Khao Sok - Ko Samui (205 kms.)
 

Day 1
 

Day 2
 

Day 3
 

Day 1
 

Day 2
 

Day 3
 

Day 4
 

Day 5

SELF DRIVE VACATIONS

Tour Southern Thailand by Car


Jeep Cherokee

driving tourscar touringrates & reservations

Online Reservations
 Book Now!

 

 

 

DAY 2: KHAO SOK - KO SAMUI (Longer Tour) 205 kms.

Khao Sok - Ko Samui Map


Key Points

 

  

Key Point Seven
The intersection with traffic lights of H401 (KM 19) and H41, the main north-south highway.

Key Point Eight
The intersection of H401 and H4142 (the route to the ferry terminal).

Key Point Nine
The intersection of H4169 (round Samui) and H4174 to ferry terminal.

This drive follows H401 to Surat Thani, and then H4142 to Don Sak and the ferry terminal to Ko Samui (arriving early to queue for the ferry is advised - 30 minutes at the very latest for the last ferry at 6 P.M.).

Sheer limestone scenery extends 20 kms from Khao Sok before H401 enters undulating countryside covered with rubber plantations.

A side trip to the Rachaphrapha Dam (12 kms) from Ban Takhun (KM 57) offers a view of the lake. Boats (1000 Baht) are available from the north end of the dam. 

Lunch at Surat Thani or bypass the city and press on for an earlier ferry (take a left turn at the sign for the ferry pier 7 kms past Don Sak on H4142). If you miss the last ferry, drive to Nai Phlao Beach near Khanom (see Key Point 10 and Drive Day 3).

KO SAMUI

 

Ko Samui is less developed than Phuket. The main road on the island is a two lane concrete road, but most side roads consist of single lane concrete roads with dirt hard shoulders for passing. The speed limit for the island is 50 kph.  The main town is Nathon on the west coast, but the best beaches are on the east side of the island. Lamai and Chaweng are sandy paradises that cannot be appreciated from the inland road, so kick off the driving shoes and walk along the beach. Nightlife at Chaweng becomes a raucous paradise for ravers, while Lamai is also lively. Other beaches on the island offer lovely spaces to get into some island time.

It is worthwhile to drive up through the coconut plantations (four wheel drive only) and appreciate the view east over the Gulf from one of  three rustic restaurants on the ridge track that crosses the centre of the island.

Curiosities include the well-prepared remains of Luang Po Daeng Phaya Silo, who passed away in 1973, at Wat Khunaram, and 300 year old stone Buddha images at Wat Samrej. Other attractions are well publicised in the free handouts. A good map of the island is the "New Travel Map" distributed by the Phophala Co. (50 Baht), while Dan Reid's "Koh Samui and Environs" (Asia Books) is and elegant guidebook.

SIDE TRIPS
*To Chaiya (54 kms north of Key Point 7) - ST1
Chaiya is a small wooden town that has much charm. The main points of interest are Wat Suan Mokha Palaram, a very famous centre for the study of Buddhism, and the 1200 year-old Phra Borom That Chaiya Pagoda, which is a relic of the Srivijaya kingdom. There is a small museum in the temple. Phum Riang, a centre for weaving, is 6 kms to the east on the coast. return by H4112 for a quieter rural route to Surat Thani. This trip will (probably) require an overnight stay in Surat Thani or near Khanom.

Accommodation

Santiburi Dusit Resort, Mae Nam Beach. Low rise, luxurious and extensive $$$$.
Tel: (077) 425031-8.
Fax: (66 77) 425040.
Bangkok sales fax: (66 2) 238 4797.

Amari Palm Reef Resort, Chaweng. Resort with full-service bungalows $$$. Tel: (077) 422015-19.
Fax: (66 77) 422394. 
Bangkok sales tel: (02) 2555707.

Le Royal Meridien, Ban Taling Ngam. Luxurious resort on high rocky promontory with exquisite sunset view $$$$.
Tel: (077) 423019-22. 
Fax: (66 77) 423220.
Bangkok sales fax: (66 2) 6532208-9.

First Bungalow, Chaweng Noi. Comfortable bungalows on excellent beach $$.
Tel: (077) 422327. 
Fax: (66 77) 422243.
Poppies, Chaweng. Lovely small resort $$$. 
Tel: (077) 422419. 
Fax: (66 77) 422420.

Lamai Coconut Resort, Lamai. Bungalows on beach $-$$.
Tel: (077) 233236. 
Fax: (66 77) 232169. 

Royal Blue Lagoon. Secluded location on headland near Lamai $$. Tel: (077) 231180. 
Fax: (66 77) 424195.

The Pavilion Resort, Lamai. Bungalows along a boardwalk $$.
Tel: (077) 232083-90. 
Fax: (66 77) 424029.
Bangkok sales fax:  (66 2) 635 6936.

The Central Samui Beach Resort, Chaweng. Hotel with extensive beach front garden $$$-$$$$.
Tel: (077) 230500.
Fax: (66 77) 422385.
Bangkok sales fax: (66 2) 5411038.

Sand Sea Resort, Lamai. Bungalows near beach $$.
Tel: (077) 424026, 231126. 
Fax: (66 77) 424415.

Princess Village, Chaweng. Outstanding old Thai style bungalows $$-$$$. 
Tel: (077) 422216. 
Fax: (66 77) 422382.





Home | Car Touring | Driving in Thailand | Reservations Desk | Site Map

Shorter Tour :

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

Longer Tour :

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5

Budget Home
[ WorldClass Fleet | Tips & Guidance | Services & Accessories | Locations ]
[ One Way Condition | Insurances | Contact Us ]

Visit Phuket.com for complete information about Phuket, including:
Maps | Photos | Diving | Info | Activities | Climate

Copyright © Asia Web Direct