If you’ve been looking for good solo holiday destinations and some of the best islands in Thailand, then look no more. Koh Samui in Thailand is one of the best places to visit, even if you’re a woman planning on going there alone. There are plenty of fun activities to do in the area, so you’ll never want for anything to keep you occupied. So here’s the ultimate Koh Samui solo travel guide.
Koh Samui Solo Travel Guide
Things to do in Koh Samui
Koh Samui offers several fun activities. From laying out on the beach to dining and nightlife, there’s something for all times of the day and night. The size of the island is large enough to house some unique and isolated locations, far away from the droves of tourists.
If you’re a nature lover, you’re sure to love the white, sandy beaches and backpacking through the forest or swim in the Na Muang Waterfalls. You can get a more local experience on the island by visiting such beaches as Laem Yai, Bang Rak, and Choeng Mon. Be sure to check out Old House, too. It is a 200-year-old Chinese house which showcases the island’s identity.
If you love shopping and the bright lights of the city, then you’ll love all the authentic, local shops that offer you unique wares you can only get in this area.
Some of the most popular places to visit in Koh Samui include the following:
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The Secret Buddha Garden
This is located in the top centre part of the mountains. Not only is this garden filled with lush foliage and flowers native to the region, but it also sports several Buddha and animal statues.
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Big Buddha
This is probably the most popular tourist attractions in the area. In fact, day trips from Koh Samui generally aren’t considered complete without a visit to the 12-meter statue that’s located in the northeast part of the island.
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Wat Khunaram
One of the most fascinating and unique places to visit while in the area is Wat Khunaram where a mummified monk is on display in his mummified state behind a glass enclosure. Ever wondered what a mummy looked now? You can find out here.
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Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks
Located on Lamai beach. The rocks are well known for its formations which look like male and female genitalia and referred to as Ta (Grandpa) and Yai (Grandma) respectively.
- Bophut Elephant Camp
This is the first elephant sanctuary in Koh Samui in partnership with Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Here you’ll get a unique opportunity to feed, walk with, and observe our elephants as they forage, socialize, and play in their fabulous purpose built pool.
Also read: This personal experience of working for the elephant conservation centre in Chiang Mai
- The Samui Snake Farm
The venue offers a wide variety of snakes and hosts live performances where you can see a trained snake fighter perform with a snake in a circular arena.
When to Visit Koh Samui?
You might be wondering when is the best time to visit the area. The climate in different regions across the world can be quite different from place to place. Usually, the best time to plan a solo trip to this area is in the early part of the year from January to March. This tends to be the driest part of the year for this region, so you won’t have to worry about getting rained out of everything that you want to do.
You also might pose questions as to how many days to spend in Koh Samui. It’s typically recommended to spend at least three or four days, if not longer. That way you can allow yourself to at least see all the major attractions that the area has to offer.
Socializing in Koh Samui
As a solo traveller, you might be into meeting locals and other travellers when you travel. There’s plenty of socialization to be had in this area, especially when you go to a Koh Samui beach club. Beach clubs usually feature plenty of community activities that you can engage in, and they also usually have a bar where you can sip drinks on the beach and meet other tourists and locals alike.
Different beach clubs have different vibes, though, so make sure to find one that you’re comfortable in. For instance, there are young, hip ones that blast the latest in hip-hop as well as more upscale, swanky ones for those who prefer a more mellow socializing experience.
Koh Samui Dining
Sunday brunch is a big thing in this region, so you’ll want to make sure that you don’t miss Sunday brunch in Koh Samui. There are plenty of restaurants in the area where you can enjoy your Sunday brunch, and depending upon where you go, you can enjoy various types of local cuisine.
Koh Samui Nightlife
As a solo traveller, there’s nothing like a little nightlife to help you meet other people. In this area, the legal drinking age is 20 and above, and you can frequent bars located right on the beach or ones located more in town with all the city’s bright lights. They each have something unique to offer from live music to a sandy escape.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui?
Of course, you’ll need to have somewhere to stay while you’re visiting. Fortunately, there are plenty of lodging places in the area. Most people tend to stay around the Chaweng area. However, if you’re looking for a quieter place to stay, you might want to consider Lamai while if you want the most scenic location, then Taling Ngam might be best.
Also read: Places to see in Krabi, less visited spots you must check out
Safety On The Island
Although the island has a much more laid-back feeling than the mainland, one should not let their guard down. While you don’t need to be nervous about being mugged or robbed, such acts of nonviolent crimes are not uncommon on the island.
Thailand and Southeast Asia as a whole have an undeservedly bad reputation among female travellers. Thailand is a Buddhist country, and men are generally quite shy around women. You are not likely to be the victim of catcalling or harassment by Thai men. Any seasoned female traveller will tell you that Thailand, on the contrary, is an overall safe travel location for women.
However, women do need to keep their guard up while enjoying their time on Koh Samui. It is a sad but true fact that most of the victims of crime on the island are female tourists. This has led to the belief that the island is largely unsafe for solo female travellers. While female travellers are more vulnerable than men, this notion is largely exaggerated.
When it comes to Koh Samui solo travel, most solo female travellers on Koh Samui return home with positive experiences and stories. You should not let the unfortunate situations of a few ruin such a beautiful travel experience. There are certain safety aspects for women travellers to keep in mind, such as not accepting drinks from strangers, and always being aware of your surroundings. Be smart, keep your guard up, and you will have the time of your life.
Also read: 11 islands you have to visit in the summer
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