If you dream of an island paradise, Koh Samui, the palm-fringed paradise in Thailand, is one of the first destinations that comes to mind! Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui offers something for everyone, whether you love the sea or exploring the mountains! Summer may be drawing to a close, but on Koh Samui, it feels like a summer holiday all year round.

Thailand Insider recently featured in its publication "On Thai Time" all the things you can see and do on Koh Samui to rediscover yourself. Let's take a look at their insider tips for some of the most exciting activities you can include in your travel plans!

What to do

Countless adventures await you on Koh Samui, whether you're exploring a new museum or strolling through the many street markets. Let's take a look at some activities you absolutely shouldn't miss!

Coconut Museum

Did you know? Koh Samui is one of Thailand's largest coconut producers! History and culture enthusiasts should definitely visit the Coconut Museum. There, you'll find numerous activities where you can learn more about Samui's history.

Learn the traditional methods for opening a coconut and extracting the milk by scraping out the flesh and kneading it with warm water. After straining, wait for the liquid to settle and enjoy a refreshing drink! Other activities include preparing the delicious Thai dessert Khan Khi Man, learning how to properly climb a coconut palm, and more coconut-based cooking classes!

Fishing village

What was once a fishing village is now a charming village for strolling, with cafes, restaurants, shops, and much more. The beach restaurants are entirely open-air and offer direct views of the water, allowing you to enjoy a traditional Thai fish dish with a tranquil sea view.

Boutiques and the weekly market, one of the village's biggest attractions, line the streets. On Fridays, visitors flock to the market in the pedestrian zone to shop and eat, giving the place a lively atmosphere. The market opens in the late afternoon and lasts until the evening. The pleasant temperatures invite visitors to stroll, eat, and linger.

Wat Plai Laem

On the northeast coast of Koh Samui lies one of the island's most beautiful temples, Wat Plai Laem. At the heart of the temple stands an impressive statue of the 18-armed Guanyin, the goddess of mercy and compassion. This relatively new Buddhist complex is also known for its statue of the Laughing Buddha.

The temple was built with vibrant art and architecture to celebrate the shared beliefs of Thai and Chinese Buddhism. Visitors can discover centuries-old artistic techniques. Please dress appropriately, as the temple is a sacred place of worship for devotees of Guanyin and Buddha.

There's so much more to discover on Koh Samui, such as peace and relaxation in wellness resorts or a stroll through the night markets. Find out more in the publication "On Thai Time"!

What you should eat

The local cuisine on Koh Samui is influenced by mainland China and Chinese immigrants from Hainan. Here you'll find some of Thailand's freshest seafood and local delicacies seasoned with fresh herbs, turmeric, and black pepper. Here are a few culinary highlights you shouldn't miss.

Puiyoke

For over 70 years, this restaurant has delighted its guests with delicious dishes and a charming ambiance. The Chinese influence on Koh Samui shapes the flavors of the cuisine, for example, in the fried rice with roast pork and a special marinade that gives the rice an unparalleled taste experience.

Long Day

Long Dtai, a restaurant popular with celebrities, serves authentic southern Thai seafood on the private islands of the Cape Fan Hotel. It's particularly noteworthy that head chef David Thompson and his team place great emphasis on marine conservation and sustainability.

We've only featured a few local favorites here, but there are many more restaurants to discover, including those in Central Festival Samui, the island's largest shopping mall! Read more about this culinary feast in the latest issue of "On Thai Time".

What there is to see

You now know what to do and eat, but there's so much more to discover and see! From the viewpoints to the island's natural phenomena, Ko Samui has so much more to offer.

Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks

On the way to the southern end of Lamai Beach, you'll come across fascinating, bizarrely shaped rock formations called Hin Ta and Hin Yai, also known as Grandpa and Grandma Rocks. Discovered many years ago by locals, these rocks lie along the rocky coastline where the waves crash against them.

Taling Ngam's viewpoint

A must-see on Koh Samui is the breathtaking sunset, and one of the best places to experience it is the Taling Ngam viewpoint. High up in the sky, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and the islands of Koh Chuak, Koh Som, and Koh Nok Phao in the distance. The sunset is a truly unforgettable experience as the sky glows orange and the sun reflects off the sea.

Overlapping stone

Surprise! Ko Samui holds even more fascinating rock formations! The Overlap Stone lies somewhat off the beaten track and leads to one of the island's most beautiful viewpoints. Surrounded by lush jungle, this hidden natural phenomenon is reached via an artificial bridge. After admiring the enormous rock, a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of this island paradise unfolds.

Start planning your holiday on Ko Samui!

Many more hidden gems await your discovery on Koh Samui. The island has now reopened as part of the 7+7 and Samui Plus programs and looks forward to welcoming you safely. Read more about Koh Samui in the July issue of On Thai Time, and find further information about traveling to Thailand on our travel page!