|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A visit to Thailand is incomplete without an island trip. Thailand islands are among the best in the world, and many visitors believe Koh Samui is the best island in Thailand. So, if there’s one island you should add to your bucket list, it’s Koh Samui.
For Many Koh Samui is the Best Island in Thailand
Only 700 kilometres south of Bangkok, Koh Samui is located in the beautiful aquamarine waters of the Chumphorn Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand.
In 2019 approximately 70,000 people (including 6000 ex-pats) were living on the secluded tropical paradise. Samui is the second-largest island in the Archipelago and noted as one of the best for outdoor sports. There are snorkelling trips, boating tours, fishing opportunities, and many other nautical activities.
We created a useful guide for a short or long visit to the best Thai island.
Angthong National Marine Park
Thailand has hundreds of islands. The Angthong National Marine Park consists of 42 small islands in the Archipelago. It’s a protected area with some of the best beaches in Thailand, turquoise waters, and diverse marine life. There are many great snorkelling spots and islands to hop around. Explore the natural and marine wildlife on in the Gulf of Thailand, near the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
- Accessibility: The park is not accessible by regular ferries, and visitors must take private boats or join an excursion group to reach it. Speedboats and tourist boats are available from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
- Wildlife and Ecosystem: The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including 16 species of mammals, 14 species of reptiles, 5 amphibian species, and about 50 bird species. Notable species include leopard cats, fishing cats, dark-leaved monkeys, long-tailed macaques, wild boars, and smooth-haired otters.
- Beaches and Landmarks: The park features pristine beaches, emerald green lagoons, and unique landmarks like the Lotus Cave (Bua Boke) with stalactite and stalagmite formations. The islands can be explored by hiking, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
- Activities and Tours: There are tours and excursions that include speedboats, longtail boats, and off-road trips. They include snorkeling, diving, hiking, and kayaking, as well as visits to the park’s famous landmarks.
- Entrance Fee and Insurance: The entrance fee for foreign adults is 300 THB, and for children, it is 150 THB. Accident insurance is included in some tours.
- Opening Hours: The park is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.
- Hotlines and Contact Information: Visitors can contact the park administration at +66 77 963 693 for more information and bookings.
Angthong National Marine Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and exciting activities.
Dehydration, Hats, and Waterproof Tops
On your island trip make sure you don’t forget sunscreen, hats and a light roll-up waterproof top. For fair skin people who burn easily, it’s best advised to pack a lot of sunscreen. This isn’t because there isn’t any to buy on the island, but it’s much more expensive than buying it from Amazon or your local supermarket.
Locals don’t wear suntan lotion because they cover every inch of skin when they are outside. But they know it’s a hot commodity for tourists who don’t pack well, and therefore a money maker.
Beware of dehydration!
Humidity can be as high as 80% in the monsoon season. Even if you aren’t in the sun you can easily de-hydrate. Drink loads of water and if the humdity is high I often take one sachet of electrolyte a day. Fortunately Southeast Asia does not have a big hole in the ozone layer like Australia and South Africa but the sun is still dangerous. Everyone should be aware of skin care these days. And many people prefer not to expose their skin to too much sun since they want to keep it young and fresh.
Dine at Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village
You must plan to have dinner at the local and historical Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village located right on the water. There are lots of different seafood restaurants cooking the freshest catches of the day. Each Friday night, the village has an open street market where you can buy souvenirs if you care to. You can try delicious street food snacks and local desserts if you’re still hungry.
Temple Touring and Buddha Sightseeing
There are many historic wats (Buddhist temples) on the island as there are all over Thailand.
In the northeast lies Wat Plai Laem, a magnificent temple complex with a huge Goddess of Mercy Buddha statue displayed in front of the grounds. The wat construction that was completed in 2004 has a unique blend of Thai and Chinese architectural styles, as well as impressive statues.
The main attractions of Wat Plai Laem include:
- The 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. Each of the deity’s arms represents a different virtue or teaching in Buddhism.
- A large, colourful statue of the laughing Buddha, which is believed to bring happiness and prosperity.
- Intricate murals and carvings covering the temple buildings, depicting scenes from Buddhist and Hindu mythology.
- A man-made lake surrounding the complex, where visitors can feed the fish, which is considered an act of merit.
Another popular must-see is the golden Big Buddha statue located on the northern coast of Samui. No matter where you go in Thailand, you are sure to find an epic temple to tour. Like Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai.
Thailand Island Rum
You’ll soon discover after visiting one beach bar that drinks (apart from wine) are affordable. Yet, there is a local rum distillery on the island known for making the best tropical elixirs. Magic Alambic Rum Distillery, a family-owned business, is a favourite amongst locals because of it’s homemade rum. You can visit the distillery on the southern side of the island.
- Establishment: The distillery was set up in 2003 by Elisa and Michel Gabriel, a husband-and-wife team.
- Production: Magic Alambic produces Caribbean agricole-style spirits, which are distilled from fresh, fermented sugarcane juice. The rums are all-natural and of exceptional quality.
- Location: The distillery is situated at 44/5 Moo 3 T. Namuang, Ko Samui, Thailand.
- Opening Hours: The distillery is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Reviews: Visitors have praised the distillery for its beautiful setting, good quality food, creative menu, and professional team. And the rum is considered among the best they have ever tasted.
- Tours and Activities: The distillery offers private tours and tastings, including a 4×4 off-road island safari and rum distillery visit and tasting.
- Rum Varieties: The distillery produces a variety of rums, each with its unique flavour profile and characteristics.
Relaxing on the Second Largest Island in Thailand
Whether short or long term, travel is educational. And living somewhere else somehow has the power to relax us. Nobody knows us, and with an invigorating a change of scenery we can be whoever we want to be. Millions before us have found relaxation on the best island in Thailand.
Many have lived in hostels or even on the beach and never wanted to go home. Some haven’t.
You may not want to stay at a mediocre hotel on the trip of a lifetime. So, why not stay in a luxurious vacation rental where you can not only have a room to yourself but a nice private house or condo?
Horizon Homes provide the best beach rentals at an affordable price. And if a private pool and a comfortable living area are luxuries you are looking for, view all the holiday villas for rent Horizon have available on Koh Samui.
Koh Samui is Full of Surprises
There are many unique aspects and trends that may surprise first-time visitors:
- Rich cultural heritage: Koh Samui has a deep cultural history dating back 2,000 years, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries like bronze drums and Hindu phallic symbols. The island’s Thai-Chinese heritage is showcased at the Joo Seng Huad gallery and community space.
- Vibrant nightlife: At night, parts of the island transform into a hub of entertainment with a particularly rich and diverse nightlife that is celebrated as one of the best in Thailand. The island is constantly evolving with new and trendy establishments emerging. And it has become a worthy rival to the established nightlife of Bangkok, Pattaya and Patong.
- Luxury resorts and spas: Koh Samui has a great selection of luxury hotels and resorts from major international chains like Four Seasons, Six Senses, W, Banyan Tree, and Ritz-Carlton. The island is also renowned for high-end spas and wellness retreats.
- Culinary diversity: An exceptional variety of restaurants serve Thai specialties as well as international cuisine, including French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants. Koh Samui also has a trend for fusion cuisine combining Thai flavors with Western techniques.
- Stunning natural beauty: While the beaches are a major draw, there are natural splendours. The Emerald Lake on Mae Koh Island and breathtaking viewpoints in the Ang Thong Marine Park archipelago are just two. The sunset views from Nathon are a local favourite.
Final Thoughts
Koh Samui is commercialised but not yet overly so, as Pattaya and Koh Phuket have become. The tropical island is never less than warm and offers a unique blend of luxury, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty that may surprise visitors more accustomed to Thailand’s backpacker scene. The island has evolved into a top-tier destination while still retaining its Thai charm.
You can live cheap or spend a fortune. It’s up to you. Thailand has many islands. Who can really say which is the best?
Source Notes
The original content of this article provided by Sarah Marshall of Horizon Homes, was first published on 17th July 2017. It was last updated – May 2024.
Sarah Marshall is the content writer for Horizon Homes, a property and relocation company based in Koh Samui, Thailand. She kindly contributed the original content to our blog about an Island trip and her view of Koh Samui as the best tropical island to visit in Thailand. When she is not busy at work, she can be seen travelling around Thailand, enjoying the sights, sunshine and food.
Why not Join Us
If you enjoyed this article, we would like to offer you two gifts – our Starter Pack of 4 James King’s books and our Weekly Digest, which you can receive by email.