Koh Samui lifestyle

The main shopping area in Koh Samui is Chaweng, where there is a wide range of shops, from local handcrafts and market stalls to shops selling international brands and electronics. Shops are open day and night, and the Thai people love to haggle. You're sure to find the perfect beachwear, as well as some stunning silk clothing and bags galore.

Cuisine

Thai cuisine is famed throughout the world and largely based on simple and fresh ingredients, each with their own distinct taste, from lemongrass and coriander to fish sauce and ginger. Dishes are generally shared by all diners and eaten with rice. Famous dishes include ‘tom yum’ - a coconut milk-based soup with prawns, ginger and lemongrass, ‘phad Thai’ - noodles with chicken topped with peanuts, green and red Thai curries, or for dessert, sticky rice and mangoes. To drink, sample a bottle of Singha, the local beer, coconut milk, or the delicious fresh tropical fruit juices on offer.

Nightlife

Nightlife on the island is mainly centred around busy Chaweng Beach. For a chance to enjoy the view as well as the atmosphere, visit the many restaurants and bars that run along the beach, where you can drink cocktails as the sun goes down, and enjoy the relaxed vibe. For live music and dancing, there's a great range of English-style pubs, and lots of clubs playing the latest Thai and international hits.