Island Guide: Koh Samui

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

A Thai island paradise for the contemporary traveler...

curated by

The Library

From pristine beaches and ancient temples to boutiques and destination dining, Koh Samui is a Thai island paradise for the discerning modern traveler. Once a best-kept secret, its 95 square miles of coral reefs, old-growth forests, white sand and palm trees on the southern Gulf of Thailand have edged onto the global luxury map. An elegant structure seamlessly integrated into its lush environment on the island's Chaweng Beach, The Library is an outpost of casual elegance that helps preserve coastal heritage property with limited impact on its ecology. Kasemtham Sornsong & Tirawan Songsawat, the Originals that dreamed it up and transformed this corner of Koh Samui, took the time to share with us their must-visit spots on the island.

DINING
JUNGLE CLUB

"The Jungle Club is set on top of a hill overlooking the whole of Chaweng. Needless to say, the view is fantastic! Offering a combination of Thai and French cuisine, it is an ideal venue for early morning breakfast or a romantic dinner. The Jungle Club apparently owns the entire hill, thus they are the only establishment in the area, which is perfect for those who crave the quietness and the seclusion of a mountain retreat."
Chaweng Noi beach, Soi Panyadee school
+66 81 894 2327

JUNGLE CLUB
DINING
THE FIVE ISLANDS

"The Five Islands Restaurant epitomizes the term “destination dining” and offers one of the more unique eating experiences on the island. Before your meal, a traditional long-tail boat will take you out into sea to visit the eponymous and hauntingly beautiful collection of five small islands on the western coast of Koh Samui. Guests are of course welcome to dine without going on the tour and vice versa." Baan Taling Ngam
+66 77 415 359
THE FIVE ISLANDS
SHOPPING
BOPHUT FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE

"The northern beaches may have coarser sand and aren’t as striking as that of Chaweng, but they have a more laid-back vibe and stellar views of Koh Phangan. Bophut stands out with its charming Fisherman’s Village; a long, winding string of narrow Chinese shop houses, which has been transformed into boutique shops and trendy restaurants. Visiting on a Friday night is a must as the area is home to the island’s best night market."
SHOPPING
DOUBLE DUTCH

"If you’re into antiques and Asian art designs, then a short stop at Double Dutch near the Big Buddha complex is a trip to take. With its rather clever and playful choice of name, two Dutch expats have flown in only the best Asian-inspired wares (and a host of Buddha statues and figurines) from the markets of Bangkok. Be prepared though, some of the items you might fancy are quite huge. Better bring a bigger suitcase." +66 81 893 8638
DOUBLE DUTCH
ART & CULTURE
WAT LAEM SOR

"Temple enthusiasts shouldn't miss the beautiful Wat Laem Sor Temple at the southern end of the island near Ban Phang Ka. The temple is built like a boat and the architecture is of the highly venerated old Srivijaya-style stupa. Nearby is a pagoda next to a coral beach. The area is quiet and calm with not too many houses and villas around, which makes the temple much more serene and relaxed."
ART & CULTURE
WAT SAMRET

"Curiously off the guidebook radar is Wat Samret, close to Ban Hua Thanon, which contains a highly prized artifact – a rarity in Thailand, in fact. It’s a Mandalay Buddha figure carved out of pure white jade. The temple is home to a small community of monks, and you’ll see them going about their daily business if you spend any length of time in the complex. You may need to actually ask to see the Jade Buddha though, as it is housed in a special building." Na Mueang