Joanna James
Koh Samui hardly ever feels like an island thanks to being very self-sufficient as far as islands in the region go. It has its own airport and a large, well-contained shopping centre. There's plenty to see in terms of pretty beaches and other cultural and heritage sites.
There's no amount of jokes about the human anatomy that people don't find funny. Especially when it is in a naturally occurring rock formation. Whether you are in it for the dick jokes, or simply because you just want to explore nature, the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks are the best places to go and snap a picture that you are obviously going to post on your Instagram.
The 12 metres tall Buddha statue is not easy to miss but you should make a specific journey to go see it anyway. It's not too far from Avani+ Samui Resort, so you can make a day trip of it. Or drop by while you are exploring the rest of the island. It also offers unparalleled views of the entire island.
The Namuang Waterfalls are dramatic and beautiful and one of the finer things to do in Samui. Especially if you are a lover of nature. The sheer beauty is something that deserves a lot of photographs. It will truly give meaning to the idea that you are spending time on a paradise island.
Located on the edge of the island is a rustic village of fishermen called Bophut village. It plays a huge part in the history of the island and is a great place to go in order to get some cultural exposure to the heritage of Koh Samui. On Fridays, they have a bustling market that sells traditional handicrafts and everything else and is definitely worth checking out.
The archipelago is home to 42 islands and was declared a national marine park. Ang Thong National Park is a paradise in the midst of paradise. You can go on tours of the park that include swimming, kayaking and climbing as much as you want. It is the perfect way to see all of Thailand's beautiful gulf in one fell sweep.
Koh Samui has a central festival with a well-stocked shopping centre that is something you cannot find in any of the other islands. It is home to international brands such as Adidas and Uniqlo which should tell you about the scope of retail items that are available for purchase should you want to engage in some retail therapy once all the exploring is done and dusted. It's also a great place to hang out with your family and friends over a coffee and chat in the air-conditioned indoors if the humidity proves too much.
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