Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a tropical paradise which is popular for its pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and lush landscapes. Koh Samui is the second-largest island in Thailand after Phuket and is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a holiday that is a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Koh Samui had been one of my bucket-list destinations for years, and finally, it was time to take that trip. The moment I set my foot on the island, I was eager to explore everything this beautiful, tropical haven had to offer. 

Here are some of the highlights from my trip to Koh Samui:

Hin Ta Hin Yai 

Hin Ta Hin Yai are natural rock formations located on the coastline of Lamai Beach. Also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, these rock formations are a popular tourist attraction due to their unique shapes which resemble male and female genitalia. According to local rumors, a long time ago, a couple traveled by a sailboat to Prachuap Khiri Khan, a town in Thailand. Unfortunately, a strong storm sank the boat, drowning the couple. Their bodies washed ashore and eventually transformed into these rocks.

Upon reaching the location, I was mesmerized by the stunning view of the ocean and the scenic coastal landscapes. I sat down, soaking in the warm sunlight, appreciating the beauty of this place. Hin Ta Hin Yai offers a great photo-op as you can get creative and take some fun pictures with these unique rocks in the background! This is also a nice location to enjoy the sunset. The place also has some stalls with local vendors selling various food items as well as souvenirs. After spending some time here, I headed to my next stop.

Lad Koh Viewpoint

Koh Samui has a lot of viewpoints that offer stunning views of the island. Among these, one stands out for its exceptional views and captivating charm. Lad Koh Viewpoint is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Koh Samui and is a must-visit for those who appreciate the beauty of sunsets. The panoramic seaside views this place offers is nothing short of breathtaking. As the sun began to set, I was completely enchanted by the warm pink and orange hues that painted the sky. The place is perfect to plan a romantic date or a photoshoot!

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago comprising around 40 islands. The park is typically accessible by boat from Koh Samui. This tropical paradise is known for its limestone cliffs, lush greenery, white-sand beaches, and numerous wildlife and marine life. Various activities like hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming make this place a popular tourist attraction. 

The main attraction of the park is the Wua Ta Lap Viewpoint, a spectacular viewpoint that offers breathtaking views. In order to reach this viewpoint, you have to take a hiking trail that spans 500 meters from the starting point. The hike, however, is not for the faint-hearted! It takes about 25-30 minutes to reach the top. I started the hike, excited, and slowly started making my way to the top. However, half-way through, it started raining, which made the hike all the more challenging. I wondered if I should just give up and go back, but the adventurer in me pushed me to keep going. Once I reached the top, I was glad I didn’t give up, as the stunning visuals were very well-worth the difficult hike.

Chaweng Beach

Located in the biggest and busiest town of Chaweng in Koh Samui, Chaweng beach is one of Samui’s finest beaches. The beach is known for its pristine white sand and clear blue waters. The calm waters are ideal for activities like swimming and snorkeling. The beachfront is lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering a vibrant atmosphere. On the beach, you find cocktail carts, and vendors selling local delicacies. 

As I reached the beach just in time for sunset, I found the soft, warm sand ideal for a relaxing walk. As the daylight faded, I decided to sit down and enjoy a nice cocktail, while witnessing the sky transform into beautiful, cotton-candy hues. 

Fisherman’s Village 

Fisherman’s Village is a popular and charming area located on the northern coast of Koh Samui, along Bophut beach. Once a traditional fishing village, the place has now turned into a popular tourist attraction, offering a unique blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. Fisherman’s village is known for its boutique shops, cafes, and beachfront bars and restaurants. 

I absolutely loved the aesthetic cafes and restaurants here. On my first day on the island, I went to a beachfront restaurant where I tried Pad Thai noodles. The next day I decided to explore another beachfront bar, where I tried mango with sticky rice, a popular Southeast Asian dessert – it was truly love at first bite!

Fisherman’s Village also offers lots of options for accommodation, including guesthouses and resorts. If you are looking to avoid busier parts of the island, staying here could be a good option. The beach is just a few steps away, which is another added advantage!

Whether you want to try local delicacies, or shop your hearts out, or just relax by the beach, Fisherman’s Village is the ideal destination.

Bophut Night Market

The Bophut Night Market located in Fisherman’s Village is a must-visit if you are in Koh Samui. Visitors can explore a variety of stalls selling all kinds of items like clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, and souvenirs. 

The main highlight of the Bophut Night Market is the diverse variety of street-food stalls. You can treat your tastebuds to various foods like satay, dumplings, pad thai, mango with sticky rice, and much more – all at cheap prices. There are also many cocktail stalls, selling delicious cocktails. I tried a Lychee Margarita, which I absolutely loved! After strolling through the market for a while, my feet hurt and so I decided to get a relaxing foot massage. There’s also an area in the market that has live music playing, where you can sit and enjoy delicious food and drinks, while listening to music.

The Bophut Night Market was truly a fun and enjoyable experience, combining shopping, dining, and entertainment. 

A Perfect Holiday

Koh Samui is truly a paradise and should be on your bucket-list if you enjoy beach vacations. From the breathtaking views in Ang Thong National Marine Park to the vibrant walking street in Fisherman’s Village, Samui captivates tourists, offering a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. This topical haven not only revived my spirit, but also filled my heart with lots of beautiful memories. 

Whether you are travelling with your family, your partner, or embarking on a solo trip, Koh Samui is the perfect beach vacay – a gem truly worth exploring! 

For any further queries, please reach out to holidays@lykke.travel

Credits:

Blog post is written by: Romila DSilva