Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best Koh Samui has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
- Viewpoint
- 42 islands make up the Ang Thong Marine National Park, located northwest of Samui. Rent a local boat and discover the archipelago with its hidden coves and dramatic limestone caves. Stop at Mae Ko Island; the 40-minute climb to Thale Noi, an inland saltwater lake on the mountainside, is more than worth the time.
- Arts and culture
- Koh Samui’s indigenous population has a strong Muslim background, so the characteristic Buddhist architecture that defines much of mainland is less in evidence here. Having said that, Samui does boast the 12-metre ‘Big Buddha’ in Wat Phra Yai, an enormous golden statue of the seated Buddha, that’s well worthy visiting. Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai boxing, is showcased at Chaweng Stadium – the largest in the country – and offers an unforgettable evening’s entertainment. There are even training schools available if you fancy your fists.
- Something for nothing
- A quaint air of bohemia still lingers at Fisherman’s Village, once a favoured backpacker haunt and now one of the most perfectly preserved places on the island. Take a leisurely stroll down the street lined with old wooden Chinese shop-houses, where tiny stores sell quirky knick-knacks.
- Shopping
- Samui wasn’t made with shoppers in mind. The usual beach garb, pirated DVDs and souvenirs are easily available along the Chaweng stretch. Cute bikini boutique Life’s A Beach (+66 (0) 7742 2630 ) carries a wide range of Aussie bikini brands including Wahine and Seafolly. For more up-market shopping, Iyara Shopping Plaza (+66 (0) 7723 1631), which houses international boutiques such as Lacoste, Geox and Nautica, is your best bet.
- Daytripper
- The site where Kamalaya spa sits was once a spiritual cave-retreat for Buddhist monks. Spend the day recharging with a host of oriental, medical, naturopathic and holistic healing programmes. Fresh organic cuisine is offered at its in-house restaurant Soma. Alternatively, treat yourself to ambrosial tonics based on ancient Taoist, Thai, and Ayurvedic recipes at the Alchemy tea bar (www.kamalaya.com).
- Best beach
- To the south, Cheong Mon is possibly the prettiest and most romantic beach in Samui, offering none of the more chaotic commercialism of popular sunspots such as Chaweng. The waters are also among the calmest in the island – perfect for kayaking to the offshore islet of Koh Farn Noi nearby.
- Activities
- Water cascades over purple rocks at Samui’s tallest and most impressive waterfall, Na Muang. An elephant trek to the top of the second waterfall is your breezy shortcut. The Na Muang Safari Park (+66 (0) 7742 4098) operates rides and hosts monkey and crocodile shows. For the even more adventurous, Canopy Adventures in Bophut can take you on a treetop-to-treetop tour of the jungle, swinging along 500 metres of cable (+66 (0) 7741 4150).
Diary
April Songkran, the Thai New Year sees revellers making merry by throwing water at each other. May–June The Koh Samui Regatta draws the world’s top yachtsmen for a week of passionate sailing (www.samuiregatta.com). August The Fisherman’s Village Festival is the focus of five days of festivity, with live musical performances in the spirit of Woodstock. September The Avis Samui Tennis Open brings keen racketsmiths to the courts.
