During our Samui research earlier this year, we popped in to check out Secret Garden, a long-standing Bang Rak establishment; it looked tired and rundown, as if in need of a holiday itself. So on hearing that a new owner took over May 1, 2012,  we couldn’t resist a peek to see if new eyes … read the full post

At first glance, it’s hard to figure out what Samui-Ley is. Is it an art gallery? Is it a clothing and knick-knack store? Is it a coffee shop? Is it a guesthouse? Well, all of the above, actually. Located right in the centre of Bophut’s happening Fisherman’s Village, and looking out over the bay towards … read the full post

Magnolia Cafe in Ko Samui’s northern Chaweng is a European-style coffee shop with comfy chairs, couches, newspapers and subdued lighting. Other than Starbucks, there are few establishments on Samui with a real coffee-shop type atmosphere, but this place has that lounge about, read the paper, catch up on gossip with friends feel about it. Entering … read the full post

A new Ko Samui hotel with a name that’s a mouthful opened at the beginning of June 2012. Boutique the Green Bay View Hotel is located on the top floor of a two-storey shopping complex, at the junction to the airport from Bang Rak. The building was originally designed as shops downstairs and offices above, … read the full post

Some of the best-value resorts on Ko Samui are great in most departments, but lacking a swimming pool. Should they be located on a beach, this may not be a problem, but sometimes a splash in a pool, decked with sun loungers and an attentive barman on call, is just what the day needs. Don’t … read the full post

When you enter the new showroom for Dao Siam Cosmetics in Ko Samui‘s Choeng Mon you’ll suffer in the best way possible: from olfactory overload, as scents of predominantly citronella with undertones of white orchid and Thai herbs waft through the air. Aromdee Asia has been supplying hotels and spas in Thailand for several years, … read the full post

Thailand’s known for its cheap clothes shopping, brand-name knock-offs and haggling to get already low-priced items at a steal. This, however, usually means sweating it out in an overcrowded market; anyone who has been to Bangkok’s Pratunam Market will know that the usually fun-filled day of shopping can turn into torture as temperatures soar in … read the full post

Samui Heritage Resort is tucked away and would not easily be stumbled upon without knowing it was there. The only access is through a shopping complex, with the resort located at the end of the row of shops and businesses. A teal stucco, stone and wood entrance guarded by lion statues welcomes guests. You’ll need … read the full post

Moonhut Bungalows is a great budget option on Ko Samui’s Mae Nam beach. Arriving at Moonhut from a windy dirt road, the initial impressions may be mixed:the entrance is quaint, with a signposted archway leading to a tree-lined avenue with a beach sand floor, but a stagnant river to the left, at least when we … read the full post

Lamai is Ko Samui’s second largest beach after Chaweng, and lies on the southeast coast, with Chaweng Noi to its north, and Hua Thanon to its south. Driving from Chaweng to Lamai offers an eagle’s view along the 4169 ring road of the coves below, as the route winds over steep hills and around giant … read the full post