The Koh Samui Guide @kohsamuisunset

Pop quiz: Which uniquely Thai dog breed is known for its distinctive coat? . . . . . . . . Answer: Thai Ridgeback (Dog people – you knew that, right?) (📸 @isupsamui)

What mosquito repellent to wear in Thailand? For top to bottom (really, don’t forget your bottom) tips, see how to avoid mosquitoes in Thailand. You’ll learn your choices for natural vs DEET repellents, plus discover dozens of clever repellent accessories and travel products.

How to expect the unexpected? Arrive in Thailand with a healthy respect for the ocean, especially around Koh Samui where currents and creatures do cause the occasional tragedy. (Jellyfish are rare but known in the region). With each update of The Koh Samui Guide, I add more and

Koh Samui rainy day activities? Whether you’re coming to Samui during its rainy season later this year, or meet some soggy weather for a day or two of your trip – here are a few activity ideas to best enjoy (or completely forget about) Koh Samui rain. You’ll need some loose-fitt

Where to stay in Chaweng? On Chaweng Beach you’ll find a great range of options, including resorts with private pool villas, boutique choices and more. For details on enjoying Chaweng as an introvert, extrovert, parent or partier, don’t miss the detailed beach guides and compari

Best, boutique, budget or bungalow? Where to Stay in Thailand? To help you make short work of deciding where to stay in Thailand, use my country-wide hotel guide to every major destination in Thailand. For each location you’ll find a ‘best’ (four- to five-star resort), a b

What to expect on Koh Samui in December? Hotel tip: December is the tail-end of Koh Samui’s rainy season and perfect blue-sky weather isn’t guaranteed. The ocean can be rough and, on many beaches, the tide comes up quite high at this time of year. As such, you might favour p

What to pack for Koh Samui at this time of year? My top tip is to pack some entertainment options that don’t require power (should you experience an extended power cut). All those books you've been meaning to read? The unfinished crossword taunting you from across the room? C

Cheers to Small Business Saturday! How fitting that this all started – 14 years ago TODAY* – halfway through some Koh Samui rum. The Koh Samui Guide began as an attempt to rewrite history – making the travel guide I wish I’d had on my first trips to Thailand (when I pack

Trip planning tip! If you've budgeted the big stuff and have $10 left to spare – why not pay it forward? Consider a donation to a Thai charity – whether dogs and cats, or elephants. Or – if you're just starting to build your travel itinerary, consider volunteering. My pe

What do you call a palm tree that wants to be a rapper? Slim Shady (📸 @ConradKohSamui)

“It’s helped us feel much more confident” Do you know what to avoid? If you know you want, no, NEED a tropical vacation, want to do as little research as humanly possible and just get to the fun part … can we agree on two things: (1) You’ll read The Koh Samui Guide

keyboard_arrow_left Previous keyboard_arrow_right Next

“I've reached the best part of every vacation: reviewing the charges.” – Captain Holt, Brooklyn 99 (📸 @celes_beachfront)

Is your glass half full? Depending on the author’s preference for glasses half empty or full, you may have read that “Koh Samui in November is the worst time of year to come” – OR – that if you pack an umbrella you’ll barely need it. Which is true? Find out exactly

Want an introspective, supremely relaxing and perhaps romantic holiday? Can you list three or more bad choices made by characters in Jurassic Park? With a preference for lazy indulgence, and some common sense, Koh Samui in November could suit you very well. Depending on the

Dog People! 3 Super Easy Ways to Help Dogs in Thailand. Whether you can use some room in your suitcase to bring old toys, can offer your spare Thai change or a rainy afternoon – it’s easy to bring your inner Crazy Dog/Cat Person to Thailand and leave with the fuzzy satisfact

Where to stay in Bophut? In Koh Samui’s approaching rainy season, given the probability of rain, I suggest basing yourselves on the eastern side of Bophut Beach in easy walking proximity to Fisherman’s Village. This way, even if – worst case – it’s absolutely tipping d

How to choose your Koh Samui beach? Where to stay when it *all* looks so good? With over 700 hotels and resorts, and hundreds more private villas and beach bungalows – Koh Samui’s 228.7 square kilometres are nothing but choices. Trying to choose a hotel out of thin air is a

‘Buyer bewares’, tips, maps, prices, charts and checklists *galore* … What else is inside The Koh Samui Guide? Every chapter offers associated tips, maps, ‘buyer bewares’, charts, price guidelines, checklists, packing suggestions and further reading. (Can you tell I ow

What to expect on Koh Samui in October? With generally fantastic temperatures (far more bearable than scorching April) I really love Koh Samui in October. Here’s what’s in store for you… Many people will be warned off by “the start of rainy season” – but not you. Oc