Who’s got a lovely bunch of coconuts? Samui does.

Koh Samui might call to mind beaches and spas – but its coconuts are of particular acclaim. Local growers will tell you they’re the best in Thailand. You might equate coconut with a sickly Bounty bar or other fake confection – but that’s set to change.

• Fresh coconut. Happily, someone else will wield a very big, very sharp knife (machete?) to cut the coconut open. Drink the juice and then use the provided spoon to scoop out the sides. (Parents – this is a great drink to get your kids hooked on. They won’t ask for Coke or sugary drinks again.) Ask for one at any of these picture-perfect Samui Thai restaurants (a pretty and refreshing break from Thai beer!)
• Coconut shake. Coconut milk blitzed with ice, guaranteed to cool you down faster than even sub-zero air-conditioning. Both fresh & shake options are available at just about every restaurant on the island – no need to spend time searching. (Unless you’re slightly sick in the head, in which case read our coconut shake taste test results).
• Coconut rum. Stop by Magic Alambic Rum Distillery (our favourite Koh Samui attraction) to either sample it delicately, or take home your own boxed set.

• Coconuts grow all year on Koh Samui – so you can’t miss them (unlike other Thai fruits that have distinct seasons, and our growing dragon fruit that’s nowhere near ready).
• Fresh coconut juice has more vitamin C than orange juice.
• 2 million Samui coconuts are shipped to Bangkok every month. (Quite a supply when you consider how big Koh Samui is).

(Growing coconuts photos c/o mckaysavage via Flickr Creative Commons)