LAMAI SHOPPING

Listed below are some of the best places to go to get some shopping done in Lamai, Koh Samui

Just a short drive north-east from ShaSa Resort andResidences, Lamai is perhaps the best nearby Koh Samui shopping location for our guests. Here is a place where you can find everything you will possibly need – be it swimming gear, toiletries, clothes, souvenirs, gadgets, tailor made suits or jewelry, Lamai has it in abundance.

 Lamai is actually fairly typical of Koh Samui shopping locations, in that the main shops and markets are all located in a pretty centralized area. In fact, virtually all the shops and vendors worth checking out are located on the main, Beach Road that runs through Lamai, or on the sois that run off the road. As always when doing your Koh Samui shopping, it pays to look around and see what’s available first; compare the quality of goods in different shops and try to get the best price!

Lamai Night Bazaar

Although it’s supposedly a night bazaar, you’ll find that many of the stalls open up for business before the sun comes down. This Koh Samui shopping haven is located smack bang in the middle of town, across from the McDonald’s restaurant. It’s much like the night markets you get in Bangkok’s Patpong or Khao San Road, with stalls lining both sides of the street, selling tons of pirated goods, from clothes and flip flops, to watches, knives, lighters and various other knick-knacks.

69 Slam Underwear

Although you might be expecting a display of saucy lingerie, you’ll actually find there’s far more to this popular store once you step inside. Guaranteed, no trashy tourist junk in here – they offer high quality beachwear, swimming clothes, accessories and jewelry. Well worth a look but it does cost more than what you’ll find on the street!

Asian Lights

One of our favorite Koh Samui shopping stores is this tastefully fitted store, which has a fanatastic selection of hundreds of different kinds of handmade lights and lamps. You’ll find innovative designs here in all kinds of shapes and sizes, and what’s more the prices are good.

Buddy Boutique Shopping Plaza

If you’re looking for a Koh Samui shopping experience that’s a bit more upmarket, check out this place for its range of stylish designer boutiques and brand name stores. Sure, the bargains are harder to find, but if you want genuine Thai antiques and Thai silks, quality clothes and (real) electrical goods, this is the only place to be. 

AFTERNOON COCKTAILS AT LAEM SETT

There's truly no better place in the world to enjoy a refreshing afternoon cocktail than on Laem Set beach

With its seaside beach setting characterized by soft, pristine sand and providing a great venue for peaceful, lazy afternoons, cocktails by the beach along ShaSaResort is nothing short of heavenly. Imagine the sea lapping softly at the beach and the lethargy-inducing soft wind against your face. Beyond the Sea at ShaSa Resort promises to give the traveler pampering service that truly goes beyond the sea.

Out-on-the-Terrace Cocktails

With a great, expansive view of the Gulf of Thailand, Beyond the Sea at ShaSa Resort easily provides an unrivalled afternoon cocktails experience to the visitor out for a breezy, great time. Nurse your perfect cocktail brew prepared meticulously by Beyond the Sea bartenders. Sip to your heart’s content while gazing out at the clear blue ocean and inhaling refreshing gulps of ocean air. Indulge in lazy conversations with your loved one or travelling companion while seated at lounge chairs or low chairs that allow you to stretch your legs. Here at ShaSa Resort, afternoon cocktails have never been sunnier than what you can truly experience at Beyond the Sea.

Afternoon Cocktails Inside Beyond the Sea

A 360-degree tour of the interiors of Beyond the Sea at ShaSa Resort will reveal tasteful, minimalist details which could be a Zen-like affair to the traveler wishing to unwind in restful comfort. Indulge in afternoon cocktails here while looking out large bay windows. Feel your cares melting away while you sip your excellent cocktails and gaze out those windows that invite you to either dip your tired feet into the pool or go out further into the ocean. Wooden interior walls, chairs provided with cushions, lounging chairs that invite you to hang loose, attentive service from dedicated waiters….blissful contentment at Beyond the Sea, the brasserie at ShaSa Resort.

Go Barefoot

The idea of going barefoot while enjoying sips on your afternoon cocktails might just be the key to let the wooden floor out on the terrace at Beyond the Sea drain tiredness away from you. The low chairs beckon that you do so—they are designed for really lazy, casual afternoons where kicking off your shoes or heels could become so addictive, you’d want to do it every afternoon here at Beyond the Sea on ShaSa Resort. But do get some spa treatment at the ShaSa Health Club first, so the afternoon cocktails while barefoot would be a great cap for your spa experience. 

Want to Scuba Dive in Paradise?

Scuba Diving in Koh Samui should atop your Koh Samui things to do list.

Scuba diving with amazing creatures in Koh Samui should be on your list of Koh Samui things to do! Scuba diving is a popular water sport in Thailand and many tourists from all over the world make time to visit just to experience the rich and abundant waters of Thailand. Experience a whole new world under the sea using the diving equipment. See the majestic creatures of the waters of Thailand. The coral reefs and multitude of sea creatures will never cease to amaze you. Fill your hungry eyes with the sea cows, giant barracuda, sharks and even manta rays! Yes, there are many other Koh Samui things to do but why miss out on such a unique underwater experience?

Since the start of the 70s, Koh Samui has been the center of attention for many visitors looking for a rich, well preserved coast. Situated on the east coast of Thailand, the island is a sheltered coastal paradise that is a diver’s haven because of the coral reefs and dynamic sea creatures. The diving sites have majestic rock formations and coral reefs that cannot be seen anywhere else.  Because of the popularity of the island for scuba diving, tourists have made it a point to include the water sport in their list of Koh Samui things to do. Nowadays, Koh Samui is one of the world class diving sites.

Where to stay in Koh Samui

ShaSa Resort- Before heading out for a scuba diving adventure, check in at the exclusive villas, spa treatment and pampering at the ShaSa Resort where you can get the best quality accommodations. Families, couples and groups of friends can find a relaxing place to stay on the island in this hotel. It is near various diving sites so you can easily travel back and forth.

Koh Samui Diving Sites

There are various diving sites on Koh Samui. Here are the best ones to go to:

• Chumphon Pinnacle
• Sail Rock
• Koh Nang Yuan
• Koh Tao
• Southwest Pinnacle

Diving Season in Koh Samui

Lots of tourists include scuba diving in their list of Koh Samui things to do because the diving season is available the whole year. However, the best time to go is from the month of May until August. During these months, the Andaman coast experiences a low season. From September until November, the Northeast monsoon winds bring surface swells into the island so there is 30% decrease of visibility.

Hidden Hotspots of Koh Samui

The amazing Buddha Footprints is a hidden gem in Koh Samui. (Photo Courtesy of Flickr)

Koh Samui, the third largest island in Thailand, is a treasured gem because of the many Koh Samui attractions. Roughly in a circular shape, the heart of the island is the majestic Khao Pom peak of a mountain jungle. The naturally beautiful landscape of the island is a top destination of tourists from all over the world. Holiday goers are attracted to the laidback beach villages, clear seas and the many island resort to choose from. It is the perfect getaway from the bustling life of the city.

Here is a guide to the hidden hotspots and Koh Samui attractions:

• The Buddha Footprints are quite difficult to locate compared to the other Koh Samui attractions in the island but the extra time and effort to go there is guaranteed to be worth it. This hidden hotspot is situated on a hilltop shrine that is only a few kilometers away from the famous Butterfly Garden. The Buddha Footprints are four footprints etched one on top of the other. It is a sacred artifact that cannot be found anywhere else on the island. You will have to climb about 163 steps to the top and then you will get a magnificent view of the island.
• The Chinese Temple the Goddess Zhao Mei Guan Im is one of the Koh Samui attractions you should not miss. It is a 30-year-old temple consisting of only one building. This temple is fairly new with a humble altar and expertly made paintings that depict the stories of Zhao Mei Guan Im. The most renowned painting is the one situated on the stone altar. This temple has a view of the Turtle Island near Koh Mud Sum mainland. If you look towards the south, you can see the fishing boats sailing under the beautiful sunset. You can easily get there by following the route from the Snake Farm of Samui.
• The Hin Lad Waterfall Temple is among the many Koh Samui attractions. This temple is relatively small and is located along the Hin Lad Waterfall trail. It is a peaceful and tranquil place. Along the path to the temple, there is a bridge where you can stop over and feed the fish. There is also a Buddha statue towards the back of the temple.
• The Hua Thanon is also one of the many Koh Samui attractions. It is a fishing village that is mostly inhabited by Samui’s Muslim residents. It is one of the few places that carry the traditional Samui way of life with the teakwood houses and authentic seafood restaurants. There are plenty of boutiques that sell ethnic clothes and jewelry here.

Elephant Riding in Koh Samui

Elephant Riding in Koh Samui is an unforgettable experience. (Courtesy of thailandfamilyholidays.com)

Ever wonder how it would be to ride an elephant in Thailand? Well, here’s your chance!

Complete your Koh Samui travel experience with elephant riding in Koh Samui. The island is home to well-preserved trekking grounds and beautiful scenery. Many visitors look forward to experiencing elephant riding during their Koh Samui travel. Usually the elephant trek is luxuriant and hilly. More than just the view and the trekking experience, the visitors will be amazed at the gentleness and the amazing ability of the elephants.

The magnificent elephants are considered Thailand’s national animal and they symbolize royalty and strength. Koh Samui has many tropical rain forests at the heart of the island.

Here are some popular elephant riding tours for your Koh Samui travel:

Elephant Trekking Tour in Koh Samui

During the trip, you’ll pass by a unique collection of fauna and flora. Take in the amazing view of the waterfalls and get to know the true beauty of Koh Samui travel. This particular tour will pass through the jungle, through rivers and through other interesting landscapes. You will be safe riding the magnificent elephants for they are gentle and intelligent beasts. During the trip, visitors can stop by the Namuang 1 Waterfall and take a dip.

Half-Day Tour - 9 In 1 Safari in Koh Samui

This tour is an extensive program that lasts for half a day. Though it is only half a day, you can expect an exhilarating experience that will leave you wanting more. This Koh Samui travel experience will also give you a chance to view the amazing jungles of the island and the various coconut plantations on the island. You can also enjoy the amazing Elephant Show where you can meet and feed these gentle beasts. There are many photo opportunities for you to choose from during this trip! Aside from these, you can also watch the Monkey Show where you can see how the monkeys learn and are trained to get coconuts from the trees. The Rice Farming Show includes a presentation of a local farmer suing the traditional Thai style of farming. There would be a demonstration on their unique method in harvesting and growing rice with the water buffalo’s help. The Ox Cart Riding is also part of the half-day tour in the safari. Enjoy your Koh Samui travel by riding in the ox cart of a farmer around the rice fields and the plantation.

Full Day Koh Samui Eco Tour

You can also have a whole day of enjoyable Koh Samui travel experience by riding the elephant throughout the island’s jungles, plantations and fields. 

MAENAM NIGHTLIFE AND BARS

Local bar in Maenam, Koh Samui. 

Koh Samui nightlife at Maenam may not be as rousing and rowdy as those of Chaweng and Lamai, but it still exists there. Although the entire strip is generally more hushed and less complicated, a good number of party places still stand to offer a more subdued yet classy entertainment scene to partygoers out to have a great time. The more restrained atmosphere here at Maenam is probably the main attraction for those out to have good, clean, family-oriented fun. This is Koh Samui nightlife at its simplest, and probably at its finest.

The Lazy Coconut

This is basically the coolest and most popular place to hang out in and experience the Koh Samui nightlife in Maenam. Tastefully laid out with inner and outer seating accommodations, The Lazy Coconut prides itself in having a darts board and a pool table plus the attraction of TV sports viewing. Not to be outdone is its unassuming and homey menu, with an incomparable selection of beer to serve as a fitting accompaniment to the uncomplicated food offerings. Sporadically, The Lazy Coconut features DJ-facilitated and live band music repertoire on weekends. One can partake of barbecues offered regularly. Dancing on the floor is probably the best sampling of Koh Samui nightlife you can ever have.

Napasai Pool Bar

Serving easy meals and light snacks all day long, Napasai Pool Bar is a casual venue to savor Koh Samui nightlife.  With its irregularly contoured infinity pool serving as a backdrop, one can enjoy great cocktail concoctions prior to indulging in an elegant Thai dining affair. Guests are accorded a great view of the ocean and treated to live waterfront entertainment on all weeknights.  Karaoke singing is also offered occasionally. Unpretentious yet exquisite in its simplicity, the easy ambience at the Napasai Pool Bar is one refreshing experience you wouldn’t want to miss. Just a wee bit pricier, the costs are up to par with the simple elegance you can actually savor.

Rim Talay Beach Bar

Sheltered by the numerous coconut palms on the beach are comfortable lounge chairs and tables on Rim Talay Beach Bar. The waterfront-setting characteristic of this party place sets it apart from other venues where you can experience KohSamui nightlife. Feast on their awesome snack offerings and superb cocktail concoctions. Indulge your taste buds with excellent seafood cuisine. Magicians, fire breathers, dancers, and various entertainers provide nightly entertainment with nightly live performances. This is a great place to unwind after a full, hard day.

Taksin Lounge

Live music entertainment six nights a week is provided by a great in-house band. Taksin Lounge is one great place to sip your after dinner drink while enjoying the resident band’s repertoire. It’s a child-friendly dining venue, where you are given perfectly cordial service while dining on marvelous food selections to appease the most discriminating palates. Indulge in the unclutteredness of simple Koh Samui nightlife here at Taksin Lounge.

Jet Skiing in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is considered one of the best places in the world to go jet skiing. 

What can be more exciting than riding on the waves in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world? When you’re touring Koh Samui beaches, you will not want to be swimming in the waters all the time. If you are in the need for speed out in the open sea you should try jet skiing.

The moment you arrive at Koh Samui, you can check in at the ShaSa hotel right away and get an initial splash at its wonderful swimming. And then with the assistance of its gracious travel and tour staff, you can make arrangements to go to any or all of the Koh Samui beaches.

Jet ski rentals are available at the most popular Koh Samui beaches like Chaweng and Lamai. Just make sure not to throw caution to the wind and use your best knowledge of the sports and the island (something you should have at all times even in your own country) to stay safe and secure.

Don’t forget also to understand the terms and conditions of the rental and don’t just dash off to a Jet Ski right away. With all the great views and action that Koh Samui beaches can offer, you don’t have to worry about not getting the best of the value of your trip to Thailand. Even the awe-inspiring sunset in quieter beaches like Bophut and Maenam is more than what you have expected from Thailand.

Jet skiing is not the only thing to do on the Gulf of Thailand, of course. Try banana boat riding, water skiing, and wakeboarding, windsurfing, parasailing or fishing! And don’t forget that Koh Samui beaches have beach bars and restaurants in many places. If you want to just go with the flow of time and stare at the sea lazily, you can stay on-shore and nurse your thirst with a refreshing drink.

Other Koh Samui beaches like Thong Krut, Bang Kao and Hua Thanon have their own spells as well. Aside from sea-bound activities, you can have a day trip to see a waterfall, tiger zoo, the Samui Aquarium, monkey show, or temple and other attractions on the way.