The island
General Information
The island of great natural beauty and variety, Samui is home to about 40,000 full-time inhabitants, 90% of whom are Buddhist. The palm-fringed shoreline and coconut and fruit cultivation of the coastal lowlands rise to a central granite massive, the slopes of which are cloaked in virgin rainforest.
At 247 km² Samui is the second-largest island in Thailand and the largest island in the Chumphon Archipelago of over 80 (mostly uninhabited) islands which form the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a kayaking and snorkeling paradise. At 25 km long and 21 km wide, Samui is big enough for serious exploration by the adventurous and fit, but can be circumnavigated in just a couple of hours by motorbike or car.
The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam. The name Samui is mysterious in itself. Perhaps it is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui, or it is a corruption of the Chinese word Saboey, meaning “safe haven”.
Climate
Koh Samui’s climate is pleasantly tropical in both temperature and humidity. The average temperature is about 30 degrees Celsius, or 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Dry Season: December – February
Breezy & clear with a lot of sunshine this season is great for wind and body surfing.
The Hot Season: March – September
The weather is still dry during this time and usually very sunny and hot, though May has occasional sprinkles. This is a great period to visit the island.
The Rainy Season: October – November
Although these months are known as the “monsoon season” there are still many sunny & hot days to enjoy. The showers are often short so on some occasions you may find yourself enjoying a refreshing monsoon for a few hours to break from the sun.
Activities
Walking Street Markets
At night, the streets are transformed into vibrant bustling markets on differing evenings of the week, across different neighborhoods in Samui (see roster hereunder). The busy markets are full of life as tourists as well as local residents flock to enjoy the unusual & incredibly cheap eats and treats for all to indulge in and enjoy.
- Nathon (10min from the villa) : Sunday
- Maenam (15min) : Thursday
- Bophut (20min) : Friday
- Chaweng (30min) : Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Kids activities
Koh Samui is also a great destination for kids. Kids are welcome everywhere and there are all sorts of activities to keep them entertained. In general, Thai’s love children and are very good with them. Our Villa Manager will introduce you to the best activities for kids on the island, from waterparks, cooking classes to jungle adventures.
The perfect guide to visit Samui with Kids : www.kohsamuisunset.com/samui-kids/
Spa
Tried and tested, we highly recommend following choices:
- The Spa at Four Seasons, 5 minutes away from Villa Malouna.
- Tamarind Springs Forest Spa, 30 minutes.
And of course we can organize in-house spa treatments upon request. Please ask our Villa Manager for the menu.
Dining
Samui is known for its culinary excellence. Here are a few restaurants we feel are worthy of our recommendation. We highly suggest you to reserve your table through our Villa Manager.
Thai
- KOH at Four Seasons, Malouna’s neighbor
- Five islands restaurants, Taling Ngam: excellent sunset view
International
- Pla Pla at Four Seasons: elegant beach lunch & dining
- Barracuda, the Warf Fisherman Village: modern dishes with a twist
- H Bistro at Hansar Hotel: French Mediterranean
- Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa, Bophut beach: Thai-French
- The Edge, Outrigger Hotel, Choeng Mon: Best pizza on the island
- Namu, W Retreat, Bophut beach: Japanese
- The Larder Samui, Chaweng: rustic fine dinning
Sunday brunch
- Nikki Beach Koh Samui, Lipa Noi
- Beach Republic, Lamai
Shopping
Nathon (10 minutes from Villa Malouna)
If you’re looking for “Thailand” presents, Nathon is a great place to browse for a Thai treasures. Options are increasingly inventive and eco-minded, often at more competitive prices than in Koh Samui’s main tourist centers.
The Wharf (15 minutes from the villa)
The Wharf at Fisherman Village is home to many select shops. It’s a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours strolling across a relaxed open space by the sea.
Central Festival (25 mins from the villa)
Central Festival Samui is the largest shopping complex on the island, opened March 2014. Shop souvenir, groceries or forgotten-at-home swimsuits/flip flop.
Local shopping experience with Malouna Chef
Your in-house resident Chef will cook for you any Thai, Asian or European food from the finest ingredients on the island. Shall you wish to add your favorite Western touch, you can ask for “the French Butcher”, Italian Delicatessen, or other countries’ specialties.
Santiburi Golf Club, Maenam
It’s difficult to imagine a more beautiful setting – rolling greens marked by painted coconuts, sunlight streaming through a canopy of palms, views stretching out to Koh Phangan Island. Santiburi Samui Country Club’s 18-hole championship golf course has been an essential stop on the PGA Asian Tour for many years. Only 15 minutes from the villa, these undulating fairways offer mountain breezes and spectacular ocean views.
santiburisamui.com/golf
Day trip on the sea
Ang Thong Marine Park
You’ll see an untouched archipelago of 42 islands and perhaps some wildlife up-close. You will enjoy kayaking and snorkeling, however the trip isn’t particularly recommended for babies or young children as it’s a long day in strong sun and occasionally rough water.
Koh Tan
A few hundred metres off the southwestern coast of Koh Samui from taling nam fishing village. It’s a small, largely un-spoilt island, know for its coral and marine life.
Five Islands
Covered with stunted trees clinging to their rocky slopes, is home to thousands of swifts that build their nests on rocky outcrops that are collected by climbing precarious bamboo ladders. You will visit caves, hidden beaches and astop on the way back from snorkeling.
Beaches
While Villa Malouna is nested on Samui most beautiful powder-sand beach, you may want to venture away.
Lipa Noi Beach (20 minutes from the villa)
Located at the west coast of Samui. Koh Small, uninhabited beaches with crystal clear waters, perfect for relaxing beach holidays and snorkeling. From here you have the best sunset views. Apart from the beach, there’s little else to do in the area – its very remoteness is what makes it most attractive to the regular visitors.
Chaweng Beach (30 minutes from the villa)
Over the past 20 years, Chaweng Beach has been transformed from a near deserted tropical bay into a vibrant, busy, cosmopolitan resort town. Although these days the beach is often very busy, the long winding bay is ideal for long beach walks early morning or at sunset time.
Thongtakian Beach (30 minutes from the villa)
This is one of the most idyllic and beautiful small beaches on Samui. Also commonly known as Silver Beach (easier translation) it is located between Chaweng and Lamai. It cannot be spotted from the road, though definitely worth a visit. The crystal clear waters are more secluded, and snorkeling is some of the best.
Lamai Beach (30 minutes from the villa)
A beautiful long stretch of beach absolutely perfect for kicking back and relaxing or simply enjoying a quiet swim, Lamai is out of the way, making it a perfect destination for those looking for a quieter, more peaceful vacation. Though everything you could possibly need is just steps from the beach.