An Unbiased Opinion On What Koh Samui Is Really Like

Gorgeous pool located at the ShaSa hotel

Anyone who’s been planning a vacation to Koh Samui has probably done ample research about the tourist hotspots, and heard plenty of good feedback. They hear things such as the island has long stretches of captivating white sand beaches, turquoise-blue water, and a refreshing sea breeze that reinvigorates the body.

Descriptions like the one above can easily make anyone believe that everyone spitting out such lines is trying to sell accommodations or a ticket going to the island. While building up tourist destinations with cleverly handpicked words is inevitable in the tourism industry, Koh Samui is one of the few getaway hotspots that actually live up to the hype.

Although the island measures only 25 kms and the center of its land area is primarily comprised of a dense jungle, this vacation paradise packs a powerful punch with a plethora of commercial establishments located along the beachfront. It boasts an old-world atmosphere, which is a pleasant experience for folks worn-down by their hectic lifestyles back home.

The picturesque scenery of palm and coconut trees swaying in the wind across the beaches is indeed to die for. For those who want to take their close-to-nature experience to the next level, the Ang Thong Marine Park is just an hour boat ride away from this charming little island.

Watersports is ideal in this tropical haven; as the water is typically gentle throughout most of the year, thereby allowing visitors to go kayaking, paddle boating or motor boating. There’s a wealth of aquatic life down below, especially at the corals nearby the shoreline, which makes for great pictures and some underwater photography.

Food is served practically everywhere – tourists have the option of eating food prepared by world-class chefs at their resorts, or tantalizing Thai and international cuisines available at popular restaurants around the beach. Alternatively, those who’d like to get a taste of authentic local chow can feel free to eat at temple parties and other local events.

The opportunity to live an exciting nightlife is another attraction of this diminutive island, as there are plenty of trendy bars and renowned clubs in many parts of this island. Spending nights drinking Thai Whiskey, Singha beer, or hundreds of other internationally-recognized alcoholic beverage brands is one way to enjoy a night, while dancing with locals and vacationists from other parts of the world.

Lastly, accommodations are comparatively affordable; yet still manage to offer great value with lavishly furnished rooms, premier amenities, and outstanding staff hospitality. 

Four Reasons To Stay At Koh Samui

The gorgeous Sunset is yet another reason to come to Koh Samui (photo courtesy of www.shasahotels.com)

There are tons of Koh Samui attractions that make this island a tourist magnet to vacationers everywhere. The obvious things that entice people from all over the planet to pay a visit to this tropical paradise, and come back to visit it again and again, include the white sand beach, crystal-clear ocean water, sea breeze, outstanding local hospitality and of course unforgettable sites.

However, similar things can be found at other popular tourist destinations elsewhere – so what separates this island from its counterparts within and outside the country? Below are the four biggest reasons that make this private getaway standout from the rest.

First off, Samui has the perfect balance between seclusion and convenience – since it can’t be reached by bus, travellers who go here tend to spend more time. While this islet is more developed as compared to other locations within region, there are numerous spots that are left virtually untouched.

For this reason, people can either choose to stay at a place loaded with various types of accommodations, which are closely situated near shops, bars, clubs and other commercial establishments; or stay at a mediocre to premium villa located far from such businesses and noisy tourists.

The second reason can be considered one of the biggest Koh Samui attractions: local cuisine. There’s a good reason why Thai cook books sell very well. Some of the best restaurants in the entire island include “The Z” and “Beyond the Sea” – they’ve been praised by individuals from all parts of the world for their mouth-watering, tongue-tantalizing food.

Third reason to stay at this fun-filled island is the wide range of activities for tourists to do – for those who like to spend their holidays at a laid-back pace, buying books from local stores, and reading under the palm shades at the beach, is one thing for these types to do. They can also choose to go to a spa, and unwind with a massage from experienced professionals.

As for those who’d like to keep busy during their visitations, this islet does exceptionally well at catering for that need – getting on a boat going to Ang Thong Marine Park is a great option. Here, vacationers can choose to go snorkelling, kayaking, or explore the park’s interior.

Fourth and last reason is the opportunity to learn something completely new – this island has various schools and instructors who are more than willing to give lessons in culinary cooking, yoga, diving, sailing plus wind-surfing.

There are of course, plenty of other Koh Samui attractions, which make this tourist hotspot an excellent place to visit. The ones listed here are just some of many reasons why a vacationist should definitely consider spending a vacation here! Many activities have been described on this blog in earlier posts, however if you would like to learn more about some other activities we haven’t yet covered, please let us know.

An Ang Thong Adventure

Amazing view from the Ang Thong National Marine Park (photo courtesy of quicktrip.sg)

Ang Thong National Marine Park is one of the most beautiful and thrilling Koh Samui attractions. Take a boat from Koh Samui, which is 28 kilometers away, and you will arrive at Ang Thong, which has pristine beaches and an amazing view. There are so many things to do while at Ang Thong.

Of course, you could spend the day getting a golden tan while reading your favorite book and enjoying the sound of the waves but Ang Thong, as it is one of the most exciting Koh Samui attractions, has so much more to offer. You could hike along the island's steep limestone steps, reach the peak and take in Thailand's beautiful scenery from above, while capturing a memorable photo. 

Ang Thong has safe mountain trails with seasoned hiking guides. 'Ang Thong' literally means 'Golden Basin' and it refers to the beautiful topography that has formed due to the numerous erosion that has taken place in the area over the years. Ang Thong is comprised of 42 different islands and to attempt to explore everything would take a few weeks. But of course, you could always visit only the main attractions.

Ang Thong has an amazing wildlife and this is one of the more thrilling Koh Samui attractions. Get up close with a variety of fascinating creatures such as pythons and other species of snakes, iguanas, langurs, white bellied sea eagles, otters and other reptile and bird species.

Koh Mae or the "Mother Island" boasts of a gorgeous beach and its inland salt water lagoon called is called the Thale Nai or "Emerald Lake". Nearby is Koh Sam Sao or the "Tripod Island" that has a coral reef and great hiking grounds perfect for divers and hikers. You may also choose to take a snorkeling tour around the islands and be enthralled by a variety of sea creatures. You could also rent a boat and go sailing or do some Kayaking.

Ang Thong is able to maintain its beauty because it has been greatly protected since its establishment in the 1980s. The place has gained widespread popularity when it was mentioned in Alex Garland's novel 'The Beach' which was then made into a film starring Leonardo Di Caprio. The movie however was not filmed on Ang Thong.

It has attractions within it and has something for everybody. Experiencing these Koh Samui attractions makes it not only a fun vacation, it makes it a journey. 

Top 5 Kid Activities in Koh Samui

Koh Samui Crocodile farm's are a huge Koh Samui attraction, especially amongst kids. 

Koh Samui attractions are as much fun for the kids as they are for the adults, perhaps even more so! Despite its reputation for a wild nightlife, the number of Koh Samui attractions for kids is staggering; there are all kinds of different activities available, and so here’s our list of the best of them:

1.    Shasa Resort Kid’s Club

The luxury Shasa Resort and Residences at the family-friendly Laem Sett Beach has just about every kind of activity imaginable for kids of all ages. The Kid’s Club is one of the top Koh Samui attractions for kids, with a mix of fun, educational activities for them to enjoy. They have kid’s books available in dozens of different languages, painting classes, DVDs and movies, video games consoles such as the Nintendo Wii and the Sony PlayStation 3, along with a ton of games, and they also have the largest collection of LEGO bricks in Koh Samui! Super fun for kids of all ages is assured!

2.    Koh Samui Crocodile Farm

Kids will be enthralled by the living dinosaurs at the Koh Samui Crocodile Farm, one of the greatest Koh Samui attractions there is. As well as being home to fascinating Siamese crocodiles and saltwater crocodiles, the center also has numerous other reptile shows, including snakes, caimans and lizards. Monkey shows are also available on the island!

3.    Mini-Golf

As well as swimming, some of the best Koh Samui attractions are its sporting facilities, and perhaps none is more fun for children than the excellent mini-golfing facilities at Choeng Mon, which is one of the few certified mini-golf courses in the country. What’s more, as well as the regular mini-golf course, they also have a new addition – called football-golf! Here, the kids are face with a giant-sized mini-golf course, the idea being they have to tee off with their feet and kick the ball around which is actually a pretty challenging obstacle course.

4.    Ang Thong National Marine Park

If you’re looking for a nice family day out with the kids, then you might want to check out the famous Ang Thong National Marine Park, one of the biggest and most picturesque of all Koh Samui attractions you’ll ever get to see.

This awesome national park actually lies about an hour westwards of Koh Samui, and has to be visited by speedboat (something the kids will love!). Ang Thong National Marine Park is actually an archipelago of several stunningly beautiful islands, with crystal clear waters and spectacular, unspoilt beaches. One of the bigger islands also features an inland lake and a huge cave which can be explored, something that is sure to provide kids with an epic adventure. There are numerous companies operating tours to Ang Thong, just ask at your hotel about it.

5.    Jungle Walks

Back on dry land, one of the best Koh Samui attractions that kids will love is simply exploring the lush green jungle from the base at Hin Lad temple near Na Thon. The trail follows a small river and there are a number of waterfalls and areas where you can bathe in the water or sit and just rest. Further up the mountain, there are a couple of large pools big enough to swim in.