THAILAND
Destination | Koh Samui
Country Code: +66
Currency: Thai baht
FROM THE AIRPORT
 Car hire: Budget Car Rental (tel (0)77 427188) has an office at Samui Airport. A Suzuki Caribian costs 1,500 baht a day. For mini-vans, the general rule is, the more passengers, the cheaper the fare. Prices range from 40 to 120 baht.
Taxi: Note that although the yellow and red air-conditioned saloons are marked “Meter Taxi”, the meters are never used. Prices range from 200 to 400 baht.
Songthaew: Agree on the price before boarding. Fares range from 50 to 100 baht. You must wait until the shared pick-up is adequately full before you depart (unless you are willing to compensate for the driver’s lost fares).
TABLE TALK
Cheap chic: 89 baht BBQ Found in most places throughout the island, these simple restaurants are a cross between sukiyaki and Korean BBQ. How busy they are (particularly with locals) will give you an indication of the best ones to try – and yes, it really costs only 89 baht per person. Samui Ring Road, near the Fair House Resort, Chaweng
Mid-range magic: Budsaba At Budsaba, you get to choose your desired setting: stylish minimalist indoors or quaint tropical salas on Chaweng Beach. Both serve the same hearty Thai food, with Western options available as well. Try the sweet pineapple rice instead of white rice. Muang Kulaypan Hotel, tel (0)77 230850
Gourmet: Betelnut Looking for casual yet elegant dining in an intimate setting? At Betelnut, you’ll find ambience combined with a delicious fusion of cuisines from the Californian chef. Service is warm and professional, and the food is exquisite. Special tasting menus are available with advance notice. South Chaweng, opposite Central Samui Resort, tel (0)77 413370
AFTER DARK
Cocktail hour: Bar Solo Bare cement and steel cages filled with flesh-coloured rocks add an industrial edge to this understated bar. Add happy hour deals like 60 baht beer and 100 baht Raspberry Daiquiris, and you have the perfect all-day chill-out spot. Next to Starbucks, Chaweng Beach, tel (0)77 414012-5
Late night: Gecko Village This seaside bar features an in-house DJ playing mostly house and ambient tracks. Regular Sunday Session parties feature guest DJs to spice up the weekends, so you and your pals can dance the night away. Route 4169, Bophut, tel (0)77 245554
HOT SPOTS
Namuang Falls: Named for the broad, purple rock face behind its cascading wall of water, the Namuang waterfalls are the prettiest on Koh Samui and can be easily reached through partially cleared woods. For a slightly different perspective, try viewing the falls from the back of an elephant, available from nearby elephant jungle tour operators.
Wat Khunnaram: Built in honour of the legendary Buddhist monk Luang Po Dang, this small temple features the mummified remains of the man himself, displayed behind a glass case and visited constantly by local Buddhist devotees in the region.
INSIDER TIPS
Inland adventures: Get off the beaten track – literally – by heading into Koh Samui’s undeveloped interior, which is criss-crossed by inland roads that pass through large patches of wilderness, many of which are unpaved. Try one of the organised “safari” tours using four-by-four vehicles to see more of this part of the island. If you do plan to rent an off-road vehicle and drive yourself, beware that insurance coverage may be minimal. Call Mr Ung’s Tours, tel (0)77 230114
BODY & SOUL
Sundays Sanctuary Spa: A place to really get away from it all, Sundays offers a truly authentic tropical spa experience surrounded by lush greenery and natural forest. A wide range of treatments is available to meet every need. Off Samui Ring Road, near Bophut intersection, tel (0)813 702003
BOUTIQUE BEDS
The Briza Beach Resort and Spa: Th is villa-only property sits on a picturesque hill at the beginning of Chaweng’s main drag. Each villa is serviced by efficient butlers who are always keen to please. 173/22 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, tel (0)77 231997, www.thebriza.com
DAY TRIPPING
Angthong Marine National Park: Located about 35km west of Koh Samui, this 45-island archipelago (above) is known for its granite cliffs and hosts a number of islands with pristine white sand beaches and pretty inland walks. Highlights include Koh Mae Ko’s picturesque inland lagoon, and Ko Wua Talap’s scenic views. With tour operators like Blue Stars (tel (0)77 413231), you can also venture off in kayaks to explore the shallow caves in the area.
IN THE KNOW
Despite the opening of international supermarkets on the island, many people still prefer to shop at the local market. The most popular of these is Laem Din market in Chaweng, where you can buy everything from fresh meat and vegetables to army fatigues.
Updated by Graeme Malley
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