A holiday on a welcoming Thai island is a lovely way to relax and refresh. Have fun, eat great food and enjoy the sunshine and gorgeous weather.
Koh Samui is one of the great spots in southern Asia for an idyllic holiday away from the office, away from your worries and out enjoying the sunshine and blue water. Even better than the fantastic natural attractions, the people on the island are especially friendly, welcoming tourists from around the world. When you visit Koh Samui, be immersed in warmth, from both the climate and the people. Embrace the Thai concept of sanuk and simply have fun.
Things to do in Koh Samui
Warm blue waters and sparkling white sands tempt Koh Samui visitors to spend the entire holiday on the beach. Whether you want to swim, snorkel, jog along the sand, relax under a beach brolly or top up a tan, you can find a spot along Chaweng Beach. This strip of white sand stretches for 4 miles (7 kilometres) along the Gulf of Thailand just east of the main town of Koh Samui. Beaches actually encircle the island, so you can find sand, palm trees, accommodation and beach cafés nearly everywhere along the coastline.
Away from the beach, see other natural landmarks. Hin Ta Hin Yai are eroded granite rocks nicknamed as Grandfather and Grandmother. For ecotourism, visit Ang Thong Marine Park, about 40 islands surrounding Koh Samui. Engage a registered tour guide and enjoy snorkelling, canoeing, kayaking, beach strolls and hiking. On one of these islands, you’ll find Emerald Lake, a distinctive saltwater feature with the appearance of a perfectly coloured blue lagoon.
While beach destinations are top of mind for travellers of all types during a Koh Samui visit, you’ll also want to explore cultural highlights. As Thailand is primarily a Buddhist country, look for signs of this spirituality around the island. Wat Plai Laem features an 18-arm statue of Guanyin. Nearby, the Big Buddha Temple has a giant seated golden Buddha statue at the Wat Phra Yai on a small island.
Shop for Thai souvenirs when you visit Koh Samui. At the Chaweng Walking Street or Lamai Night Market, you can find coconut food products, items carved from coconut shells, wood carvings and luscious Thai silk garments.
Visit Koh Samui in May for the Samui Regatta. Roughly 500 yachts from more than 20 countries participate in this sailing challenge. The event takes place over several days, with great racing to watch and parties to attend.
Dining, nightlife and culture in Koh Samui
You may find it surprising when you visit Koh Samui that hot weather is a great match with hot curry. Try massaman curry, a good compromise as a flavourful, not too spicy stew of carrot, onion, potato and chicken in a coconut curry sauce. Cool any hotness with a dessert of mango sticky rice with a non-spicy coconut sauce.
Be adventurous and sign up for a Thai cooking class. Learn to make tom yum soup, satays, curry, pad thai, mango salad or other Thai favourites with fresh produce, spices and seafood from the fresh market.
Seafood is popular here, with many options for beachside dining. Chaweng and Lamai to the south of Koh Samui are great neighbourhoods to find restaurants along the water. Head north to Bophut Fisherman’s Village or continue on to Maenam for even more choices.
Stroll along the Chaweng Beach area for pub-hopping. Beachfront bars and clubs offer lively music long after the gorgeous sunsets. Dance all night to EDM techno music.
Be sure to see a Thai cultural show while you visit Koh Samui. This might include traditional dancing, fire dances or Muay Thai boxing matches. Phetch Buncha Samui Boxing Stadium offers evening martial arts matches. At the Dusit Dhewa Art and Cultural Centreon the west side of the island, you’ll find a concentrated look at Thai architecture and art. Even Fisherman’s Village Walking Street in Bophut mixes culture in with souvenir shopping. The night market frequently has demos of boxing and traditional dance.
Getting to and around Koh Samui
Make a flight connection through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to visit Koh Samui. For getting around the island, go local. Hop on a songthaew, the simple bus built on the back of a truck. Alternatively, rent motorbikes or use bike-share services. Taxis are plentiful too. Walking is always a good holiday option to offset the calories you’re taking in with the region’s exceptional food and drink.
Visit Koh Samui for its gorgeous weather, but take appropriate caution. Pack or purchase reef-safe sunscreen for the tropical climate and insect repellent for mosquitoes. Be sure to have beach coverups as the local dress code is more modest than revealing. Do as locals do and take frequent breaks in the shade and post-lunch naps when you can.
