Your Beachy Guide to Koh Samui

I found myself mainly on the east coast of the island. You'll find that the west coast is more isolated and "ferry-focused," which doesn't give you the pristine beach and translucent ocean experience you're probably looking for.

Beaches

For the most crucial component of your trip... I'll share my top three.

Message me with your favorite and we can plan around that pick to maximize your stay:

• Crystal Beach: Tucked in a bay with soft waves, a local restaurant, a fully equipped bar and an outdoor massage parlor on site. I loved this beach since it's not busy, the beach and water are grade A and there's enough shade to escape the Thai heat.

• Choeng Mon Beach: In the spotlight among hotels and restaurants, plenty of palm trees to seek shade, calm water for swimming or floatie-drifting and ideal for walkers on this long stretch of sand. Although Choeng Mon is a bit busier than Crystal, I enjoyed sipping on a Strawberry Daiquiri from one of the pool bars.

• Bo Phut Beach: Situated up on the northern coast and nestled between the calm beach atmosphere and vibrant local culture behind you. This beach is right near the lively hub, Fishermen's Village, so you can beach all day, then walk the stretch of retail therapy, indulge in local or western bites and vibe to live music blaring late into the night.

Yoga

• Vikasa: This is where I completed my teacher training in October 2023 and where all the magic happened for me on this island. This studio offers retreat packages and drop-in classes with hypnotic ocean views, passionate instructors and a German chef that creatively designs a raw food menu that's worth a sit down for every meal — the restaurants' ocean view is unmatched in my opinion. There are many yoga studios to choose from, but I'm biased after spending a month at Vikasa. Reach out to me if you're interested in more options and I'm happy to find you the optimal studio!

Tours

• Anthong Marine Park Eco Tour: Lagoons, buffets, snorkeling and climbing to the most spectacular viewpoint in the Gulf of Thailand...t his is a day trip you can't miss.

• Safari Jeep Tour: Drive up to waterfalls, temples and lunch up in the mountains on a 4x4 ride through untouched jungles... who can count the most monkeys?

• Secret Islands: Relax on a myriad of hidden beaches and dive beneath the surface from your private longtail boat.

• The pig island tour is also very popular, but I do not recommend it. I found the island to be a tourist trap, one that leaves you literally stranded on an island with wild pigs for two or three hours until the boat is ready to leave. It was hard to relax and enjoy my stay since the beaches were not maintained and the pigs were somewhat aggressive. I have way better alternatives for you... just shoot me a message and let me do the anti-pig planning!

Day trips:

• If you so happen to be in Koh Samui during the full moon and you want to experience a bit of the craziness that is Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, Koh Samui offers all-night ferries to and from the island... or choose to spend the day exploring this smaller haven before beginning your eventful night out.

• Koh Tao is an hour-and-a-half high speed ferry ride away and deserves a visit beneath the surface. Famous for its snorkeling and scuba diving, you can easily spend a day here immersing yourself in the pristine blue seas that are teeming with marine life.

Still searching for ideas? Get in touch with me below and let's curate your ideal itinerary.

Between waterfront restaurants, night markets and 7/11, there's no shortage of exceptional eats on this island. You'll probably choose to eat where it's convenient near your hotel, but some spots are worth the drive, and I'll list a few for you:

• Fishermen's Village: As I mentioned above, this bustling night market is your ideal stop for souvenirs, handmade jewelry and clothing, local or international cuisine and cocktails as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be, pre-rolled joints if that's your thing and nightly fire shows on the beach. This is a go-to safe spot to please everyone in your group for hours... finish off your night with Coco Tams on the beach!

• Nathon Night Market: This market is bustling with locals and travelers alike, where the prices are affordable while offering the freshest and most expansive selection of food in town. It may take about 30 minutes from your hotel to get here, but the vibrant nightlife that surrounds this region will make it well worth your efforts.

• Chaweng Night Market: Presented as a large outdoor food court with a flavorful array of Thai and international cuisines. Just steps from here is the animated nightlife of the island where you can window shop until you find the most enticing entrance for a nightcap.

• If you're looking for an even livelier night out, ARKbar Beach Club is a tourist's top pick for nightlife on the beach... picture fire shows, swim-up bars and an energetic environment with the constant party-mode on.