Koh Samui: How an island becomes a juggernaut within 30 years
A sinking ship - a synonym for the decline of Koh Samui?
We spent our first holiday on Koh Samui 30 years ago and enjoyed the charm of that time. Although there were already a few dingy places at that time, there were a few backpackers and the prices were moderate. But back then there were so many bays that were not overcrowded and pleasant little villages.
Photographer: Roland Steffen - Gear: LEICA Q343. Pictures not to be used without my explicit permission.
There are certainly still a few beautiful beaches, but the water is partly polluted with rubbish and plastic.
The W Koh Samui Hotel, Maenam Beach
The W Koh Samui Hotel, Maenam Beach
We had these memories in the back of our minds when we wanted to visit the island again thirty years later. With the two resorts Six Senses Samui and 4 Seasons Koh Samui, we found two small paradises - but the rest of the island has developed into a real juggernaut over the last thirty years.
Chaweng Beach City life - One of the tourist strongholds, loud, dirty, smelly...
Flower sellers take a roadside lunch break…
Waiting for tourists - Thailand still hasn't recovered after Covid
Surprisingly, the charm of the Chaweng beach still remains. For how much longer?
Hotel The Library, Chaweng Beach
Hotel The Library, Chaweng Beach
Thirty years ago, riding a bike on Koh Samui was fun - but definitely not today.
The island is completely overbuilt and has unfortunately lost all its charm. I would say that Koh Samui has become the Mallorca of Thailand - a real shame! In the meantime, we know much nicer islands in Thailand that have not sold their soul even after years - e.g. Koh Kut.
Too bad, too bad - but it was the last time we were on Koh Samui.
Dark clouds are gathering over Koh Samui - a symbol of the islands future?
(German)
Koh Samui: Wie eine Insel innerhalb von 30 Jahren zu einem Moloch wird
Wir haben unseren ersten Urlaub auf Koh Samui vor 30 Jahren verbracht und den Charme von damals genossen. Obwohl es damals schon ein paar schäbige Orte gab, hatte es nur ein paar Backpacker und die Preise waren moderat. Aber damals gab es noch so viele Buchten, die nicht überlaufen waren, und nette kleine Dörfer.
Diese Erinnerungen hatten wir im Hinterkopf, als wir die Insel dreißig Jahre später wieder besuchen wollten. Mit den beiden Resorts Six Senses Samui und 4 Seasons Koh Samui haben wir zwei kleine Paradiese gefunden - aber der Rest der Insel hat sich in den letzten dreißig Jahren zu einem wahren Moloch entwickelt. Die Insel ist völlig überbaut und hat leider ihren ganzen Charme verloren. Ich würde sogar sagen, dass Koh Samui das Mallorca Thailands geworden ist - eine echte Schande! Wir kennen inzwischen viel schönere Inseln in Thailand, die auch nach Jahren ihren Charme nicht verloren haben - z.B. Koh Kut.
Schade, schade - aber es war das letzte Mal, dass wir auf Koh Samui waren.