Koh Samui: An Island Paradise Retreat
After the sensory overload of Bangkok, touching down on the island of Koh Samui felt like entering a different world entirely. Here's how we spent our five blissful days on this Thai island paradise.
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Day 1: A Royal Welcome
The moment we landed at Koh Samui's charming open-air airport, the pace of life noticeably shifted. A luxury van from our resort whisked us away, and upon arrival, we received what the staff called a "royal welcome" – fresh coconut waters, fragrant leis, and a beautifully carved wooden bowl as a keepsake.
The magic continued when we reached our private "luxury bungalow" to find flower petals wishing us a happy honeymoon and a complimentary bottle of wine. The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the lush grounds, sipping drinks at the pool bar, and pinching ourselves at our good fortune. Room service and an early night prepared us for the days of relaxation ahead.
Day 2: Beach Bliss
Our first full day embraced the art of doing very little. After a leisurely breakfast, we claimed loungers on the pristine private beach, alternating between swimming in the crystal-clear waters, reading under the shade of palm trees, and napping to the sound of gentle waves.
Lunch at the main restaurant at the resort offered fresh seafood and tropical flavors before we retreated for another nap (vacation naps hit different). The evening brought a couples massage that worked out every knot from our long journey, followed by dinner as the sun set over the Gulf of Thailand.
Day 3: Island Exploration
Ready for some adventure, we were picked up by a quad company led by the charismatic Aussie Chris. Instead of quads, we opted for a 4x4 "gator" vehicle that proved perfect for navigating the steep terrain as we climbed to the highest point on the island.
The Buddhist temple at the summit offered breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire island, with a serenity that felt worlds away from Bangkok's bustle. After lunch at a charming mountain-top cafe, we visited a waterfall where the brave (not us) were cliff-jumping into the refreshing pools below.
Back at the resort by mid-afternoon, we grabbed kayaks and paddled along the coastline, working up an appetite for the evening's beach dinner. One important discovery: Hong Thong whiskey is not good – a lesson learned at the pool bar pre-dinner!
We highly recommend doing the 4x4 tour! Check it out here - Samui X Quad 4WD Buggy Tour with Lunch
Day 4: Wellness and Water
The day began with sunrise yoga at the resort's Sky Deck – an experience that had us holding poses while holding our breath at the sheer beauty surrounding us. Energized and centered, we devoted the day to water activities – paddleboarding in the morning and pool time in the afternoon, with a poolside lunch in between.
As golden hour approached, we walked down the beach to Cape Away beach bar, where we sipped cocktails and shared appetizers while watching one of those sunsets that no photo can do justice. The evening continued with a stroll to neighboring Mimosa Resort for more drinks, before returning to our room to enjoy our bottle of wine with some mindless TV – sometimes the best vacation nights are the simplest.
Day 5: Last Island Day
Knowing it was our final day, we arranged a late checkout and made the most of every hour. After breakfast, we packed most of our belongings before heading to the beach one last time. My partner took the kayak out for a farewell paddle while I soaked up final rays of sunshine.
Lunch by the pool, a final workout at the gym (trying to preemptively burn off some of the Thai food calories), and reluctantly, we finished packing. The journey home began!
Koh Samui Travel Tips:
Resort Selection: The island offers everything from backpacker bungalows to five-star luxury. Mid-range options often provide the best value with plenty of amenities.
Exploration: Rent a scooter for at least one day – the island has hidden gems that are worth discovering beyond your resort.
Sunset Spots: Beach bars on the western side of the island offer the best sunset views – ask your resort for recommendations within walking distance.
Activities: Most resorts offer free non-motorized water sports (kayaks, paddleboards) – take advantage of these!
Late Checkout: If you have an evening flight, request a late checkout when booking. Many resorts are accommodating, especially in less busy seasons.
Island Time: Embrace the relaxed pace – services might be slower than you're used to, but that's part of the island charm.
Check out my curated list of activities for Koh Samui below!
As our plane lifted off from Koh Samui's runway, we looked down at the palm-fringed beaches and felt that peculiar vacation paradox – sad to leave, but refreshed and grateful for the experience. Bangkok had stimulated our minds and taste buds, but Koh Samui had restored our souls.
