Want to spend an idyllic vacation on virgin beaches? Your answer might be lying in Thailand’s islands. Koh Samui, often known as Samui, is Thailand’s third largest island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus, close to Surat Thani town. It is a perfect holiday spot—with its white sandy beaches, coconut trees and coral reefs.

The climate in Koh Samui is generally divided into the warm and the tropical seasons, with a short spell of monsoon in November. This is unlike Phuket and other vacation spots in Thailand which have a 6-month rainy season between May and November. So if you are planning to travel to Thailand during these months you can select this island.

• The old capital city of the island is Nathon, which is the cultural and trading hub for the Samui locals. It is a charming place to visit and you could check out the old Chinese shop houses along the streets of the capital.

• Samui is mainly popular as a leisure island and its beaches are the best attraction, with every popular beach having a small town of sorts, filled with luxury hotels and resorts for the perfect holiday experience. So, hire a guide or take up a hired bike and explore the peaceful beauty of the white sands and the exotic beaches, sometimes stopping to relax on the beachfront restaurants.

• The Big Buddha is a must-see in Samui. It lies to the north of the island. You can also visit the local temples and chedis. Just get hold of a free map and search for these places or ask your guide to show you around. Other major draws are the exotically shaped unique rocks to the south of Lamai, known as the Hin Ta and the Hin Ya rocks.

• Chaweng is the most popular of the beaches and also the busiest. It is perfect for shopping with its array of shops. Lamai is great for some parties and night-life. However, if you prefer a quiet holiday, then the Big Buddha Bay, Bophut, Mae Nam are easier places to relax on the beach. The coconut plantations to the south of the island provide a different sort of experience.

• The islands of Koh Pha Ngan, Koh tao and Ang Thong are the best parts of Koh Samui. Koh Pha Ngan is also called the Backpacker Island as its famous for its bohemian monthly full moon parties which is a unique experience. Koh Tao is for tourists keen on diving as it has the best diving infrastructure, the most fantastic coral reefs and clear water, making scuba diving and underwater diving a joyful and thrilling experience. For a taste of paradise, visit Ang Thong National Park which is splendid in its natural, unspoilt beauty and wildlife.

• Buffalo fighting festival is usually held on New Year’s Eve and Songkran. The buffaloes are gaily decorated in ribbons and gold-painted leaves and the monks spray them with holy water before the harmless fight begins. The winner takes home a large sum of money.
• Ten Stars Samui Art Party: it is a cultural event that sees the conglomeration of art lovers, local and international Thai artists as well as their artefacts and latest creations. The events are hosted at 5-star resorts.
• The Five-Day Fisherman’s Village Festival celebrated with local music, local cuisine and loads of fun.
• The Samui Regatta sailing tournament held annually.