Joanna James
Choices for exploration on the island of Koh Samui are aplenty, where travellers can take their pick from tropical islands, forest-swathed waterfalls and countless picturesque seaside destinations. Unleash your inner explorer and hit the idyllic outdoors to savour myriad fun-filled experiences.
Island destinations to be explored in the vicinity of Koh Samui are unequivocally plentiful, but the endearing charm of Ang Thong National Marine Park is one that is unmatched by any other. A day trip to the marine park alone makes for an island-hopping adventure itself, for Ang Thong is an archipelago of 42 beautiful islands. Island hopping isn’t all that the idyllic destination has in store for you. Snorkelling, sea kayaking, and scuba diving, as well as hiking and cave exploration, are just as fantastic.
The string of picture-postcard beaches that ring the island of Koh Samui need no introduction whatsoever, but away from the stunning coast, the Thai island is also home to a whole host of breathtaking waterfalls, just as spectacular. About 12 km inland from Nathon Bay, Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2, which collectively make Na Muang Waterfalls, are some of the most visited waterfalls in Koh Samui, out of which the former is the most visited on the whole island. Both Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2 are equally beautiful, but Na Muang 1 is effortlessly accessible, while Na Muang 2 is for the truly adventurous.
If there’s one thing that puts Thailand’s 5th largest island on the map, that would be, without doubt, the boisterous full moon parties. Lively revellers draw in droves to the island’s southeastern peninsula, the world-renowned Haad Rin, where the white sandy shores play host to the night-long full moon parties tied to the lunar calendar. Away from the party hotspot, Hat Khuat and Hat Thian Beaches are much quieter and laid-back, where mellow souls certainly won’t be left disappointed.
A drop of tropical paradise amidst the azure gulf, Koh Tao may be small, but is blessed with a breathtaking appeal that never fails to captivate even the most discerning travellers. Experiences to be had on the minuscule island are abundant, but scuba diving is clearly the highlight. The island’s scores of incredible dive sites give all popular island destinations in its vicinity, including the likes of Koh Samui, a run for their money and rightly so.
It is a well-known fact that the reputation of “elephant tourism” in Southeast Asia is not the most glowing, reflective of numerous stories of torture and death involving elephants in this part of the world. Samui Elephant Sanctuary is an establishment that truly sets itself apart, as it is a haven for elephants rescued from tourist trekking and riding and other commercial activities that may result in animal abuse. Get up close and personal with the fascinating creatures of the wild and retreat to one of the finest Koh Samui 5-star hotels, including the likes of SAii Koh Samui.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
