Facilities, Activities & Local Area
Connect with Koh Samui and the Gulf of Thailand
Beaches |
Vana Belle is a beach front resort located on Chaweng Beach, with beach sun loungers and access to the sea.
Due to the size of Koh Samui, there are any beaches to explore with a short drive from Vana Belle Resort.
Area & Activities |
Learn about the Land of Smiles from the sun-kissed pagodas and cerulean waters surrounding our hotel on the beach in Koh Samui. In addition to its beautiful beachfront, Koh Samui offers some of the Kingdom's finest attractions, from a 12-meter Buddha at Wat Phra Yai to mummified monks at Wat Khunaram. Feel the philosophical allure of Wat Khao Hua Jook temple, which sits 90 meters above the coast. Discover your next leisure spot at Lad Koh View Point, the shaded beachfront pavilion at our resort. It all comes back to the water, and our hotel on the beach features unequaled access to popular Koh Samui attractions like Hin Lat Waterfall, Fisherman's Village Bophut and captivating formations such as Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks. Day trip to Mu Koh Ang Thong National Marine Park or catamaran to Koh Nang Yuan, picturesque islands with large sandbars and live coral. Embark on an unforgettable oceanfront journey near Chaweng Beach at Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui.
Island Districts |
Chaweng is the most developed tourist area, offering a
great beach and a myriad of international cuisines and nightlife.
This is a good choice for travellers who want to stay right in the
heart of all the action.
The much quieter district of Chaweng Noi is a much sought
after area, due to its peaceful beach and upmarket resorts that
attract the more discerning traveller. Chaweng Noi is
ideal for those searching for tranquillity and
serenity within easy reach of the island's main
attractions.
Fisherman's Village is a good choice for visitors looking
for a family-friendly beach, within easy walking distance of local
shops and restaurants. Maenam has a long beach and a
small town centre featuring a picturesque Chinese temple and
a selection of local restaurants and bars.
Finally, Lamai is well known for its sandy beach; however,
it is situated quite far from the main nightlife areas of Chaweng
and Fisherman's Village.
Temple Fairs |
Beyond being a place to pay
respect and make merit, temples also provide an important venue for
the local community to host special events such as Temple
Fairs.
Temple Fairs always attracts large crowds of people and
usually take place to recognize important days in the Buddhist
calendar. During such events, the temple's grounds are transformed
into a mini-festival with a variety of fairground rides and fun
games for families to enjoy. Vendors sell clothes, toys, and all
sorts of brightly coloured goods, with the highlight being a
wonderful array of delicious street food.
It is not uncommon to find live music or some other form of
entertainment at temple fairs and the atmosphere is always very
friendly. Some events can go on for several days at a time, with
activities carrying on late into the night. Ask the Concierge at
your resort or at the nearest Buddhist temple to find out if there
is a temple fair taking place during your visit to the
island.
Cultural Sites |
Another highlight worth seeking out is Wat Teepankorn. This spectacular temple is located on a mountain-top near Lamai and can be reached by taking an off-road vehicle tour along a long and bumpy trail. The towering Buddha statue and panoramic views at the top are guaranteed to take your breath away.
Boats Trips |
For fun-loving families that want a break from the beach, you may want to consider adding a waterpark to your itinerary. Coco Splash Adventure & Water Park is one option located on Lamai Beach in the southeast of the island. Set in verdant surroundings amongst coconut trees, kids can enjoy 7 slides, 4 swimming pools, an inflatable bouncy castle and a Jacuzzi. An alternative option located in the north of the island is the Pink Elephant Samui Water Park in Maenam. This park features 15 attractions in total, including numerous levels of waterslides and a 'lazy river' for those looking for something a little more relaxing.
Superpro Samui |
Superpro Samui is a
well-established Muay Thai and MMA (mixed martial arts) training
camp located near Chaweng Noi in Koh Samui. Muay Thai is world
famous for being the national sport of Thailand, but its benefits
are not only reserved for those who want to step into the ring and
fight. Practicing Muay Thai can be an excellent source of
self-defense and it has many health benefits in terms of keeping
fit and losing weight.
Superpro Samui offers group classes and private coaching for
all ages and levels of proficiency. Regular training under the
supervision of a qualified instructor can help students accomplish
their personal goals. Whether your ambition is to train for a
fight, or simply learn the basics in a friendly environment,
Superpro Samui is a popular contender.
NaviGo Samui |
NaviGo is a smartphone application that allows you to book transport in Koh Samui using your mobile device. The service promises new vehicles, competitive prices and English speaking call-centre staff. Considering many taxi drivers in Koh Samui refuse to use the meter, this may prove a viable alternative for getting around the island. Islanders can book a taxi with the tap of a button on their smart phone. The application is free to download and is available from Apple's App Store and the Google Play Store.
Water Park |
For fun-loving families that want a break from the beach, you may want to consider adding a waterpark to your itinerary. Coco Splash Adventure & Water Park is one option located on Lamai Beach in the southeast of the island. Set in verdant surroundings amongst coconut trees, kids can enjoy 7 slides, 4 swimming pools, an inflatable bouncy castle and a Jacuzzi. An alternative option located in the north of the island is the Pink Elephant Samui Water Park in Maenam. This park features 15 attractions in total, including numerous levels of waterslides and a 'lazy river' for those looking for something a little more relaxing.
Walking Street Markets |
Thai people are very passionate
about two things; street food and shopping, and there is no better
place to combine the two than at one of Koh Samui's famous Walking
Street Markets. These events take place in different villages
throughout the week, but the most popular location is in Bophut's
charming Fisherman's Village.
Here, you can taste delicious freshly-cooked street food,
shop for local art, fashion and souvenirs and soak up the local
culture and atmosphere. Fisherman's Village is also lined with
Chinese-style shop-houses, local boutiques and an excellent
selection of restaurants and bars. This means there is no shortage
of things to do once you have finished exploring every hidden
corner of the market.
Must-Try Foods and Snacks |
One of the highlights of any
vacation is, of course, the food and Koh Samui is internationally
known for its abundant coconut production. Coconuts are widely
available across the island and you may be surprised at how
delicious they are! There is nothing more refreshing than sipping
on an ice-cold young coconut, lid cut open, with its soft, white
flesh ready to scoop out and eat after finishing the water. It's an
excellent and natural way to stay rehydrated in the tropical
temperatures.
Be sure to also try a local delicacy called Kalamae. Kalamae
is a sweet caramel candy made from sticky rice, coconut milk, and
palm sugar. The texture of Kalamae is very sticky and chewy, making
it entertaining to consume and well worth a try.
People in this region of Thailand take so much pride in
their big and delicious oysters they have become a part of the
province's motto. So, try not to miss Surat Thani's oysters, which
are famous for their large size and unique taste.
Ang
Thong National Marine Park |
These limestone pinnacles harbor
secluded powdery beaches, sheer cliffs and numerous caves, all ripe
for exploration. Only two of the forty-plus islands in this
national park are inhabited. The largest, Koh Wua Talap, has its
own park rangers, a restaurant and a few rustic-style bungalows
suitable for overnight stays (advance reservations
recommended).
Koh Paluay (Virgin Island) has a small resident community
that produces and consumes its own clean energy using solar cell
and wind power. The restaurant in this fishing village serves the
freshest seafood around for lunch and dinner. In addition to
exploring, many Ang Thong adventures also incorporate activities
such as snorkeling, diving, hiking and kayaking.
Koh Samui has so many areas of cultural interest and other
attractions that visitors to the island are positively spoilt for
choice. With a multitude of activities, interesting sights,
unforgettable restaurants and stunning natural beauty, this island
offers a lot for the global explorer to discover.