Thailand has been rated a top destination this year, particularly for LGBTQ+ travelers, and for those keeping up with HBO hit series “The White Lotus,” the Southeast Asian country’s siren call may seem even louder as the show airs. “The White Lotus” season three was filmed in Thailand, namely on the island of Koh Samui.
Koh Samui’s population is around 100,000 with an additional 10,000 expats living on the 88.3 square mile island. Here’s what to do on Koh Samui and if it’s worth it to book your next vacation there.
Samui’s main neighborhoods where accommodations are more plentiful are Chaweng and Lamai. Both are heavily populated by tourists, but they offer some of the best dining. This makes it easy for visitors to relax during the day and head out for dinner and drinks in the evenings.
A trip to Koh Samui might offer the perfect opportunity to stay at a nice beachfront resort at a very affordable price. There are plenty of resorts that are just steps away from the water here with pools, sunbathing areas, restaurants and bars. If you like to bunker down during your beachy vacations, hanging out by the pool and taking dips in the ocean all day, pick a hotel in Chaweng or slightly quieter Lamai.
The new season of “The White Lotus” hops on a trend sweeping the travel industry right now: wellness travel. Though it might cost a lot to book a room at a chic wellness resort with daily tailored treatments for you and your party as the characters in the show do, you can still get a massage (or multiple massages) at crazy affordable prices around town. Thai massages are great for releasing built up tension, and you could easily spend a whole day getting spa treatments without ever spending as much as you might on one treatment in the U.S.
Koh Samui also has great options for more adventurous travelers. Book a day trip on a yacht (either privately or with a larger group) to see the smaller islands surrounding Samui. Boat tours can include kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and hiking on and around the islands.
All travelers will surely enjoy trying different cuisines at night markets and local restaurants. A popular night market that often features live music is located in Lamai, just 30 minutes from the airport by car. Closer to the airport, a popular spot to grab a massage, shop for souvenirs and have dinner is Fisherman’s Walking Street.
For travelers who hope to get a taste of this beautiful island, I recommend you stay for around three or four days. Those who are interested in exploring more of Thailand can continue island hoping by visiting Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands, and other wonderful locations.
