Some people like to go on holiday to relax or explore and discover a new place. Others prefer more purpose-orientated holidays: volunteering or perhaps improving a skill such as cooking or writing. One skill that can be honed while holidaying is Thailand is muay Thai – to seriously train for the sport in its land of … read the full post

Should you want to extend your Thailand adventure, and need to do a visa run or border bounce from Ko Samui, Malaysia is the most convenient country to get to. To clarify, a visa run entails going to a Thai embassy or consulate to get a new visa; a border bounce is for those who … read the full post

Ko Samui sailors wait in anticipation each year for the annual international regatta held towards the end of May. This is usually the only organised event for sailing enthusiasts, both participants and spectators alike, where sailing vessels from around Asia, including Hong Kong, Phuket and Malaysia, race against local sailors in Samui’s ideal waters. As … read the full post

Following on from part 1 of getting around on Samui, which covered songthaews, motorbike taxis and taxis, in this post we look at renting your own scooter or motorbike, renting a car, and that old chestnut, walking. Scooters Automatic scooters are available for rent all over the island. Expect to pay from 120 to 250 … read the full post

Getting around on Ko Samui is easy, with several options available. Being an island, it is hard to get seriously lost. Keep in mind that there is a main Ring Road, known as the 4169, which as about 45km long, with two prominent linking loop roads: one in the north east (4171), joining Bang Rak, … read the full post

ควาย or khwai is the Thai word for water buffalo. The water buffalo plays a big part in Thai culture and daily life, and they are a common sight here on Ko Samui. See an open patch of land with grass, and you are sure to find a buffalo tethered to a coconut tree, quietly … read the full post

Most residents of Ko Samui have a love-hate relationship with Samui airport, located in Bang Rak, in the island’s northeast. The airport has to be one of the most beautiful in the world: cute, tropical and welcoming. Tastefully built and furnished in true island style without being tacky, the airport is for the most part … read the full post

One of the first things travellers to Thailand may notice about their surrounds are the colourful and ornate spirit houses resembling miniature temples that are strategically positioned outside every home, business, school and in public areas. Other than making great photo opportunities for tourists, what is behind these impressive little structures? Spirits abound everywhere in … read the full post

Bang Rak is located on the northern coast of Ko Samui, with Bophut to its west and Plai Laem to its east. The beach area of Bang Rak is also referred to as Big Buddha beach, because of the huge golden statue at the eastern end of the beach, just before Plai Laem. The beach … read the full post

Although not far from the main tourist drags, Plai Laem just past Big Buddha is often devoid of tourists who seem oblivious to its existence and quaint charm. Slightly better known is Choeng Mon, which consists of a main beach as well as several intimate coves often only accessible via resorts, or dirt paths that … read the full post