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All the beautiful restaurants and bars get lit up, fire shows will be going on at the beach, and candles set the mood for the outdoor tables. Dining in Bophut is an experience itself and definitely one cool thing to do in Koh Samui. Seafood is a must try in Koh Samui! The seafood there is fresh, delicious and cheap. We also tried some local restaurants by the road and in all of them, the food was delicious and spicy.
We loved Lamai market, it was busy but more traditional, more charming and more interesting than the one in Chaweng.
Go there with an empty stomach and try all the local dishes. Order some food from the street vendors and walk to one of the bars and restaurants, as long as you order a drink you can sit and have your meal, no one will bother you. Another way to learn authentic and delicious Thai recipes is attending a cooking a class. Our next topic is what to do in Koh Samui at night. When the sun goes down the island change, Chaweng streets get busy, music is in the air and a huge crowd of sunburned tourists is eager to have some fun.
Not sure when and what time? Ask around or wait for the Muay Thai car to pass by your hotel announcing the next fight through the huge speakers. Nightlife in Koh Samui is diverse. Around town there are plenty of bars serving anything from cheap drinks to elaborated cocktails, it all depends on your taste and budget. You can walk around and check the Soi Reggae [famous for the music and laidback crowd], Soi Green Mango [famous bar for Thai whiskey and the girls], and Soi Bar Solo [a busy spot for drinks and sports events].
If you are staying at Lamai Beach, the Beer Bars Plaza is a good option for a few drinks and some talk.
For a fancy option with one of the best views on the island go for a cocktail at the Woobar in the stylish W Koh Samui. Feeling artistic, stunning and burlesque? Just thinking about a night out in Koh Samui makes you feel even more tired? Than a spa or a good Thai massage is what you need! Check if your hotel has a spa, or walk to some of the massage parlors near you. On the menu, you will find the traditional Thai massage, oil massage, foot scrub and many treatments to pamper your body and soul. We are done with our suggestion of things to in Koh Samui and places you must visit.
It was a long list, but now you have all the info you need to plan your trip. To finish our Koh Samui travel guide, here goes some practical info about how to get to Koh Samui, the best time to visit the island and how long you should stay in paradise. Samui is the biggest and the most developed island in the Gulf of Thailand. You can fly to Koh Samui from many domestic and international destinations within Asia and Southeast Asia.
A cheaper way is to fly to an airport close to Koh Samui, but still in the mainland, and from there getting a van to the pier and a ferry to the island. AirAsia and Nok Air offer joint tickets from Bangkok to Koh Samui [we flew with them], you buy one ticket and they take care of everything. Again, the joint tickets are the best way to go, and we always buy them from 12GoAsia , a website that gathers all the train, buses, vans and ferries services in Thailand. USD 78 per adult. Ang Thong National Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand with towering limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-sand beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls and hidden coves and lakes to explore.
Within sight of Koh Samui, Ang Thong park is a protected area of more than sqkm of land and sea, and home to a rich variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures. On the northern coast of Koh Samui is the famous Big Buddha shrine. Probably Samui's most well known landmark, the metre high golden Buddha can be seen from several kilometres away. Inside the surrounding temple are many different shrines and other smaller ornate Buddhas.
There is also a small market selling a wide range of lucky charms and other souvenirs, alongside numerous food stalls. Art often imitates Nature, but less common is Nature imitating Art, especially the art of the ribald. But in Thailand anything is possible including, on Koh Samui, the natural geological formations known as Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks the Grandpa and Grandma rocks , which look, respectively, like male and female genitalia.
The vibrant coral reefs there are home to a wide range of exciting and colourful sea creatures, including turtles, naturally. The temple features very ornate decor and art, an arm image of Guanyin - the Goddess of Mercy - and a large white Chinese Buddha set on the lake. If you donate money for the upkeep of the temple you'll be given a bag of food to throw to the teeming fish in the lake.
Although Samui has several waterfalls, the two Na Muang waterfalls are probably the most picturesque.
The name Na Muang refers to the massive purple rocks at the waterfalls. Rocks and tree roots form a natural staircase that leads to the base of Na Muang 1. A large natural pool sits under the waterfall. A minute walk further up the mountain leads to Samui's most beautiful waterfall, Na Muang 2. Secret Buddha Garden is hidden away high in the hills in Koh Samui's interior, offering majestic views and an unusual collection of statues amid lush jungle surrounds. The gardens are a creation of an old Samui fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk, who in began erecting several statues and temples around his family's verdant land.
The body of Samui's most famous mummified monk - there really are several - Luang Pordaeng is on display here.
Luang Pordaeng died over 20 years ago and as per his instructions, his body was placed in a specially designed glass case for posterity. But the two Namuang waterfalls are most famous. Swimming at the cool and fresh waters of the natural pools of the Namuang waterfalls is one of the most relaxing things to do in Koh Samui — for couples, solo travelers, and even families.
Elephant — a symbol of strength and royalty — is the national animal of Thailand. The island of Koh Samui has a vast stretch of tropical forest in its centre. Chao Phraya dinner cruise. There are many options to cover the major tourist attractions in Koh Samui.
Of these, motorcycle tours and jeep safaris are most popular. They are relaxing and enjoyable at the same time. Yes, there are stand alone spas all over the island. But the spa resorts in Koh Samui offer the best spa and massage services. Attending a crocodile show is among the unique things to do in Koh Samui. The Crocodile Farm is home to Siamese crocodiles, caimans, saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, monkeys, and more. Watch the performers put their hands and face right into the mouth of the crocodiles or play with the fangs of the snakes.
Koh Samui Nightlife Guide: The people of Koh Samui sure know how to party. The Koh Samui nightlife has been attracting a young crowd of revellers on the white sandy beaches, pubs, bars, and more. And the nightlife in Koh Samui is not just limited to parties. The ladyboy cabaret shows may not be appropriate for people of all ages.