Koh Samui

Cocooned within the Gulf of Thailand, affording it with calm seas and clear blue skies for the majority of the year, is it any surprise that the best things to do in Koh Samui are bound to ravage your idea of what's wonderful in life. This is the Thai island that can be whatever you want it to be. Looking for beach clubs and full moon parties? You got it. In need of family time? There are plenty of gentle beaches and fun water activities. How about yoga, meditation and massages? You’ll find spas, fitness studios and wellness workshops on almost every corner—as well as picture-perfect rainforests, pretty fishing villages and peaceful beaches; plus plenty of amazing hotels to call home base. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

Koh Samui has certainly come of age as a top tourist destination. A million visitors a year now flock to Thailand’s second largest island and its still-beautiful beaches. Development literally took off from 1989 when the airport opened, but it is still possible to find an unspoilt corner of this paradise on earth…just. The north and east coasts are the most built-up, and it’s here where you’ll find razzy spas back-to-back with beer-busting bars and throbbing nightlife. Head south or west for a quieter, more authentic experience. Wherever you head you’ll find the island has an excellent range of hotels to match its great things to do, from luxury 5-star spa resorts through to beachside bamboo bungalows. Our pick of the best here aims to offers something for everyone; whether you’re on honeymoon, your family summer hols, a yoga retreat or to party… and however deep your travel pockets are.