Samui
Discover Samui, Thailand, One of the Best Island Destinations in Asia
Thailand is fast becoming a Tiger Economy in Asia with its very steady economy. While this is a good thing for the country, it is not exactly what most people out of the country think of when they hear of Thailand: its remote islands are actually what really grab the attention of international tourists, interestingly enough. One such island is Samui, Thailand. Even its name sounds exotic. If you haven’t been to Koh Samui, as it is more commonly known, here are some amazing island-things that you’ve been missing.
Bophut, that tiny village that will show you what island living is really all about. This island village is teeming with modern and luxurious hotels and villas that offer exciting island activities such as diving, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing and the world-renowned Thai massage. In Bophut, people flock to the Fisherman’s Village to look for traditional souvenirs and items.
Lamai Beach, one of those amazing beaches that make Thailand and Asia extremely attractive. Besides the breathtaking sand and sea, Lamai Beach extends its welcome with world-class hotels and restaurants.
Chaweng, that central city that lights up the party. At the heart of the island is Chaweng central. Tourists come here by day to shop, buy daily essentials, dine, meet friends and relax. But as the sun sets, it comes to life and turns into the ultimate party place that makes it popular among night owls. There are nightclubs, dancing, singing, music and drinking everywhere, with occasional firework displays to light up the night sky. Chaweng Beach is also quite popular among locals and tourists.
Other must-see attractions that set Koh Samui apart are its restaurants (Kob Thai Restaurant, Baobab and Rostiland, to name a few), regular Muay Thai shows, beach-side villages, a virgin rainforest, Buddhist temples, Wat Plai Laem, spectacular sunset and the exciting Coco Splash Water Park, which is the favorite among younger tourists.
In a nutshell, this Thai island is a natural paradise not just for its natural treasures but also for its beautiful people and unique culture. Not long ago, Samui, Thailand was a humble fishing community, and as tourists began pouring in, the charm and tranquility remain apparent until today. This magical island is home to about 40,000 locals, 90% of which are Buddhists.