Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand's second-largest island, is one of the most well known holiday destinations around, so it is no surprise that it is a melting pot of visitors from Europe and Asia alike.  A world away from the concrete jungle of Bangkok, its broad appeal comes from its white sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife that attract all kinds of holidaymakers. Budget travellers usually stay long term at beachside bungalows and wealthy tourists drop in for a week or two to recharge at one of the luxury resorts or upscale spas.

Samui also houses a trove of dense mountainous rainforests to explore where its hidden gem, the Tamarin Magic Garden, can be found along with some magnificent waterfalls. There is no shortage of activities either - If you're not afraid of heights, you can try your hand at ziplining across jungle canopies, you can also stroll through and admire the vividly adorned temples including Wat Phra Yai that houses the famous Big Buddha statue. Or, simply just relax on the beach and enjoy the activities on offer in the form of snorkelling, paragliding and banana boating. You can even go on an excursion to Ang Thong National Marine Park, and take in the towering limestone karsts made famous from Leonardo di Caprio's starring role in "The Beach".

It is in the evening though when Samui really comes alive thanks multitude of night markets that are available for shoppers to barter for souvenirs whilst indulging their taste buds in local delicacies like mango with sticky rice. We recommend the Fisherman's Market in Boput, located right next to the beach with its very own Muay Thai stadium!

For revellers, Chaweng's famous beach road becomes a Las Vegas strip at night where a number of pubs, restaurants, clubs and bars compete against each other until the early hours. Photographers also take advantage of the evenings to capture the sunset at one of the many breathtaking viewpoints dotted around the island. The Jungle Club, in particular, offers a viewpoint with a bar and restaurant that overlooks the bay - providing stunning sunset views. Our self-guided tours will show you how to experience these things to be sure you don't miss out. Koh Samui is also famous for its dining opportunities - regional curries and spins on traditional Thai dishes will blow your mind as you enjoy the unique flavours from your seaside restaurant. It's hard to go wrong with any restaurant or any dish you choose!