Koh Samui

เกาะสมุย

Thailand's second-largest island, Koh Samui is known for luxury resorts, excellent beaches, and the famous Big Buddha statue. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, nightlife, and upscale amenities.

Things to do

• Big Buddha Temple — Visit the iconic 12-meter golden Buddha statue seated on a hilltop with panoramic island views and a functioning Buddhist temple below.
• Angthong Marine National Park — Take a boat tour through this protected archipelago of 42 limestone islands with emerald lagoons, hidden beaches, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
• Chaweng Beach — Relax on Koh Samui's longest and most popular beach, lined with upscale resorts, water sports facilities, and beachfront restaurants and bars.
• Lamai Beach — Experience the island's second-largest beach with a more relaxed vibe than Chaweng, featuring interesting rock formations and excellent sunset views.
• Secret Buddha Garden — Explore a hidden garden sanctuary in the island's interior filled with Buddha statues, stone sculptures, and tranquil water features nestled among lush vegetation.
• Namuang Waterfall — Trek through jungle to reach this two-tiered waterfall where you can swim in the natural pools and enjoy the cool, refreshing mountain water.
• Thai Cooking Class — Learn to prepare authentic Thai dishes from experienced instructors, including visits to local markets and hands-on preparation of curries, stir-fries, and desserts.

Food to try

• Gaeng Som — This sour and spicy curry from Southern Thailand features fish, shrimp, and vegetables in a turmeric-based broth with distinctive salty and sour flavors.
• Fresh Seafood Grilled — Catch-of-the-day fish, prawns, and squid grilled whole over charcoal and served with spicy lime dipping sauce at beachfront restaurants.
• Pad Sataw — A dry curry-style stir-fry with duck or chicken, featuring fragrant spices and typically served with crispy skin and fresh herbs.
• Mango Sticky Rice — Sweet sticky rice drizzled with coconut cream and topped with fresh ripe mango, a beloved Southern Thai dessert especially during mango season.
• Ton Plaa (Fish Soup) — A light, aromatic broth with fresh fish, lemongrass, galangal, and chilies, often prepared with local catch at fishing villages and casual seafood spots.
• Night Market Food Stalls — Visit bustling night markets in Chaweng or Lamai where vendors serve affordable pad thai, satay skewers, mango salads, and other street favorites.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Royal Family — Never speak disrespectfully of the Thai monarchy and show reverence when their images appear on currency, in temples, or in public spaces.
• Temple Etiquette — Wear modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) when visiting temples, remove shoes before entering sacred areas, and do not point feet at Buddha images.
• Wai Greeting — Greet locals with a traditional wai (hands pressed together at chest with a slight bow), especially when thanking shopkeepers, guides, or service staff.
• Bargaining in Markets — Expect to negotiate prices at local markets and small shops, but not in established restaurants or modern retail stores where prices are fixed.