Why Koh Samui might be the perfect vacation destination.

Koh Samui Thailand

Why Koh Samui might be the perfect vacation destination.

It lacks the impressive seaside cliffs of Krabi. The crystal clear waters of the Phi Phi islands that beckon scuba divers, snorkelers, and kayakers from every corner of the globe is noticeably absent. You won't find the active, decadent, and sometimes outrageous nightlife of Phuket here, or the full moon parties of Koh Phangan. What you will find on Koh Samui is a tranquil, beautiful, lush, island that has a little something for everyone.  From chic luxury hotels, and villas to simple beach bungalows, from quiet villages, to bustling towns, travelers have a wide variety of options, and can customize their vacation to suit their needs.

Located in the gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui’s appeal is that of a relatively unspoiled island: where the past and present seem to coexist in perfect harmony: where everyone will find their piece of paradise.

If fun and a pulsating nightlife are what you’re after, look no further than Chaweng: A bustling town with a beautiful strip of white sand beach and a nightlife to rival any big city. Bars, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, cabaret shows, Chaweng has it all.

Families looking to relax beachside, but still enjoy a bit of nightlife should head to Bophut. This quaint fishing village located on Bophut beach provides the perfect balance. Fisherman’s Wharf, the main drag, is an eclectic blend of restaurants, bars, shops, spas, massage parlors, and nightclubs. A nearby yoga retreat provides a daily dose of meditation, if that's your thing. 

Visitors looking to get away from the hustle and bustle would want to head to Mae Nam. This charming coastal village offers tranquility and relaxation enough to soothe the weariest of travelers.  Here, the nightlife is relatively subdued. Visitors tend to favor cocktails with a loved one, over pub crawls, and pulsating music   

For those seeking adventure, a trek through the island jungle interior, and a day trip to Angthong National Park are a must. High above the hills of Koh Samui, amidst the lush vegetation, lies the hidden gem that is the secret Buddha Gardens, a collection of statues and temples, created by an old fruit farmer. The views are simply breathtaking. But for even more picturesque views, climb the rocks leading up to Na Muang Waterfall, Koh Samui’s highest waterfall. (My eight year old daughter, trooper that she is, made it to the top before I did.) The spectacular vista will make what might have been a strenuous trek to some, well worth it.

   
Angthong National Park, a collection of forty two islands, located in the gulf of Thailand is a nature’s lover’s dream. This protected area of over one hundred square kilometers of land and sea is located only twenty eight kilometers by boat from Koh Samui. Towering mountains, lush jungles, pristine waterfalls, beautiful white sand beaches, shimmering lakes, idyllic coves and some of the most exotic sea and land creatures help make this archipelago one of the most enchanting places on earth. Visitors can hike, swim, dive, snorkel or simply spend the day relaxing on one the pristine beaches.  There is also the option to spend the night in one of the beach bungalows, if one day in paradise just isn’t enough.

And if fun, relaxation and adventure just aren’t enough, why not add a bit of culture? Yes, Koh Samui is a cultural delight for those seeking to learn a bit of the island’s history and culture. Steeped in religious tradition, there are no shortage of Buddhist shrines. And in a country where Buddha is revered the Big Buddha statue, and Wat Plai Laem Buddhist temple located on Big Buddha beach near Bophut, are definitely worth a visit. Because of its small size, almost all of the Koh Samui’s attractions, are in close proximity to each other, making a day trip around the island a feasible option. 

 






Other attractions worth visiting: the mummified monk at Wat Khunaran, Hin Ta, Hin Yai, (the grandma and grandpa rocks which resemble the male and female genitalia) at Lamai Beach.

 








Visitors also have the option to experience the island without ever having to leave the inside of their vehicle. From the interior of their vehicles visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Koh Samui coast line, coconut plantations and the many lush vegetation that make this beautiful island so very enchanting. 

Getting there:

From the West Coast, Delta Airlines fly out of Los Angeles to Bangkok, with a brief layover in Tokyo. A one hour flight from Bangkok on Bangkok Airways will get you to Koh Samui.

Accommodations:

From the luxurious Four Season Hotel and Spa, to a simple beach bungalow, there are accommodations to suit every budget. The Hansur Samui Resort, a beautifully appointed boutique hotel located on the beach and steps away from Fisherman’s Wharf in Bophut, is worth a mention. Rates starts at $180 USD depending on the season. The hotel has a spa, restaurant, gym, offers free wifi and breakfast is included. www.hansursamui.com.

Eat:

Koh Samui has a restaurant to suit just about every palate. From upscale eateries to street food, visitors can indulge their taste buds, and sample food from just about every region of the globe. The price of a meal can range from as little as $6USD depending on your budget. Notable mention: Nirvana located on Fisherman’s Wharf. This epicurean delight serves up both Thai and international cuisine at a reasonable price.

Things to do:

A guide tour around the island. This can be arranged via your hotel. For less than $100 USD the hotel will arrange for a car and driver to take you on a guided tour around the island. Pros: you get to create your own itinerary.

A trip to Angthong National Park: arranged via your hotel. Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, goggles and a camera are a must. For those interested in exploring the interior, hiking shoes and protective clothing might be a good idea.  

A traditional Thai massage: A no frills beach massage, a luxurious day at the spa, there is a massage to fit every budget. Hotels tend to be a pit pricey, so be adventurous. Take a walk down the main street, and check out the different massage parlors lining the street. Don’t be afraid to bargain. Completion is stiff and they want your business.  Whatever the cost it will be money well spent.