Thailand is the central focus for scuba diving in Southeast Asia. Thousands of people learn to dive in Thailand every year and become avid divers for life. There are world-class locations for every level of expertise and scores of professional. Well-established dive shops are located all over the southern peninsula. Diving in Thailand is competitively priced, and once you have achieved your certification in Thailand, you can use it to go scuba diving all over the world. Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September - in other words, first-class diving all year round! All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international-standard boats and professional facilities.

There are plenty of remote bays for shelter where you can find soft sandy beaches and a big variety of underwater life with colorful coral reefs which is one of the highlights on every boat trip!

There is a good number of daysailors, dhingies and especially catamarans available at Samui Ocean Sports in Chaweng. For day and overnight cruising to the neighboring islands, there are a growing number of charter boats available.

From May - October the southwest-monsoon with its calm sea and clear sky comes complete with fair winds for sailing, though it can get pretty hot during these months.
October - December the northeast monsoon with its raining season can create winds up to 25 knots or more and gives sailing more of an adventures touch, where you can test your skills in gusty winds and eight feet waves!
January - April is the most preferred time for an excursion on the water; perfect climate with steady northeast winds gives you the best chance for an enjoyable cruise and great water conditions for snorkeling and diving.

Sailing around the Samui archipel is a unique experience and for sure one of the prime sites to go sailing!

Since forests are protected in Thailand, the elephants had to find another activity... that to take visitors out in the nature! These activities are practised from the waterfalls of Namuang I and II, but you will also find them at the entry and exit of Chaweng. The ride lasts ½ hour, there are also longer rides. An activity which delights as much the children as their parents.

"Samui Golf and driving Range" situated at the exit of Chaweng on the way to Bophut, on the just right-hand side when you will perceive Bandon Hospital, despite it is still not a 18 holes (foreseen end of works by the end of 2002 and the beginning of 2003), you will anyway be able to train on the current practice and the driving range.
Equipment and balls at disposal. There are also professional trainers to help you. There is also a restaurant at your service.

In Chaweng centre, just behind the "Islander" restaurant, the "Treasure Island Adventure" mini-golf will make the enjoyment of the youngests and families, this course contains 18 holes and by arriving at the 9th hole, a small bar waits for you with refreshments to cool you down and to relax or even to eat something. Opened from noon till midnight.

Samui Go-Kart in Bophut, suggests you a circuit on which you could race with your friends, you will there be able to hire go-karts going from 40 kph for the least fast, good for the young drivers, to 100 kph for those who like the speed and the shivers. A good letting off steam after the beach...

The course is open from 9am to 9pm every day and located just west of Bophut of the main ring road.

If you fancy an endurance test, then a simple circular route around the island probably suffices. Just remember to give yourself at least four or five hours, an make sure you're back before dark. Samui's roads are hair-raising at the best of times at night on a bicycle with no lights they're downright terrifying. Heading south from Chaweng presents the most arduous part of the journey - the steep hills between Chaweng and Lamai - out of the way first. From then on the road is relatively flat until north of Nathon, when easier gradients but longer hills lay in wait.

For more variable terrain, head inland. One of the best spots is the Maenam Valley area. Simply head down the road next to Angela's Bakery. You'll some challenging technical downhill's and up hills through coconut groves and farmland. A compass might be a good idea, and try not to ride over any-body's crops.

For real suspension- testing action, the road leading up to Wanorn Waterfall, south of Na Thon, is heavy going and recommended only for the exceptionally fit. The road actually starts off in pretty good condition, but deteriorates at a rapid rate as you climb to the 205m high point. By the end, you're dodging boulders, negotiating slippery mud and cycling up a 1:4 gradient perilously close to the edge of a ravine. The views are spectacular from the top, and there's always a chance of a refreshing swim. You are guaranteed to break a sweat. so if this sounds too much like hard work, then it's probably best to stick to elephants.

For anyone seeking a Western tattooist, Tattoo Mania in Bophut Fisherman's Village can be recommended. Run by French ex-pat Esther, who completed a four-year apprenticeship with Khun Nong, one of the island's best Thai tattoo artists, Tattoo Mania offers a full range of traditional, tribal and modern designs, all individually tailored to personal specifications after a consultation with Esther.