Koh Samui
Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
We asked Werawat Roatchanaphaphong, Guest Experience Assistant at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand, to gather the savviest sight-seeing suggestions he could find—not just his own, but also those of other local connoisseurs, including some he works with every day at the Resort. Koh Samui, Thailand, combines postcard-perfect beaches and natural scenery, Thai culture and cuisine, and the opportunity to unwind in a tropical paradise.
Sea Worthy
Snorkelling, diving and kayaking are justifiably popular in the clear, warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. You can try all of these while aboard one of the Hotel’s two boating options. The Sunseeker Cruiser Minor Affair is Koh Samui’s most luxurious. Measuring 20 metres in length, it provides comfortable space for up to 12 guests. Alternatively, guests can relax on the 12-metre SIAMSEAS cruiser. Both of these options are perfect for exploring the 40 islands of Angthong National Marine Park. Another favourite stop is Koh Phangan, home of the legendary “dance until dawn” full-moon parties.
Off the Beaten Path
Koh Samui encompasses some 200 km 2 (80 sq. ft.) of white sand beaches, jungle-matted peaks and endless groves of coconut trees. A day trip by private car, arranged by a Four Seasons Resort Concierge, is the perfect way to see it all. Popular stops include waterfalls like 80-metre (260-foot) Na Muang 2, where you can splash in the pools, and the Lad Koh Viewpoint, also known as the Zenith Viewpoint. This is probably one of the easiest-to-reach breathtaking viewpoints on the island.
Buddha’s Delight
Thailand’s rich Buddhist culture is on display all over the island, and Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui has created a unique cultural outing designed to showcase Buddhism’s many local faces. The Buddhism Experience escorts guests to Wat Phra Yai (home to the golden three-story Big Buddha, a great photo opportunity) and two other temples, Wat Plai Laem and Wat Khunaram.
Using Your Noodle
Chaweng is Koh Samui’s liveliest beach-side town, and it’s fun to stroll the streets and shop for souvenirs. A perfect pit stop in Chaweng is The Page Restaurant at The Library, where you can enjoy a casual beach-side lunch with great food in stylish surroundings.
This (Koh Samui Four Seasons) is by far the best beach resort I have ever seen, and we tremendously enjoyed our honeymoon here in Oct. of 2007. To put this statement in perspective so you won’t think it was our first beach resort, we have visited beach resorts in the US (Florida, Texas, Virginia, NY, California, Puerto Rico, 2 Virgin Islands and 3 Hawaiian islands,), Mexico (Gulf & Pacific), Aruba, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad, Australia, Fiji, American Samoa, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, India, China(Sanya), Philippines, Indonesia & Bali, Phuket, Viet Nam, Malaysia, Singapore, Angola, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Monte Carlo, France, Italy, Netherlands and probably a couple of other places I can’t even remember.