KOH SAMUI

 KOH SAMUI

Best: the island is small, so you can drive around the island in about 1.5 hours.

Worst:  no surprise, there are VERY tacky tourist parts.
Top: rent a scooter, and do your own sightseeing!
Food: divine, if you love Thai food of course.


We got a massage every day, this place has won lots of recent awards, and yet it's very affordable.

http://magnolia-spa-samui.com/

A secret little chocolate place incorporated into a dance studio, run by a Belgian man, who knows how to make a French fondant in tropical weather (South part of the island past Hua Thanon).

www.villachocolatsamui.com
 
BEST masaman curry on the beach and excellent mango sticky rice (a Debbie Fisher recommendation) on Chaweng Beach.

http://www.poppiessamui.com/


PERFECT kailan veggies with crispy pork at Sri Nuan, two locations in Lanai Beach area. A truly local joint (a Gwen Simmons recommendation)

http://www.kohsamui.org/restaurants.html

GREAT design at this beach bar & restaurant with a scene with attitude, order the lettuce wraps and relax in the sun and take a splash in the pool.  If you wanna feel like Brangelina, head to this joint.

http://www.nikkibeach.com/kohsamui/

RELAXED local waterfront dining in cozy bamboo pavillions is Haad Bang Po located 1-2 kms east from the Four Seasons Hotel.
TOP four sights worth your time (and there aren't many sights on the island):

The Big Buddha in Bo Phut (a gold Buddha statue 16 meters tall)

Pagoda Kho Hua Jook (a golden stupa overlooking Chaweng with FANTASTIC views of the island—go in morning to enjoy solitude + light)
Namuan Waterfalls (inland)

Nathon fishing pier to see the fisherman unload their daily catch and fill up their boat with ice for the next journey. An amazing sight to see loads of people sorting fish into dozens and dozens of sorting bins. Get ready for a great smell. Visit in the morning only.

FAVORITE local market (each little town has its own market) but we loved the one in NATHON which is the administrative center of the island.

RANDOM place to eat is the outdoor mini mall at the airport.  Thai Brasserie has great, fresh food!