What expats recommend in Koh Samui
Ark Bar Resort is a great place for parties and night life. It's a popular spot to enjoy the island's lively atmosphere, especially if you're 22 like you mentioned. You can find it on the beach, and it's a great place to try some Muay Thai.
At a certain time of the year, the sun will set behind the middle island of the five islands, offering a unique and breathtaking view. While it's not always accessible, this spot is definitely worth a visit for those who want to experience the best sunset on Koh Samui.
Beach dining with live music and fire show at Choengmon Beach. Located on the beach, this spot offers a unique and romantic dining experience with live music and a fire show.
Have a Spar in Lamai offers man waxing services, making it a convenient option for remote workers like myself who need to stay well-groomed between island escapes. While I've been looking for other options, Have a Spar seems to be a reliable choice, with at least one person confirming its services. You can find it in Lamai, but I'm not sure of the exact address or hours of operation.
Bang Rak (Big Buddha) pier is the closest ferry point to Koh Samui airport, just a 10-minute taxi ride away. Boats run fairly regularly in the afternoon, and the crossing is roughly 30-50 minutes depending on the boat.
The Coconut Beach Resort in Lamai Beach is a recommendable place to stay, especially for remote workers who need secure WiFi. Each room has its own individual router for secure WiFi, and the resort is right on the beach with good prices and nightlife.
Opposite Nana Tams Restaurant in Lamai, there's a shop that produces coconut oil off their farm, also selling other amazing related products. Find Nanna Tams on Google Maps to get directions.
Macbook and Notebook Service is a reliable laptop repair shop in Koh Samui, particularly for Apple devices. A local resident recommends Alex, who has been fixing Apple devices for 10 years and is known for his expertise.
The Samui Butterfly Garden is a must-visit attraction on the island, featuring over 100 species of butterflies from around the world. One of the highlights is the tropical garden with a large walk-in aviary and a beautiful waterfall. Located near the Bophut area, the garden is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and admission costs 400 THB per person. It's a great place to relax and enjoy nature, especially for families with kids.
It's a nice spot but horribly overpriced. There are so many other fire shows on the island that won’t cost you a kidney. You can always eat at the restaurant next door, sit at a table on the beach there & enjoy the fire show without paying as much.
Check Escape Beach Front Cottage on Lamai Beach, as it may offer long-term rentals. It's located in the desired area of Lamai, which is not directly in the tourist center of Chaweng, but still close enough to access shops, gyms, cafes, and the beach.
Lamai Fitness offers high-quality instructors and classes that cater to your needs, including mobility and strength training. It's located in a convenient spot, and you can message the person who works there if you have any questions before booking.
Escape Beach Resort in Samui is a great spot for couples. They had a great time, which is a good enough reason to consider it for your own stay.
Buri Rasa Village in Chaweng Beach is a beautiful resort with a pool and beach access, located in a quiet and private area despite being close to everything in walking distance. It's worth noting that the resort has a policy of no kids allowed, making it a great option for couples looking for a peaceful getaway.
Lotus Chaweng is a large shopping mall with a typical touristy feel, but it does have a store offering good discounts on sports clothing. There is also an outlet store selling Hurley clothing nearby, but on the opposite side of the street.
It's a place that has a shop in Amsterdam that's pretty high quality, so I'd imagine it would be good. Located in Lamai, it's one of several local options to try out.
Tops Central Festival is a great place to find a wide selection of beers, including imported brands like Sierra Nevada IPA. Try the Sierra Nevada IPA, available at Tops Central Festival, which is a popular supermarket on the island.
Located in a quieter and nicer part of Chaweng, Kc Beach in Sea View offers a perfect spot for those looking for a beachfront accommodation within walking distance to the center of Chaweng. With a sea view that looks over the pool into the ocean, surrounded by nice trees and other apartments to the side, this place is a great option for solo travelers like you.
