Day 1 in Koh Samui

Welcome to Koh Samui! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the island, take a stroll around Fisherman`s Village in Bophut a unique historical area featuring 19th-century wooden houses and a narrow beach road filled with restaurants and boutiques. Have some lunch at one of the outdoor beachside restaurants where you can dine on local Thai cuisine or freshly caught seafood. Walk around and browse the shops.

After lunch head to the beach, Koh Samui features plenty of beautiful beaches, Chaweng beach is located on the eastern coast, and the soft white sands run for over 4 miles next to the glistening turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Enjoy an afternoon sunning and relaxing, swimming in the tranquil waters or snorkeling. You can also rent jet skis or take a boat trip. Chaweng also features many beach bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an exotic cocktail and some tasty snacks.

On your first evening on the island, head back down to the beach to catch one of Sumai`s sensational sunsets. Sit back with a cocktail in hand and soak in the surroundings and the setting sun, take a walk along the beach and wind down from your day. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants and beachside bars where you can fully enjoy the island life while sampling some of the delicious food this tropical island has to offer. Maenam Beach boasts the beautiful Zanzibar Beach Bar and Restaurant serving delectable Thai cuisine along with international and seafood options served at your table that sits right on the sand.

Day 2 in Koh Samui

Begin your day with a visit to two of the most impressive temples situated on the Island of Koh Samui, Wat Phra Yai `Big Buddha` and Wat Plai Laem `Laughing Buddha`, are situated on the northeast coast of Samui. The Big Buddha offers a great cultural experience and is best seen early in the morning. Hear the monks chanting, watch the locals bring in offerings of food and light incense as they do their morning prayers. Marvel at the 39ft tall golden seated Buddha statue which is the main attraction at Wat Phra Yai, wander around the small stalls and marketplace set up at the base of the Buddha and head to the restaurant on site for some breakfast.

From here make your way to Wat Plai Laem situated close to Choeng Mon Beach, this vibrant temple features the 49ft ornate `Guanyin` (Goddess of Mercy) statue with 18 arms and the giant `laughing Buddha` who`s grin is said to swallow up suffering. Visit the ordination hall, the shrines and take a walk around the lake.

For lunch make your way to Choeng Mon Beach area which features a series of small bays and tropical white sand beaches with rock formations. Visit one of the open-air cafes or restaurants for a bite to eat. Then head to the beach, if the tide is low you can paddle out to the small island of `Koh Farn Moi` or enjoy water sports that are offered at Choeng Mon Beach.

Make your way down to the rocky southern coastline of Koh Samui just past Lamai you will find the interesting rock formations named Hin Ta and Hin Yai. These rocks resemble male and female anatomy parts along with a very interesting folklore about an older couple known as the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. The area provides spectacular views of the coastline and beaches with small shops along the path that leads to the rocks. This would also be a great place to watch the sunset.

Head to Lamai, this is the second most popular beach on the entire island layered with soft golden sand and swaying palms, walk along the beach, dip your feet in the crystal clear waters and choose one of the amazing restaurants that line the beach for another delicious island dinner. After dinner, take a stroll around Lamai and browse in the shops and enjoy some of the evening entertainment.

Day 3 in Koh Samui

On your last day in Koh Samui head out early by boat to the Ang Thong Marine National Park (Open January through October) located on the shores of the Surat Thani Province in the Gulf of Thailand. The protected nature park covers 42 islands and is one of the most idyllic un-developed areas in Thailand. The islands are filled with lush tropical jungles, dramatic limestone cliffs, caves, lagoons and pristine white sand beaches. Spend your morning exploring, hike up to the viewpoint for some magical views over the Emerald Sea, kayak, snorkel, swim, dive and enjoy the vibrant sea life.

Alternatively, spend the morning at the Namuang Waterfalls also known as the Purple falls due to the color of the rocks. These majestic falls are located 7 ½ miles southeast of Nathon Bay and are reached by walking through the lush green jungle setting. The first waterfall tumbles down 59ft into a natural pool where swimming and rock jumping takes place. A 30-minute walk brings you to the next waterfall which rises high up to 262ft tall, the path to the falls offers stalls selling food and souvenirs, grab some lunch and have a picnic along the way.

On your last evening in Samui check out the vibrant nightlife scene in Lamai. This area is the second most popular town on the island next to Chaweng with a variety of different entertainment options for a great night out. See a ladyboy show at the Cabaret Lamai Beach; a one-hour performance is put on by the vibrant transgender dancers featuring singing, dancing, and comedy that is fun for the whole family.

If you`re looking for more of an action-packed evening check out a Muay Thai kickboxing match, this is the national sport of Thailand with a dance ritual performed prior to the show.

Make your way to Central Plaza situated right in the heart of town; this massive plaza is packed with a large food court, beer bars, restaurants, clubs and plenty of entertainment. Grab some traditional Thai food at one of the 20 stalls set up in the popular food court. Dine on noodles, tempura, barbecue, spring rolls, satay and more, have a seat at one of the tables and do some people watching in this bustling area.

There is plenty to do in Lamai after dark, like the `Swing Bar` where you can sit at swing chairs at the beachside bar while sipping on a `bucket` full of liquor and watching live fire dances. Lots of girlie bars are filled with pole dancing and Beer Bar Central which features the biggest collection of beer bars in the area with cheap beer.

Additional Days in Koh Samui

Should you be able to spend additional days in Koh Samui visit the many beautiful beaches that make up this spectacular island, Tailing Ngam means `beautiful shore` located on the west coast filled with secluded bays, a rocky shoreline engulfed in a tropical jungle setting. The Wat Kiri Wongkaram temple and the mummified body of Luang Por Ruam are situated here and some of the best beaches on the island.

Laem Yai is another secluded beach on the northwestern tip of the island, a quiet place for relaxing, sunbathing and swimming with a few restaurants and bars along the beachfront.

Maenam Beach sits on the north shore and stretches for 4 miles long lined with palm and coconut trees overlooking the island of Koh Phangan. A laid back area with restaurants, bars, pubs and stores and the popular walking street market held here on Thursday evenings.

Visit the Secret Buddha Garden nested in the hilltop of Pom Mountain, one of the highest peaks on the island. This sculpture park is surrounded by tropical jungles and features a collection of statues including Buddha`s, Angels and animals, native flowers and trees decorate the gardens along with a waterfall and stream.

The Koh Samui Tiger Zoo and Aquarium is located on Ban Harn beach, the park is designed to resemble an old fishing village. Animals, marine life and history can be discovered here throughout different exhibits and live shows. The Zoo`s main attraction is the Bengal tigers, visitors can get up close and personal with tiger cubs as well as feed them.

Your Last Day in Koh Samui

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.