Samui is Thailand's self proclaimed 'boutique' island. Since it's rise in popularity in the mid eighties it has been purposely developed as a tourist destination and offers a well developed infrastructure of hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and tour operators, in addition to many other services.

Information on tourist attractions on Samui can be obtained from any of the many tourist services and tour agents that are often located in hotel lobbies or nearby in tourist centers, such as Chaweng main street, Lamai and other focal points. Free maps are widely distributed as well as number local magazines such as Samui Guide which is packed with Samui tourist information on what to see and do events and activities, services, shopping and sightseeing attractions. Hiring a small motorbike to explore the island's sights by yourself is very feasible and practical provided you take care of the poor driving habits on the island.

There are plenty of activities to keep you amused when you get tired of lounging on the lovely beaches, and these include diving, fishing, mountain biking, golf and healthy pursuits such as yoga, massage and day spa treatment. This section covers each of these with information specifically for the Samui tourist. Taking a day course in Thai cooking, or getting your Open water certification are also popular and affordable here.

Shopping is another big attraction if you are a tourist in Samui or Thailand . Although the island doesn't rival Bangkok for choice or Chiang Mai for price, there are several day and night markets and plenty of shops in the main centers, particularly Chaweng with a good choice of cheap clothing, souvenirs and gifts, art and décor, food and more.

By night Samui continues to entertain and continue with it's leisure character. Restaurants are numerous and boast a wide selection of Thai, seafood and international cuisine, sometimes right on the beach, and when you've had your fill there are all sorts of bars to keep you occupied. Information on these Samui tourist facilities are all found within this section and elsewhere on the site.