Platinum Properties Asia

Back in the 1970s the word ‘Samui’ was a known only to a few of the most adventurous backpackers eager to explore this little known and tricky to reach island. Then, a basic thatched bungalow with generator power and running water was considered luxury. Nowadays, 5-star resorts, that rival any world-class destination, occupy the prime beachfront and cliff-top locations bringing the jetsetter crowd to this now well-known and easily accessible island in the Gulf of Thailand. Of course, you’ll still find your backpacker joints and laid-back beach bars too. Samui is Thailand's third largest island, yet measures just 21 kilometres at its widest point and 25 kilometres in maximum length. A ring-road runs around the island for approximately 50 kilometres and links the many beaches and bays, so hiring a car or scooter is recommended, as it’s the best way to explore. Don’t be afraid to venture down an unmarked palm-lined track – this is how you come across some of Samui’s best-kept secret beaches. And it’s the beaches, after all, that draw a visitor to a tropical island. Each person has his own idea of what makes a good beach. To some, this may be a secluded stretch of sand with nothing more than a hammock strung between two palms to enjoy a good book while listening to the sea gently lapping on the shore. To others, it may involve ample deck chairs, a barman on hand to keep the mojitos flowing and adjust the shade umbrella, and rubbing shoulders with the hip crowd as they tap feet to the latest tunes playing in the background. Perhaps you’re after a family-friendly beach with plenty of water-sports and activities, or shallow water for the little ones to play in. Whichever is your ideal, Samui won’t disappoint with its offering of beaches – from long strips of powdery white sand that stretch on for kilometres, to small boulder-lined coves, ideal for snorkelling. Samui’s eastern and northern shores are the most populated, and Chaweng is the busiest beach, with hardly a gap along the beachfront between restaurants, resorts and bars. As developed as Samui has become in some areas, what’s good to know is that the island observes a quaint building regulation – no building may be higher than the closest coconut palm. Now while these palms can get quite tall, this is still a far cry from the skyscrapers that line Phuket’s (Thailand’s biggest island) shore, and most resorts are still of the villa or bungalow style. If you’re looking for a slower pace, head west and south and get a feel of what Samui must have been like a few decades ago. Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam are particularly scenic. Samui may not have large shopping malls, but that’s not to say it’s not a great shopping adventure for those in need of a little retail therapy. Along the main Chaweng and Lamai beach roads, boutiques are interspersed with market stalls stocking everything from local designer brands to cheap knock-offs. At Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village, East meets the Med, with French-style vintage boutiques mingling with elegant teahouses, and local Samui designer wear outlets are neighbours with seafront coffee lounges. Remember to bargain at market stands, and always do so with a smile. It’s easy to see why Samui hosts over a million visitors annually. The little island that was once a best-kept secret, is all grown up. There’ve been hiccups along the way as it’s been overwhelmed by sudden popularity, but now Samui has found it’s feet and blossomed into a gem of a location that appeals to all travellers from backpackers to the elite. From adventure to spa and gastronomic tourism, for those after a party to those that just want to relax on a perfect beach, Samui is sure to please.

Address: Koh Samui, Thailand

Phone: +66 (0) 862713800
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