Bophut Beach Shopping

Bophut Beach is a great place to get some Koh Samui shopping done. 

Most of us travel to faraway island for the beach and to relax but in Koh Samui shopping is a delightful extra treat. Going tropical doesn’t always mean giving up your next big love – buying stuff for loved ones, friends and yourself. 

Located in Koh Samui’s northern coast, Bophut is a beach village that travellers and local residents love for its breath-taking sunsets, fine restaurants and plenty of pubs. Unlike some places in Thailand, Bophut doesn’t have girly bars or nightlife with all the fun and noise.  If you’re visiting as a young family or a couple, you will find the atmosphere just right. Visitors are more into playing and relaxing in the white sandy shoreline adorned with coconut palms. In the morning or lazy afternoons, when it’s not too hot, enjoy Koh Samui shopping along Bophut beach road or narrow streets lined with cafes and restaurants as well as mini shops. In the Fisherman’s Village, the centre of Bophut, you can drop by souvenir shops and boutiques with Thai and Chinese goods, which you cannot normally find in malls.

What makes Bophut’s version of Koh Samui shopping different is the beach village’s famous fine restaurants that offer Thai dishes as well as a range of specialty cuisines (yes, you can find Italian, French, Italian, and Indian food here). You can do all the hiking, choosing and buying without worrying about getting hungry in the process.  Koh Samui shopping, Bophut-style, doesn’t leave you empty in the stomach.  It’s not that you will get tired of these activities because shops and dining places are within walking distance in the Fisherman's Village.

Another plus factor for Bophut is the presence of the very best dentists that Thailand can offer. In fact, it’s a medical vacationing destination because of reasonably price dental services including restorative or general dentistry. You can sort of splurge on Koh Samui shopping (Thai-made clothing, handicrafts and many more); indulge in the finest Thai and international cooking, and still have some money left for dental cleaning and other services.

All of these you can enjoy especially if you stay at the ShaSa Hotel – Samui Boutique Hotel in Laem Sett in the southern part of the island. Reason to go south? Well, the trip is worth your while. Besides, vacationing in a tropical island is all about exploration and ShaSa Hotel supports you all the way with shuttle services. At the end of the day, after Koh Samui shopping and fun at the beach, you can go back to a paradise away from home.

Taling Ngam

Taling Ngam Beach Photo from Asiarooms.com

If you have seen an ad about Thailand showing a romantic beach lined with gently swaying coconut trees and peaceful shores, you may have seen a Koh Samui beach. True, Phuket is the more popular destination especially during peak season but if you want the sandy beaches to yourself and just some people, then to this island 700km south of Bangkok you must go.

Now among Koh Samui beach destinations, Chaweng and Lamai are the most famous but why choose the same spot as the rest of the travellers if you can go to a more exclusive spot in the island? Taling Ngam offers quaint landscapes in a peaceful hideaway with fishing boats offshore. Take a picture right away and like travellers of old send it back home (though this time we modern folks do it on Facebook) to prove how good life is when on vacation. Have you been always fantasizing lazy afternoons on a hammock or on the beach staring at the sky like it’s the first time you’ve ever done it? In a Koh Samui beach, especially in Taling Ngam, you will surely have a space to do it.

If you’re coming for slow pace vacationing, this is the best place to be. And when you feel like flexing your muscles and take a break from water- and sky-gazing, you can also have all the fun with diving, snorkelling, and cruising. You will find that water sports don’t have to done like you’re going to Formula One race.  Of all the Koh Samui beach destinations, Taling Ngam is the most serious about exclusivity.  Except for the presence of a few travellers, the area gives you the space that you want for quality time.

Equally serious with giving the traveller a royal treatment at the ShaSa Resort, a hill-by-the-sea hotel near the Laem Sett on the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region. Why not stay the night at Taling Ngam instead?  Well, you are on vacation and have time on your hands to explore Koh Samui beach resorts with a ride by taxi, bus or motorbikes around the island. After a glorious day at the remote Taling Ngam, you can go back to your boutique hotel and spend the rest of your waking hour, reading in the book at the garden or getting a good massage at the balcony of your suite.

Thailand is a great place to claim a week or two of peace and quiet that you have always dreamed of. Be ready with your camera because the “oohs” and the “aahs” need to be documented in pictures. Come to Koh Samui beach, specifically Taling Ngam, and feel like a celebrity who wants to be anonymous.

Best Thai Cooking Schools on Koh Samui

Gaeng Kiew Wan Goong Hoi Shell

There are many things to do in Koh Samui, especially when it comes to food. Instead of going for a regular holiday in Thailand, why not learn cooking from the best Thai cooking schools on Koh Samui? You can learn about Thai techniques in cooking and you can explore the many wonders of Thai cuisine. This will turn your regular holiday into a more productive and interesting one. Take home with you not only the beautiful attractions and memories of the many things to do in Koh Samui, but bring home new knowledge on Thai cooking.  

If you are curious and interested in learning about how Thai food is made and prepared, then you must include Thai cooking lessons among your list of things to do in Koh Samui. You can improve your knowledge on Thai cuisine and enjoy authentic Thai food at the same time. The classes and lessons offered by the Thai cooking schools can accommodate students of various levels so beginners, intermediate or advanced students can all take up classes and learn Thai cooking.

Koh Samui is now becoming known for its Thai cooking schools. People who are interested in pursuing a career in the food industry, especially in Thai cooking, are beginning to take notice of opportunities of learning in Koh Samui. There are many things to do in Koh Samui such as diving, sightseeing, shopping, etc. but learning Thai cooking is among the most popular. Amateurs that have a keen interest in Thai cuisine will find Koh Samui to be an island with a unique and authentic Thai culture still intact after a long history of contact with people from other cultures. It is in Koh Samui that some of the rare Thai cooking techniques are still being practiced. You can learn from the masters themselves if you take lessons in Thai cooking.

Here are some of the best schools on Koh Samui:


        1.   Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts

This school is located at the heart of the famous Chaweng Beach. The instructors are all experts of Thai cuisine and they teach with a professional approach. The students are equipped with hand-outs and DVDs to help them keep up with the class. You can get professional training and experience Thai cooking. Since it is located at the beach, students can enjoy the view of the beach, among other things to do in Koh Samui, after the lessons.

        2.   ShaSa resort Thai cooking school

This is definitely the most convenient cooking school. You can simply wake up, roll out of bed and learn how to cook some authentic Thai cuisine from the comforts of your room. ShaSa provides guests with a free Thai cooking class to all of its guests. Thousands of guests are taught every year.

  3.    Siam Kitchen

This cooking school is located on Lamai Beach and the classes are usually small in size and the approach is personalized. The school is run by a Thai family and they offer personalized instruction to their students. The instructors are known for their passion and deep knowledge of Thai cuisine and cooking. Students have the option to choose which dish they want to prepare or they can also ask the suggestion of their instructors.

  4.   The Blue Banana

 

This school is located on Big Buddha Beach and the lessons are known to be hands on. The classes are focused on students getting the full experience of cooking.

MAKE A SPLASH IN KOH SAMUI

There are so many gorgeous beaches in Koh Samui for you to enjoy. 

If you’re going to Thailand, it’s not at all possible to stay dry for long anywhere you go. Even if you skip Phuket and head to other islands like Koh Samui, your stay in the country will be just as satisfying. At the heart of Koh Samui attractions are the white sandy beaches fringed with coconut trees and everything you can possibly do on water.

Initially, the warm weather will make you feel gloriously lazy especially if you’re staying at ShaSa Hotel – Samui Boutique Hotel where you can have the best of two worlds – a view of the sea from the hillside while staying at a luxurious hotel. So actually, you get a taste of Koh Samui attractions right away, without going places yet. Check with the travel and tour assistance staff if they can make arrangements for watersports activities.

Of course, you couldn’t just stay indoors though it would be tempting. You just have to explore the island beyond the ShaSa property because it is what you came here for. There are two main Koh Samui attractions that would come highly recommended by locals and other tourists.

Chaweng Beach is the largest beach in the island. Here you can arrange for sea kayaking or canoeing, snorkeling and diving in one of the many resorts or diving shops because the island is near to Ko Tao and the Angthong National Marine Park where hydrophilics or water lovers go. Though the best time for diving is between June and August, it is definitely possible to enjoy this activity all year round. These activities are highly recommended Koh Samui attractions even for first-timers. In Lamai, you can expect the same thrills though you are likely to have less company here because it’s next in size to Chaweng. There are other beaches for those who need a place to reflect on the beauty of Mother Nature. For instance, there is the Laemset beach is one of the most relaxing beaches on Koh Samui and it's located only a few steps from the ShaSa hotel. This private beach is quiet and beautiful. 


Of course, you can’t just stay in the salty waters admiring the corals all the time. Relax and go sailing on one of the charter boats. Or you will have to walk on the island again. You will admire breathtaking waterfalls (one of Koh Samui attractions you must not miss) especially Namuang near Banturian. And there are other must-see places like the infamous Grandmother and Grandfather rocks and the sacred temples.


At the end of the day, back at the ShaSa Hotel you can rewind memories of Koh Samui attractions in the past hours and resolve to get more of them the next day.

Major Bars and Nightclubs in Koh Samui

Listed below are some of the most vibrant major bars and nightclubs in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is not a one trick pony, not only is it known for its white sanded picturesque beaches it’s also know for its nightlife.

After a day of unwinding on the beach, many individuals like to out and have some fun.

The island is considered one of the best entertainment hotspots in Thailand.  There are numerous Koh Samui nightclubs and bars situated on the island.

Please note that almost every bar and Koh Samui nightclub closes at 2 am. Party animals should head to Chaweng at least one night. Chaweng has an area of about 3-4km of clubs and bars.

It doesn’t matter if you want to dance the night away or just want to go somewhere to chitchat with your friends.

Listed below is some of the most popular Koh Samui nightclubs and bars:

1)    Find out why the Green Mango is the place to be-

Boisterous club attracts some of the prettiest girls and most handsome guys on the island every night. It is considered the most popular Koh Samui nightclub where you will be able to find the infamous Samui buckets. Sometimes this club can get too crowded and it can become hard to move inside. (Located at Chaweng)

2)    Go to the Reggae bar for a trendy and enjoyable night-

Samui’s second most famous bar is always popping off. This renowned Koh Samui nightclub attracts many of the top DJs from around the world. It’s the self-proclaimed “oldest disco in Koh Samui”. (Located at Chaweng)

3)    Excellent Fusions Club-

Great place to relax and strike great conversations. The atmosphere here is very laid back and the service is amazing. They play some classic tunes here all night long. (Located at Lamai)

4)    For a romantic evening head to the Lipa Noi-

This homely restaurant/bar has an unforgettable sunset at about 6 pm everyday. They also attract some of the top local bands to play music each night. (Located at Lipa Noi) 

BIG BUDDHA BEACH

With views like this one, no wonder the Big Buddha beach is one of the most popular Koh Samui beaches.

A Koh Samui beach list wouldn’t be complete without inclusion of Big Buddha Beach. Situated between the islands of Koh Farn and Koh Sam, this Koh Samui beach lies on the northeast tip of Koh Samui island. It is strategically located a mere 15-minute-road trip away from Chaweng, a popular nightspot for night owls, and just 25 minutes away from Nathon, the capital of Koh Samui. The village of Bophut also lies nearby.

What to Expect

Anyone out looking for a great time at night doesn’t have to look very far once they’re in the vicinity of this Koh Samui beach. Nightlife has never been more glamorous with the network of bars, nightclubs and restaurants that cater to various clients with the most discriminating tastes. The captivating peace in this Koh Samui beach provides a great place to hang out in, have a long, unhurried stroll on, or simply enjoy the soothing smell and taste of seawater to dispel those cobwebs of care from the confused mind. Big Buddha Beach offers tranquility in the right doses, as well as a healthy helping of nightlife noise to individuals out for a rocking good time.

Who Will Enjoy The Big Buddha Beach?

Practically anyone can treat themselves to the fascinating sights and sounds of this Koh Samui beach. With backpackers making up a good majority, Big Buddha beach also has much to offer to families, children and tour groups. The famous statue can be beheld in its magnificence towering at twelve meters at the highest point of a wide flight of stairs, with intricate dragon details characteristic of the brilliance of Thai art ingenuity. An added attraction is the array of art shops surrounding the temple of Wat Phra Yai, which houses the statue. Hunt for handcrafted silver jewelry in these fine shops.

What Can You Do at Big Buddha Beach?

Big Buddha Beach is a Koh Samui beach that has so much to offer. Go swimming with the entire family on this safe area where the water doesn’t run too deep and the current isn’t too strong. Get that much- wanted tan while engrossed in a great book. Go kiteboarding, snorkeling, and rock-walking. Immerse yourself in Koh Samui beach village culture by visiting the surrounding areas where a variety of services and shops from cybercafés, supermarkets, diving instruction schools, car and bike rentals, travel agencies, gas stations, a post office, can be availed of. This is Koh Samui at its best—at Big Buddha Beach. 

Songkran in Koh Samui

Spending your Songkran in Koh Samui is an unforgettable experience.  

Songkran in Koh Samui island is one of the most popular and widely anticipated festivals in Thailand. “Songkran” is also known as the “Thai New Year” or the “Water Festival”. Water is a sacred symbol for Thais that is often associated with cleansing or washing away of bad luck. Most foreigners know the 

Songkran as the Water Festival of Thailand. This celebration is held each year from April 13 to April 15. Expect Songkran in Koh Samui island to be wild beyond your expectations. It is a time for festivities and enjoyment for the Thais and the best place to experience the Thai New Year is in Koh Samui island.

This Water Festival originates from a Sanskrit origin that denotes the movement of the sun or the changing position of the sun into the zodiac. In Thailand, Songkran was traditionally a mark of the time of year when Thais would travel back home to visit their family and to give honor to the elders. In earlier times, the Songkran was a humble pouring of water over the family members and the friends’ shoulders and hands to wash away bad luck. Nowadays, it is a celebration in the whole country which is often celebrated by pouring bucketfuls of water.

In Koh Samui island, Songkran is widely celebrated. Usually, the locals go to the temple to offer a prayer and food to the temple monks. It is a celebration filled with merriment and well wishes. The whole community gathers together in well wishing. This celebration is likened to the combination of Chinese New Year and April Fool’s Day. 

Songkran usually takes place during the warmest season of the year. Since it is so warm, people find good reason to have water fights on this day. In Koh Samui island, the people prepare buckets of water, water hoses and gallon drums of water as “weapons” for the water fight. The whole day, you will witness people, both locals and tourists, joining in on the fun of water fights. There are pickup trucks and cars parked all over the island.

If you want to join in on the fun at Koh Samui island, bring a water pistol, a bottle of water or a bucket if you want. The rule of the water fight is simple: attack with your own “weapon” to those who least expect it. People are expected to play nice if the truly want to participate in this silly yet enjoyable celebration. Bring your nice attitude into the playground and leave your viciousness behind. It’s all about clean fun.  

Those that have “immunity” from the water fight are the uniformed police, the elderly and those that are driving. The common problem during this celebration is road safety because motorbike and scooter drivers often get shocked with the water bombs coming their way. However, among players, you can expect that there will be those mixing four, soap suds, talcum powder and other such things with the water. Some even chill the water near freezing point to add shock value.