Holidays for Couples Honeymoons, holidays & weddings in Thailand | Page 19

Beach Republic, Koh Samui
2. JOIN THE POOL PARTY
When the sun goes down,
Samui turns up the tunes. The
Bohput Samui Beach Dining
local beach club scene is vibrant,
chic and on the rise — just
Here are seven local experiences bring your swankiest swimsuit.
to make your Koh Samui holiday Dive in at sizzling-hot Nikki
Beach Club, a VIP favourite
or honeymoon unforgettable
(then, hello again beach towel!). overlooking pristine Lipa Noi
Beach. For a club crawl right on
1. STROLL A
Chaweng Beach, get a little bit
FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE
crazy at pool party central Ark
One of Samui’s best-preserved
Bar or soak up the house and
areas, Bophut is a relaxed
techno beats at multi-level Cha
take on the frenetic energy
Cha Moon Beach Club. Party
of neighbouring Chaweng.
with a view of Chaweng Lake at
Encompassing Bophut Beach
hillside Q Bar, nab a daybed at
and the delightful Fisherman’s
Lamai’s Beach Republic or join
Village and pier, the township
the late-night revellers at Sound
carries a cosmopolitan flavour
Club Samui. For sheer contrast,
thanks to its Chinese ties and
embrace the chill at Bar Ice
history as a French outpost.
Samui, an all-ice bar where you
This once-sleepy haven is now
can swap tropical temperatures
home to boutiques and some
for cosy arctic-style hats and coats.
of the island’s fancier places to
Rather bunker down in your
shop and dine but you can still
villa after hours? Don’t worry,
spot original wooden Chinese
Samui’s beach clubs also offer
shop-houses, eat seafood fresh
plenty of daytime fun. Think
off the boat, and savour a little
luxe private cabanas, gorgeous
of Samui’s original charm. Don’t
swimming pools and a revolving
miss the street performances
and fabulous food at the weekly menu of cocktails, dining
and entertainment.
Walking Street markets.
3. FEEL BLESSED
AT THE BIG BUDDHA
At 12 metres high, the golden
Big Buddha Temple (Wat
Phra Yai) is Samui’s most
striking landmark. Look out
for it as you touch down at the
local airport! Sitting pretty on
its own island on Samui’s north-
east coast, the Buddha’s viewing
platform takes in dazzling vistas
of the surrounding beaches
and islands. Consider visiting
at sunrise when locals come to
place colourful offerings at the
Buddha’s feet (and don’t forget
to dress respectfully as this is a
sacred place for Samui’s largely
Buddhist population). Pick up
a travel-sized hit of Zen with
a souvenir from the temple
complex then explore nearby
Bangrak or ’Big Buddha’ Beach,
a handy spot to catch a ferry or
speedboat to Koh Phangan.
Big Buddha Temple © Flickr
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