Koh Samui is a cosmopolitan melting pot, attracting a myriad of travellers staying for anything from a long weekend to a month or two, all of whom come to relax upon the many white sandy beaches for which the island is known.
From the hustle and bustle of Chaweng Beach, to the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of Lamai Beach, to the timeless feel of Bophut's Fisherman's Village, to the tropical beach paradise of Maenam, Koh Samui is unique among Thailand's islands in maintaining a broad appeal for everyone. This helps to give it a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from other island destinations.
Koh Samui's repertoire of things to do and see is varied and interesting: the island hosts a great deal of beautiful natural and culturaly appealing attractions from mummified monks to the famous Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Ta & Hin Yai) to attractive waterfalls, flowers, wildlife and more; there's plently to capivate and occupy everyone.
For those interested in religious imagery and architecture, the temple of Big Buddha will impress - especially at sunset. Nature lovers can visit Ang Thong Marine National Park on a day trip to enjoy a genuine 'get away from it all' feel in the splendid tropical islands it hosts.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy one of the many yoga classes on offer, golf, cycling, running, walking, swimming, scuba diving and any other watersports.
A hive of activity, Koh Samui has much to offer when it comes to getting out there and really enjoying yourself. If you've never been on an elephant trek then now's the time to do it and after this, you can totally relax at one of the island's many spas. For the cooks and those of with a gastronomic interest, why not take some local culinary knowledge home with you by learning masterng Thai cuisine at a local cooking school?
Find out just how vivid the region's sub-aquatic life is by snorkeling at Koh Tao and Angthong Marine park, or give the kids free rein at a Go-kart track or waterpark.
Foodies will be delighted to discover that Samui is a culinary destination in its own right with several world-class restaurants featuring extremely talented and innovative chefs, offering anything from traditional Thai cuisine to trendy fusion creations. Koh Samui's best restaurants have a myriad of flavours for you to discover and an array of street food and local restaurants ensures that all tastebuds are catered for.
As one of the prime holiday destinations in southern Thailand, Koh Samui hosts a great choice of nightlife entertainment options. The undisputed ground zero of nightlife on Samui is Chaweng, featuring a selection of lounge clubs, beach bars, and discos. This is definitely the place to have fun at night, however each of the main resort towns in Koh Samui - Lamai, Bophut, and Maenam - also has its own distinctive interesting night spots to be discovered.