The Best Places To Stay, See And Experience In Koh Samui

Koh Samui, that beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand, is full of surprises. Don’t let the size of the island fool you; it might seem small on the map, but once you get there, you’ll discover that your vacation might not be quite long enough to see and experience everything that Koh Samui has to offer.

If you were to come to Koh Samui, and you wanted to know what you absolutely had to see and do, or if there was something there that you would enjoy doing, what would people tell you? You would probably hear a few recommendations that sound something like this…

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

You might dedicate part of your time on Koh Samui to experiencing the flora and fauna. Start on the land, and trek through the jungle. If you get an opportunity to feed the elephants, take it. See the Namuang Waterfall, one of several waterfalls on Koh Samui.  If creepy crawlies interest you, the Samui Snake Farm puts on a display of these exotic creatures you won’t soon forget. Thailand is a country of exotic plants and animals, and you can see and photograph them on Koh Samui.

After all of that nature, perhaps a round or two of golf at the Santiburi Samui Country Club is just what you need to wind down the day, with its unbelievable tropic views and gorgeous fairways. Challenging play and the greenest greens; it’s unforgettable.

Tired of the land? Take a ride on a catamaran or sailboat and skim the brilliant blue waters. Or, try your skills at windsurfing at the tutelage of world champion windsurfers. Try snorkeling in the morning at Koh Tan and see the beautiful underwater worlds of Koh Samui. Head for the water further out and tour the Angthong National Marine Park. Made up of almost alien monolithic rock structures and lush islands filled with jungles, you’ll find several hiking opportunities. A tour of this park will show you a different view of the Gulf of Thailand than you’ll see from the beach.

Next, you may want to focus on pampering your mind and body through fabulous spas and yoga facilities. Try the Yogarden in Bophut, or Atma Jnana Yoga in Maret. You cannot leave Koh Samui without visiting a spa for a massage or beauty treatment, and there are no shortage of spas ready to give you a taste of luxurious and exotic treatments.

If it is history, culture, and art you appreciate, be sure to visit the Buddhist temples found on the island. Among the memorable is the Mummy Monk at Wat Khunaram, Samui’s most famous mummified monk. Wat Plai Laem is a colorful Buddhist temple with complex decoration that you should definitely see, along with the famous Big Buddha statue.

Get transportation to visit the authentic Wat Kiri Wongkaram; this Buddhist temple will give you a chance for pause and reflection on your day. For the more adventurous, the Secret Buddha Garden in the hills of Samui is well worth a visit, its unusual statues tucked up high in the hills of the middle of Samui. The Samui Cultural Center and Fine Art of South East Asia is a work in progress, sporting lovely Asian pavilions and sculpture.

Ready for some lighthearted fun? Try the Coco Splash Waterpark on Lamai beach, the Aquapark at Chaweng beach, or even a game or two at Samui Frisbee Golf. Stop by Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village, a fun spot with markets, bars, restaurants and shops. You can even ride the go karts there in Bophut.

End your evenings (or start your day!) with a visit to any of the fine restaurants or cafes that are sprinkled throught Koh Samui. Thai food is always delicious and always in order. Bophut, Chaweng, and many of the resorts that line the edge of Koh Samui are home to award-winning restaurants that specialize in exceptional dining.

Try Zazen’s Restaurant in Bophut, or  Dining On The Rocks restaurant at Six Senses Samui, which mixes east with west to create a “new Asian” cuisine, serving it up on the cantilevered verandas that offer spectacular views. Why not plan your trip and work your way around the island, trying a new restaurant or two each day? Koh Samui is home to chefs who know fine cuisine.

Al fresco lounge area
Villa life at Samujana on Koh Samui. Photo by Samujana.

WHERE TO STAY

Finding a relaxing place to call home base during your stay in Koh Samui is important. You’ll either be arriving by airplane or by ferry, and that may play into your choice of lodging.

Our range of luxury villas and homes at Koh Samui are available to rent or to own. Set on the hillside, the views are magnificent, and the private beach access is convenient. Located on the northeast portion of Koh Samui, the popular beaches of Chaweng and Choeng Mon are nearby. If villa living is what you prefer to staying in a hotel, Samujana is your best bet. It’s located within easy reach from the airport, making it ideal if you should be flying in or wanting to stay where there is easy access to the beach. Amenities, such as spa, private chefs, and fishing or boating excursions are available.

At the opposite corner of the island you’ll find the Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort, an InterContinental Resort. If you’re more familiar with staying in a hotel rather than a villa or a private residence, this may be more what you are looking for. Along the same vein of fine hotels is the Conrad Koh Samui, found at the far southwest corner of the island.

Koh Samui is known for its award-winning food and fine accommodations. Choose your location, make your reservations. Everyone is waiting for you!

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