Introduction
Once a sleepy stop on the backpacker trail, Koh Samui is fast becoming Thailand's glitziest island destination. Visitors are flocking to the new ultra-luxurious W Retreat and Banyan Tree, while Bangkok hipsters and expats are setting up boutiques and cafés. Escaping from it all isn't hard either, with lovely white-sand beaches and jungle retreats.
More from Koh Samui PDF VersionEssentials
- Explore the different beaches. Avoid the crowds at popular Chaweng and Lamai and head to Mae Nam and Taling Ngam.
- Detoxify, meditate, and practise yoga at one of the island’s acclaimed wellness retreats.
- Dress appropriately in restaurants and clubs. Leave those denim cut-offs and flip-flops behind.
- Go inland. Slip on some sturdy shoes and trek into the island’s jungled interiors for sights such as the Hin Lat waterfalls and the Emerald Sea.
- Take to the water. Besides snorkelling, steering your own sea kayak is a great way to explore the secret coves, caves and beaches that make up Angthong Marine Park.
Two-hour tour
-
Lipa Noi Beach — Spectacular sunset on a little-frequented beach.
-
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary — Best massages on the island. Afterwards, stop in the steam room and then order a ginger/tamarind cooler.
102/9 Moo 3, Laem Set Road, Na-Muang
+ 66 77 429 800
Visit website -
Hua Thanon — Traditional Muslim village with a colourful market and old teakwood houses - a glimpse into old Samui.
Hotels
-
The Scent Hotel
58/1 Moo 4, Banrak Beach
+ 66 77 962 198
Visit website -
Four Seasons Samui
219 Moo 5, Angthong
+ 66 77 243 000
Visit website -
YL Residence No.17
117 Moo 2, Tambon Maret
+ 66 77 419 150
Visit website
Dining
-
Angela's Bakery and Café
64/29 Moo 1, Tambon Mae Nam
+ 66 77 427 396
-
Will Wait Restaurant
Moo 2, Chawent Center, Chaweng Beach Road
+ 66 77 231 152
-
The Kitchen Table
W Retreat Koh Samui, 4/1 Moo 1, Tambon Mae Nam
+ 66 77 915 999
Visit website -
Namcha Samui Tea House
Fisherman's Village, Tambon Bophut
+ 66 77 427 115
Visit website -
The Jungle Club
Chaweng Noi Beach, Soi Panyadee
+ 66 818 942 327
Visit website -
Karma Sutra
Fisherman's Village, Tambon Bophut
+ 66 77 425 198
Visit website -
Sa Bieng Lae
438/82 Moo 1, Tambon Maret
+ 66 77 233 082
Visit website -
Dining on the Rocks
Six Senses Samui, 9/10 Moo 5, Baan Plai Laem, Tambon Bophut
+ 66 77 245 678
Visit website -
Zazen
177 Moo 1, Tambon Bophut
+ 66 77 425 085
Visit website -
H Bistro
Hansar Samui, 101/28 Moo 1, Tambon Bophut
+ 66 77 245 511
Visit website -
9Gems
141/190 Moo 6, Tambon Bophut
+ 66 806 920 520
Visit website -
Q Bar
147/57 Moo 2, Tambon Bophut
+ 66 77 962 420
Visit website -
Solo Bar
166/5 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Road
+ 66 77 414 012
Visit website
Reading
-
Island Books
173/28 Moo 4, Tapee Bungalows, Ban Lamai
+ 66 77 961 769
Visit website
Shopping
-
Zer Studio
215 Moo 1, Ban Hua Thanon
+ 66 77 232 121
-
Iyara Shopping Plaza
90/13-16 Chaweng Beach
+ 66 77 231 631
-
Island Girl Boutique
177/2 Moo 1, Tambon Bophut
+ 66 77 430 725
Visit website -
Oriental Living
9/18 Moo 1, Tambon Mae Nam
+ 66 77 247 675
Visit website
Transport
-
Ocean Elite Charters
33 Moo 4, Tambon Bophut
+ 66 77 427 244
Visit website -
Car Rental — Hiring a car or driver is affordable - and far safer than renting a scooter.
Limousine/car
-
Master Car Rental
35/18 Moo 4, Tambon Bophut
+ 66 77 245 999
Visit website
Fitness
-
Elements Boutique Resort
53/5 Moo 4, Phang Ka, Tambon Taling Ngam
+ 66 77 914 678
Visit website -
Trinity Yoga Samui
25/103 Moo 6, Tambon Bophut
+ 66 870 818 875
Visit website