Discover Koh Samui's Hidden Gems Beyond The Tourist Trail
Koh Samui is often celebrated for its postcard-perfect beaches, luxurious resorts, and lively markets. Many travellers flock to this Thai island for its renowned attractions, using its airport as a gateway to nearby destinations like Koh Tao, famous for world-class diving, or Koh Phangan, known for its legendary full moon parties. Yet, with millions of visitors each year, the island's more authentic and less commercialised sides can be overlooked.
For those eager to break away from the typical tourist trail and experience a different side of Koh Samui, we've curated this alternative travel guide, enriched with insights from the Psylo Samui team. Whether you’re planning a dedicated stay on the island or simply passing through, these recommendations will help you uncover the island's hidden gems and embrace its unique culture.
6 Must-Know Tips for Exploring Alternative Koh Samui
Koh Samui offers more than just a tropical paradise for beach lovers. As Thailand's second-largest island, it welcomes tourists with open arms but also holds secret corners waiting to be explored by those seeking something different.
1. Koh Samui’s Best Party
The island’s best (and only) techno party happens every Saturday from 8 pm. Expect to find international DJs playing banging tunes in a tropical setting at the Elephant Beach Club. Did we mention that you will feel like you’ve gone to paradise?
2. Samui’s Best Smoking Shop
The coolest thing to do in Samui is chill by the beach with a beer, cocktail, or a joint. Yup, that’s right - after decades of the world's harshest drug laws with stoners’ worst nightmares, in June 2022 Thailand made weed legal. So if you’re looking for the “good stuff” - you will find the best quality and good vibes at our friends in the Lion Rolling Circus, just opposite the Psylo shop on Chaweng.
3. Best Sea View Restaurant in Koh Samui
For the best dining with a sea view, head to the Jungle Club. You will find a fusion of Thai, French, Italian and Mediterranean dishes in this beautiful panoramic restaurant. With views over the Gulf of Siam, the Jungle Club was created by a French-Thai family who decided to follow their hearts and settle in a coconut plantation overlooking the bay of Chaweng. The Jungle Club was built using traditional materials, following the natural landscape.
4. Koh Samui’s Best Fire Show
They say that fire is one of the three things you could watch forever (the other two are moving water and another person working). While this old saying probably referred to sitting in front of a fireplace or bonfire, Fire Art takes it to the next level. Combining elements of dance, acrobatics, and pyrotechnics, this form of Flow Art is the most mesmerising show. While there are debates on how and when fire art arrived in Thailand (read more about the history of fire art in Thailand here), there is no doubt where you will find Koh Samui’s best fire show: Coco Tam’s bar, at the Fisherman Village.
5. Best Shopping in Samui
For your alternative clothing and ethical wear, we invite you to visit our Psylo flagship store in Chaweng. It’s the biggest Psylo shop in the world, so expect to find a wide range of unique designs, ethically created for your free expression. For jewellery, head to Nature Jewelry Gallery, where you will find beautiful designs made of gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones. The co-founders of this boutique share a passion for stones and welcome you to the mysterious and magical world of stones.
6. Koh Samui’s Best Day Trip
Ang Thong National Marine Park is the best day trip choice for lovers of nature, adventure, and beautiful scenery. The park is composed of 42 islands with dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. The scenery is breathtaking and perfect for nature lovers and photographers, and is easily accessible by boat from Koh Samui.
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