Active Lifestyle in Koh Samui

Wake boarding is one of the many things you can do in Koh Smaui  to enjoy a healthy lifestyle 

Sports-minded tourists or travellers with lifestyles revolving around physical fitness need not forego of their activities when visiting the island of Koh Samui in southern Thailand. As a matter of fact, the Koh Samui highlights of their visit can include various sports and similar recreational activities. 

The tourist accommodations at the island’s beach destinations offer many choices in water-based sports and recreational activities. Among these are jet skiing, kayaking, kite boarding, snorkelling, and scuba-diving.

Tourists with an active lifestyle will be delighted to note that lists of Koh Samui things to do also include many land-based recreational pursuits. Some beach resorts, such as those at the southern tip of the island, feature their own fully equipped fitness centres. 

These facilities are at par with Western standards. Resort visitors who have a training regimen to keep will have at their disposal modern exercise equipment, such as electronic treadmill and state-of-the-art workout machines, in addition to the traditional free weights.

Many Koh Samui resorts also maintain tennis courts with lights for evening matches. Moreover, tourists who want to improve their lobs and volleys can avail of tennis lessons designed specifically for adults and kids. Those more inclined toward table tennis will likewise find the facilities they need in some beach resort clubhouses.

Visiting duffers won’t be away from their woods and irons either. Koh Samui is home to the Santiburi Samui Country Club located at the mountainous northern part of the island. This 6,930-yard, 18-hole, par 72 layout promises championship calibre of play. 

Its links are striking, taking golfers across winding fairways traversing coconut groves and creeks amid wondrous views of the Gulf of Thailand, cliffs, and mountains. The Santiburi course offers challenging play with its up-and-down-hill configuration.

Mini golf too is an option for Koh Samui tourists yet to earn their spurs in the full version of the royal and ancient game. A mini golf course is located near the Santiburi Samui Country Club at the forests overlooking the Choeng Mon beach resort. Called Mini Golf International and a member of the World Mini-Golf Federation, this is the only professional mini golf course in Thailand.

At Koh Samui, tourists can also have a sampling of Thailand’s home-grown sport muay thai or Thai kickboxing. Besides this Thai national sport, more traditional sporting activities are also widely played in the island. Several football clubs and associations in Samui regularly conduct tournaments and pick-up matches. More sedate games such as petanque and badminton also have many adherents in the island.

Enjoying Coconuts at Koh Samui

Nothing beats a cold coconut drink on a beach

At Koh Samui things to do never seem to run out – foreigners will have the time of their lives on this island, which features the perfect balance of unspoilt natural beauty and tourist-oriented businesses. For many of this tropical paradise’s visitors, adopting the islander healthy diet (and implementing it in their lifestyle back home) is one thing they’d like to achieve during their stay.

That said, Koh Samui travel guides say that including the coconut in any eating and drinking regimen is a must for those who wish to stay fit and healthy. But regardless of all its life-enhancing attributes, misinformation surrounding this wonder nut is constantly being spread, most especially throughout the western world.

According to these erroneous facts, the fruit’s oil contains saturated fat, which can clog arteries and cause various heart problems.

False info such as the one listed above have been fabricated by organizations such as the Corn Products Company (CPC International) and the American Soybean Association (ASA). These groups are economically motivated to slam the reputation of the coconut. Companies that create products derived from this natural occurring good have already affected revenues generated by other firms using products derived from other fruits and vegetables.

So just like any other giant company that’s being bothered by its rivals, Koh Samui travel guides explain that these organizations have resorted to distorting scientific evidence in an attempt to turn consumers off towards purchasing goods coconut-based products.

Here’s what tourists need to know: although this super nut does contain fat, it’s way different from the unhealthy variation that most people think it to be. Its fat is called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which is metabolized differently from the fats found in other oils.

In addition, despite most of its fat is the saturated type, several studies suggest that not all saturated fats are detrimental to health. Coconut oil is proven to raise HDL cholesterol, which is the “good” type needed by the body.

Coconut water has also been shown to be beneficial for human health. 11ozs of this liquid contains significant amounts of potassium, 15 carbohydrates, and a gram of protein, making it great for workouts – one of those important Koh Samui things to do during any vacation, especially for fitness concerned individuals.

However, Koh Samui travel guides say that 11oz of this nut’s water does contain 60 calories, therefore, it should be taken in moderation, preferably during or after workouts.

Delectable Exotic Fruits in Samui

Depicted above is some of the delicious fruit that can be found in Koh Samui (photo courtesy of  flickr.com)

Thailand is not only the land of smiles, but the land of delicious fruits as well. A traveller’s list of things to do in Koh Samui should include buying a sample of all the fruits found on the island. As a starter, try the fruits after you enjoy your breakfast.

Jackfruit is an exotic fruit available during summer and even rainy months. The fruit is exotic and is tasty in ice cream, while its massive seeds are used in cooking. Tamarind, on the other hand can be found during the winter. Its taste is tart and tangy when fresh, but it is sweet when dried. Open the shell and chew pieces of the fruit inside! Mangosteen is a spring or autumn fruit. These fruits are like little presents, as one has to cut through the thick red skin to find a bite-sized treat waiting within.

During the summer season, things to do in Koh Samui include sampling Thai fruits like: Salak fruit or snake fruit, which is available in the late spring or summer. Open the scaly skin and enjoy the neat white cloves of this fruit inside. It is truly a brand new experience for travellers looking for exotic and interesting things to eat. Rose apples can also be bought in the summer. This fruit is crunchy and bitter, with a texture resembling a very moist apple. Rambutan is another summer fruit, and it really looks like a tropical fruit because of its spikes. It’s also one of the cheapest fruits in Thailand. It is very tasty and can be eaten in large quantities. Custard apple or sugar apple is sold during summer, too. Open the fruit and scoop the inside with a spoon.

Durian is a summer fruit. It is known as the king of fruits, but its bad scent is offensive for some people. The skin is so tough that it makes a formidable weapon. It’s very hard to open especially for people who have never done it before.

Sapodilla is out in the autumn. Just remove the skin and eat it like a pear. This is the best fruit to use for fruit carving practice. Pomelo is another autumn fruit, and it’s actually the biggest citrus fruit. It is really like an improved grapefruit, but sweeter and easier to eat. For convenience, travellers should buy one that’s already been cut and prepared.

People who eat lots of fruit live longer and lead healthier lives. Thailand is also a paradise of fruits; it reminds visitors of the Garden of Eden. There are fruits of different sizes, shapes and colour everywhere. And they are not only cheap, but fresh too! So many of these fruits are home grown, so a lot of vendors just pluck them out from its source. Include indulging in a fruit holiday as part of your things to do in Koh Samui.

The 3 Most Interesting Koh Samui Attractions

One of the most interesting sites in Koh Samui is the Magic Garden (photo courtesy of flickr.com)

There are tons of things to do in Koh Samui to keep you entertained throughout the duration of your vacation. While the typical activities include swimming in the crystal clear ocean water under the hot sun, building sand castles and paying a visit to Koh Samui attractions is one way to maximize a holiday at this tropical island.

However, the average time that a vacationer spends at this islet (which is about five days) isn’t enough to visit and enjoy everything that this island has to offer. With that being said, this blog will list and describe the three most interesting ones that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Visitors of this island are advised to visit the attractions listed here first, and then use their remaining time to check out others sites.

The first place that a tourist should visit is the Samui Snake Farm – here, vacationists can get a close-up view of Thailand’s most beautiful and dangerous snakes. This reptile zoo also features sixty-minute shows wherein trained professionals engage in daring acts of interaction with poisonous snakes and scorpions. Considered as one of the biggest Koh Samui attractions, shows are held every day, and are guaranteed to send tingles down the spines of spectators.

Another place that you shouldn’t miss out on is the Magic Garden. Located within the deeper parts of the jungle, this attraction features treasures and statues carved by Nim Thongsuk (deceased.) The garden is very serene and tranquil.

No one should attempt to get to Magic Garden on his or her own – its location makes it quite difficult to get to, therefore, a local driver with a 4 x 4 vehicle will be needed. Also, the driver should know his way around the area, because anyone could easily get lost.

The last place that you must visit when you go to Koh Samui is the Monkey Theatre, which is a place where locals show visitors how monkeys are trained to harvest coconuts atop tall coconut trees. The mere sight of monkeys obeying the commands of a human (in this case, gathering coconuts) makes paying a visit to this attraction one of the best things to do in Koh Samui.

There are of course, plenty of other Koh Samui attractions for tourists to see such as the famous temples, secluded islands, tiger zoo, crocodile shows and much more. Make sure to visit as many of these sites as possible you won’t regret it.  

Fun Koh Samui Activities

There are so many things you should do during your stay in Koh Samui! (photo courtesy traveldestinationinfo.com)

When visiting Koh Samui, there are many activities that a person should try out before they head back home. What many tourists love is that Koh Samui activities are not only a lot of fun but inexpensive as well. Discover the highly sought after activities in this island right here.

Some people may want to go on a whole day fishing tour in Koh Samui. Various tours are available and during these tours, travellers can catch a snapper, barracuda, or other types of fish. These tours include round-trip transfers from the hotel to the tour site, the tour, and lunch.

Five Islands Tour offered is another activity that tourists may want to consider. This tour involves a visit to small islands off Koh Samui’s coast. Sights consist of caves, secluded beaches, remote dwellings, and other spectacular marvels. Snorkelling, lunch and dinner is also a part of the tour fee.

Inside the forested mountain by Chaweng Beach Road lies the Spa Samui Village. Here visitors can enjoy yoga salsa and herbal steam saunas that are inside caves. Massages are offered and free shuttles are available as well.

A holistic wellness center, is located on Laem Set beach. Koh Samui activities from detox programs to infrared ray saunas to Chi Gong, Pilates, yoga, and even weight loss programs.

There is also a Health Oasis Resort located on the Bang Po ring road. This wellness resort is one of a kind and offers a house herbalist and naturopath. They have other specialized treatments as well like light transformation, polarity zapper, and ozone therapy.

Those looking to relax and unwind should consider taking up yoga classes. Absolute Yoga and Yoga Thailand are offered in Koh Samui. Absolute Yoga is located at the Fisherman’s Village entrance in Bophut and offers Pilates as well as hot yoga. Yoga rates per session and monthly rates are available.

Other Koh Samui activities a person should consider include monkey shows, elephant riding, tiger shows, banana boat riding, jet skiing and Muay Thai training.

Travellers who want to experience healing should check out Dharma Healing International. This facility is on a small beach called Lipa Yai that is located right by Lipa Noi. This healing center is very spiritual and Buddhist, especially amongst all of Koh Samui’s wellness centers. The main focus is fasting, discovering the inner child, and Vipassana meditation. Various courses are available depending on the visitors’ interest.

There are a lot of Koh Samui activities available in this island, which makes it a fun destination for all visitors. Don’t miss out on experiencing enjoyment and relaxation at this breath-taking island. 

Museums in Koh Samui

The private museum of Koh Samui is a great place to go to learn about the history of this island

One of the things to do in Koh Samui is visiting the Private Museum in the island. The name is a very generic one and does not give away anything about what is exhibited in the museum. Visitors, essentially, only get the idea that the museum is private and not publicly owned or state owned. However, labelling the museum a private one is also quite confusing, seeing as this museum is open for public visitors.

The Private Museum is situated by the ring road, which is on the street used to turn to Chaweng. This is located on a side road, its address being 199/11 M.2 T Bophut. The contact numbers are 84320 and 088 249 3901. The museum’s email is privatemuseum@hotmail.com. Those who are considering this museum as part of their itinerary or things to do in Koh Samui should check for directions to the exact location of the museum. This can easily be done searching the address in Google maps.

In the Private Museum’s leaflet, notable claims are made. The museum is home to artefacts from the Iron Age, the Bronze Age, the New Stone Age, and the Middle Stone Age. There is more to it than that – the owner of the museum is a relative of King Rama IV and a past governor of a northern Thai province. The man, who isn’t named in the brochure, studied in Paris and also received a gold medal during the 'Salon des Artistes Francais 1986'. The owner of the museum is M.L. Arachawa Worawan.

The museum is located in a 300 year-old building and is constructed in the island’s traditional wooden style buildings. The exhibits in the museum consist of Ban Chiang Thai pottery and ceramics. The most significant archaeological discovery of Koh Samui, the stone drum discovered by Lamai Beach is sadly not exhibited in the museum. This particular piece is evidence that Koh Samui was occupied ever since Stone Age. Unfortunately, this artefact is not the Private Museum but rather in a different museum located on the mainland of Suratthani.

When searching for things to do in Koh Samui, be sure to include the Private Museum in Koh Samui. It is really a great place to visit. By visiting this museum, travellers will be able to learn something regarding the human settlement in the island of Koh Samui. Although the collection is not huge, which is obvious in the minimal images shown on the museum’s promotional leaflet, they have a collection that is still worth visiting.