Koh Samui
One of the most popular destinations in Thailand, Koh Samui is a great island with a great variety of experiences to offer. Here’s how to thrive on Samui.
First of all, getting here is as convenient as it gets, and the Samui Airport might be the most unique in the world. It’s all outdoor spaces, and you feel like you’re just in a park with some pavilions that just happens to be next to where planes park. So I definitely recommend going to the airport a bit early and checking it out!
Once you’re on the island, you absolutely HAVE to rent a motorbike for your stay here. The island of Samui is perfect to whip these little guys around and see all the sites on your own, plus taxis are mad expensive.
Sights
Grandmother and Grandfather’s Rocks: You just gotta come and check out these wonderfully shaped rocks that will surely give you a good laugh. The coastline is also beautiful here, with some nice beaches on both sides that you can lounge on before or after seeing the rock hard sights. Also, be sure to grab a beer at Rock Bar, located just behind the rocks. The views over Lamai Beach while sipping on a beer, pounding on a cushion delicately placed on the rocks jetting out over the ocean is as idyllic as it gets.
Wat Plai Laem: These three temples located on top of the water are super photogenic. The details of these temples are wonderful, and the massive fish in the pond that they all are perched on adds a bit of excitement to the trip to these three temples. So yeah, this is definitely a great place to make an hour or so pit stop.
Big Buddha: All Thai cities have their own “Big Buddha”, but I found Samui’s to be one of the best. Located on an island reached by a man made causeway, and perched up about 50 stairs, the views around the Buddha are great, and this Buddha is quite large as well. There are many shops and vendors on this little island around the Buddha as well.
Na Muang Waterfall 2 (Upper Falls): This is one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes I have ever done. Its not an easy hike, but not really too difficult either. Start by crossing narrow wooden bridges over a solid sized river then trek your way all the way up to the top, where you will be treated with an opening and dramatic views out over the island. The falls are beautiful, and the base of the falls has many little pools you can swim in while taking the views over the island. Beyond worth every muddy step of the approximately 2 hour and change round trip hike.
Namtok Tar Nim & Magic Garden: This place is really freaking spooky, but I loved it. You’ll find a bunch of statues scattered around a river in a lush, dense part of the rainforest high up in the mountains. Its a really fascinating place to check out, but I seriously got an uneasy feeling after about 10 minutes alone here, so just be warned. Nevertheless, fascinating little spot (and less than $1 entrance fee).
Pagoda Khao Hua Jook: Another great temple on the island, but this one is cool because of the fact that you have uninterrupted views over the airport and the northern end of the island. I ended up making friends with another avid plane watcher and thoroughly enjoyed observing the operations of this small but wildly unique airport.
Silver Beach: This is the best public beach on the island, with great snorkeling, clear, blue water and white sand. It’s nicely protected as well, unlike many Samui beaches, so there are less waves here (a con for some).
Check out some of the islands luxury hotels: Samui has several of the best hotels in all of Thailand. The two I decided to check out were the Four Seasons during the day, because it has, in my opinion, the best beach and pool on the island - plus, its designed by my boss, Bill Bensley, so you know its going to be aesthetic as can be, and the W because of its iconic lobby and bar. The Six Senses, Ritz Carlton, Conrad are other great hotels to check out too. Walk in like you own the place and you’ll be fine lounging at these luxurious pools.
Eat and Drink
Coco Tams: This has to be first on this list because it was the highlight of my outings. The whole area has multiple restaurants, so take your pick of Thai, Western or Italian restaurants. I decided to have some Thai street food while sitting on the beach here. Then I was treated to some hookah while watching a variety of performances right in front of the beach, complete with rows of bean bags and comfortable lounge chairs. Definitely a place that I, and anyone who has been to Koh Samui, would highly recommend.
The Jungle Club: This place is about as Instagrammable as it gets. Orange bean bags on wooden decks perched within the trees and views over Chaweng Beach make this the ideal place to stop by for a drink and enjoy immaculate views. If you want a bean bag, you will have to call and make a reservation, so keep that in mind. Also, this place ain’t cheap for Thai standards, but I thought the drinks were great so definitely worth it.
Fisherman’s House Cafe x Sasatorn Coffee: A super cute little coffee shop near Coco Tams that I thoroughly enjoyed. Nice decor as well, simple vibes and a nice latte. No complaints.
Happy Elephant Restaurant: Also in the Fisherman’s Village area, this place serves a huge variety of food, right on the water’s edge. I really liked the food here, and the drinks were great as well. Definitely a place I would recommend if you’re looking for a popular, large restaurant with great views.
Mountain Grand View: I only came here and had a Coca Cola, but I wish I had more. The views from this large restaurant are as sweeping is it gets on the island. A local recommended it to me and I am so glad I went out of my way, all the way up the mountain on my little scooter to check it out. Its cash only, so keep that in mind, but the staff was super kind and they were okay with me paying slightly less with the last bit of cash I had left. In fact, now that I’m writing this, I’ll make sure to go back and leave a solid tip.
