Koh Samui Guide

SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort | Our Founders Favourite

Tucked discreetly along the palm-fringed northern coast of Koh Samui, SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort is a seductive blend of contemporary design and barefoot Thai elegance. While the resort has long been a favourite of the in-the-know crowd, its quiet luxury and cinematic sunsets keep it feeling like a well-guarded secret.

On arrival, guests are welcomed with cool lemongrass towels and views of the Gulf of Thailand shimmering just beyond the infinity pool. The resort’s architecture plays with soft, modern lines and open-air courtyards, but it’s the soothing white-on-white palette and gentle echoes of traditional Thai aesthetics that set the tone — think: lantern-lit pathways, minimalist pavilions, and lily-filled water features.

Each of the 69 suites and villas offers generous space and privacy, but the Pool Villas are where SALA’s magic truly unfolds. Secluded behind high walls, these cocoons come with plunge pools, open-air bathrooms.

Wellness also has its moment, thanks to a serene spa offering signature Thai massages and a thoughtful menu of treatments. Yoga sessions take place in the mornings, often just steps from the tide. For the more adventurous, the concierge team can curate longtail boat tours to nearby islets or street food excursions into the island’s cultural heart.

SALA is a sanctuary for design-minded travellers who favour quiet luxury over scene and sparkle.

SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Perched above the cerulean sweep of Laem Yai Bay, the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is the kind of place that makes you exhale — deeply and luxuriously. A symphony of jungle greenery, private hillside villas,
and turquoise sea.

On arrival you’re whisked down winding paths flanked by coconut palms and bursts of bougainvillea, until the view opens up: a panoramic canvas of sea and sky that feels lifted straight from a dream. Every inch of the resort has been designed to work with the landscape, not against it — villas are discreetly tucked into the hillside, allowing nature to take the lead. Each Private Pool Villa is its own sanctuary — impossibly chic.

The Secret Garden Spa is carved into the forest, offering deeply restorative treatments rooted in Thai healing traditions.

While many guests come simply to disconnect, the resort also offers a curated menu of experiences — Muay Thai training in a glass-walled ring, private longtail boat charters to remote islands, or a visit to the on-site rum vault for a guided tasting. And for families, the Four Seasons excels in its signature way: thoughtful, high-touch, and always a step ahead.

Four Seasons

Koh Samui | Eat

Coco Tam’s, Koh Samui — Sunset Sips and Beachfront Bohemia

Perched on the sands of Bophut Beach and effortlessly blending island spirit with a touch of curated cool, Coco Tam’s is the boho-luxe beach bar that defines Koh Samui’s laid-back glamour. By day, it’s a sun-drenched escape; by night, it transforms into a sultry, lantern-lit playground.

Low-slung beanbags spill across the sand, fringed parasols sway in the sea breeze, and the air carries a soft soundtrack of chilled beats and clinking glasses. It’s the kind of place where the cocktails are as photogenic as the crowd — think frozen passionfruit daiquiris, lychee mojitos, and signature coconut concoctions served in hand-carved shells.

Coco Tam’s isn’t just about the drinks, though. A wood-fired pizza oven turns out surprisingly good slices, and the adjacent Peppina offers a more elevated menu of Italian-Thai fusion, perfect for a
lingering lunch before slipping back into a hammock.

For those craving a little energy without sacrificing style, Coco Tam’s hits all the right notes. A barefoot luxury haunt with just enough buzz, it’s an essential stop on any Samui itinerary.

Best for: Golden hour cocktails and beachfront lounging with a stylish crowd. Don’t miss: The fire show — best viewed with a cocktail in hand and toes in the sand.

Krua Bophut | A Taste of Authentic Thai Flavours

For those craving a truly authentic Thai experience, Krua Bophut is the place to go. Nestled in the heart of the charming Bophut Fisherman’s Village, this beloved local gem serves some of the most authentic Thai dishes on the island — and at incredibly reasonable prices. The menu is packed with all the classic Thai dishes, from rich curries to aromatic stir-fries, and the flavours are nothing short of spectacular.

Start with the crispy spring rolls and the rich, creamy coconut milk-based Tom Kha Gai (chicken soup) — both are crowd favourites. For mains, the Pad Thai and Red Curry Duck are exceptional, bursting with layers of
flavour. Krua Bophut’s atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with rustic wooden tables and traditional Thai décor, creating a homely, unpretentious vibe. If you want to experience the heart of Thai cooking while soaking up Koh Samui’s laid-back charm, this is the place.

Koh Samui | Visit

Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and vibrant activities. Whether you’re seeking serene beaches, adventurous excursions, or cultural experiences, Koh Samui caters to all.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Embark on a day trip to this archipelago of 42 islands featuring limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. Activities include kayaking, snorkelling, and hiking to panoramic viewpoints.

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)

Visit the iconic 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue, a symbol of Koh Samui. Located on a small island connected by a causeway, it’s a site of spiritual significance and offers scenic views.

Wat Plai Laem

Explore this colourful temple known for its 18-armed Guanyin statue and intricate architecture blending Thai and Chinese styles. The surrounding lake adds to its tranquil ambiance.

Secret Buddha Garden

Discover a hidden sculpture park nestled in the island’s hills, featuring statues amidst lush greenery and waterfalls—a peaceful retreat from the bustling beaches.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks

Marvel at these natural rock formations resembling male and female genitalia, steeped in local legend and offering picturesque coastal views.

Best Beaches

Chaweng Beach: The most popular beach, known for its soft white sand, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

Lamai Beach: A slightly quieter alternative to Chaweng, offering a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Maenam Beach: Ideal for those seeking tranquillity, with calm waters and a laid-back vibe.

Nikki Beach:The beach club with laid-back energy and a stretch of powder soft sand.

Koh Samui seamlessly combines natural wonders, cultural richness, and modern comforts, making it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking diverse experiences in Thailand.