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Boutique hotels in Koh Samui

Koh Samui Overview

Thailand

Coastline
Lush, sun-kissed tropics
Coast life
Beach-basking and bar-hopping

Trimmed with gorgeous beaches and filled with cool, verdant forests, Thailand’s third largest island is an altar to carefree tropical leisure.

Samui was once the destination of choice for the baggy-panted backpacker crowd eager for the party pleasures of the infamous Full Moon celebrations. These days, the island has grown into a sophisticated tropical retreat, replete with private boutique resorts, world-class spas and tantalizing Thai restaurants. Some parts of the island have succumbed to the rather raucous effects of over-development but, with a little effort, it’s still possible to find that idyllic paradise beach and a shimmering vermillion sunset.

Keenly Koh Samui

It’s impossible to miss the posters for the Full Moon Party when in Samui. Every lunar month, nearly 20,000 visitors take the 50-minute ferry ride from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, disembarking into a party whirlwind that borders on the decadent. It’s an experience in itself if you’re young-at-heart or plain curious. Smart hoteliers have also begun chartering boats to take you out and back for a short glimpse of the party – long enough to have fun, short enough so you won’t feel stranded; we recommend one of these abbreviated journeys for those who want to see what all the fuss is about without the experience turning into an endurance test. For pleasures of the more sedate sort at Koh Phangan, there are acclaimed yoga institutions such as the Chakra Yoga Centre (+66 89 908 8620) and Agama Yoga (+66 (0)89 233 0217), both offering lessons and training certification.

Local knowledge

Taxis
Cabs cruise around the more populous areas of the island. Meters are installed but their purpose seems to be primarily decorative, so agree a fare beforehand. Check the standard rate with your hotel or get your concierge to hire one for you.

Tipping culture
A 10 per cent service charge is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, but staff seldom see this. Leave a cash tip for especially impressive service.

Siesta and Fiesta
When it comes to time, tropical habits apply. Some shops open late – and we mean late – in the afternoons.

Packing tips
Bermudas, singlets, bikinis and sundresses are de rigeur. Flip-flopping is acceptable everywhere. Make sure you’re armed with insect repellent – Samui has some very single-minded mosquitoes.

Recommended reads
The Beach by Alex Garland; The Chronoliths by Robert Charles Wilson and Thailand: True Stories by James O'Reilly and Larry Habegger.

Cuisine
Koh Samui tantalises taste buds too. Its island nature helps ensure its seafood is particularly noteworthy – and it’s also blessed with an abundance of coconuts thanks to the prolific palms. Thanks to tourist-led rejuvenation, the dining scene is thriving, diverse and surprisingly sophisticated, owing a lot to the diligence of the Samui Culinary Circle, an association of idea- and ingredient-sharing chefs and caterers (www.siamdiningguide.com).

Currency
Thai baht. £1 is approximately THB65.

Time zone
GMT +7

Dialling codes
Country code for Thailand: 66; local code for Samui is (0)77.

Do go/don't go
The high season from May to November produces an unusually high number of sun-burnt bodies and motorbike mishaps. It’s still pleasantly sunny during the off-peak periods, although be prepared for rain and the power cuts that come with it.