Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Bo Phut)
Billabong's all about Aussie Rules football - it's playing on the TV and the walls
are smothered with memorabilia from Down Undah. There are great views of Ko Pha-
Ngan and hearty portions of ribs and chops to go with your draught beer.
Entertainment
Moulin Rouge
(Hat Chaweng)
This flashy joint offers free
gà·teu·i
(ladyboys; also spelled
kàthoey
) cabaret
every night at 11pm and attracts a mixed clientele of both sexes. Other ladyboys loiter out
front and try to drag customers in, so to speak.
CABARET
RENTAL SCAMS
Even if you escape unscathed from a motorbike riding experience (or hire a car), some shops will claim that you
damaged your rental and will try to extort some serious cash. The best way to avoid this is to take copious photos
of your vehicle at the time of rental, making sure the person renting you the vehicle sees you do it (they will be
less likely to make false claims against you if they know you have photos). If they still make a claim against you,
keep your cool. Losing your temper won't help you win the argument and could significantly escalate the prob-
lem. The situation is just as bad on Ko Pha-Ngan, a bit less so on Ko Tao.
If things get really bad call the tourist police (
Click here
), not the regular police.
Information
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
The rate of road accident fatalities on Ko Samui is quite high. This is mainly due to the
large number of tourists who rent motorcycles only to find out that the winding roads,
sudden tropical rains and frenzied traffic can be lethal. If you decide to rent a motorcycle,
protect yourself by wearing a helmet, and ask for one that has a plastic visor.
Beach vendors are registered with the government and should all be wearing a
numbered jacket. No peddler should cause an incessant disturbance - seek assistance if
this occurs.
EMERGENCY
0 7742 1281, emergency 1155)
Based at the south of Na Thon.
Tourist Police
(
IMMIGRATION
