Looking for a place to escape for the weekend? Perhaps the sun, sand and sea would be the best retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life in Singapore.
I spent a few days at Koh Samui recently and here’s my suggestion on a quick 3-day rest and relax itinerary for you in the sunny island with crystal clear waters, merely a 1 hour and 40 minutes flight away from Singapore. You can thank me later!
Day 1: Relax, rejuvenate and some sight-seeing
Relax at the white sandy beach at Chaweng before heading to Jungle Club for lunch and admire the view of Koh Samui.
After lunch, head off for some pampering with massage and spa treatment at Tamarind Springs Forest Spa. The wellness centre boasts outdoor steam caves and plunge pool for you to truly immerse in the tranquil environment.
Stroll around Lamai street and then visit Lamai View Point for another panoramic view of Koh Samui. You could walk, take a cable car, or biplane to the view point. End the day at a local eatery in Lamai.
Day 2: Ang Thong Marine Park experience
Join a full day tour to Ang Thong Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand which is open to visitors from January to October. Typically, the day tours will include a snorkelling trip near an island at the marine park (Ko Wao), a kayaking trip at the natural caves and rock formation of the Marine Park and a hike to viewpoints at Emerald Lagoon and Ko Wua Ta Lap. The islands were the inspiration behind the screenplay of the movie ‘The Beach‘.
I took my tour with Red Dragons which served good food throughout the day, but I was disappointed that the “semi-private” tour that I booked for had 33 people in the large boat when I was there.
Wind down your day after the tour with dinner at Chaweng and a visit to the Chaweng Walking Street or night market.
Day 3: Snorkeling trip to Koh Tao
It’s a shame to visit Ko Samui just for one snorkeling trip! I would highly recommend to take a snorkeling trip to Koh Tao (Turtle Island). The area is really known for its clear waters, beautiful corals and ease of snorkeling. I also found my snorkelling experience at Koh Tao much better than at Ko Wao (Ang Thong Marine Park).
I took my tour with 100 Degrees East which limited each trip to a small group. The whole experience was great and I would recommend joining their tours.
The snorkeling tour will end by about 3-4pm. You could then visit Coco Tam’s, a swanky beach bar at Bo Phut (Fisherman’s Village) to have some snacks and chill by the beach to admire sunset.
Dinner by the beach at one of the restaurants at Fisherman’s Village, followed by shopping at the night market there.
Day 4: Time to take the flight home and back to the grind!
It’s home sweet home for now. Hopefully you get back to the grind, feeling well-rested and ready for new challenges!
Tips
- Always carry loads of sunblock before you head outdoor. Depending on your month of visit, the sun at Ko Samui could be brutal!
- To book taxis, download the NaviGo app which links you up with drivers around Ko Samui.
- If you have more time on hand, you could consider visiting other attractions such as the Big Buddha or Wat Plai Laem temples and Na Mueng waterfall.
- You could also consider incorporating yoga classes at your Koh Samui trip. Hop into Vikasa Yoga for yoga classes and enjoy their healthy vegan food.
Planing 5 days Koh Samui with kids…We shortlisted the Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa. Any suggestions for kids (10-12 Yr) activities. We decided to relax and leisure trip but don’t want kids to get bored. Will they allow 10-12 years kids for snorkelling?
Hi Goldy, I have seen 10-12 year old kids go snorkelling in Thailand, so I don’t think they would explicitly disallow them to go for such activity.
However if they are not strong swimmers, suggest you check on the availability of life-jackets for your kids. Hope that helps!