The second largest island in Thailand after Phuket, Koh Samui has something to offer sun-seeking travellers with different tastes and budgets. Younger travellers seeking nights of full moon revelry, or weekenders looking to eat and shop would do well to look into the cheaper beachfront accommodation in the Chaweng Beach area on the eastern side of the island. Those looking a relaxing urban detox will prefer the areas along Lamai Beach in the southeast section of the island, or Taling Ngam beach in the west coast where many of the high-end luxury villas can be found.

When I visited in November, 2017, there was plenty of construction on the island, so if you want a peaceful and quiet holiday, it would be wise to ask your accommodation provider if there is any construction going on close by. Also find out about privacy, as some of the villas and Airbnbs on offer can be located a little too close to neigbouring properties for comfort.

You’ll have no problem finding good Thai and international cuisine in Koh Samui, and it’s hard to go wrong with Thai classics like pad thai, green chicken curry, tom yum, papaya salad or mango and sticky rice.

When you’ve had enough of baking in the sun, splashing around in the sea and knocking back fresh coconut juice, perhaps you can visit the mummified monk, the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem, Namuang Waterfall, or take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands like Koh Tao.