THAILAND
Destination | Koh Samui
Country Code: +66
Currency: Thai baht
FROM THE AIRPORT
 Car hire: Budget Car Rental ( tel (0)77 427188 ) has an o? ce 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: Tom Yam The perfect spot to enjoy authentic thai cuisine served in a stylish setting, Tom Yam offers a wide range of dishes from Central, Eastern and Northern thailand. Open every night for dinner. Samui Palm Beach Resort, Bophut, tel (0)77 425494
Gourmet: Betelnut Enjoy casual yet elegant dining in an intimate setting with a fusion of thai, Californian, European and Japanese styles. The menu is small but flavourful. Special tasting menus are available with advance notice. South Chaweng, opposite Central Samui Resort, tel (0)77 413370
AFTER DARK
Cocktail hour: Lao Lounge This alfresco bar serves cocktails with a local twist, using local liquors like Lao Khao and Ya Dum rice whiskey. For a bite to go along, take your pick from a menu featuring authentic Lao and thai food. Route 4169, Bophut
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 the island of Koh Samui. These are composed of two falls, and can be easily reached through partially cleared woods. For a slightly diff erent 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 to 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, Sundays offers a true tropical spa experience surrounded by lush greenery and natural forest. A wide range of treatments is available, with something to meet every need. Off Samui Ring Road, near Bophut intersection, tel (0)813 702003
BOUTIQUE BEDS
The Library: This stylish new resort located in the heart of Chaweng Beach has just 26 rooms, with a layout that ensures maximum privacy for guests. All its rooms are well equipped with modern luxuries, including computers with broadband internet access. The resort even boasts a unique red-tiled swimming pool! Chaweng Beach Road, tel (0)77 422767-8, www.thelibrary.name
DAY TRIPPING
Angthong Marine National Park: Located about 35 kilometres 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. Definitely worth a look.
Updated by Graeme Malley
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