Journey to the southern realm of Thailand to explore the enchanting islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Nang Yuan—a beacon for those seeking pristine beaches and underwater marvels. These islands beckon with their untouched beauty, crystal-clear waters reminiscent of emeralds, and are celebrated as a biosphere reserve rich in biodiversity with vibrant coral reefs. They present an idyllic escape for beach enthusiasts and diving aficionados.
Koh Samui itself is Thailand’s second-largest island, renowned for its untouched beaches, upscale resorts, and a plethora of entertainment activities.
Island orientation
Upon arrival, my husband and I ventured out from the airport to rent a motorbike, embarking on our exploration with the help of Bee, our friendly rental agent. She ensured we could pick up and return our motorbike conveniently at different locations as we came and went.
Our stay on Koh Samui
We planned to indulge in various upscale hotels to fully embrace the island’s luxurious offerings. For the first night, Nora Buri Resort & Spa, Koh Samui enchanted us with its private pools and breathtaking sea views.
Afternoon explorations
In the warmth of the afternoon, we ventured around to discover the local beauties starting with the serene Wat Khao Hua Chuk Pagoda. This beautiful temple, with its vantage point overlooking Lake Changweng—the largest freshwater lake on the island—offered us a picturesque view of airplanes taking off and landing at Koh Samui’s main airport. It was a peaceful experience, blending spiritual calmness with the exhilarating sight of soaring technology. After that, we watched the sunset at Nathon Pier.
Evening delights
As dusk fell, our adventure took us to the bustling night market at the pier. The day concluded with a quiet retreat to our accommodations, hearts full from the day’s explorations and eager for the adventures the next days would bring.
We continued our journey at the exquisite Sandalwood Luxury Villas, perched atop a hill with stunning island views and a mesmerizing infinity pool, becoming a trip highlight.
Exploring Samui’s marvels:
- Lad Koh Viewpoint: A sunrise spectacle and panoramic views of luscious green peaks and the vast sea.
- Hin Ta Hin Yai: Nature’s quirky rocks resembling male and female sexual organs, offering a humorous twist on natural beauty.
- Overlap Stone: A mysterious, mystical site of precariously balanced rock formations.
- Samui Aquarium & Tiger Zoo: A chance for close encounters with majestic tigers and marine life.
- Sabienglae: A local culinary gem, offering authentic tastes far from the city’s hustle.
Our last resort stay was at the tranquil Melati Beach Resort & Spa, located in the island’s northeast, offering private beach access and pool villas ideal for unwinding.
Discovering Nearby Attractions:
- Wat Phra Yai: Dominating the landscape with a majestic Buddha statue.
- Laem Din Market: A dive into the local lifestyle, away from tourist crowds.
- Chaweng Beach: Samui’s vibrant heart with bustling beaches and nightlife.
- Coco Tam’s: A beachside bar offering a mesmerizing fire dance and sunset views, encapsulating the essence of tropical evenings. In general, we really enjoyed watching the sunset and having dinner here. The prices were a bit high, but the quality was excellent.
As our Koh Samui journey winds down, we turn our sights toward Phuket, eager to share the next chapter of our exploration. Stay tuned for more tales of adventure and discovery.
