Samui Serenity

Koh Samui: the perfect blend of beachfront bliss and island exploration.

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is an enchanting island with a rich cultural history. Once a haven for fishermen and coconut farmers, the island has evolved into a popular tourist destination. Drawn to Koh Samui for its pristine beaches, cultural history, vibrant nightlife, and lush landscapes, there's something here for everyone.

When to visit Koh Samui?

The best time to visit Koh Samui is during the dry season, which typically extends from December to April. This period ensures sunny days and minimal rainfall, providing ideal conditions for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the the country's natural beauty. The months of June to September constitute the monsoon season, characterized by heavy rains and rough seas. While the island's landscape becomes lush and green during this time, it may not be the most suitable for outdoor activities.

How to get to Koh Samui?

Getting to Koh Samui is relatively convenient with various transportation options. The island has its own airport with direct flights from major cities in Thailand, as well as international destinations. Travelers can also reach Koh Samui by ferry from the mainland or nearby islands.

How to get around Koh Samui?

A common way to get around in south east Asia is to use the app Grab, which is similar to Uber. It is the way to go here in Thailand, and we had no issues in Vietnam either. Rates are very affordable and we never had to wait long for the tuk tuk or car to show up.

What to do in Koh Samui?

Day 1: Full Day Tour

With the help of our hotel we booked a car for a full day tour of the highlights. We started bright and early so that we could avoid the hottest part of the day, aiming to be back at the hotel pool for afternoon nap time.

Our first stop of the day was Wat Phra Yai or Big Buddga temple, on the northeastern tip of Koh Samui. This 12-meter tall gold Buddha statue is a symbol of the island's spiritual and cultural heritage. Placed atop a hill, it towers over the area and is visible from afar. Don't worry, it's worth the climb up as it is surrounded by smaller shrines, colourful dragon statutes and offerings from the devout. If you arrive early in the day, like us you will most likely have the place to yourself, although coming later in the day will give you an opportunity to shop around for souvenirs.

From here we went to Wat Plai Laem, another giant statue, this time of Guanyin the goddess of mercy. This Buddhist temple is known for not just the 18-armed statue of Guanyin on the lake but it's intricate architecture and other smaller statues. Since we arrived before opening, we couldn't enter the buildings itself. However, admiring the statues on the lake, and feeding the fish is still a good visit. Please remember this is an active temple, women should cover themselves from the shoulder to the knee.

Your next stop will be a quick photo visit for a little giggle. Located on Lamai Beach, the Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks, also known as Hin Ta and Hin Yai are a popular tourist stop. Take a look at the photos below and see if you can figure out why...

Yes, these are natural rock formations that resemble male and female genitalia. Regarded as a symbol of fertility, these rocks have become a quirky and popular attraction. After grabbing your photos, you can shop for souvenirs including coconut candy. The locals will be pulling it right at their stand and may even offer you a sample of the fresh treat.

Next up is Guan Yu Koh Samui Shrine, which is another giant statue. The abundance of giant statues in Koh Samui is influenced by the island's rich cultural and religious diversity. Many of these statues are integral to Buddhist and Chinese traditions, reflecting the island's historical ties to both cultures. This shrine pays it's respects to Guan Yu who was a revered Chinese warrior deity known for his loyalty and courage. It's vibrant red and gold colours make it a popular stop with locals and tourists alike. You can wander the upper halls to learn about this deity or light incense to seek blessings if you're feeling more spiritual.

The next stop was one of my favourites in Koh Samui and a great way to get out of the hot sun. Tucked away at the top of Pom Mountain, one of Koh Samui's highest peaks is the Secret Buddha Garden. The drive to this garden is up the mountain, providing some beautiful views and a peek at some radiational houses. The eclectic sculpture park was created by a local farmer houses a collection of intricately crafted statues amidst native plants alongside a stream. The statues are of various deities, animals, and even scenes from Buddhist mythology.

Bonus: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Thailand is one of the most popular places to visit elephants since it is estimated a third of the world's Asian elephants live there. The most ethical way to visit is to have a hands off experience. we choose to only do a feeding to limit our interaction with them. This means as tempting as it is to ride them or bathe with them, it should be avoided.

The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary has multiple locations across Thailand, including Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket. You can book a session for the morning, the afternoon or an early morning feeding-only option. If you book one of the sessions, you get an education experience, make the elephants food to feed them and interact with them while they bathe. We chose to only do the feeding session, it would be easier with Kymani and keep our interaction to a minimum. I'm glad we chose that option as we had the elephants all to ourselves before the large morning session group arrived.

Tips for visiting with the elephants:

• Don't tease the elephants, when you offer them food you have to let them take it.

• You don't want to visit anywhere that will force the elephants to interact with you.

• Riding is the top experience to avoid! Unfortunately, this is still offered in many places and it's best not to encourage it.

• Pick a place where there are no leashes used, the elephants should be free roaming.