This is a very cool Island to visit, easily reachable with a short flight from Bangkok, seriously worth adding to any trip to Thailand, after living there, I would like to share some of the cooler things to see and do.
Your first impression will give you an idea, arriving at the tiny airport and the little train comes out to collect you, a sure sign of great things to come.
Where to stay?
You will be spoilt for choices depending on budget location and quality, here’s two favorites of mine.
1. Sala Choeng Mon: A beautiful beachfront location made of low level suites and individual bungalows, quality is 4*, food is fabulous, the cocktail bar is a must, lunchtime is true Thai bliss, leave the beach, walk 5 meters and collapse at a table, enjoy great local food excellent service and prices that will make you smile.
2. Secret Garden Resort Bophut : This is not your normal everyday resort, it’s a small property directly on the sands, offering wooden hut style acommodation, very clean and hygienic, (not all properties hit the mark on this), the food is very good, especially the breakfast, a great place to laze around, maybe have a swim, enjoy the boats going past to the busy Bophut Pier, contemplate the meaning of life and look forward to enjoying several fabulous cocktails, with live entertainment some nights, this is a great tourist and local spot alike.
3. Villas The Sanctuary (IVL): The average stay on Koh Samui is short, if you are travelling a with a group of family friends etc. and you want to make it special check out this site, they offer fabulous properties, (budget to movie star range). The Sanctuary is located a stones throw from the Big Buddha at Bophut, so it’s ideally located for exploring this beautiful Island.
The best Thai food on the Island
4. Krua Thai Choeng Mon: A small establishment located on the main street of this lovely resort village, the food is fresh, and fantastic, the service is genuinely friendly, no rushing no panic, the sticky mango rice pudding is to die for, go once and I guarantee you will go many times, the perfect end to a hard days relaxing, follow it with a 3 minute walk to Sala and have cocktails on the beach while watching the stars.
5. The Library Chaweng High St: I have to say Chaweng is not my favorite place on the Island, by day its ok, at night it turns into a vodka/red bull infused asylum filled with massage parlors hookers and sex clubs, (if that’s what you want you’ll love the place).
However the Library situated at the far end of the high street, offers an oasis of class and taste in a desert of tackiness. Great place day and night, chill, relax, offering a large varied drinks menu, food is also excellent.
6. Café 69 Bophut. A truly individual restaurant, run by “Vivienne” the owner, he will really make you feel welcome, look out for some highly unusual food presentations, and platters, the weighing scales being one of my favorites. Take advantage of the specials, this place is highly recommended.
7. Big Buddha Café (BBC) Bophut: Everybody knows it, the food is fine, nothing out of this world, but good and good value, the location is very special, making this the perfect place to watch a magnificent sunset, watch the planes coming into land on the Island, enjoy the boat life and a plethora of different activities. Breakfast is very good here, so really a great place at all times of the day.
8. Fisherman’s Village Bophtut. Friday night market: Touristy, but a must, here you can try some amazing street food, some very unusual deep fried bugs, crustaceans and unidentified beings, look out for the mohito stands, offering great drinks for almost nothing, you can buy tacky gifts, beautiful handmade hammocks, enjoy street entertainment, all in all a great night out.
What to Do:
9. Jeep Hire. Cheap, fun and the best way to get around the Island, work on the basis that every other person on the road is crazy and you’ll be fine. You can literally stop at any beach you see, take a swim, drive into the mountains, the views are incredible and just drive down every dirt track and you’ll be amazed at some of the things you will find.
10. Play some Golf: Not everybody’s thing I know, but again here in Koh Samui the golf can be very different. The driving range near Big Sur, is so cool, the machines will tee up your balls!! the beer is cold, the cost is nothing and even the huge Bueys (cows) seem very happy to let you hit balls close to them.
Get in your jeep and drive up and up and up to Bophut Hills Golf Club, the tarmac road ends before you reach the course, just keep going, you will reach a fabulous little 9 hole course, spectacular views and just great fun, drive down the opposite way and the views become even better.
Santurburi Country Club, Mae Nam (this is the real deal) a magnificent course, offering the most lush fairways, twisting through trees and affording incredible views, the unique thing here are the caddies, (mandatory) they are all ladies dressed from head to toe in pink safari suits, there knowledge is marvelous, they will help your game, my caddie, after a few holes said “the big club with the camel cover” “ you mean my driver” “yes, that one, don’t use it again, your rubbish with it” you have to love their honesty, the score you give them will affect their pay, so always tip them and score the max.
So Koh Samui, its so much more than the obvious, add it to your trip, I’m sure you will love it..
Sawadee ka…..
Created by Kevin Wash..
Photography from places website and Huellas de Luz Photography
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