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Destination highlights
Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.
Learn more about Koh Samui at Four Seasons Magazine online.
General information
Surrounded by the clear blue-green waters of the Gulf of Siam, the island of Koh Samui is part of an archipelago of more than 60 islands off Thailand’s east coast. Only 45 minutes by air from Bangkok, Koh Samui is easily accessible, yet firmly maintains its away-from-it-all charm. White sand, swaying coconut palms and calm waters are emblematic of this quiet, peaceful refuge, where 55,000 chao Samui – as residents call themselves – help create a welcoming village-community atmosphere.
Four Seasons nestles on Koh Samui’s northwestern tip on peaceful Laem Yai Bay – 30 minutes from the airport and just five minutes from the capital of Nathon. With remarkable convenience, Four Seasons offers the opportunity to experience the island’s many treasures. Among the highlights are Koh Samui’s endless talcum-sand beaches, including the 7-kilometre (4-mile) Chaweng Beach. Guests can enjoy water sports, experience the widely popular buffalo fights or travel by songtow (small open bus) to explore historic temples, spectacular waterfalls and unusual limestone rock formations.
Time zone
GMT +7 hours
Language(s) spoken
Thai is the primary language. Although English is widely understood in Samui, it is useful to learn a few simple Thai phrases.
Electrical system
Local voltage is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Dual voltage (100–110 volts and 220–240 volts) is available at the Resort.
Shopping hours
Stores are usually open seven days a week.
In Nathom, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
In Chaweng and Lamai, 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Working hours
Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Time and distance to city centre
5 minutes/4 kilometres/2.5 miles
View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com
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| *Makha Bucha Day |
February 28, 2010 |
| Chakri Day |
April 6, 2010 |
| Songkran (Thai New Year) |
April 13 - 15, 2010 |
| Wisakha Bucha Day |
April 28, 2010 |
| *National Labour Day |
May 1, 2010 |
| Coronation Day |
May 5, 2010 |
| *Buddhist Lent Day |
May 27, 2010 |
| Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday |
August 12, 2010 |
| *Chulalongkorn Memorial Day |
October 23, 2010 |
| *His Majesty the King's Birthday |
December 5, 2010 |
| Constitution Day |
December 10, 2010 |
| New Year's Eve |
December 31, 2010 |
| *Holidays falling on Saturday or Sunday are taken on the following Monday. |
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Seasonal highlights
January
- Watch buffaloes compete at selected stadiums around the island, during the widely popular Buffalo Fighting Festival.
- Children and their families can enjoy many attractions for free on the annual Children's Day, celebrated on the second Saturday in January.
- More than 10,000 people party from dusk until dawn at the monthly full moon party held at Haad Rin Beach, Koh Pha Ngan.
April
- A national water fight traditionally celebrates Songkran, the Buddhist lunar New Year.
May
- Tourists can take part in candlelight processions on May 15 in celebration of Buddha's birthday.
- Keelboats and beach catamarans compete during the International Yachting Regatta.
August
- A colourful firework display marks the Queen's birthday on Thailand's Mother's Day, August 12.
- Live Thai rock bands and tasty cuisine are featured for the five entertaining days of the Fisherman's Village Festival.
November
- Symbolising the call for a happy future, kratong (mini floats) made from banana leaves, flowers and candles float along the water during Loi Krathong, November's full moon festival.
December
- Government buildings, private homes and businesses are illuminated to celebrate the King's birthday on December 5.
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