Raw Art Moovment is a kind of creative hotspot and space, a unique concept for Ko Tao that has very quickly been embraced by the community and visitors alike. Lisa, who is one of the owners and an artist too, simply needed a studio. Her husband Denny, a writer, needed somewhere to write. One thing … 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

Chaloklum is a lovely little fishing village in the north of Ko Pha Ngan, between Mae Haad and Bottle Beach. The beach itself is long, with the best sand towards the eastern end, and the bulk of the restaurants, and the pier, towards the west. What’s great about Chaloklum is it’s one of the only … read the full post

Sure, many people now travel with their kindles or iPads, but sometimes there’s nothing better than paging through a real book while swinging in a hammock. Most resorts on Ko Samui have a book-exchange shelf, where, as the name suggests, you can grab a new book and add one you’re finished with, based on an … 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

Visitors to Ko Tao are sometimes a little perplexed by the notion of  beach dogs or street dogs, who often have names but no specific owners. They’re well looked after, well fed, sociable and roam with abandon. Years ago when I was first here the dogs tended to look a little scrawny, mange was rife … 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

Ko Pha Ngan’s funky and boldly named Better Than Sex lounge and restaurant is located a bit away from the beach on Thong Nai Pan Noi, though it has a vibe worthy of a beachfront location. It’s worth stopping by, regardless of the lack of sand and waves. Both travellers to Thong Nai Pan and … read the full post

If you’re spending the day on Chaweng beach and fancy a little pampering beyond a beach massage, Breeze Spa at the Amari Palm Reef Resort is a good option. Rather than having one signature treatment, Breeze Spa offers five massages, which you choose by answering the questions, “How do you feel at this moment?” — … read the full post

Flip Flop Pharmacy is a fun bar with a catchy name and bright orange front is a great place to chill out on Ko Pha Ngan’s Thong Nai Pan Yai beach. The set-up is pretty typical of an island bar, though the hanging wooden chair swings dispersed throughout the bar are a unique touch. Flip … read the full post