UPDATE: Power has now been restored to Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan. We we woke up to the good news this morning, sleeping on the balcony for a breeze, surrounded by mosquitos. There was that tell-tale sound of the fridge buzzing, meaning that the power was on. Supply was restored on the mainland at … 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

Doing your open water course here on Ko Tao will take 3 and a half days. But what if you don’t have that long? Learning to dive is best taken at a relaxed pace but if you are really short on time there are a number of things that you can do. Firstly, you could consider … 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

Ko Tao has a great range of places to eat but not every spot is suitable to those on a shoestring budget. If you are watching your pennies there’s no need to miss out on tasty treats though; you just need to know where to look. Although there isn’t a night market typical of many … 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

Akaryn Samui on Ko Samui’s Choeng Mon Beach offers pool suites and villas that give you a lot for your dollar, pound or euro if you’ve got extra to spend and are looking for a modern, splurge-y place to stay. Located midway between Choeng Mon proper and Chaweng, the position is ideal for those wanting … read the full post