Known for picturesque views and welcoming people is Thailand’s second largest island of Koh Samui. Whether you are just passing through for a few days or settling in for a long stay Koh Samui has something for everyone. I learnt this on my last stay in Koh Samui where I discovered that there is so much to do, both for free and on day-trips.
Keep reading to plan your next adventure…
Jet-Ski Safari Tours
There’s no better way to explore the Gulf of Thailand then behind a brand new jet-ski with over 1800 CC engines. Your private guide will take you on a 4 hour tour of the islands surrounding waters and neighbouring islands where you will stop and snorkel with marine life along the way. Don’t worry you won’t go thirsty as refreshments are usually provided by your guide as well as ample storage for your belongings to be safety stored whilst you are on your way.
Thai Cooking Lesson
Immerse you group in a traditional Thai cooking lesson with a skilled private chef. An indulgent way to explore a new culture is to try their traditional food and see the process and time it takes to carefully prepare their traditional cuisine. Some experiences will pick you up in the morning from your villa and drive you to the local markets. As you are ushered through the fresh produce and spice stalls your english speaking guide will explain the health benefits and uses of different foods. You will find that Thai cooking can be quick, healthy and simple to make. Ask our concierge team to arrange this for an in villa experience.
See the Northern Coasts Cultural Sites
You don’t need to be religious to admire the many religious sites and temples located on the northern coast of Koh Samui. Be amazed by the colossal size of Wat Phra Yai (known in English as the Big Buddha) and the Buddhist temple Wat Khunaram home to The Mummy Monk. Known as a tourist hot spot with the rare experience to view Luang Pho Daeng’s mummified remains whom has been seated in a meditative position since 1973. Don’t be discerned by the Ray Bans that he is wearing as they were invented over 30 years before he instructed that his remains be displayed in this glass case as a reminder of the transience of human existence.
We would recommend hiring a car and driver for the day to explore the northern coast. Have your driver leave your villa by 9am at the latest to ensure you beat the crowds.
Na Muang Waterfalls
If the great outdoors is your thing, we suggest bring you workout clothes and a pair of swimmers and paying the Na Muang Waterfalls a visit. If you have a reasonable level of fitness you will be able to navigate the walking trails on foot. The trails aren’t long (approximately 100-200m from the car park) however they can become slippery and steep in the raining season – the best time to visit is between September – December as this will be when the waterfalls are flowing steadily.
You can visit as part of your island day tour or make a day of it, by hiking, swimming and having lunch by the falls. Bring small change as there are stalls and market sellers selling snacks and keepsake items.
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Take a boat transfer from The Big Buddha on Koh Samui’s coast out to the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Spend the day cruising turquoise waters, snorkelling with tropical fish and kayaking through nature and marine life. You can choose either a fast boat transfer that will take approximately 45 minutes and starts from US $80 per person or a slow boat that will take 2-3hours and starts from US $60 per person.
A Day at Chaweng Beach
If water sports is right up your alley, a day at Chaweng Beach will have your blood pumping. Try your hand at jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides or be towed behind a speed boat whilst water-skiing, wake-boarding or just plain old donut rides. If you have tried those all before and still looking for something new, fly boarding will have you feeling like you are walking on water and diving up and out of the ocean like a dolphin. Not for the faint hearted, but definitely worth a try, you will be lifted out of the water by high pressure boots powered by a jetski.
Zip-lining Through the Tree Tops
Increasing in popularity over recent years is zip-lining through the tree tops with views of Koh Samui’s dense jungle and coastline’s waters. Discover new tropical fruits you may have never tasted before and see birds from the tropics parading their colourful feathers. Built to suit people of all experience levels and ages from 7 – 70 years. We would suggest asking our concierge to recommend the perfect tree top adventure to suit your next retreat or family holiday.
Fisherman’s Village
Taking on Thailand’s vibrant night markets is more than just a cultural experience. You will be immersed into an atmospheric experience that can only be described by the five senses. The smell of fresh Thai food can be breathed in as vibrant colours of trinkets can be bartered for in the local stalls. We recommend this as a family experience as the friendly Thai people are warm and welcoming to inquisitive children.
Mauy Thai Boxing
Looking for the adrenaline rush that can be felt when the atmosphere takes over, whilst a crowd of expats, locals and tourists come to watch Mauy Thai boxing between both Thais and foreign professionals. Lasting for 3 hours, in which multiple fights will take place and fans will gamble large sums of money on their chosen champions.
There are multiple places around the island where you can watch matches, however we recommend the Hat Chaweng Boxing Stadium with fights happening twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays in the evening. You will see pre-fight rituals, hear traditional music and can enjoy food and drinks from nearby restaurants that can be brought to your table. We would recommend booking in advance as this is one of the most popular Mauy Thai Boxing venues in Koh Samui for its entertaining atmosphere and ability to cater for both groups and families.
Tickets can start from ฿1,500.00
