A Thai Beach Holiday

The quintessential Thai beach holiday. Photo credit: Thai Airways.

Iain Miller wrote this guest post about a holiday in Thailand.

Imagine a Thai beach holiday – the sand between your toes, a brilliant sunset, and the smell of the fragrant tropics.

Take your holidays to Koh Samui, a charming island off the coast of Thailand that caters to both beach tourists and adventurous backpackers. Koh Samui offers the best balance of tropical beach life, adventurous water sports, and cultural festivals.

The third largest island in Thailand, Koh Samui’s main industry is tourism, boasting infrastructure built for the traveler. Fly straight into the island through Samui International Airport, or board a ferry from mainland Thailand.

Depending on what kind of traveler you are, there is a wide range of accommodations and activities to choose from.

Travelers willing to splurge on an island getaway may stay in 5-star luxury resorts or private villas, with Chaweng Beach at the front door. It is the island’s major beach destination, with sprawling white sands, crystal clear water and Koh Samui’s characteristic coconut trees.

Travelers seeking a relaxing holiday may recline on a deck chair while sipping a martini, visit the hotel’s spa for a rejuvenating massage, or eat seafood to their hearts’ delight, with the beach as a lovely backdrop. Chaweng is Koh Samui’s longest beach, and there is no end to the shops, stalls, restaurants, bars, and clubs that provide revelers with the bustling nightlife of music, dance and drink.

For travelers on a budget, Koh Samui offers affordable guesthouses and quaint backpacker hostels. Mae Nam Beach, a quieter and cheaper site, is as pretty as Chaweng, and perhaps more tranquil. This beach is ideal for the laid-back afternoon bike ride or a turn in the go-carts. Every Thursday evening, Mae Nam hosts a local night market where one may rummage through clothes, jewelry and knick-knacks for the perfect souvenir.

Travelers with an adventurous spirit should not miss out on Koh Samui’s breath-taking diving sites, whose shallow waters yield vibrantly-colored marine life for both beginner and advanced divers. Sail Rock, a rock formation with a 40 metre pinnacle, is home to thousands of fish and coral, as well as the occasional whale shark. For more shark sightseeing, explore the reefs of Shark Island where leopard sharks may be found. Other water activities include jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing at most beaches.

Koh Samui is not just about getting wet.  Travelers can go quad biking through the lush tropical forest, trek up to Namuang Falls, or go zorbing—that is, roll down a hill in a giant, transparent water ball.

Lighter sightseeing activities include visiting Wat Phra Yai, the island’s famous temple that features a 12-metre high golden Buddha. Also consider visiting Koh Samui’s neighboring islands, which are accessible by ferry: Koh Pha Ngan for its full moon parties, which is highly popular with young backpackers, or Koh Tao for scuba diving, snorkeling and rock climbing.

Finally, time your visit with one of Thailand’s local festivals for an eye-opening experience. In April, Songkran, or the Thai New Year, transforms the island into an explosion of markets, people and traditional showcases, such as buffalo fighting.

In November, Thais celebrate Loi Krathong, the resplendent Festival of the Light, where thousands of candles are lit and set off onto the water.

This is a Guest Post.