The best of Samui in three days
Samui has a lot to offer away from the beach
Arriving in Koh Samui, you will be instantly struck by the island’s outstanding natural beauty. Aside from beaches, rock formations and waterfalls, there are equally as many temples, sculptures and man-made sights to behold. Three days in Koh Samui will only allow you to scratch the surface of this precious gem of an island.
If your time is limited on the island but you do intend to see more than the beach in front of your hotel then here’s a handy three day itinerary that covers the island’s highlights.
Day one
To ease into the tropical environment and relaxed pace of island life, spend a few hours lazing on Bo Phut Beach. Situated on the island’s north coast, this two mile stretch of powdery sand is also known as Fisherman’s Village and is one of the best preserved areas of Koh Samui. The small village features quaint Sino-style shop fronts alongside more modern buildings housing a handful of bohemian shops and laid-back restaurants.
Once you are feeling suitably rejuvenated, you will be ready to take in some of Samui sights. Wat Plai Laem is a good starting point; this newly built ornate temple features intricately carved Laotian wooden doors depicting the life of Buddha.
After a morning of rest and religion, it’s time to hit the main town - Chaweng beach resort. The island’s entertainment epicentre is a blaring mix of shops, bars, restaurants and everything in between, and a throbbing and contrasting backdrop for the stunning beach.
Despite crude commerciality, Chaweng caters to all tastes with everything from world class international cuisine to typical traveller street fodder such as pad thai and fried chicken. If you are feeling indulgent, graze further north where Olivio’s Italian waterfront restaurant is a great spot for lunch.
After refuelling and browsing the shops, retreat to the beach. The central area might be the most crowded but it has a fantastic atmosphere. You can rent jet-skis or just enjoy the buzz of this exotic holiday hotspot.
Before the sun starts to sink southwards, don’t forget you have a date with the island’s best known and most visited figure. Not far from Chaweng, Wat Phra Yai is home to a 12 metre high golden Buddha statue that graces the headland between Ban Plai Laem and Big Buddha Beach. The temple has a tranquil ambience at sunset, a great time for spectacular photo opportunities. There are some interesting shops in the temple grounds including a silversmith and a batik outlet.
Before dark, visit the Eranda Spa, nestled on the hills of Chaweng, for a relaxing Thai massage. The spa is an independent business and produces its own herbal products which make great souvenirs or presents for a loved one at home.
After a day of spiritual and physical replenishment, no doubt your stomach will be starting to grumble, so it’s just as well Chaweng by night is a gastronome’s delight. There are many great places to choose from but the main theme is BBQ. Whether it’s Tex-Mex style, Thai seafood or ‘all-you-can-eat’ Brazilian spit grill, it’s best to bring an appetite as the portions are generous.
The Big Buddha is a must see
If you aren’t ready to retire to bed after dinner, there are plenty of bars and clubs to keep the flame burning.
Day two
The best way to get your bearings on any island is by boat. Koh Samui has more than 60 islands in its archipelago, so chartering a yacht means you can truly experience your destination. On your half-day tour you can visit remote beaches, snorkel on colourful reefs and explore hidden caves.
You don’t need any experience as you can charter a skippered sailing boat, but if you know the ropes already you are welcome to assist. A half day or sunset cruise for two people costs around 5,000 baht including lunch and refreshments. Alternatively you can opt for the more modest, cheaper, longtail boats. But those wishing to really get to the best of the islands are advised to sign up for a day trip to the Ang Thong Archipelago.
Once back on dry land, take a horseback ride by the sea or countryside in Laem Sor. If you aren’t very experienced, the team of staff at the Sundowner horse riding facility are very helpful and will guide you all the way.
If you would rather experience nature on your own two feet, take a trip to the Butterfly Garden, also located in Laem Set, where you can see an array of vivid coloured butterflies. At the nearby Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo you can view local marine life from a tunnel and enjoy watching Bengal tigers at play. The Samui Snake Farm is also at the south end of the island. It’s not to everyone’s taste, but there are two shows per day if you think you can handle it. Both can be reached using a rented bike and freely available maps, but be careful of the hills.
No doubt you will be ready to sample authentic Samui cuisine, so you should head to Huathanon Seafood in Fisherman Village. This restaurant is popular with locals, with an extensive menu that can be enjoyed regardless of your chilli tolerance. Try the prawn and seaweed spring rolls, crispy catfish salad or deep fried duck - best served with a sunset view, so make sure you get here before 18:30 for maximum pleasure.
Day three
The hills offer a breezy few and solitude
With the morning mist still shrouding the mountains, take an early morning trip to the forested inclines of the south to find a unique and inspiring art gallery. A native Samuian called Nim Thongsuk decided at the age of 77 to sculpt figures from Buddhist scriptures on his mountain-top land. His motive was to encourage tourists to climb up to experience the breathtaking view. You should wear comfortable walking shoes for this trip and keep your eyes peeled as not all of the statues are immediately apparent.
After trekking through mountains, you can enjoy cooling off in the heat of the midday sun under a cool, revitalising shower. Na Muang Waterfall is the most easily accessed, with a large natural pool at the bottom of the powerful falls. Not far from the waterfall you can view another of Mother Nature’s splendid creations, although this one verges on surreal. Hin Ta Hin Yai is a rock formation that bears extraordinary resemblance to male and female genitalia. Not surprisingly, there’s a folklore tale about a couple; local Thais will be happy to share the story.
Situated on one of Samui’s most secluded bays, Laem Set Inn is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch. The thatched restaurant overlooks the sea and a large swimming pool. You can rent kayaks, peddle boats and snorkelling equipment at the restaurant and there is a separate children’s playground. The crabmeat and pomelo salad with vinaigrette dressing and garlic toast makes a nutritious and delicious lunch.
Once you are feeling energised, there are a few more must-sees before you depart. Wat Sumret is an ancient temple housing a white marble Buddha believed to be over 300 years old. The interior of the temple is home to a collection of relics which are so precious a monk holds the key; just ask and he will unlock the door.
Another famous temple, Wat Khunaram, is the shrine to a mummified monk that is widely known among Thai Buddhists as Lung Padaeng. The monk died around 20 years ago and was preserved. Today he sits in a glass case in a meditative position.
In three days you can get a taste of Koh Samui but there are an array of activities, sights and experiences left behind. If you have enough time left, take a trip south to the coconut plantations where you can catch a glimpse of island life before tourism.
Have you reached the end of your three days with only minutes left? Then there is only one thing left to do – jump in that sparkling, warm azure sea and memorise an image of this idyllic island that your photographs can never capture.
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