Sunset at Bohput

Hop on a Koh Samui-bound flight from Bangkok, Thailand and you will soon find yourself on a palm-lined island a world away from busy city life. While Koh Samui may move at a relatively slow pace, there are still plenty of adventures and activities for those who seek them. Here are three of my personal favorites:

• 1.       Stop by the Friday Night Market:  each week, the normally sleepy town of Bohput becomes one of the island’s hottest hubs, as bartenders, local vendors and food stalls take over the main Fisherman’s Village.  Walk the sandy street and rub shoulders with locals and tourists from around the world.  Listen to buskers playing live music, snack on freshly grilled seafood (with the requisite spicy sauce) or try a cup of coconut ice cream.  Watch the local bartenders put on a show as they attract passersby’s with impressive mixing displays.

Snacks at the fisherman's market

• 2.       Eat Like a King: there are a few other destinations in the world that allow travelers to eat so well, for such an affordable price.  While Koh Samui’s growth as a tourist destination has raised prices slightly, it is still possible to enjoy a delicious dinner at a fraction of the cost of a meal in a North American or European restaurant.  For a something more upscale, Koh Samui boasts a surprising number of internationally-renowned chefs who blend their culinary training with traditional Thai ingredients.  Of course, to bring a few of your favorite recipes home, your concierge will be happy to organize a private Thai cooking class.
• 3.       Discover A Hidden World: Koh Samui’s most colorful and beautiful attractions are just a short boat ride away.  Excursions to Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao (Turtle Island) provide snorkelers and divers of all levels a chance to discover the regions amazing coral reefs.  Experienced divers can enjoy trips further afield to underwater wrecks, while novices can swim between schools of tropical fish while comfortably floating in their life jackets.

Koh Nang Yuan

For a relaxing end to your Thai vacation, consider a stay in Koh Samui.  After the hustle and bustle of Bangkok or the temple tours of Chiang Mai, this warm and welcoming island is the ideal base for discover Thailand’s natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle.