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Welcome to the enchanting island of Koh Samui, a tropical paradise nestled in the cerulean waters of the Gulf of Thailand. This gem of tropical allure, adorned with swaying palm trees and pristine beaches, beckons travellers seeking an immersive and rejuvenating escape. Tropical destinations usually have dry and rainy seasons. To ensure your journey is nothing short of extraordinary, be sure to pay a visit between December and March. Usually, the driest month of the year is March with very little rainfall and perfect sunny days throughout the month. keep reading to find out what you can do to make the most of it while you are visiting Koh Samui. Here is an exclusive guide to embracing the essence, and crafting memories that linger long after your departure.

Image via Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club

Koh Samui’s coastline is a masterpiece painted with diversity. From the vibrant energy of Chaweng Beach, alive with nightlife and water adventures, to the serene embrace of Lamai Beach, an oasis of tranquillity, each stretch of sand offers a unique allure.

Delve into the island’s heritage by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Big Buddha Temple, where spiritual tranquillity merges seamlessly with panoramic sea vistas. Explore the Fisherman’s Village in Bophut, a living embodiment of the island’s cultural blend, matching traditional Thai architecture with modern boutique experiences.

Nestled along the pristine shores of Chaweng Beach, Avani Chaweng Samui epitomises the fusion of luxury and serenity among the diverse array of hotels in Koh Samui, Thailand. Resorts offer exquisite retreats with a peaceful escape amidst the island’s vivacious energy. Immerse yourself in contemporary elegance within spacious rooms adorned with modern amenities and breathtaking sea views.

Indulge in culinary pleasures at Koh Samui restaurants, tantalising your taste buds with a fusion of Thai flavours and international cuisines. Unwind by the infinity pool at your hotel, savouring the tropical breeze, or rejuvenating at the upscale spa offering a variety of treatments and therapies, ensuring a holistic retreat.

Discover solace amidst nature’s bounty at Na Muang Waterfalls. Traverse through lush jungles to uncover cascading waters and natural pools, inviting you to invigorate your spirit in this soothing oasis.

Begin your adventure by paying a visit to Ang Thong Marine Park, a surreal archipelago boasting emerald lagoons and limestone karsts. You may also try snorkelling in crystal-clear waters or navigate hidden coves by kayak, creating an unparalleled marine adventure.

Delight your senses with the island’s culinary scene. Explore local markets for authentic Thai cuisine or relish gourmet experiences by the beach, savouring delectable dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and freshly caught seafood.

Elevate your dining experience amidst glorious sunsets. Beachfront restaurants offer a fusion of delectable cuisines complemented by panoramic views, creating an ambience of pure bliss.

The resort caters to both relaxation and adventure seekers. Lounge on the private beachfront or engage in water sports and island excursions arranged by the resort, providing a gateway to Koh Samui’s marine wonders.

Select from a spectrum of accommodations, ranging from luxurious beachfront resorts to charming boutique hotels or budget-friendly hostels, ensuring a stay tailored to your preferences.

Navigate the island effortlessly with options like motorbike rentals, taxis, and Songthaews (shared trucks). Strategically plan your itinerary to optimise your exploration of Koh Samui's hidden treasures.Koh Samui, with its kaleidoscope of experiences, promises an excursion that goes beyond mere travel—it's an immersion into paradise.

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has long been a favourite among tourists. The very mention of the name evokes images of delicious food, bustling markets, glittering temples, crowded shopping malls, and vibrant nightlife. Many tourists venture here in search of adventure, and some are here for peace and tranquillity. But what exactly is Bangkok famous for? These are the attractions that put Bangkok on every traveller’s bucket list.

Ever wondered where the heart of Bangkok is? It’s right here at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, which is located right next to the palace. The beautiful murals and the shimmering roofs of the Grand Palace will leave you in awe. On the other hand, Wat Prakeaw, also called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, houses something precious: a jade Buddha statue.

If you are curious about Thai culture and history, this is where you should start your journey. What’s more, many hotel brands, the likes of Minor Hotels, for example, have taken an interest in the burgeoning growth of tourism in the area. This means you can find a wide array of accommodation options in the vicinity of the palace.

After feasting your eyes on the beauty of the Grand Palace, a short walk will bring you to Wat Pho, another attraction that makes Bangkok so popular. Wat Pho is home to an impressive Buddha statue in the reclining position; it’s adorned with golden leaf and mother-of-pearl. While here, treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage – Wat Pho is said to be the birthplace of Thai traditional massage.

Feeling a little hungry after all that sightseeing? Why not head into Chinatown? As evening falls, the streets of Chinatown become busy with food stalls selling a variety of food delights. You can slurp some delicious noodle soup, bite into crispy duck, and tickle your tastebuds with golden pastries. And if you are feeling adventurous, there’s a host of exotic delicacies you can try. Remember, Chinatown isn’t all about food; it’s a sensory delight filled with colours, flavours, and aromas.

Shopping enthusiasts will find themselves with lots to do at Chatuchak Weekend Market. The biggest weekend market in the world, Chatuchak Weekend Market is home to around 15,000 stalls, selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts. While you are navigating this colourful paradise, grab a coconut ice cream or savour some delicious Thai treats.

Also called Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn is a magical place in Bangkok. As the name suggests, the best time to visit the temple is early in the morning. This is when the temple’s porcelain façade sparkles in the soft golden rays of the sun. The temple sits by the river, so you can get here by ferry, which is an experience in itself.

Delve into the world of silk at Jim Thompson’s House. This beautifully preserved house gives you insights into the life of the American visionary who revolutionised the silk industry of Thailand. The house sits amidst lush greenery and showcases a blend of traditional and modern architecture. A visit to this house is a must if you want to learn about the legend that is Jim Thompson.

Also dubbed the backpacker’s haven, Khao San Road brings you a microcosm of Bangkok’s lively spirit. During the day, it is a bustling market where you can grab some fantastic souvenirs, elephant-patterned pants, and quirky t-shirts. Come evening, the market transforms into a lively hub of massage parlours, food stalls, and bars.

End your day with a leisurely stroll along Asiatique, also called the Riverfront. This expansive open-air mall brings shopping and entertainment together. Browse through the boutique stores and shop to your heart’s content. And don’t forget to take a spin on the Ferris wheel and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the river and the city.

With so many outdoor attractions enticing visitors to this charming province of Krabi on the west coast of southern Thailand, a little understanding of the climatic and weather patterns stands you in good stead. Weather forecasts may sound all gloom and doom during some periods when you read online, however, it does not mean rains will pour the whole day. With over 120 offshore islands to explore during your visit take note of the dry and wet periods to plan your visit.

Image via Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort

With temperatures ranging from 27C to 36C, the months of April and May are considered the hottest months in Krabi. Despite being hot and humid, short and heavy thundershowers happen during this period with strong winds which bring welcome relief to visitors at Ao Nang beach hotels.

With the glorious sunshine soaking the beaches and putting a welcome tan on visitors from April, towards mid-April between 13-15 April is the Thai New Year (Songkran) a huge countrywide festival involving many activities. The most interesting one with tourists getting involved is the shooting of water at anyone, it is not merely for fun, it has a deep meaning of washing away any bad luck as the new year dawns. A great experience if you happen to be in Krabi.

By June and July, the strong winds die down, skies become clearer. By July and August Krabi is cooler and many favourite attractions are not crowded, the locals go about happily and everything is less pricey during this period.

The best time to visit Krabi which is also the high or peak season is November to March. The weather is mild at 28C with lovely cool breezes keeping everyone and everything cooler with lots of visitors arriving at hotels such as Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort.

The best months in this season are December and January with crowds of people flocking to Krabi. The rates of food and lodging go up during this peak period as do flights to Krabi and back as locals want to optimize their gains during these peak months.

However, if your wish is to savour the beaches and do a bit of island hopping this is a perfect time to savour all the beauty and make the most of your days here.

A couple of rainy days may occur here and there however most days remain dry making island hopping, lounging by the beach, experiencing the majestic limestone cliffs or picnics by the beach a favourite pass time of visitors.

Signs of umbrellas and raincoats become noticeable from September to October heralding frequent showers whilst the period commencing June to October is the wet season. Water sports and other outdoor activities come to a halt.

For those brave visitors who want to experience this period in Krabi the hotels may offer many attractive deals, outdoor restaurants and street food will be more reasonable, and beaches gloriously uncrowded offering a new relaxed atmosphere all around. The locals will be friendlier as the crowds are less, shopping will be cheaper and the greenery will be clean and sparkling.

Since crowds are remarkably less, this is also an ideal time for couples or families with children to enjoy quality time together in privacy and at very affordable rates. They can still have activities, do shopping and share special moments with more space and relaxation.

If you book during this period, be positive-minded and enjoy available attractions at a lower rate, there can also be a couple of sunny days to make a few beach visits enjoyable still.

When compared with neighbouring islands in Thailand, reaching Koh Samui is relatively convenient with a slew of transportation facilities available. However, it is always good to select a mode that reflects your style of travel. Be it by air, land or water, the gleaming islet of Koh Samui will be well worth your time and investment and provided below is a guide on how to arrive here from popular parts of the country.

Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, From Koh Samui to Koh Tao (48107564893), CC BY 2.0

By far, the fastest way to access Koh Samui from the nation’s capital is by air but understand that a far heftier price tag comes attached to this form of commuting. With some 20 daily flights connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport to Koh Samui Airport between 6.00 am and 8.30 pm, travellers like yourself will be handed plenty of options to choose from. Also, the average flying time does not exceed 90 minutes and is no fewer than 75 minutes. A more scenic route is to opt for the bus and ferry services that operate out of Bangkok and for this purpose, one would be directed towards Sai Tai Mai Terminal from where the public bus can be boarded anywhere between 5.00 am to 8.00 pm. Further, the overnight tourist bus service can be availed which commences from Khao San Road every night at 8.00 pm. Split into 2 legs, the initial part of your journey will see you spending around 12 to 14 hours in a bus that will thereafter, have you dropped off at Surat Thani Pier? From here, it is a matter of hailing the public ferry that will arrive in Koh Samui after a 2 to 4-hour trip. In terms of cost, expect to pocket anything in the range of 850 to 1,400 Baht.

Given the appeal and charms associated with the island of Phuket, leaving it behind can be quite an ask but in the event, you do see a need to head out and across to Koh Samui, then herein is a guide on what you need to pay attention to. The direct flight from Phuket to Koh Samui can take as much as 55 minutes of your time but is always prudent to refer to daily flight schedules before making any plans as such. For example, Bangkok Airways flies out of Phuket 6 times a day with the earliest flight leaving at 9.45 am with the latest following suit at 4.35 pm. Should you not be in a position to accommodate air travel, then the next best option is the bus and ferry combination. In this regard, choosing a transportation facilitator that fits perfectly into your budget would be a step in the right direction. First up is Lomprayah whose fleets of buses leave daily at 7.00 am and 10.00 am respectively. Once you get off at Laem Thuat Pier, the ferry will then escort you to Koh Samui for a combined fee of 800 Baht per head and a duration that will extend up to 7 hours. For the budget-friendly vacationer, the services of Phantip 1970 are recommended. With tickets incurring a per head cost of 650 Baht, the journey will involve travelling by bus to Donsak Pier from where a boat will have to be boarded which takes between 7 to 9 hours to complete.

In the event, you place considerable importance on convenience and that too with respect to arriving in Koh Samui from Krabi, then know that taking the plane will be your best bet. Daily flights depart for Koh Samui sharp at 1.45 pm and on average, never go beyond 50 minutes which is why most visitors yearn for the brilliance of the island resort to fly in. Alternatively, local tour companies in Krabi can be consulted should you be more inclined to travel by land. For a fee amounting to about 700 Baht per person, one can look forward to riding a bus and feasting your eyes on jaw-dropping views on board the ferry en route to a holiday in Koh Samui. Family resort facilities the likes of Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort can be factored into your itinerary if you find yourself wanting to remain within this section of Thailand for a longer period of time.

Thai food is famous the world over, and when in Thailand, you can indulge the foodie in you with a variety of cuisine incorporating the perfect blend of spices, herbs and flavours designed to tantalis e the tastebuds. Eating is also an art and part of the ancient culture in Thailand, and there are rules you must follow to enjoy a fully immersive experience as this article on how to eat like a local in Thailand explains.

Sitting down for a meal in Thailand is different to what you may be used to if you come from a western nation. To begin with, the senior most person does not sit at the head of the table, instead, they are offered a seat in the middle area. As a guest it is best to wait politely until you are offered your place, thus avoiding any confusion.

Some homes in Thailand will have low tables and cushions for sitting on instead of chairs – in this case, you must sit in a position where your feet do not point at anyone and are not visible; it is considered impolite to show your feet to other diners. Do not begin eating until the senior-most person at your table has started.

When dining at a restaurant, you may find strangers sitting at your table – this is quite normal, and it does not mean you are supposed to engage in conversation with them. Simply carry on with your meal as though you were seated all alone. Busy tourist centres like Phuket in Thailand offer some of the best eateries in the nation. And some popular resorts like Anantara Layan Phuket Resort will include several in-house eateries for the convenience of guests. These eateries are among the best restaurants in Phuket and are ideal for learning a thing or two about Thai dining etiquette.

While combined eating is a thing when dining in Thailand, it does not mean you must compromise your dietary requirements. Do not feel obliged to try various dishes just because everyone else is eating them. Some dishes may be extremely spicy, and others may contain ingredients you don’t eat or are allergic to; therefore, inquire about the ingredient and the dish before you heap your plate with them.

You are by no means required to serve yourself every dish that is being passed around; it is quite alright to politely decline food containing ingredients you don’t eat. This is considered alright as opposed to leaving food on your plate, which is seen as disrespectful. Avoid serving food you won’t eat, and when not sure, try very small portions at first. Do not pile your plate with every food from every dish on the table. Taste a little at a time and reserve only what you like.

It is quite alright to add sauces and condiments to your food. Unlike in some cultures, it is not considered rude to add extra flavour to your food in Thailand.

Unlike some of their South Asian contemporaries, Thais do not use chopsticks for eating. The fork and spoon are the popular choices. If you must cut food, use the edge of the spoon to do so. You hold the spoon in the right hand and the fork in the left. Do not put the fork in your mouth as it is used to heap the food onto the spoon, which is what you put in your mouth.

When serving from the main dishes, do not use the spoon you are eating with, there will be separate serving spoons for each dish and that is what you must use.

Just like in other nations, there will be several rules and customs to be followed when dining in Thailand. Irrespective of whether you happen to be having dinner at a Thai home, dining with Thai friends, taking part in a business lunch or eating at a local restaurant, it would be appropriate to conform to basic Thai table manners. Although Thais will not expect foreigners to demonstrate perfect local table manners, they will appreciate it when you try to do so.

Image via pxhere

Unlike in Western nations, where the most senior or most important individual sits at the table’s head, in Thailand, you will find that the most significant person would be seated at the centre of the table. If you happen to be unsure of where you should sit, you may wait to be shown to your seat.

When it comes to Thai meals you will find that dishes will always be shared when a group is dining together. Accordingly, when dining at a restaurant you should order several dishes to be shared amongst your group. At a formal meal, the senior ladies present may select the dishes to be shared.

You should be cautious when eating unfamiliar foods in Thailand. Since it will take time for foreigners to adjust to Thai cuisine, you may opt not to consume dishes that you feel you may not be able to handle so that you can avoid a possible upset stomach. That said, do not miss trying new dishes either! Some restaurants will accommodate requests to make dishes less spicy too.

You will find that a typical meal in Thailand would include rice, a salad or vegetable dish, soup and possibly some curries. When food is served, you should first serve yourself rice and then take small quantities of the other dishes, without taking too much from any dish. When it comes to restaurants in Chiang Rai where you could dine consider those at the SHA Extra+ certified Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort which will also be an accommodation choice to consider.

Using chopsticks is not part of the Thai food culture. Instead, Thais will use forks and spoons as their main utensils. The spoon should be held by the right hand while the fork should be held by the left. As Thai food comes in bite-sized amounts, knives will not be needed.

When dining on Thai foods that are eaten using the hands, like sticky rice, it will be important to only use the right hand. This is because Thai people traditionally consider that the left hand is unclean.

If you happen to feel that the meal is not spicy or salty enough, you will usually have the chance to help yourself to the sauces and seasonings that will accompany the food. By serving yourself condiments like vinegar, fish sauce and chilli flakes, you can alter the taste of the meal.

Just as in many other Asian nations, older persons and individuals holding high social status are greatly respected in Thailand. Therefore, generally, you should not commence eating or drinking at a Thai meal till the oldest or highest-ranking individual has begun dining.

You will often find that Thais will take plenty of time when dining so that they can enjoy the food. Additionally, dinner is considered a time for catching up with family and friends. Therefore, foreigners too should take their time and eat unhurriedly just as the locals do.

When it comes to paying for a meal, typically the person who has done the inviting will settle the bill. In some situations, the top-ranking or most senior individual will pay for the meal. Tipping will not be compulsory; if you desire to tip at a Thai restaurant, it should be done privately.