Lush tropical landscapes, pearl-white sandy beaches and glorious waterfalls can all be found on Koh Samui. Thailand’s second largest island has grown into a major travel destination over the past few years, with large crowds of tourists heading down to the island annually. With so many beautiful locations and an abundance of fun activities to try, Koh Samui stands out among competing islands like Phuket, with its singular charm and ambiance.
Accommodation wise, there’s plenty of options to choose from, whatever your budget may be; Koh Samui has a few luxury resorts located near its pristine beaches, like the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, which provides guests superior views of the ocean from its suites and villas. Head further inland, and you’ll find smaller lodging options, ideal for backpackers. Once you manage to tear yourself away from the allure of your Samui Beach resort, explore the island’s other attractions which include an exciting mix of eclectic pubs, restaurants, discos and nightclubs.
If you want to experience some local Thai culture, check out one of the many festivals that occur throughout the year. The Songkran festival (Thai Lunar New Year) takes place in April, and consists of a 3-day water fight along with non-stop parties. Customarily, splashing water on another person is a form of blessing, however the tradition has grown to become a fun-filled tourist attraction as well. The annual Samui island regatta, held in May, attracts the finest yachts from all over Asia for an exciting, competitive sailing experience.
Along with the cultural festivals, there are also the notorious full moon beach parties that attract around 10,000 revellers every month. The parties have become so successful, that you can now find Half Moon Parties, for those who can’t wait the full month. The organisers of the Half Moon parties go to great lengths to ensure party goers receive a fun alternative to the Full Moon Parties.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.