Ko Samui, Thailand

Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

Breathtaking Thailand beach island
Ko Samui, Thailand

Likes: Beach, sun, relaxation, inexpensive food and shopping
Dislikes: Plenty hot March-August
Many Travelers? Some

Koh Samui, an island off the southeast coast of Thailand, is one of the most popular beach resort areas in Asia, and with good reason. There are great beaches, as well as all the comforts of Western civilization. There’s not much here that’s “an authentic Thai experience,” but if you’re just looking for sand and sun, then this is a great spot.

Chaweng Beach, a 3-mile strip of beautiful white sand, is the largest beach on the island. The water is an emerald green color, warm and shallow for a hundred feet out. There are plenty of water activities including kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and wind surfing. Chaweng is a happening place, and can be a little loud in the evening with crowds of people, and taxis cruising up and down and a truck with loudspeaker calling out for the Thai boxing event that evening.

On the ocean side there are many upscale hotels with private beach access. If you feel like staying inside your resort and not leaving, then there are hotels with multiple restaurants, live music in the evening, bars, spas and shopping.

Most people sit by the pool and beach all day long. The locals cater to these needs; therefore you have food, drinks and water activities available at your fingertips. Vendors walk up and down the beach most of the day with beverages including beer, cut pineapple, grilled corn, ice cream and souvenirs. They are very friendly and non-aggressive.

Out on the main strip there are an abundance of restaurants, bars, internet cafes, and shopping. Most of the restaurants cater to Europeans and other Western cultures; therefore the food is simple and good. If you are looking for authentic spicy Thai food, you may be disappointed.

There are quite a few massage spas that line the road. Here you can get a relatively inexpensive massage or foot massage. It’s safe, and the folks are respectful. There are also discos for those seeking nightlife, as well as romantic beach-side dining for those already attached.

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