints
You can find cashpoints (ATM) all over the island. You can use these to easily withdraw funds and pick up cash from your account at home. Usually about four euros or the equivalent is charged for every withdrawal. This is one reason why it makes sense to make withdrawals of larger sums. The maximum withdrawal amount is 20,000 baht.
Keep good track of your cash. Samui is not a violent place but theft does happen. Keep your eye on your wallet and don't leave money or other valuables unattended or in your room or bungalow while you are out unless you have a safe.
Food and Drink
Koh Samui has an incredible number of restaurants. The offerings range from traditional Thai cuisine to TexMex, Chinese, Indian, German, British, Japanese, as well as, the well know fast food restaurant with the golden arches. Colonel Sanders' Kentucky Fried Chicken also has a hot spot for its fans.
At fancy (and relatively expensive) restaurants you pay something between 1000-2000 baht per person. You can have a simple Thai meal for 30-40 baht without skimping on quality.
Fisch and seafood are usually excellent and very fresh. In most restaurants you can check if "your" fish or seafood is fresh and to your liking before it is prepared. This is not usually the case for meat - but don't be too nervous. Meat quality is usually good.
Traditional Thai cuisine is hot and very spicy. Some dishes from southern Thailand are so hot that Thais from other parts of the country cannot eat them without tears running down their face. In any case, Thais will always ask you if you want your meal "spicy" or would prefer milder seasoning. Sometimes this type of politeness leads to a rather bland meal. You will just have to experiment and try your luck.
Most Thai restaurants do not do a good job at cooking "Western" dishes, although there are exceptions. If you really need a change from Asian cooking then look for restaurants with Westerners eating food and looking satisfied.
Warning! Avoid Tummy Ache and Montezumas Revenge!
Please do not drink tap water. It is not meant for drinking. Drinking water is sold in bottles in many different sizes all over the island. This bottled water and the ice cubes made from this bottled water and sold in 7/11 shops is fine and will cause you no problem.
Give your digestive system a chance to get used to the native bacteria, at least if you are sensitive. Take your time before eating something at one of the street kitchens all over Koh Samui. After a couple of days you can try something and see if it agrees with you. After a while you will be able to eat there without suffering the "consequences".
Tips
You may give a tip, if you wish--but it is nothing you have to do. If you liked the meal and the service was great then there is nothing wrong with leaving let's say 20 baht as a tip. But remember, it's up to you.
Mind Your Manners!
Whatever you do on Koh Samui, keep your temper, stay polite and remain friendly. If you are unhappy with the service or with the quality of your meal don't argue with the waiter or waitress. It's pointless. If you are in a quality hotel or expensive restaurant than ask for the manager and explain your problem - politely! If, on the other hand, you are in an inexpensive Thai restaurant it will probably not be worth the hassle of making yourself understood.
Farang Prices vs. Thai Prices
If you want to shop than look for a store with price tags. If you don't you will always pay the "Farang" (long nose) price, a price quite a bit higher than Thais would pay. If the person at the counter does not know the price and asks his or her boss, you may often hear the word "Farang". Then you can be sure you will be asked to pay a higher price. You can try and barter. Good luck. If you really want that item then walk around and take a look at what it cost in other shops. You can usually find a better bargain. It you do enter into a price discussion remember that it's about bargaining and not haggling - you make a bit of fool of yourself when you're talking about 20 cents.
Toilets
Thai toilet paper is probably the thinnest in the world. Next to almost every toilet is a hose with a sprinkler head. Thais use this like a bidet. Toilet paper is only used to dry the body. You throw the paper in the bin usually next to the toilet. This takes getting used to but it is efficient and clean and a lot easier than dealing with almost transparent toilet paper.
Traffic Accidents
You are involved in a traffic accident with a Thai? Then it's your fault. You are a Farang. You pay. That's it. Any Thai witness will always make a statement in favor of the Thai. Don't argue, keep cool. Just drive carefully and avoid an accident.
Be sure to carry your passport and international driver's license with you and the telephone number (mobile) of your car rental. Let the Thai owner of the rental take care of things and do the talking. Do be sure that accident and full covering insurance for your car rental.
Koh Samui has the highest accident rate in Thailand. So do wear your helmet when motorbiking. A car is safer. Good hospital care is available but not cheap. You can easily run a bill of 500,000 baht. It makes sense to have health insurance for your holiday stay. You can usually get an inexpensive suitable insurance deal in your home country.
Whatever you do, don't argue with the police. It could cost you time in prison and an informal "bail", money paid directly to the police. You should know that the police in Thailand are not very well paid (about 150 Euros a month). They have to pay for their uniforms and their equipment (handcuffs, weapons) themselves. They need their "tea money", i.e. money paid directly to them for their "services". Farangs are a good source for extra funding - and a Farang sitting in prison during his vacation will soon be willing and eager to be extremely generous.
Bathing
Koh Samui has lovely beaches. You may be eager for an even tan. You may have a incredible body without any fat. You have nothing to hide. It doesn't matter. You are not in Rio. Leave your strings at home. Keep your bikini on, top and bottom. Thais find too much naked skin in public very irritating.
Public Servants
Public servants are respected in Thailand. Be respectful and polite when dealing with them. Chances are good that you will also be dealt with respectfully. If not, don't get excited, stay cool.
Entertainment and Recreation
If you get a chance, visit temple markets and festivities. Thais enjoy celebrations and you will get a chance to see what this looks like "Thai style". You will see and hear in this carnival atmosphere, movies, karaoke, live Thai music, shadow plays, gambling, grilled crickets and lots and lots of Thai families.
A permant part of night life on Koh Samui are discos like the Reggae Pub in Chaweng or the Bauhaus in Lamai, innumerable "Ladybars", travesty shows and "normal" pubs and bars.
You can also find other types of recreation, for example elephant riding, windsurfing, diving (Koh Tao), trecking tours, etc.,. A list of recreation activities can be found in brochures that are distributed for free all over the island.
Price Examples
(August 2006)
Taxi from the airport to Lamai: 300 baht (daytime), 400 baht (evening)
Crisp duck with rice or noodles: 35 baht in the Lamai Food Center
Tam Yam Kung (spicy Thai soup with prawns): 40-80 baht
Wienerschnitzel with french fries and salad: 150-200 baht
Beer (big bottle - 0,6 litres): 35-60 baht (depends on the brand) when bought in 7/11 grocery stores. A small bottle of beer in a restaurant costs 60-80 baht.
Cigarettes: 40-55 baht
Milk: 35 baht
White bread: 20 baht
Prawns: 180-300 baht per kilo (depends on the size)
Crabs: 300-500 baht per kilo (depens on the size)
If you want to cook yourself, you can get almost anything you need (also European, American and Australian articles) at the large department store on the island Tesco Lotus. For every day items and small shopping needs the 7/11 shops are ok.
Food at the market is cheap and good - although they do not meet Western hygiene standards. Do try the fruit. They are fabulous and inexpensive.
