When the allurements of Phuket and Pattaya begins to fade, savvy visitors spread their wings to explore the horizons. And guess what they found: one of the purest pearls of the Orient. Unspoilt beaches, sapphire blue waters and secluded coves are just the beginning of a whole new journey of discovery on this archipelago, Mo Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand adjoining the South China Sea. Koh Samui’s 228.7 km sprawl falls in the Thai province of Changwat Suratthani, 770 km from Bangkok.

Nathon may be the main town of Koh Samui but you’ll be spending those lazy-dazy days living the life of a Lotus Eater at Hat Chaweng, its most popular beach. Essentially beginning out as a retreat for the fisherfolk about 1500 years ago, Samui’s rich coconut plantations and fishing activities drove the economy of subsequent settlers. It’s no surprise that tourism has changed the face of its economic profile. The local population, known as ‘Chao Samui’ have figured out the dynamics of tourism as an employment creator and income generator and they’ve taken to it like ducks to water. The backpacking community discovered Koh Samui’s laidback charms, way back in the 70s. Today jetsetting celebs, holidaying families, honeymooners, singletons, senior citizens et. al. can’t get enough of seductive Samui. In store are fun filled adventures at nearby Koh Nang Yuan (three tiny islands, linked by a pretty beach next to Koh Tao) and the Angthong National Marine Park which is set between Koh Samui and the Suratthani mainland.

Best Beaches

Beaches Hat Chaweng’s splendid allurements have also made it the best developed beach in terms of accommodations, restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for something quieter head for the Lamai Beach, just 10km away. To the north of Lamai is the Ao Tong Takian Beach, whose popularity is on the rise judging from a few resorts which have come up here. In northern Samui visitors have started flocking to Maenam, Big Buddha and Bo Phut, less crowded than Lamai and Chaweng. You could book in at one of the hotels here or the lovely bungalows which have come up around the Chong Mon Beach and Bang Por Beach. For a truly luxury stay getaway isolated from the tourist crowds, go to the south western tip where you’ll discover the Conrad Koh Samui Resort, the perfect spot to pamper oneself with its award winning spa and restaurants (see accompanying story). In fact, Samui, is one of the best spa destinations in South East Asia.

Watersports

Kayaking and windsurfing are popular, but if you’re feeling a bit adventurous how about some scuba and snorkeling. Scuba gear is readily available on hire at the gorgeous dive sites at Koh Samui, Koh Tan and Koh Tao. If you are new to it surprise friends and family with lessons from any of the professional dive outfits located around Chaweng Beach (Koh Samui), Sairee Beach (Koh Tao) and Bophut Beach (Koh Samui). Discover a whole new underwater universe snorkeling and wave-diving in these crystalline pristine waters.

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Be a sport

If you enjoy learning new skills on holidays sign up for lessons in Thai boxing at the Lamai Stadium or Chaweng Stadium. It’s a lot of fun and you’ll even get to share a few laughs with other novices trying their paces at the boxing ring. You could go go-karting at Bo Phut Main Road and if you are a serious thrill-seeker how about some bungee jumping which is on at Chaweng as well as Chaweng Lake. The traditional buffalo fighting sessions draw huge gatherings. Check with your hotel for best recommendations around the island.

Night life

There’s plenty of action in the late hours at the sprawl of discos, clubs and bars on the islands. A good place to start is Chaweng Beach. The Full Moon Party, a tradition since the late 80s, is a monthly beach party on the island of Koh Phangan (comprising scatterings of intimate parties around a fire with friends in the light of the moon). It can become somewhat rowdy so avoid if you don’t like huge crowds of about 10,000-15,000 people grooving to the music by DJs.

Eating out

Post yourself at a harbourside restaurant at Nathon and watch the boats come in from the mainland. There are plenty of restaurants serving global culinary delights, ranging from Japanese, American, Italian, Swedish, Korean, English, Chinese, Spanish, German and Indian, on the islands.

Shopping

The picturesque harbour town of Nathon has a string of stores for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts. The banks and ATMs will take care of currency issues. Chaweng has scores of shops and boutiques and even tailors and dressmakers. Branded products and excellent copies can be found here too.

Getting there

SilkAir and Bangkok Airways have direct flights from Singapore to the island. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport also offers direct flights to Samui Airport. Hop on to a bus or cab from here for the one-hour drive to the Donsak ferry pier 45 km from Suratthani town. Ferry tickets can be booked at any travel agency on the islands, or directly on the pier.

Best time to go

Generally the high season starts from December to April and restarts from July to September; low seasons are from May to July and the rainy season from October to November.

Captivating Conrad Koh Samui

You can’t go wrong with the luxury pool villa resort of Conrad Koh Samui – a great island getaway, perfect for honeymooners as well as the family

Conrad Koh Samui is situated on the South West tip of the island which boasts a coveted vantage point to take in views of Koh Samui’s fabled five islands and its majestic sunset. The resort’s twenty-five lush acres sit on a scenic hilltop overlooking the azure reefs of the Gulf of Thailand. Its secluded location is home to the finest accommodation and restaurants as well as its award-wining spa.

The resort has 80 free-standing pool villas, from the ultra-exclusive Royal Oceanview Pool Villa to the equally lavish one, two and three bedrooms Oceanview Pool Villa. The Thai-inspired interiors offer luxurious accommodations with commanding ocean views from vast picture windows. They are furnished with original artwork and artefacts, providing guests with a sense of contemporary Thailand. Spacious bedrooms, sprawling terraces and generous spaces combine to create a private paradise for guests.

Dining options are plentiful with three innovative restaurant concepts, two bars and lounges, a private wine cellar as well as destination dining options. The resort’s fine dining restaurant, Jahn, offers contemporary Thai cuisine of ultra-prime and imported ingredients, harmoniously paired with traditional Thai cooking techniques and flavourings to create unforgettable dishes. Jahn has won Thailand’s Best Restaurant award in 2012 and 2013 with top score of all selected restaurants in Koh Samui for two consecutive years.

The Spa at Conrad Koh Samui, perched high above a 270-degree panoramic view of the Aow Thai sea, combines international treatments and Thai spa techniques. Set over two floors, with a mixture of luxurious, spacious single and couple treatment rooms, The Spa offers an experience of unique quality that focuses on personal attention, sensory engagement and exceptional results. Signature treatments include Samui Enriched, Romance Ritual, Crystal Healing and Divine Sunset.
For reservations and more information:
Phone: +66 77 915 888,
Email: conrad_koh_samui@conradhotels.com
Website: www.conradkohsamui.com