Mae Nam
After a fabulous Koh Samui experience in 2017, we had to return in September 2018. On arrival, the weather was humid and the clouds started to set in. Even though the clouds made an appearance daily, the temperature was extremely hot.
If you like a quiet area, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani on Mae Nam beach has an array of bungalows to boutique resort accommodations. Here you will find a stunning view of Koh Phangan where you swim in crystal blue sea and walk along the 5 kilometres of beautiful soft sand.
No vendors or activities here but tuk-tuks and taxis are easy to take.
Airlines
Our one hour flight from Singapore to Koh Samui with Singapore Airlines was perfect even lunch was served. I had a delicious curry fish that the hostess thought was chicken curry bahaha. Other than the hostess silly mistake, Singapore Airlines always provides impeccable service.
https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/au/home#/book/bookflight
Accommodation
On arrival at Sensimar Resort and Spa, we were greeted with a smile and taken to a seating area. Tony was very nice and offered us champagne, love these special check-in services. It makes me always feel like I am going to be well looked after.
This Adult Only (16 +) resort has an infinity swim-up bar pool and the ambiance here is tranquil.
https://www.sensimarsamui.com/
Room
Our Junior Spa Room was great with a King size bed and a separate outdoor area with a gigantic spa. The spa has 2 headrests that make you feel more comfortable.
Facilities
The Gym is well equipped and I used the usual machines plus this funky machine where you work out your whole body. My body ached for days especially my abs from a lack of regular exercise.
Dining
Sensimar Restaurant – The hotel restaurant has great food and a superb view of Koh Phangan island from your table. I highly recommend the hotel’s BBQ night at 6.30 pm every Saturday. The food ranges from fresh seafood including lobster, red meat chicken, salads, pasta, Thai dishes and more.
https://www.sensimarsamui.com/dining-samui/
Coco Tams – Coco Tams is a busy restaurant & bar located at Fisherman’s Village on the north coast. Ensure to make a booking or arrive super early as its very difficult to get a table. Unfortunately, the service was not the best and I found we waited quite a while to be served and receive our food. My pizza was average. On the positive, Coco Tam’s is a great bar to enjoy drinks and watch the fire display along the beach.
https://cocotams.business.site/
Red Moon French Restaurant – A restaurant everyone should come dine at. The French owner Gao is from the South of France. He told us he had enough of working in France and has been living in Koh Samui for a few years. The cuisine is French and Thai. You’ll also find all the standard favourite cocktails on their menu.
https://www.redmoonsamui.com/?preview_nonce=b7ce6089d9
Kan Sak Thong Restaurant – This delightful restaurant is located at the Melati Beach Resort & Spa that we previously stayed in 2017.
Here you will find delicious food and friendly staff.
Recommendation: Pad Thai and Massaman Beef Curry.
https://www.melatiresort.com/samui-beachfront-dining/
Drink Gallery – Located on Chaweng Beach Road a unique restaurant/bar at The Libray Hotel. This is one of my favourite dining spots in Koh Samui. that we had to experience again. The Drink Gallery Tapas Bar serves authentic Thai tapas cuisine at affordable prices ranging from $99.00 Thai Baht / $5.00 AUD per dish. I could not resist enjoying a few of my favourite dishes and new ones. I highly recommend the Massaman curry with potatoes and roti, prawn pad thai, chicken skewers, crispy chilli squid, crispy chicken and more. 5 – 6 tapas dishes are enough, don’t order too much at the beginning. The Lemon Meringue cocktail is still my favourite here.
http://www.thelibrarysamui.com/drink-gallery/
Beaches
Mae Nam Beach was our local beach whilst at Sensimar. The resort’s restaurant and infinity pool were well situated facing Mae Nam Beach. You will find an array of pool loungers and umbrellas by the pool and on the beach but if the resort is close to full capacity you may miss out. I highly recommend starting the day early but do not spend too long out here as we got burnt really badly one day even under the umbrellas.
The walk from our resort to the end of the beach was 2.5 hours, not sure why we chose to walk in the hottest time between 12 – 2pm. It seems to be a habit of ours on holidays only.
Shopping
Night Markets – This trip we chose not to do any tours and just enjoyed Fisherman’s Wharf Village on the north coast day and at night. Here you’ll find a variety of beachfront bars, an array of restaurants, stores, spa salons and a night market. Make sure to enjoy the Friday night market for street food and shopping. Credit cards are accepted, however, bring cash for those stalls that may not have the facility. You definitely will not go home empty-handed and will enjoy this area at night.
Night market items: Jewellery, toys, local produce, clothing, statues, cameras and tripods.
Shopping Centre
Central Festival Shopping Centre is the largest shopping centre on the island, you are sure to find things you need here as well as food.
Upstairs levels you will find department stores and the lower ground level unique boutique stalls that I found more appealing.
Opening hours 11.00 AM – 11.00 PM
https://www.goshoppingthailand.com/travel/central-festival-samui/
Events
Pool Party at Senismar Resort and Spa is every Friday from 1 pm – 5pm and started with nice soothing music for the soul. The day was humid as expected where you found you needed to drink fluid regularly and those frozen daiquiris were the best choice in the heat.
The pool lounges right in front of the pool were all taken except for 4, we were lucky to grab the last two after breakfast next to the swim-up bar/ DJ area.
Pool Party entailed DJ, BBQ, cocktails and mocktails where you buy 1 and get 1 free from 1 – 5pm. Pretty sweet deal considering all other days Happy hour is only between 2 pm- 4pm.
Full Moon Party Koh Phangan – Koh Phangan is about 30 minutes from Koh Samui Island by boat.
Make sure to do your research on how best to sail to the island. We planned to visit during Full Moon but at the last minute changed our minds as we did not feel comfortable staying out at Koh Phangan without knowing what time we could return to the mainland. Perhaps with a little more research, we might go next visit.
Full Moon parties have a fantastic vibe and the music is sensational.
http://www.fullmoonparty-thailand.com/
Samui Festival – One of the best and biggest festivals I have been too. Here you will find a variety of food stalls, music, arts & crafts, handbags, t-shirts and fresh produce. Music and sports like Samui fighting can be seen. If the festival is on during your visit, do not miss out.
What to Do or See
Massage – You can not leave Thailand without a massage. There are so many parlours on Chaweng road, good luck choosing. Enjoy!
Samui Fighting – Samui Fighting is not an interest of mine. If you are or not, you may encounter a match at a festival. There are plenty of advertisements on flyers, billboards and loudspeaker announcements via tuk-tuks.
Local Transportation
Tuk Tuks are the best way to enjoy Koh Samui and you should find your ride reasonably priced. No taxi’s used on this trip, just no need to, enjoy the experience of a tuk-tuk.
I hope my experience of Koh Samui entices you to visit this lovely peaceful island. The first part on the Northside was enjoyable and I look forward to our return next year in a group. The next part of this Thai journey continued to Chaweng, another blog to follow soon.
christinetravels 