Sarah Marshall is the content writer for Horizon Homes, a property and relocation company based in Koh Samui, Thailand. She has kindly written this guest post about an Island trip and the best tropical island to visit in Thailand. I am sure readers will enjoy it. When she is not busy at work, she can be seen travelling around Thailand, enjoying the sights, sunshine and food.
Koh Samui island trip
A visit to Thailand is incomplete without an island trip. Thailand islands are among the best in the world, and according to Sarah Marshall, many visitors believe Koh Samui is the best tropical island to visit in Thailand. So, if there’s one island you should add to your bucket list, it’s Koh Samui.
Only 700 kilometres south of Bangkok, Koh Samui is located in the beautiful aquamarine waters of the Chumphorn Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand.
Approximately 40,000 people live on the island, making it feel like a 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.
So, we’ve created a guide on what to plan for your Koh Samui trip.
Visit the Angthong National Marine Park
One of the attractions that should be on your list of things to do in Samui is the Angthong National Marine Park. This is the park made up of 42 smaller islands in the Archipelago. It’s a protected area with many great snorkelling spots and islands to hop around. Enjoy a splendid day exploring the natural and marine wildlife on your Koh Samui island trip.
Pack Lots of Sunscreen, Hats, and a waterproof jacket
On your island trip make sure you don’t forget sunscreen, hats and a light waterproof jacket. 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. Since locals don’t wear suntan lotion (or even need it for that matter), they know it’s a hot commodity for tourists who don’t pack well.
It’s also best to bring hats and cover-ups to avoid sun poisoning if you plan on being in the sun for a long time. You might enjoy tanning for hours in the sunshine in a bikini, but be aware that you could damage your skin. 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. This is where you can buy the best souvenirs for your friends and family back home. You can also find the best street food snacks and local desserts if you’re still hungry.
Temple Touring and Buddha Sightseeing
With all the historic wats (Buddhist temples) on the island, you must plan to at least visit one. Wat Plai Laem is one of the most magnificent temples on the island. There is a huge Goddess of Mercy Buddha statue displayed in front of the temple grounds.
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.
Drink the Local Rum on Koh Samui
You’ll soon discover after visiting one beach bar that drinks are pretty affordable on the dreamlike island. Yet, there is a local rum distillery on the island known for making the best tropical elixirs. Magic Alambic Rum Distillery has been a favourite amongst locals and it’s 100% homemade rum. You can visit the distillery on the southern side of the island or you can ask for it at the bar.
Relaxing on the best tropical island to visit in Thailand
One of the best parts about vacation is living somewhere else with a change of scenery. You won’t want to stay at a mediocre hotel on the trip of a lifetime. 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. You shouldn’t stay anywhere that doesn’t have a private pool or a comfortable living room area. View all the holiday villas for rent Horizon have available on Koh Samui.
Have a fantastic time on the best tropical island to visit in Thailand.
Editor’s note – This post was first published on 17th July 2017 and has since been revised.
