Move aside Bali, there’s a new contender to the ultimate resort getaway! Just one short flight away is Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket. This hidden gem is packed with blue skies, sandy beaches, spas and a whole lot of coconut water for that perfect summer vibe.
Surely one picture isn’t going to do it justice. Here are 10 reasons why you should book the next flight over!
1. Just a nap away with Bangkok Airways
Transits are not fun. Maldives takes a good couple of hours and even an inland flight. Its a holiday. I want to get straight to the beach and get my tan on.
Koh Samui is just 1 hour 55 mins by direct flight away courtesy of Bangkok Airways. Despite being a short flight, they do serve an appetising inflight meal with an option to warm up with their organic Rice Tea.
Data hogs can also grab their tourist Data Sim Cards at the airport, right outside the arrival gate. All I had to do was pass them my phone for a second, and they would do everything from inserting the new sim card to setting it up.
2. Rain or Shine, It’s Always a Beautiful Morning
I was greeted by a downpour my first day there – but, no worries. It soon cleared to gift us one of the most photo-worthy blue skies the beach has to offer.
And, if you’re lucky, you might even meet one of the friendly visitors on the beach. It’s as if they are there just to remind you how to enjoy a beach holiday – take a slow stroll to the beach, pick a nice warm spot and close your eyes (and get a belly rub is that’s your thing). Ah, what a life!
3. Resort or Hotel, Your Pick With Centara
If you’re thinking that the accommodation on the island are all the same, you could not have been more wrong. Centara, alone, has two options for you.
Centara Grand Beach Resort boasts huge colonial-styled rooms and an entire area dedicated to their luxurious pool, all next to the beach. The location is central, in the middle of main street where all the restaurants, spas and shopping are.
A little further out is the Centara Villa Samui. Built upon the hill, it has access to its very own private beach – one which you could admire as you have your first coffee of the day. Yes, you get to wake up, have a delicious breakfast and, even, grab a message while taking in the view.
4. The Library, The Boutique Hotel For The Honeymooners
Easily one of the most stunning hotels I have ever been in has got to be The Library. This boutique hotel is the brainchild of contemporary design and luxury living. Modelled after pages of a book (hence, the name), each room is as fantastic as the next. There’s even an option for mood lighting on the wall of the bed, perfect for couples (wink wink).
Just a few steps ahead is their signature red pool, which has been selected as one of the world’s most spectacular hotel pools by Tripadvisor and CNN. And, with it facing the beach directly, I can’t think of a more awesome place to lounge!
Unless swimming is not your thing, that is. But, no need to fret, as the night starts to set, staff can be seen setting up bean bags along their beach. Guests can chill with a glass of wine, specialty cocktails and bar bites as the day comes to an end.
5. Unwind and Heal At Kalamaya
Those looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, looking for a place to refresh or have a growing love for yoga can look forward to the Kalamaya.
The owners, passionate about their insightful vision to open hearts, rest minds and engage the spirit, built this private haven around a centuries-old cave once used by Buddhist monks as a spiritual retreat. There is, indeed, a sense of serenity you can’t get anywhere else on the island.
This health resort is know for its spa, yoga, wellness and detox retreats lasting from three days, a week and more. There, guests will be allowed to full take in all the nature – no phones, no WiFi outside rooms. The menu there may be focused on nurturing the body, it, by no means, is bland and boring. They kept to the bombastic flavours of Thai cuisine we all know and love while keeping it clean and refreshing.
6. A Spiritual and Cultural Discovery
The culture on the island is a series of influences, starting with Chinese traders and Muslim fisherman first settling there. They still live peacefully alongside their Thai cousins, showing distinct habits and religious customs on the island.
A majority of the population practice Buddhism, evident by pious visitors to the largest monastery at the Big Buddha and the Mummified Monk temple (Way Khunaram).
7. Massages, Massages and more Massages with Dusita Spa
There are tons of options for a quick massage or a mani-pedi. I visited Dusita Spa along Chaweng Beach Road while I was there, and would recommend it. From their dramatic interiors to services usually found only in 5-star resorts, it is the perfect mid-day pick-me-up without busting your wallets.
8. A Bustling Night Life Along The Beach
Koh Samui’s nightlife has a reputation – for being the best in Thailand! The full moon parties are known far and wide. Both locals and tourists make up the endless stream neon lights that last till day break.
While Yamazaki or Macallan can’t be found on their menu, expect to find everything from Coronas, Jack Daniels to giant cocktails served in a water bucket. Yes. A water bucket stuffed with straws. It even comes with a handle for those who want to take it along for a stroll down the beach to catch the fire dancers!
9. Or, If You Are Looking To Chill
Looking to chill? The Fisherman’s Village opens up to a whole new world come dusk. The amber-lights dress up the coconut tree-filled shores with giant bean bags and shisa smoke for that perfect way to end (or start) the night.
10. Let’s Not Forget The Food
You cannot head over to Thailand and not go crazy over their cuisine. The flavours down south are a little different. There is a lot more focus on herbs, coconut cream and rich blends of galangal, tumeric, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves rather than the strong, intense heat we are familiar with in the northeast (Bangkok).
Something I got addicted to was the Kalamae Candy. It is basically a sweet, sticky candy made from glutinous rice. Coming in three flavours – original coconut, pandan and black glutinous rice -, it can be purchased in a colourful bag of all three. My favourite is the black glutinous rice flavour! The coconut cream taste is more contained, with chunks of rice giving it a more chewy texture than the other two.
Another must-try has got to be Pa Mai Tree‘s Kanom Jeen. This long standing store is famous among locals and tourists! This dish is similar to our laksa, featuring freshly made rice noodles soaking in a curry sauce alongside a spectacular platter of fresh vegetables and eggs. It starts from 30 Baht to 70 Baht, the more expensive one being seafood options like crab.
Honestly, the food alone could have taken over this entire trip! There was so much seafood, petai beans and coconut water sending me straight to a food coma.
Convinced?
I only had a quick four days there but I am sure of one thing. Koh Samui is the island getaway for one and all. Whether you are going there as a family, on a honeymoon or just a fun weekend with your best pals, there will be something for you!
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