Chaweng Beach photo courtesy of kohsamui.com

Beaches Galore

Koh Samui is home to some of the best beaches in the world, each offering something slightly different from the next. Chaweng and Lamai on the east side are the liveliest with an array of activities and entertainment to enjoy both day and night. The northern beaches of Big Buddha, Bo Phut, Choeng Mon and Mae Nam are more peaceful, boasting an abundance of tropical island charm. To the island’s south and west coast are numerous deserted bays to explore, so wherever you stay on a Koh Samui vacation in 2016, you’ll find a beach for every mood.

Erotic Rocks

Known locally as Hin Ta and Hin Yai the world-famous Grandmas and Grandpa rocks in Koh Samui draw crowds from far and wide. These fascinating erotic rock formations have been carved by the current to resemble male and female genitalia! Local lore has it that the rocks were formed when a couple were shipwrecked and washed ashore here. This area is one of the most photographed places in Koh Samui and is well worth a visit during your Samui villa holiday.

Bophut Fisherman’s Village

Located along the middle section of Bophut Beach this is one of the islands most popular tourist hotspots. Lined with elegant boutiques, bars, restaurants, dive stores and more, the area boasts a sophisticated and distinctly Mediterranean vibe. Bophut is situated between Big Buddha and Maenam beaches, within easy reach of villa rentals in Koh Samui.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

This exquisite archipelago of islands can be seen from many Samui villas and should top the list of things to do during your Koh Samui vacation. Here you will find towering limestone mountains, dense jungle, powder white beaches, waterfalls, mangroves, caves and more to explore. This protected area of land and sea is home to a rich variety of exotic plants, animals and fish and is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving, hiking and sunbathing. Ang Thong can be easily reached by boat from Koh Samui.

The Mummified Monk

The island’s mummified monk at the Wat Khunaram temple attracts visitors from across the globe in search of traditional Thai culture. Located away from the crowds the temple is famous for the mummified corpse of monk Loung Pordaeng kept on display there. Laid in a glass coffin surrounded by flowers and fruit offerings, locals believe the monk is a symbol of peace and sanctity.

Spas, Shopping, Snake Farms and More!

Need any more reasons to book a Koh Samui vacation in 2016? This diverse holiday hotspot attracts visitors from across the globe who come to experience its world-class cuisine, great shopping offerings, luxuriant spas and great golf at the Santiburi Samui Country Club. Other don’t-miss attractions include the famous Samui Snake Farm, the magical Purple Waterfalls, Samui’s renowned cabaret shows, Buddhist temples, elephant trekking,  water sports and so much more.

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The Koh Samui Archipelago is probably the nearest you’ll ever get to paradise. The Archipelago, a phrase used to describe a cluster of islands, includes the ever popular Koh Samui plus two other exotic isles and a national marine park.

Head to this area in the Thai Gulf for exquisite beaches and breath-taking beauty.

Koh Samui

The boutique island of Koh Samui is known as one of Thailand’s most popular vacation destinations.

Boasting its own airport, a wide variety of bars and restaurants and an array of excellent villas, Koh Samui is sure to fulfil all your vacation dreams.

The beaches here are some of the best in the world offering visitors warm water, powder white sand and plenty of palm trees. Samui’s rich rainforest interior consists of mostly mountains and jungle, offering excellent opportunities to explore.

Koh Phangan

Famed for its unspoilt beaches, full moon parties and mini beach raves, Koh Phangan has earned its reputation as a place to let loose and go wild.

The second largest island in the Koh Samui Archipelago, Koh Phangan may be known for its parties but there are plenty of beaches and resorts where you can relax away from the weekend action.

There is songthaew service from the main pier in Thongsala to the island’s most popular beaches. Visitors can also rent a motorbike or jeep to get around.

There are no direct flights to Koh Phangan, but you can fly into Samui from Bangkok then take a short ferry trip over. Haad Rin beach is party central but there are plenty of other beaches in Koh Phangan for those in search of more seclusion.

Koh Tao

Beachgoers, divers and explorers will simply love this charming rugged island.

The popular beach areas are on the west side whilst the interior is less developed and perfect for some serious exploring. Sairee Beach is Koh Tao’s largest and most popular beach.

Stretching for about a mile long, Sairee is home to plenty of restaurants, bars and resorts. Koh Tao is just three miles from top to bottom and can be a challenge to get around due to its rugged roads. Songthaews and boats are available from Mae Haad Beach to most other parts of the island for around 50-200 Baht.

Visitors can also rent a motorbike to get around. Getting to Koh Tao is easy either by ferry from the mainland or from Koh Samui. Or take a direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui, then take a ferry from Samui to Koh Tao in less than 2 hours.

Angthong Marine Park

The Koh Samui Archipelago consists of three island’s which are actually part of the Angthong National Marine Park.

Known as one of Thailand’s most beautiful protected areas there are around 42 separate islands and cays that make up the park. Most are very small and can only be visited on day trips, although a few offer visitors the opportunity to camp or stay over in designated bungalows.

The best way to see the national park is to arrange a day trip from Koh Samui which can be easily arranged all over the island. Easily accessed by speedboat or slow boat from Koh Samui, the Angthong National Marine Park is a great place to explore both on land and by water with snorkelling, kayaking, walking and hiking tours.

Have you been to the Koh Samui Archipelago?

With so much to do and see on these beautiful islands, it is little wonder that many who visit once return again and again.

Have you been to any of the islands mentioned above? If so we’d love to hear about your experiences! Why not share on Facebook, Twitter or Google+

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Our second installment of our “Things to Do in Koh Samui” feature shows further examples of just how this boutique holiday destination offers an endless array of activities and entertainment for all the family.

Fom elephant trekking to football golf, here’s part two of our guide to the best things to do in Koh Samui…

Explore Koh Samui

The gorgeous vacation destination of Koh Samui offers plenty of opportunities to explore. Luckily the island is small enough to get to get around easily with e
xcellent roads and plenty of cars, jeeps and mopeds for hire.

Koh Samui is big enough to offer some fascinating sights if you’re willing to trek off the beaten track in search of things to do and stunning natural attractions. Jeep hire in Koh Samui is relatively jeep, as is scooter hire, just grab an island map and explore!

Don’t be afraid to venture down a dirt path as the the locals are friendly and the island is considered a very safe place with little crime. Exploring Koh Samui is the best way to discover the island’s many secluded beaches, local restaurants, beach bars and tropical sights.

Get a massage

The spas in Koh Samui attract holidaymakers from across the globe in search of the famous Thai massage in a truly traditional setting.

Koh Samui spas are a place to relax and recharge in a choice of traditional or new age centres offering Asian beauty secrets, traditional massage, de-stressing body treatments and pure pampering.

Many luxury villas in Koh Samui offer spa facilities, infinity edge pools, massage salas and in-villa therapists. Eranda Herbal Spa epitomises the natural luxury spa experience, set on a beautiful mountainside amid waterfalls, stunning architecture and beautiful tropical landscaping.

Elephant Trekking in Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s verdant and hilly interior boasts endless array of natural attractions which is a pleasant surprise for its many visitors.

An elephant trek is the ideal way to discover the island’s magnificent wildlife and tropical interior, passing exotic fauna and flora and stopping at refreshing waterfalls along the way along the way.

An elephant tour in Koh Samui takes visitors through the jungle, through rivers and past exciting sights. Guests can usually dismount and take a refreshing dip in cascading waterfalls along the tour trail.

Samui Football Golf

This ever popular game was created in Koh Samui and is fast becoming well known around the world.

The concept is a fusion of football and golf in which players try to steer a football into the 18 holes in as few strokes as possible – using their feet instead of clubs. This group game offers plenty of fun for all the family with the chance to enjoy a refreshing tropical garden walk around the exquisite coconut plantation that forms the ‘course’.

The course itself adds up to 1,500 metres and usually takes about an hour to complete. When you’ve completed the course you’ll get a trophy key ring with your personal score as a souvenir. You can also book a transfer as the course has its own pickup truck. Football Golf is located on the Beach Road just 10 minutes north of Chaweng.

Koh Samui Diving

Koh Samui is one of the most popular diving destinations in the world with a whole host of exotic dive spots to discover including the Angthong Marine Park, Koh Tao, Koh Yippon and Dragon Island to name just a few.

A wide range of dive operators offer accredited courses that are easily available and affordable, with instruction for all levels as well as courses conducted in multiple languages.

Most diving operators in Koh Samui are located close to the beach with trips taking place in the calm, shallow waters around Chaweng, Coral Cove and Bophut Beaches. Mostly calm currents mean visibility is excellent, with an array of underwater life to spot including turtles, trigger fish, whale sharks, multi-coloured coral and an abundance of reef fish.

Want to find out more? Take a look at part 1 of our things to do in Koh Samui feature.

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Boasting sun, sea and miles of powder-white sands, Koh Samui is every beach lover’s dream. This picture-perfect island is fringed with some of the best beaches in the world, with each offering something slightly different from the next.

Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui

There are six main beaches in Koh Samui, spanning across the island’s north and eastern coasts. Chaweng and Lamai on the east side are by far the liveliest with an array of activities and entertainment at any time of the day or night. The northern beaches of Big Buddha, Bo Phut, Choeng Mon and Mae Nam are more peaceful, boasting an abundance of tropical island charm.  Whether you’re in search of a tranquil treat or bustling beach buzz, Koh Samui’s diverse bays offer something to suit all tastes. Here’s a handy guide to help you find the best beach in Koh Samui…

• Chaweng Beach
  The renowned Chaweng is Koh Samui’s most popular tourist resort. Here you will find an endless array of shops, hotels, restaurants and bars as well as the longest beach on the island. Chaweng Beach is divided into three diverse sections, all with their own charm and delights. The northern end is the quietest part with a stunning sandy headland and a shallow channel separating the main beach from the smaller island of Koh Matlang. Many luxury villas in Koh Samui are located here; just a stone’s throw the warm shallow waters and palm-fringed shore.

  The central area of the beach is most popular with tourists. Expect sun bathers and beach vendors galore, with water sports equipment to rent from an array of outlets along the main strip. Entertainment is on offer both night and day, with live music, Thai dancing and many bars to enjoy. There are plenty of beachside restaurants to choose from, most providing cushions on the sand for a guests to lay back and enjoy the atmosphere.

  The south end of the beach is the widest part and hosts many of the island’s events including the annual Samui Regatta. A few steps away from the sand is Chaweng’s main strip where you’ll find 5 kilometres of shops and stalls, restaurants and bars, pharmacies, opticians, supermarkets and more.

• Lamai Beach
  For those in search of something a little more family-friendly, Lamai Beach is one of the best beaches in Koh Samui. Known as the second most popular beach on the island after Chaweng, this sweeping bay stretches as far as the world famous Hin Ta and Hin Ya formations. To the north of the beach is Tong Takian Bay, set amidst lush green mountains; a stunning spot to explore for locals and visitors alike.

  The town itself sits back around 100 metres from the main beach, offering an excellent selection of shops and services. Lamai nightlife is not for the faint-hearted, with plenty of bars and nightlife located in the middle of the main street. Restaurants can be found in abundance, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. There are plenty of gorgeous Koh Samui villas located in Lamai, conveniently situated in private developments yet close to the bustle and facilities nearby. Lamai boats an array of attractions including temples, a small zoo and charming local villages and stunning viewpoints to explore.

• Bangrak Beach
  Also known as Big Buddha Beach, this bay is named after Ko Samui’s famed 12-metre Buddha statue towering overhead. The beach here is located on the northeast coast just a short drive from Chaweng, although the atmosphere here is far calmer. Bangrak boasts wide undulating sands lined with resorts, restaurants and shops. As with all of Koh Samui, it’s easy to find water sports vendors and tour operators offering energetic activities in abundance. From here visitors can take a boat  across to Koh Pha Ngan for the full moon party or visit the enormous Big Buddha statue which can be seen by air on arrival to the island.

• Bophut Beach
  Bophut Beach is the perfect peaceful spot during a Koh Samui holiday. Located far from the madding crowd  Bophut is also known as Fisherman’s Village – a traditional and well preserved part of Koh Samui. The centre of the beach is home to an array of charming wooden houses, perfectly in keeping with the natural surroundings. The beach itself stretches for more than two miles, boasting immaculate powder white sands and rows of tropical coconut palms. A small number of boats are still used for fishing here and Bophut is known for its laid-back family-friendly allure. The village itself is great to explore with an excellent selection of bars and eateries, plus a ‘walking street’ event every Friday featuring live music and performances plus food, clothes and jewellery stalls.

• Mae Nam Beach
  Perhaps the prettiest beach in Koh Samui, Mae Nam is a must-see spot during your Koh Samui vacation. This tranquil bay is one of the most picturesque places on the island with fine gold sand, an azure ocean and a perfect view of Koh Pha Ngan in the distance. Mae Nam is a remote beach, perfect for lazing the days away in the warm Samui sun. At the west end is the Wat Na Phra Lan temple, great for sightseeing. There’s also the Lomprayah Pier, with regular boats trips over to Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan. The stunning John’s Garden is a great spot to eat, particularly popular with couples and honeymooners. Mae Nam also hosts a weekly ‘walking street’ selling snacks, clothing, jewellery and much more. This beach is also the closest to Nathon, the administrative centre of Koh Samui.

• Choeng Mon Beach
  Nestled in the far northeast corner of Koh Samui, Choeng Mon Beach is best known for its quiet, secluded bays. Home to some of the best accommodation in Koh Samui, this area is popular with couples, families and the more discerning luxury traveller. The main beach is one of the best beaches in Koh Samui, with plenty of water sports options and kayak trips over to Koh Fan Yai island. Away from the beach are a few fantastic restaurants and great resorts for drinking and dining in Choeng Mon. Chaweng in the south and Bophut and Big Buddha Beach to the west are easily accessible for those in search of a more active itinerary. Songthaews operate here, as do taxis, for guests looking to visit other parts of the island – alternatively motorbike and car hire in Koh Samui can easily be arranged.

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Among the endless stunning sights in Thailand are the fabulous spirit houses found across the country.

These ornate dwellings are believed to attract guardian spirits to protect local people and land, often found outside homes, schools, and Buddhist temples. Spirit houses are even seen outside caves, mountains, forests, valleys and rice fields – and even in the grounds of Koh Samui villa rentals.

Spirit Houses in Koh Samui

It’s no secret that in Thailand spirit worship is as old as mankind itself, and these impressive little structures serve to house celestial beings who, according to local lore, would otherwise abide in heaven. Spirits are believed to be guardians; however they are thought to be good and evil, capable of causing havoc when crossed. One shouldn’t conceive of moving house, starting a new venture or making a change to the norm without keeping the spirit world adequately informed and appeased with gifts and prayer.

Known locally as San Phra Phum spirit houses are quite simply mini masterpieces. The construction of each dwelling can be simple or complex, ranging from baby size bungalows to elaborate erections complete with mini figurines, furniture, incense and flowers. Spirit houses can be constructed out of wood, brick or concrete depending on the type of spirit it is hoped to attract and are always built and sold by experienced spirit house builders. Such ‘experts’ are familiar with the many proper rituals involved in order to attract spirits and for it to ‘accept’ the earthly abode.

When placing a spirit house it’s all about location, location, location. A perfectly positioned spirit house will protect the sanctity of the nearby surroundings ensuring the perfect balance of nature and nurture. A spirit house should be free of falling shadows and complete with adequate views for the ‘inhabitants’.

Visitors may often notice Thais presiding over spirit homes, praying and presenting offerings such as candles, flowers, fruit, meats and delicacies. This is thought to appease the nine spirit guardians including the guardians of the gardens, rice fields, barns, animals, forests, waters, mountains and more.

Sometimes spirit houses are positioned on roads where accidents have happened, an example of this can be seen on Koh Samui’s ring road just past Chaweng where an impressive spirit house overlooks the bend. Other well-known spirit houses in Thailand include a dwelling in Wat Chedi Luang which houses the Chiang Mai City Pillar, so large that visitors can walk inside. Often guests go to make offerings and request help from the spirits inside.

Spirit houses are one of the most fundamental features of Thai life but as intriguing as they are tourists are advised to conform to spirit house etiquette. These are places of worship so a display of respect is advised when taking photographs and approaching the houses. Never put your feet on any religious item, and don’t touch or try to rearrange items in the spirit house to suit your photo. An especially important rule to remember is not to photograph spirit houses when people are praying.

For a private spirit house experience during your Koh Samui vacation why not book one of our spirit villas – spirits stay rent-free!

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When you arrive in Koh Samui you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve arrived in paradise.

This tranquil tropical island is the stuff of dreams with miles of powder white sands, crystal clear waters, a rich rainforest interior and a selection of stunning luxury Samui villas.

Read on to find out more about Koh Samui Aiport…

About Koh Samui Airport…

Like the island itself, Koh Samui Airport is a sight to behold, recognized as one of the most beautiful airports in the world, having won an array of awards for its unique design, excellent facilities and airy island charm.

Known as the charm in the Koh Samui crown, Koh Samui Airport is sure to delight guests of all ages.

This exquisite facility was built by Bangkok Airways in 1982 and opened officially in April 1989. It is located roughly 2km north of the main city and largest resort center on the island, Chaweng, offering easy access to the Big Buddha Pier and Maenam Beach Pier for trips to Koh Phagnan, Chumphon and Koh Tao.

Samui Airport

What makes Koh Samui Airport different from other airports?

Koh Samui International Airport is one of the most unique in the world, due to its environmentally-friendly outdoor design and award-winning allure. It’s also one of Thailand’s busiest airports with more than one million travelers passing through every year.

The airport’s layout boasts lush tropical landscaping, a luxury lounge area and an impressive shopping arcade complete with designer stores, bars, cafes and restaurants.

Samui Airport lounge

On arrival a colourful tram will be eagerly-awaiting to greet guests in style and take them from the tarmac to the arrivals lounge. From here visitors can take a short ride to their luxury Koh Samui villa, or stay to explore everything the airport has to offer.

Samui Airport trams

The Park Avenue arcade is home to plenty of plush boutiques, a cigar outlet, a Jim Thompson silk shop, a Bookazine branch, a skin care store, pub, pizzeria and much more. Occasionally there’ll be live jazz performances outside the arcade, plus there’s a children’s play area to keep little ones entertained while you shop.

Samui Airport Broadwalk

Despite their super-scary appearance these real-life robots are a true testament to Thai handicraft skills.

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Oh boy, is there! Here are a few to add to your list of What To Do With The Kids …

At Chaweng Beach there’s the Aquapark for anyone over 5 years of age, where there are giant inflatables to leap onto, and off. This is a designated area cordoned off from the main ocean and all visitors are provided with life vests. Cost is 500 baht per person for a day, and 350 for a half day. By all accounts an exhausting activity!

Coco Splash Waterpark is at Lamai Beach. This waterpark has 7 slides, 4 pools, a Jacuzzi, waterpolo and pool-side activities too such as table tennis. Children under 90cms tall get free entry, children 90-130cms are 350 baht and over 130cms 450 baht. A 4-person family pass costs 1500 baht. There is a restaurant, and the adults can also enjoy a massage.

Samui Frisbee Golf at Maenam is a new venture for all ages that is proving very popular. The course has 9 holes, is very shady, and has separate tee areas for beginners and advanced players. The owner, Nigel, explains all the rules and techniques – and he also runs a pizza restaurant on the side! Costs are 50 baht for children, 100 baht for adults.

Treasure Island Mini Golf is near the Big Buddha at Bophut. This course has 18 holes and is a great way to spend an afternoon. Price: 400 baht for adults, 200 for children under 12.

An elephant trek through some of the backwater jungle areas of the island can be a good family outing, and can be organised through one of the many nature tour groups on the island. Cost will be approximately 700 baht for an adult, 500 for child between 4 and 10 years old for a 30-minute trip is. Or 1200 and 800 for an hour.

Older kids might enjoy the adventure of the Treetop Tour Cable Ride, inland from Maenan close to Magic Garden on one of Samui’s highest mountains. Zip through the treetops, 780 metres of cable, safe, fun and exciting….

Some of the most popular for children are -

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo, close to the Samui Orchid Resort in the south of the island, where there are plenty of live shows and you can have your photograph taken with a big cat.

Koh Samui Butterfly Garden, close to Buddha’s Footprint in the south of the island, where there are also moths, and insects, and beehives.

The Crocodile Farm, near the airport, is also very popular, especially with boys for some reason! Entrance costs 100 baht for an adult, and 75 for children. There are also snakes, monkeys, caimans, alligators and lizards.

Many Koh Samui villas have been specifically designed for families with younger children in mind. Some villas have connecting doors between the master and adjacent bedroom, others have colourful adventure bedrooms designed and equipped with children in mind. Some have a shallow area in the pool for the younger ones and there are usually plenty of televisions and child-friendly DVDs once they are exhausted by all the outdoor activities!

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There is no excellent beauty that hath not some strangeness in the proportion.

What I may think is an absolutely glorious beach, may not of course appeal to everyone. And when you’re talking about beaches, what is and isn’t acceptable will differ widely. Some may like the fact that there’s no Costa Coffee for miles, that there are no ‘facilities’ other than the ocean, and they are the only people on that particular beach.

Others may find the lack of crowds worrying, the getting there too rough, the climb down to that idyllic cove not worth the attempt, especially as everything needed for a simple ‘day on the beach’ had to be toted down by everyone – and will all have to be carried back up again.  And the car! Parked some hundreds of metres back and up is now left to stew in the heat … What if someone hurts their toe in the sea? What if we run out of water? What if it rains? What if the car won’t start once we find it again?

What if … what if … But we’re talking KOH SAMUI here, and I’d be happy to bet that most people long to be sitting, snorkelling, sleeping or sunbathing on that tropical paradise beach of white sand, safe aqua sea, beautiful sun and a modicum of solitude. Throw in some shady palm trees, little islands in the distance to break up the shimmering horizon, and a not too distant café or resort – and you’ve probably got most people’s idea of heaven.

The islands and beaches that make up Thailand (all 1,430 of them) have an awful lot going for them.  Many have glorious white or golden sands fringed by palm trees, beautiful clear and safe waters in which colourful fish play and nibble, are secluded and private, coffee and lunch are just a little walk away – and most are undisturbed by serried rows of sun beds and hundreds of sunseekers.  Other beaches, particularly those attached to the larger resorts, will offer water sports too should you decide to become more active and relinquish that un-put-down-able book.

Last year Kho Phi Phi, Koh Phangan, Patong beach on Phuket, and the Pranburi beaches on the mainland have all been quoted by Forbes.com and the Travel Channel as some of the best beaches in the world.

But here’s a secret: one of the best beaches in Thailand is on Koh Samui – and you could be staying there! It’s Maenam Beach.

Maenam – still thought of by some as a ‘backpacker beach’ – enjoys privacy, safe waters and golden sands. It is pretty and tranquil, still uncrowded, with restaurants dotted inland that will suit every pocket.

Voted a few years back by Australian journalist John Borthwick as 9th in his list of Asia’s Best Beaches, Maenam is a rarity in these crowded times: a quiet haven of beauty. Check out our villas on Maenam beach – you won’t be disappointed.

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According to travel writer Naomi Lindt,  Koh Samui ranked number 3 in the New York Times 2011 list of must places to visit

A toned-down version of Phuket, heavy on wellness and food.

As Thailand’s third-largest island, Koh Samui isn’t exactly off the radar. But the 95-square-mile tropical gem in the southern Gulf of Thailand, whose white sand beaches, abundant coral reefs and seas of palm trees were once a backpackers’ secret, has emerged as the stylish luxury alternative to crowded Phuket. Last month’s much-anticipated opening of the W Retreat Koh Samui on a private beach along the island’s northern shore was the chic hotel brand’s premiere in Southeast Asia. July saw the arrival of the 78 pool-villas at the Banyan Tree Samui and its bay-facing spa, which includes the island’s first hydrotherapy facility. It is burnishing Koh Samui’s reputation as one of Thailand’s top wellness destinations, along with the yoga and detox center at the Moroccan-inspired boutique resort Absolute Sanctuary, which turns three in April.

Local restaurants have kept pace, luring international chefs who are transforming Koh Samui into an eating destination as well. Newcomers include H-Bistro at the Hansar Samui resort, where the French-Mediterranean and Thai menu was conceived by a former private chef to the Jordanian royal family, and Orgasmic by Chef Wally, which serves innovative cocktails and dishes like cocoa butter Hokkaido scallops and freshly caught white snapper with pecan-celery mash. The local scene goes into full swing at the weekly Sunday Sessions under the soaring thatched roofs at loungey Beach Republic, whose brunch, seafood barbecue and sunset D.J.’s are quickly becoming famous.

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