6 Reasons why Koh Samui is one of the top destination in Thailand
One can’t argue that the beautiful island of Koh Samui remains as a top choice for holiday makers. From those traveling the world as back packers to luxury hunters, the island has plenty to offer.
Variety in Accommodation
With the glorious beaches comes a great choice of accommodation. Chaweng is the most popular area and possibly the busiest. Many would hail it as a backpacker haven due to proximity to almost everything! Bars, restaurants and shopping is literally on the doorstep of every resort and hostel. However, the whole strip is not about nightlife and crazy parties. Many do not know that before the arrival of party places like Ark Bar, pubs and bars inside Soi Green Mango, Chaweng was first popularized by fine accommodations like Centara Grand Beach Resort, a five star long standing resort offering fantastic facilities and amenities. Private villas have also been gaining popularity in the recent years, which lead to the new choice of accommodation on Koh Samui. And if you happen to choose Chaweng, look at the northern coast and you will find a gem called Villa Mia which perfectly suits families seeking for the ultimate privacy on a tropical island whilst not being too far from the main tourist attractions.
Accessibility
How easy is it to get to Koh Samui? Well, there is an international airport operated by an award winning boutique airline Bangkok Airways. You can fly direct to this beautiful rock from Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Singapore, Penang, Subang and Kunming. And if you happen to stop in Bangkok for a couple of nights, there is a non-stop flight daily. But for those who are a little tight on budget, the airport in Suratthani lands low cost airlines like Air Asia and Nok Air. From Suratthani airport, you can get a transfer by bus to Donsak pier and get on either Seatran ferry or Raja Ferry.
Neighboring islands
Once in Koh Samui, nothing stops a wandering tourist from exploring more. Get to know the nearby islands which are accessible by boats. Koh Phangan is the host of well-known full moon party. Koh Tao is a place where divers head out to and there are small islands around to further explore the underwater world. The Marine Park is a popular island packed with tourists. And there are islands closer to Samui called Koh Taen and Koh Mudsum which are less crowded islands and has great snorkeling sites. Transfers to these islands are easily arranged. There are high speed catamarans and speed boats as well as regular ferries that travels daily.
Honeymoon and wedding destination
The island’s natural beauty and preserved beaches are untiring reasons why newlyweds choose to spend their special holiday here. Beautiful resorts catering a special honeymoon package like a serene resort up the mountain called Sandal Wood Villas, or a romantically designed resorts like Zazen and Rockys are easily bookable. And honeymoons aren’t just for those who got married at home, it is also for those who choose to tie the knot on the island and spend the honeymoon here. It’s just like hitting 2 birds with one stone plus you get to have a holiday with your nearest and dearest. The quiet beach coasts of Samui are great venue for destination weddings.
Food haven
What is a holiday without a great cuisine? You can throw that question out of the window when you are in Samui. Because here, you will be fed and watered well. Start from the street food and the almost daily event of walking street around Koh Samui. You would have missed a trip if you don’t go to one. And there’s the finer things which you can find in most resorts, wining and dining is a great experience so make sure you catch up on your favorite cuisine whilst on the island.
Things to do on the island
Apart from the lovely beaches on Samui, there are other activities that you can do. A guide put together by a long term resident is available for purchase. The water sports are perhaps the main thing that tourists look for and there are so many choices. So choose wise and treat yourself right! A private tour is always nice and enhances the experience. There are cooking classes for those who wish to take home a knowledgeable experience. Jungle trips, water slides, zip line adventures are also available on the island. There are creative itineraries that are also unique on the island like drinks tasting tour and photography tour.
So whether you are here visiting with a cruise ship or spending a full week or two, there is something for you. And if you are traveling solo, with your partner or your entire crew, Koh Samui is the ultimate destination for a beach holiday.
You can ask us for tips and we are happy to share our thoughts, islandgems@outlook.com
An insight by Lorraine Marsh of Island Gem Tours | www.islandgemtours.com