Koh Samui: Land of Beaches, Spas and Full-Moon Parties Koh Samui, known as "the island of the coconut tree", is Thailand's third largest island. This sun lover's paradise, with its coconut plantations, rolling hills, curved sandy beaches and offshore islands, has gradually developed into a must-see destination, having remained a backpacker's secret for years. Despite its development in recent years, the island retains its laidback feel, with friendly and welcoming locals, good food and offbeat local attractions which haven't become over-commercialised. One of the best things about the place is a range of accommodations to suit everyone, with many places located near or actually on the beach. Samui is a place to relax in, meet people, sunbathe and party. It offers a vibrant nightlife with open-air discos, music bars and excellent cheap restaurants. Close to the water, activities like diving, snorkelling and kayaking are freely accessible. But the island is not only about beaches. If you like to explore, take a tour or drive around the island and see the Butterfly Farm, the remarkable Snake Show or find some local colour at the Crocodile Farm. And you haven’t lived until you’ve had a “fish foot massage”, whereby little fish gently nibble away at your submerged feet until your feet feel fully stimulated and refreshed. Few people realise that Samui is also a Buddhist centre, with many old temples and artefacts, including the mummified bodies of revered monks, located here. The north coast of the island is dominated by the landmark Big Buddha, a 15-metre figure looking out in contemplation over the sea. Samui also has a large number of offshore islands. The Ang Thong Marine National Park contains 42 islands with wonderfully odd shapes formed from limestone and erosion. Some have caves and secluded beaches surrounded by coral reefs, while others rise hundreds of metres as sheer rock face from the sea. The strange rock formations extend below the water, allowing great diving opportunities and daytrip sightseeing and snorkelling. Ko Phangan, north of Samui Island, is more famous for its full-moon parties than the scenery, and is an alternative place to hang out, meet people and party. It offers a beach lifestyle, an infusion of New Age culture, inexpensive local Thai food and relatively cheap accommodation. It's a place to go walking, snorkelling, swimming and trying new things such as a belly-dancing course. It's all about taking life easy and leaving the rest of the world behind. Further down the coast, south of Chaweng, Lamai Beach offers intimate little bars and a decidedly different holiday style. If you simply want to chill out and get healthy, you'll find a number of spa retreats, offering relatively inexpensive pampering, esoteric therapies, Thai massage and even professionally run courses. The old basic bungalows are now being replaced by more comfortable hotels and facilities. Of these, undoubtedly the most notable is Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach, a contemporary boutique resort by the sea, with a beachfront location commanding remarkable views of the Gulf of Thailand. Featuring understatedly opulent surroundings, this is a special place with inspiring architecture, a chill-out atmosphere, attentive personal service and a collection of contemporary Thai art that’s a feast for the eyes. It provides every conceivable modern indulgence within its 77 stunning villas and suites, some with secluded private pools. And, of course, it’s home to the luxury Chuan Spa, the finest in Koh Samui, where you can experience the rejuvenating powers of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) alongside treatments based on traditional Thai medicine. Whether you’re looking for a sanctuary to restore harmony to your mind and body, a stomping ground where you can party until it hurts, or a lush tropical setting where you can experience the full spectrum of nature’s beauty, Koh Samui has it all. Why not begin your discovery at Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach, with 2 nights’ complimentary accommodation?