While most tourists fly into Koh Samui, one of the most relaxing ways to travel to the popular Gulf of Siam island is by sea. Travellers can catch a local ferry from the ports of Ban Don or Don Sak, after travelling by road through the countryside from the southern provincial capital of Surat Thani.

Taking just over an hour, the express ferries, crowded with local families, backpackers and travellers, plough through the warm green waters. Passing small islands and myriads of fishing boats on the way, the trip offers a glimpse of the local life.

Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island and while a mecca for mainstream tourism, especially around the crowded beach areas of Chaweng, Lamai and Menam, it’s much more than just a sprawling tourist resort. Sure, the bars, massage parlours and markets that line the beaches are a load of fun, but beyond this hive of activity guests can discover fantastic coral islands, beautiful remote beaches, national marine parks and more. Best of all, the place still retains a natural island charm.

A great day out can be had by catching a longboat to the coral islands of Koh Tan and Koh Mus-Sum, 30 minutes south of Koh Samui. Here, reefs full of colourful fish and unspoilt coral make for excellent snorkelling. The islands themselves have enticing beaches, packed with coconut palms and surrounded by forest – making them a perfect place to enjoy a long afternoon lunch.

Another full day excursion is a trip to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, which is made up of over 40 islands, many with natural caves and lagoons, plus incredible rock formations. That’s to say nothing of the unspoilt beaches and coral reefs, which are a snorkeller’s paradise.

For those wanting to stay on Koh Samui, an island tour is the way to go. It includes the cascading waterfalls of Hin Had or Na Muang, the butterfly garden, the famed Grandma and Grandpa rock formations, and coconut plantations where trained monkeys will scurry up high trees to pick fresh coconuts. It certainly makes for an interesting day out.

And in the evening, while Chaweng, Lamai and Menam come to life, a great night out can also be had on Fisherman’s Walking Street at nearby Bophut Bay. Every Friday night the waterfront street is closed off and literally hundreds of stalls line the roadway. Stretching for two to three kilometres, it is a bustling and busy place to shop and dine out, with a great selection of street food and restaurants to choose from.

The writer travelled courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways