How to plan Koh Samui: Thailand's Ultimate Luxury Island Experience
A charming island with cerulean skies, turquoise waters and pristine white beaches lined with lush palm groves complemented by serene Buddhist Temples, Koh Samui is strategically placed in the Gulf of Thailand enabling many other island experiences for discerning visitors. As you prepare to spend a holiday in this tropical paradise, discover some useful tips on making it an epic island experience.
The best time to visit
As a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui enjoys a warm tropical climate throughout the year. However, while you consider optimal weather conditions remember such periods are when the tourist numbers are quite high in Koh Samui. Therefore, striking a balance between fairly good weather and reasonable numbers of tourists is wiser. The period from May to August is prudent. The selection of the ideal time is significant when planning a honeymoon.
For those who seek dry and sunny months irrespective of tourist numbers, as they are keen to acquire a tan or just sun lovers, December to August are sunnier months.
Book Your Stay
Once you have decided on the period of travel, consider the length of your stay considering the specific Koh Samui things to do you have selected for this holiday.
When this is known book your stay early as you will not only secure the luxury property you prefer but also receive special advance purchase offers extended by properties like Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort enabling a luxury stay yet spending less.
Image via Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
Arriving in Koh Samui
The capital of Thailand Bangkok is well-connected to all parts of the world. Hence visitors to Koh Samui can book their travel to Bangkok with a connecting flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui. From cities like Singapore in the same region there are direct flights to Koh Samui.
Samui International Airport (also known as Koh Samui Airport) is in the Bophut sub-district in Koh Samui and is geared to receive visitors throughout the year.
What to pack for Koh Samui
Yes, Samui beckons most visitors to enjoy its beaches. However, this enchanting island has loads of other experiences apart from the lovely shores. Therefore, in addition to your shorts, tees, and bikinis add some long dresses that will cover your knees and upper arms or long pants and blouses with sleeves so that you can experience the magnificent Buddhist Temples modestly attired. Carrying a shawl around is always useful in Koh Samui.
Pack a couple of evening wear with shoes for a date out at a nightclub or the chic restaurants in the town. Pack a hat, your sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen as you need to keep reapplying it during the day.
Attractions and Activities
As you enjoy the beaches here include a glimpse into the unique Thai culture by experiencing a Buddhist Temple, a local market and seeing important landmarks of Koh Samui. Here are some suggestions.
Chaeweng Beach – Noted as one of the best beaches, this beach in Koh Samui offers many activities like beach volleyball, plenty of places to eat and drink and a vibrant aura around it.
Big Buddha Temple – Known in Thai as Wat Phra Yai, the focal attraction at this temple is the seated statue of Lord Buddha in golden hue. At a height of 18 m, it is the largest in Chonburi Province placed at a vantage point atop Pratamnak Hill. An easy stairway provides ascent to worshippers and visitors. This is a place of worship and an iconic landmark in Koh Samui. One gets a stunning panoramic view from the top.
Fisherman’s Village – Situated in Bophut, which is about 15 minutes from Koh Samui, this somewhat laid-back area offers plenty of things to see and do. Bophut has a scenic stretch of beach with golden sands and inviting blue waters. The many water sports possible here make it an interesting beach to hang out at. Lots of restaurants are available offering traditional Thai cuisine as well as international cuisine. The range of shops and spa facilities around can keep everyone engaged for many hours. Every Friday night the roads get closed, and the night market comes alive. You can enjoy shopping and the great street food at this exciting market on Friday nights.
Ang Thong National Marine Park – This beautiful and tranquil archipelago is about 20 km from Koh Samui with about 40 islands in all. One-day boat trips can be arranged from Koh Samui to discover some of the beautiful tiny islands. Ang Thong Marine Park is an ideal site for snorkel enthusiasts.
