As far as New Year’s Eve goes, you won’t have to look far for a party on Thailand’s Ko Samui. As with Christmas, be warned if you’re booking a hotel that many of the resorts have compulsory gala dinners. If you’re footloose and fancy free, anywhere along the beach is a good bet, as resorts … read the full post

New restaurant Nirvana in popular Fisherman’s Village offers a selection of Thai, Asian-fusion and Western food. The decor is warm and inviting, with a lounge-type feel created by wooden and rattan furniture, burgundy cushions and drapes and candles on the table. Choose from several seating areas: stools around the bar, inside dining tables, streetfront bar tables … read the full post

Spark! (that’s with the !) is a group of volunteer circus performers who try to add a little sparkle to the lives of disadvantaged children in refugee camps, migrant schools, hospitals and orphanages along the Thai-Burmese border. More than 200, 000 refugees are based in camps along the border, with a large proportion of them … read the full post

If it’s tradition you’re after for Christmas and you’ll be on Thailand’s Ko Samui, the island won’t let you down in the roast-with-gravy-and-all-the-trimmings department. Many of the resorts –and not only the high-end ones — include a compulsory gala dinner for Christmas Eve. If you’re paying for it, you may as well make the most … read the full post

Many feel that Ko Samui has become too developed, and in part, that may be true. Luckily it’s possible to escape the crowds and discover the Samui of yesterday only a 45-minute drive from popular Chaweng beach. The unspoilt southwest is known as the Virgin Coast; from the ring road, turn off at Route 4170 … read the full post

Shortly after the Lamai temple and the bend in the road on the 4169 when coming from Chaweng, you’ll find a little piece of France. There’s a large concentration of French expats in this part of Ko Samui, and many gather at La Fabrique for a taste of home. The bakery supplies many of the … read the full post

Akiira Spa is located within New Star Beach Resort & Spa on the hill overlooking Chaweng Noi bay. The resort’s modern, airy feel carries through to the spa, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, orange and yellow hues, and comfortable furnishings. My visit was during torrential rain, so it made a great escape, watching the weather outside … read the full post

In the first of this two-part story, we advised you on staying healthy  and safe on Ko Samui. Here we offer some advice to newbie travellers on keeping out of trouble, and avoiding scams and ripoffs. When it comes to drugs — don’t be stupid. A few moments of hallucinating bliss are not worth a … read the full post

Ko Samui is for the most part a very safe place for travellers. There are certain things to keep in mind, however, especially for those who are not seasoned travellers, to ensure your best chances of staying safe and healthy during a trip here. Ko Samui has a high motorbike accident rate — among the … read the full post

Anyone looking for a little laidback reggae vibe will not be disappointed with Ko Samui’s selection of Rasta bars, local and visiting bands and paraphernalia. Local band the Rasta Monkeys has a fan base of note, and plays at venues around the island. Secret Garden in Bang Rak has recently brought back what was for years … read the full post