Worth getting out of bed for...

Viewpoint

Charter a private boat with Tours Koh Samui (www.tourskohsamui.com) and discover the hidden coves and dramatic limestone caves of Ang Thong Marine National Park, a 42-island archipelago north-west of Samui. Stop at Mae Ko Island and make the 40-minute climb to Thale Noi, an inland saltwater lake on the mountainside: dramatic views make it worth the effort.

Arts and culture

Koh Samui’s indigenous population has a strong Muslim background, so the characteristic Buddhist architecture that defines much of the mainland is less in evidence here. That said, Samui does boast the 12m-high ‘Big Buddha’ at Wat Phra Yai, an enormous golden statue of the seated Buddha: cross the footbridge to the tiny islet (although you may even be able to spot it as you fly into Samui airport).

Something for nothing

A quaint air of bohemia still lingers at Bophut’s 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 now home to fashionable bars, restaurants and tiny stores selling 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)77 422 630) carries a wide range of Aussie brands, including Wahine and Seafolly. For more upmarket spending opportunities, Lara Shopping Plaza (+66 (0)77 231 631) houses international brand outlets such as Lacoste, Geox and Nautica. Siddharta at the Fishermen’s Village in Bophut (+66 (0)77 245 014) sells hippie-luxe fisherman’s pants, beach dresses, jewellery and bags. Visit the Naga Pearl Shop in Thong Krut and they’ll take you to see their pearl farm on Matsum, just offshore, but if you go you will be expected to buy.

Daytripper

Wonderful watersports are in plentiful supply here, but snorkelling and diving top the bill: explore the scintillating under-sea scene at Ang Thong or Koh Tao on a boat trip with 100 Degrees East (+66 (0)77 246 936; www.100degreeseast.com) or the Dive Academy (+66 (0)77 427 339; www.thediveacademysamui.com).

Best beach

Choeng Mon is possibly the prettiest and most romantic beach in Samui, with none of the chaotic commercialism of popular sunspots such as Chaweng. The waters are among the calmest around the island.

Walks

Skip the tourist haunts and gain a peek into traditional island life at Laem Set on Samui’s relatively undeveloped southern tip. From this quiet stretch of sand, you can meander through coconut plantations and visit the Muslim fishing community of Ban Hua Thanon, before sampling fresh-as-you-like seafood.

Children

Most of the snorkelling or kayaking trips are suitable for over-eights. There is plenty more to do and see, including the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo (www.samuiaquariumandtigerzoo.com) and the nearby Na Tien Butterfly Garden. The bowling alley and cinema at Tesco Lotus (+66 (0)77 245 400) offer air-conditioned respite and Jungle Minigolf at Choeng Mon is fun for a couple of hours (+66 (0)81 787 9148).

Activities

Take the pachyderm express to the top of a waterfall: water cascades over purple rocks at Samui’s tallest and most impressive cascade, Na Muang, and an elephant trek with Na Muan Safari Park (+66 (0)77 424 098) provides a breezy shortcut to the falls’ upper tier. For the even more adventurous, Canopy Adventures in Bophut can take you on a treetop-to-treetop tour of the jungle, swinging along 500m of cable (+66 (0)77 414 150; www.canopyadventuresthailand.com).

And

If the fantastic fresh Thai food whets your appetite, learn how to cook or take a fruit-carving class at the Samui Institute of Culinary Arts (+66 (0)77 413 434; www.sitca.net).