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Koh Samui: A Beloved Tropical Escape
Koh Samui was named one of The Top Islands in the World in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. To discover all the winning islands, click here.
Falling in love with Koh Samui is a common experience for many visitors. I too was captivated during my first trip in 2009, accompanying my mother. Growing up in Bangkok, I was used to the city’s vibrant chaos, so the serene atmosphere of the island felt refreshing. Our adventure began at Chaweng Beach, where the soft sands and gently lapping waves provided a perfect backdrop for relaxation. We stayed at a small resort owned by family friends, nestled in a quaint one-room bungalow that creaked beneath our footsteps.
The culinary delights were a highlight of our stay, with breakfast featuring poached shrimp porridge, afternoons filled with roasted squid slathered in chili-lime sauce, and evenings spent enjoying salt-crusted baked fish. Our daily routines consisted of strolls along the picturesque sandbars and leisurely floating in the crystal-clear water. Nights were spent beneath mosquito nets, listening to the muffled sounds of termites munching on wood, a unique soundtrack that added authenticity to our experience. The warm hospitality throughout the island truly resonated, encapsulated in the Thai phrase sabai-sabai, which conveys a sense of ease and tranquility. And so, we embraced that mindset wholeheartedly.
The local flavors thrive at venues like Plaza the Green Night Market, where vibrant produce, such as dragon fruit, is plentiful. Patrons at places like Khao Horm restaurant can enjoy light meals paired with refreshing coconut water, contributing to the island’s welcoming atmosphere.
Throughout my life, Thailand has seen various hotspots rise in popularity. In the early 1990s, Pattaya emerged as the ultimate destination for travelers seeking nightlife, only to be overshadowed by the allure of the Andaman Sea as it became crowded with developments. Koh Phi Phi garnered its own fame after being featured in the film The Beach, leading to a surge in tourism that eventually overloaded its resources. In contrast, Koh Samui, hidden within the Gulf of Thailand, retained a sense of intimacy for years—though that secrecy was destined to unravel.
With Samui now celebrated as the top island in Asia, its allure has not gone unnoticed by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Anticipation heightens as the island prepares to feature prominently in the upcoming third season of the HBO dramedy The White Lotus. Given the show’s remarkable influence—as seen with tourism spikes in Sicily after its second season—Koh Samui seems poised to step into the limelight as a must-visit destination.
The island’s landscape continues to evolve, accommodating global brands alongside its local charm. During my initial visit in 2009, the presence of international resorts, including the Four Seasons, was already noticeable. This hotel will once again serve as the filming location for The White Lotus, mirroring its roles in previous seasons set in Hawaii and Sicily. Despite these changes, Chaweng Beach retains an infectious energy, imbued with the spirit of sabai-sabai. The island’s enduring essence remains palpable—from the breathtaking natural vistas seen along the trails of the lush Nathon Mountain Ridge to the bustling night markets where vendors offer freshly grilled seafood. The island’s vivid cultural tapestry is completed by the colorful songthaews, pickup trucks transformed into public transport that navigate the island’s nooks and crannies.
Travelers may come and go, but Koh Samui endures as a timeless retreat for those seeking beauty, relaxation, and the essence of Thai hospitality.
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www.cntraveler.com