There’s nothing a weary traveller likes more than a good shower and a cheap massage to ease aching muscles from lugging around a heavy backpack. While most people can’t afford daily spa treatments, one of the benefits to travelling to Southeast Asia is that unlike Western backpacker hotspots, here cheap massages are in abundance. What’s great … read the full post

If you’ve topped up your tan and had your fill of sand and surf, consider what there is to do away from the beaches of Ko Samui. Here are a few suggestions. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the Santiburi Country Club, renowned as one of Asia’s finest golf courses. It’s located in Mae Nam Hills, north … read the full post

Yoga studios on Ko Samui welcome short-term visitors, allowing holiday-makers the opportunity to carry on with their yoga routines from back home or to get involved for the first-time if they’re looking to do something different while away. There are several detox and wellness retreats as well on the island, offering yoga as part of their … read the full post

If you’re after an adrenaline rush and want to let out your inner Lewis Hamilton, then Samui Go-Kart in Bophut is the place to go on Ko Samui. Be prepared to open your wallet wide, as it’s not cheap, but the facilities are what you’d expect for the price. So what can you expect? The … read the full post

Aquapark Chaweng, Ko Samui’s latest child-friendly attraction, is located in the sea – yes, in the sea — in front of Monkey Bay Beach Bar. You’ll find it in the middle of the main beach, next to the Chaba Resort and the Beachcomber, and an added bonus is that there’s plenty of parking at Monkey … read the full post

Samui Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation has been improving the lives of Ko Samui’s animals for 13 years, and is a cause well worth supporting. Their main shelter is in Taling Ngam, where homeless animals are housed until a new home can be found for them, and where quarantined animals will go. A second, smaller … 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

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

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

Ko Samui has much to offer golf fanatics, whether they are pros, or just looking to whack a few balls for exercise. Those visiting with kids will enjoy the more family-orientated options available. Here’s a round-up of the golf opportunities to be found on the island. Santiburi Golf Course and Country Club, one of Asia’s … read the full post