While Koh Samui is the ideal destination for doing little more than laying by the pool and occasionally raising a cold drink to your lips, the sporty types are well catered for, too. If you’re exercising outside, just remember plenty of sunscreen and a big bottle of cold water!
Golf. Santiburi Samui Country Club, high up in the hills above (and with an incredible view of) Samui’s north coast, is Samui’s top golf course, which offers full cart and caddy service. Shoes and clubs are available for rent, and other golfing paraphernalia is available at the pro shop. After a round, relax with a light lunch and refreshing drink in Santiburi’s breezy patio restaurant. A dress code is in place (add it to your Thailand packing list) and reservations are necessary. (Green fees are 3,350 THB plus cart/caddy charges). 12/15 Moo 4 Tambol Maenam.
Walking. For a very long walk, start in Bophut after breakfast and walk to either Choeng Mon Beach or Maenam for lunch. You can walk mostly on the beach (especially for the Maenam walk), but will need to get creative in places. Call it an adventure – don’t forget a hat and your sunscreen.
Running. Most of the larger hotels have gyms of various sizes, but pavement-pounders staying elsewhere will need to brave the heat outdoors. Running along the main road is possible, but not recommended for two reasons: the road surfaces are concrete, and bad for joints – and erratic traffic can make pedestrian activities a hair-raising proposition! Stick to the beach (Maenam is longer and flatter than Bophut and Choengmon), and if possible try to make it there before 7.30 am to keep the heat at bay.
Water sports. Our rental house is perfectly placed for water sports enthusiasts. We’re just 10 minutes’ walk from Choeng Mon Beach where guests can enjoy kayaking, sea swimming or tubing. Equally close is our local pier, from where you can charter sail and motor boats or join diving trips. Why not try a trip to Angthong National Marine Park? Scuba courses and PADI certifications are also available from local businesses in on Choeng Mon beach and Fisherman’s Village in Bophut.
For more intrepid Samui day trips, contact either of these water sports outfitters:
Kiteboarding. Kiteboarding Asia. Enjoy individual or 2-on-1 lessons from certified instructors. 3-day beginners courses are available. Recommended for confident swimmers. Can be found between November and March near Samui Orchid Resort in Lamai, and through May to August at the Shamballa Resort by Big Buddha (between Choeng Mon and Bangrak).
Kayak. Blue Stars. Experienced guides can suggest options of varying duration, from local Samui trips to further afield in Angthong National Marine Park. 169/1 Moo.2 T.Bophut, Chaweng Beach Road.
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