The Caribbean is old news. That’s right, Thailand is one of the best places in the world to find yourself on island time.
While many travelers opt for the more cultural route, visiting Bangkok, Pattaya, and even Chiang Mai, Thailand’s islands will make you feel like you’ve been transported into another world.
With stunning blue waters, pristine beaches, and otherworldly landscapes that are actually real life and not just a computer background, you can’t go wrong island-hopping in Thailand or Southeast Asia in general.
That being said, one stands out among the rest as it’s become the trendiest beach escape in the whole country.
Welcome To Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the second biggest island of Thailand just off the coast of the up-and-coming tourism hotspot of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
But that’s nothing new, as that area has been under development for quite some time. What is new is how popular Koh Samui has become as the new trendy place to be for sun-soaked adventures in Thailand.
It is the textbook definition of a tropical paradise lined with postcard-worthy coconut trees, lush rainforests, and beaches that will blow your mind with how pretty they are.
Koh Samui isn’t the only island in the area; it’s surrounded by neighboring islands that are also well worth a visit.
However, this place just feels different, with an elevated sense of luxury, scenery, and experiences.
Summer Is Here
We are surely all familiar with the unpleasantries of time zones in our travelers, but sometimes we may forget seasons don’t match up either.
Spring has sprung in the U.S., and many travelers are in the midst of fist-pumping to over-the-top DJs and guzzling beer bongs on Spring Break, but others are already enjoying a summer vacation.
Thailand’s summer has begun, and Koh Samui’s tourism industry is reaping the benefits of being Thailand’s top beach destination this summer.
Especially during April’s Songkran Festival, which is essentially the Thai New Year in accordance with the Buddhist calendar.
According to local publication Thaiger, over 4,500 tourists are flocking here daily. That means that, over a month’s span, the island should see well over 130,000 tourists.
Many hotels are reporting full occupancy given the summer surge with beaches likely crowded since no matter where you are in the world, the words “summer”, “beach”, and “island” always seem to go together seamlessly.
Chaweng Beach
By far, quite literally and figuratively, the most popular beach on Koh Samui is the gorgeous Chaweng Beach, which extends nearly 4.5 miles.
The longest beach on the island just so happens to be the prettiest, too, with powdery white sand, crystal blue waters, and a coral reef to explore for the more adventurous.
This picture-perfect paradise is also home to one of the island’s top-rated and highly sought-after hotels, Buri Rasa Village Samui.
Despite the influx of crowds this time of year, the beach remains quite peaceful as one of the best places to simply catch some rays and unwind or grab a cheap beer or cocktail at a seaside bar.
Incredible Stays On The Island
It’s understandably easier to set your sights on Mexico this time of year, especially Cancun or Los Cabos, with seemingly endless luxe resorts at your fingertips.
But those seeking more adventure and unforgettable memories should make their way to Koh Samui’s incredible beach resorts.
Some are more unique than others, and tourists have the choice of cozy beachside huts to ritzy 5-star stays like the Muang Samui Resort.
The only issue during the island’s peak season is the secret is out on it’s greatness and is nearly booked up, although Airbnb is a suitable secondary option with accommodations from bungalows, apartments, to stunning beachside villas.
The Best Ways To Reach Koh Samui
Bangkok Airways is one of the most popular carriers for Koh Samui, as over 40 flights were fully booked last month.
Thai Airways International, Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Vietjet have all increased flights in anticipation of New Year celebrations, but they remain solid options throughout the year.
Those coming from another one of Thailand’s top beach destinations, Phuket, can take a high-speed Catamaran rather than fly and there are ample ferries for island-hopping nearby.
Credit: Source link
