PERFECT DAY ITINERARY - KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

When you picture Thailand at its most beautiful, you’re picturing Koh Samui. Its pristine cerulean waters. Its lush mountains rising abruptly from the sea. Its white sandy beaches, sacred golden temples, exquisite cuisine and friendly smiles. If paradise is what you’re after, here’s how to spend a perfect day on the island of Koh Samui.

7:45am

From your villa overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, awake at the luxurious Banyan Tree Samui resort to the sounds of the surrounding jungle. Get an energizing start to the day with a private yoga class, then slip into the waters of your infinity pool to savor a “floating breakfast”, complete with coffee and plenty of fresh tropical fruits.

10:00am

Refreshed and ready for the day, join your private tour guide for a drive north to see two awe-inspiring local landmarks: Wat Phra Yai and Wat Plai Laem. Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Big Buddha Temple, features a golden Buddha seated in Mara pose that’s nearly 40-feet tall; its position at the top of a hill offers incredible views of the surrounding ocean. Next, is the nearby Wat Plai Laem, a great example of the island’s strong Chinese heritage. The first of its two giant statues is the 18-armed Guanyin, Chinese Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, while the second is an enormous laughing Chinese Buddha. For all visits to sacred places on Koh Samui, remember that it’s customary to have your legs and shoulders covered.

12:15pm

A short drive west brings you to the popular Greenlight Café & Bar for lunch. This bright and amiable space features organic vegan and vegetarian food made with Koh Samui’s bounty of ingredients. Try the brown rice rolls with seasonal vegetables, marinated cabbage, handfuls of fresh herbs and a tamarind-peanut sauce, before grabbing a green juice on your way out.

2:00pm

Back at the resort, it’s time to move off the land and into the crystal-clear waters of Banyan Tree’s private bay in Lamai. Join a snorkeling class that explores the resort’s nearby reef, searching beneath the waves for wildlife like copper band butterflies, trumpetfish, parrotfish, giant clam colonies and blue-spotted stingrays.

4:15pm

Later in the afternoon, the water theme continues at the spa. Developed by Banyan Tree, “The Rainforest” is a holistic hydrothermal experience with nine different therapies, each designed to soothe and can revitalize various parts of your body.

7:00pm

Dinner is on the terrace at Saffron, Banyan Tree Samui’s signature restaurant known for its exceptional cuisine. You can opt for the Thai tasting menu with dishes like crab spring rolls; pomelo salad with betel leaf, young coconut and tamarind; tom kha gai soup with Kaffir lime leaves; and pork spare ribs with black pepper and honeycomb sauce. During dinner, you’ll be treated to beautiful performances of “Menora”, a traditional dance of southern Thailand.

9:00pm

Before heading off to bed, your villa patio is the perfect place to sit and reflect on an incredible day, once again soothed by the sounds of the surrounding jungle.