While Koh Samui is known as one of the most iconic beach destinations in the world, there is more to the island than just sea, sand, and sun. Though compact in size, this Thai stunner ticks all the boxes, no matter what type of sojourn you’re seeking.
When You’re Craving Excitement
While you might think that Koh Samui is all about those lazy hazy beach days, the island also offers adventures that’ll send your heart racing. Koh Samui is surrounded by azure waters and tropical islets, so cast off and head out for some island hopping to seek new adventures. With its 42 islands, Ang Thong National Marine Park makes for a fabulous excursion– it’s also a great spot for some snorkelling. If you want to go deeper, the Chumphon Pinnacle is one of the region’s best diving sites and one that’ll challenge even a more seasoned diver.
If you’d rather stay on firm land, you can get your adrenaline pumping with some Muya Thai boxing. Several local gyms offer classes for all levels – though nothing beats having your own private ring and an expert coach at your beck and call a la Praana Residence. If you’d rather keep it a spectator sport, Phetchbuncha Boxing Stadium and Samui International Muya Thai Stadium (both located in Chaweng) typically host fights several nights a week.
After sunset, dance the night away in Chaweng, Samui’s party central, where you can mosh to live music and be enthralled by fire shows. (During the day, the same beach offers adrenaline inducing water sports like jet skiing, parasailing and wakeboarding.) And of course, the infamous full moon parties of Koh Phangan are but a boat ride away.
When You Want a Laidback Getaway
If the mere thought of a holiday packed with diving excursions and boxing matches makes you feel dizzy, don’t worry – there is definitely a more relaxed side to Samui as well. Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is a great place to channel this laidback energy. This area mixes the rustic feel of Samui back in the day with chic boutiques, lively restaurants, and vibrant weekend markets. If this relaxed area speaks to you, definitely check out Villa M, an all-white villa positioned beachfront right by all that affable action.
Samui has a beach to suit every mood so if Chaweng feels a tad too busy, there are plenty of calm beaches to tickle your fancy. Maenam, Choeng Mon and Lipa Noi are beautiful sandy beaches hidden off the trodden trail yet easily accessible. Unlike Phuket (where most villas are built on majestic clifftops), Samui boasts several amazing beachfront villas, including Bella Samui Beach Villa, Mia Villas, Baan Kilee and more. You can also leave the world behind and run for the hills, retreating to a private cocoon of spell binding views in hilltop villas like Celadon and Karpe Diem.
Thanks to its natural beauty and hospitable air, Koh Samui has become a very popular honeymoon destination. (Remember Operation Koh Samui – Robert De Niro’s undercover mission to plan a surprise honeymoon in Meet the Parents?) Besides inspiring romance, Samui’s relaxed ambiance is also ideal for families. Children are cherished in Thai culture so your kids will feel like the VIPs that they are. Samui also has some of the best family friendly villas we’ve seen – check out the epic bunk rooms in Villa Malouna and The View Samui.
When You Want to Discover a New Culture
Immersing yourself in a new culture is what makes travelling so rewarding. The Buddhist faith is an integral part of Thai culture (over 90% of the population are Buddhist), so why not explore this beautiful tradition while in Koh Samui? The island’s most revered landmarks offer fascinating insight to the local culture and the Buddhist faith, ranging from the iconic Big Buddha to the red clay reliefs of Wat Ratchathammaram. Beyond temples, make sure to visit Secret Buddha Garden, a serene sculpture park surrounded by rainforest – another beautiful manifestation of the Buddhist faith.
Local festivals are another great way to get a real feel of the culture. Songkran, or the Thai New Year, is a three-day celebration that takes place on April 13. This festival is all about making a fresh start and washing away the year that’s passed. In practice, the festivities typically turn into a massive (playful!) water fight.
Loy Krathong is another iconic Thai festival. During this beautiful celebration, countless floating offerings or krathongs are released to rivers, ponds and lakes. The tradition signifies gratitude to the Water Goddess after the harvest season, or, according to another interpretation, it’s a metaphor for letting go of negativity and anger. Loy Krathong usually takes place in November, with the exact date based on the lunar calendar.
Of course, there is no better way of getting a real taste of the culture than by, well, tasting it! Joining a Thai cooking class will introduce you to local dishes, spices, cooking methods and markets. It is an immersive experience that you’ll truly treasure. There are many well regarded cooking schools on the island, but for the most immersive, hands-on experience, we suggest booking a private cooking class in your villa – our team can arrange this for you when you stay in one of our villas in Koh Samui.
When You Want to Connect With Nature
There’s nothing quite like a little vitamin sea to help you rejuvenate, recharge and refocus. Koh Samui is famed for its picture-perfect beaches. While Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut are the most popular beaches on the island, they are not the best places for truly connecting with nature. To feel at one with Mother Earth, explore some of the more low-key beaches like Bang Por, Lipa Noi and Laem Sor. Forget about trendy beach clubs – here, the soundtrack is provided by gentle waves lapping on the shore.
If you want to spend your whole holiday in a serene beachfront setting, check out these villas:
- In Bang Por: Villa Malouna, Villa Anar
- In Lipa Noi: Baan Kilee, Baan Samlarn, Villa Baan Chang
- In Laem Sor: Ban Sairee, Suma Villa, Villa Malabar
Though they are an undeniable highlight, there is more to Samui than just its stunning sandy beaches. Moving inland, the island is covered in lush rainforest with wild waterfalls tucked in between. Reaching these natural wonders makes for an exhilarating excursion. Cascading down from an 18-metre height, Na Muang is Samui’s most famous waterfall. At lesser-known locations like Hin Land and Khun Si you might just have the lush setting all to yourself.
When You Just Want Ease
Sometimes the best holiday is the one where you do absolutely nothing. Luckily, Koh Samui is a fabulous destination for enjoying some serious R & R. Over the years, the island has blossomed into a real wellness haven, dotted with incredible spas and yoga studios that’ll make you go om. Thai wellness traditions reach back centuries, with modern influences only adding to the indulgence. Thanks to reasonable rates, you can literally enjoy a massage every single day if you feel like it. There are hundreds of spas to choose from in Koh Samui, with venues like Tamarind Springs Forest Spa and Eranda routinely receiving high praise.
While there are many great spas to choose from, the most effortless way to pamper yourself is to enjoy a spa day in the privacy of your villa. Koh Samui’s best villas have expert masseuses on speed dial, allowing you to relax without having to worry about logistics or schedules. The same goes for yoga – why plan your day around the schedule of a crowded studio when you could enjoy a private yoga lesson when it suits you best? We love the dedicated spa rooms and massage salas in Villa Splash, Villa Sea Renity and Villa Natha – though nothing beats a massage by your own private pool, right?
And that really captures the ease of staying in a villa. Samui’s best villas showcase that famous Thai hospitality, with a team of staff ready to look after your every need. You literally won’t have to lift a finger during your stay.
Here’s how a recent guest described their stay at the incomparable Koh Koon:
“The highlight was the team at Koh Koon, led by the manager, Praew. Incredible people!!!! Chef was excellent, we had two meals outside of the villa but quickly realised there was no better food on the island – so we tasted an incredible amount of Thai cuisine through his wonderful work. We were looked after so well and this allowed our family to have a super chilled, relaxing holiday – an amazing experience.”
Considering the dizzying speed and hectic demands of the modern world, we could probably all use a holiday like that.
When You Want… All of the Above
And this is perhaps the very best part of Koh Samui: you don’t have to settle for a specific theme but can instead sample a little of everything in the span of a single trip. You can circumvent this petite island in less than 90 minutes, so transitioning between different settings and going where the mood strikes you will be a breeze. Dancing the night away, followed by a lazy, multi-course breakfast by the pool? No problem! An epic kayaking trip followed by indulgent massages in your private spa room? You got it! In Koh Samui, you don’t have to stick to a rigid plan – it’s all about following your bliss.
Contact our experienced and knowledgeable team to find the perfect villa for your Koh Samui holiday.
