How to Make the Most of Your 48 Hours in Koh Samui - Guide to Spending Two Glorious Days on Holiday in Koh Samui

Although 48 hours is woefully insufficient to experience even half of what the paradise isle has to offer, it is possible to make your two-day stay in Koh Samui an unforgettable experience. Whether you are swinging by the beach capital for a weekend or during the week, there's plenty to see and do in Thailand's most popular beach holiday destination. Here's an itinerary all visitors can use to make the best of their 48 hours in captivating Koh Samui.

Image via Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club

Make Sure it's During the Right Time of Year

Tourists who are heading to Koh Samui for only two days must ensure that the 48 hours they are spending on the beach capital happens to be during the sunniest months of the year. A weekend in Koh Samui can be a dreadful and boring affair for those who do not plan their visit to coincide with the dry season, as inclement weather conditions can dampen your hopes of taking part in the best adventures and activities on the island. This is why your two-day getaway should be between December and February when sunny skies are the norm in this part of Thailand. The monsoon months from May to October, however, are possibly the worst time of year to spend two days in the beach hub.

Secure a Strategic Base

Travellers with 48 hours at their disposal also can't afford to stay in a resort or hotel that's remotely situated. A far-flung rest can not only limit the number of excursions one can experience but also how much sightseeing can be jammed into two days. This is why a strategic base at Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club or a similar resort is essential. Choosing a venue close to some of the best restaurants in Koh Samui will also come in handy for travellers with limited time to spend on meals and enjoying the culinary wonders of the island. Opting for a property in close proximity to the airport is a wise decision as it minimises the time required for transfers upon arrival and allows you to leave your hotel with ample time to catch your departing flight.

Day One - Morning

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, tourists should spend their first day in Koh Samui splashing around on the island's stunning beaches. With so many white, sandy beaches to choose from, it may seem overwhelming at first, but one cannot go wrong with a dip in Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, Coral Cove Beach or the family-friendly Lipa Noi Beach, where the waters are shallow and free from jagged corals. Beach time in Koh Samui also affords one the chance to take part in water sports activities, including Jet Ski rides and surfing sessions.

Day One - Afternoon/Evening

Your post-lunch hours in Koh Samui, on the other hand, can be devoted to checking out the cultural highlights on the island. A tour of the iconic Wat Khunaram temple is a must, and it is not due only to its mummified monk remains. Regarded as an architectural marvel, the temple is a spiritual epicentre like no other. Taking in the views from the Big Buddha Temple is a veritable rite of passage for first-timers as Wat Phra Yai is another sacred space that's located on the northeastern fringes of Koh Samui.

Day Two - Morning

Dedicate the morning of your last day in Koh Samui to exploring the breathtaking biosphere known as the Ang Thong National Marine Park. Apart from discovering its idyllic lagoons, caves, coves and coral reefs, the area is also home to countless hiking trails and waterfalls. Some of the best things to do at the marine park include snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking around the 42 islands that make up Ang Thong.

Day Two - Evening

After spending most of the day in Ang Thong National Marine Park, travellers can wind down with a visit to a local spa. Koh Samui is revered as one of Thailand's top spa retreat hubs, and indulging in a massage, facial or aromatherapy session will be the perfect antidote to a day full of outdoor activities at the marine reserve.