Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

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Hin Lad Waterfall

A 3-kilometer trek through winding jungle paths and carpets of spring flowers will lead you to this lush oasis by a thundering waterfall.

The Hin Lad Waterfall is one of Koh Samui's best known attractions, and a must-visit for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. An invigorating trek through the beautiful forests will lead you to the falls, where you can swim, picnic or simply relax. The Hin Lad monastery is a tranquil haven and popular pilgrimage site; the beautiful gardens filled with Buddha sculptures and the meditation area are worth a visit. Monsoon is the best time to hike up to the falls, as the waterfall is at its most majestic.

Address: Off 4169 Ring Road, Lipa Yai, Koh Samui, 84140, Thailand

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from Sunrise to Sunset

Website: http://www.kohsamuipoint.com/attractions/hin-lad-waterfall/

Hotel: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Distance: 15.3 km

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4 Monkeys Coffee Bar

Watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Thailand as you sip on fruity tropical drinks at this retro-themed beach front cafe and bar.

Right on Bang Po beach, 4 Monkeys Coffee Bar couldn't be better placed. The cafe's bamboo interiors are eclectically decorated with vintage royal portraits, bright furniture, local artifacts and drawings. Come here for healthy breakfasts, artisan coffee creations or laid-back drinks on their coconut-shaded deck. Bring a book and spend the afternoon reading while sipping on a perfectly-made latte against the glittering backdrop of the ocean. Towards evening the cafe morphs into a happening bar with loud music and free-flowing drinks.

Address: 4169 Ring Road, Moo 6, Bang Po, Mae Nam, Koh Samui, 84330, Thailand

Hotel: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Distance: 13 km

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Sweet Sisters Cafe

Come enjoy a variety of delicious Thai dishes including wraps, curries, and a selection of vegetarian options.

If you're looking for a healthy meal in Koh Samui, head to Sweet Sisters Cafe. This eatery uses the finest, freshest produce from local suppliers to create a delectable menu of wraps and curries that features options for vegetarians and those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy pesto salad with feta cheese, red curry, and freshly baked brownies for dessert. Dishes and drinks at this casual eatery are often topped with a fresh flower, for an extra special touch.

Address: Baan Bang Kao Road, Koh Samui, Thailand

Phone: +66 86 470 8631

Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM

Hotel: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Distance: 20.8 km

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Bophut Plaza

Packed to the brim with souvenirs, locally made goods and delectable food stands, Fisherman's Village Plaza has it all.

Just across from Bophut Beach, Fisherman's Village Plaza is an iconic example of a sleepy fishing town market square offering local products, fun souvenirs and much more. The open-air shops along the main highway through town are inviting and colorful, some sporting racks of purses and totes while others display shirts, local trinkets and jewelry, or even some tasty local cuisine. Perhaps the best location has to be Piti's Art Shop, operated by K. Piti himself and showcasing his exceptional artistic talents. Great for a day of bargain perusing, Fisherman's Village Plaza is a perfect destination for a mid-day outing.

Address: No 3/6, Moo 1, Koh Samui, Thailand

Phone: +66 87 921 3422

Opening hours: Sunday to Saturday from 09:00 AM to 02:00 AM

Hotel: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Distance: 3.1 km

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Bowtiful

Shop the handmade jewelry at Bowtiful for nature-inspired pieces in a beachfront boutique.

Bowtiful's small shop in Lamai Beach boasts an impressive collection of handmade jewelry. Most of the pieces in the shop are crafted with stone, shells and wood to create an organic aesthetic, but there are also pieces made of silver and semi-precious stones. Bowtiful also offers handbags and watches in addition to bracelets, rings and necklaces.

Address: Lampai Beach Road, Koh Samui, 84310, Thailand

Phone: +66 89 769 0304

Opening hours: Sunday to Saturday from 04:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Website: http://bowtiful.net/

Hotel: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Distance: 26.5 km

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Lolamui Cafe

For the best cakes on the island, head to this charming cafe. Indulge in the Banoffee or Beer Cake with sea views at their alfresco garden.

Lolamui, a hidden gem on Lamai Road, is definitely worth a find. With some of the best desserts on offer, this cozy home-style cafe is nestled in a beautiful garden with a restored city tram in its backyard. Select from decadent cakes like Coconut, Chocolate, Berry Cheesecake, Beer Cake and Horlicks Marble Cake. Other classic sweet treats include Crème Brûlée, Pumpkin Custard, Chocolate Lava and Banoffee. Complement your dessert with a juice or an espresso or cappuccino from the finest Thai coffee beans.

Address: 127/184 Moo 3, Maret, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, 84310, Thailand

Hotel: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Distance: 11.8 km

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Ta-Yai-Hut Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy tropical dining by the Lamai Beach at this Thai restaurant, replete with shacks, swaying palms and picturesque views of the ocean.

Ta-Yai-Hut is nestled on the picturesque Lamai Beach in Koh Samui. Guests dine in wooden huts with thatched roofs that are scattered on the lush lawn overlooking the white sands and pristine ocean. The menu offers Southern Thai flavors with a special emphasis on coastal fare. Savor your meal in a tropical atmosphere under palm trees, enveloped by breathtaking views.

Address: 4169 Ring Road, Maret, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, 84310, Thailand

Phone: +66 87 076 4036

Hotel: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Distance: 13.7 km

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Wat Khao Chedi

Experience history and breathtaking views at Wat Khao Chedi after a refreshing hike up the green Thai hillside.

Wat Khao Chedi is a traditional Thai pagoda located on a lush, green hillside. A short hike leads up to the sparkling gold temple that glitters in the sun and breathtaking views of the surrounding land and sea. Visitors enjoy exploring the pagoda and viewing surrounding villages from the elevated vantage point.

Address: Santi-Sook 1 Road, Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, 84320, Thailand

Hotel: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Distance: 10.9 km

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Kalasea

Enjoy twilight on the deck of this charming cafe by the Bang Makham beach, one of the best places to watch the sun go down on the island.

Kalasea is a hidden gem on Bang Makham Beach. From humble beginnings as a wooden shack, to occupying two beach houses on the shore, its charm has been a constant. Its name translates to “sailor” in Thai, and the nautical stripes, ship's navigation wheel and shell curtains are in keeping with the maritime theme. On the menu are local specialties, salads, beverages and sweet treats. Enjoy your meal on their lovely beachside deck with breathtaking views of the pristine ocean.

Address: Route 4169, Ban Bang Makham, Koh Samui, 84140, Thailand

Phone: +66 81 450 0774

Hotel: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Distance: 16.5 km

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Kala Noodle Restaurant

Dine on delicious Thai delicacies under umbrellas at this outdoor eatery.

Kala Noodle Restaurant will win you over with its friendly service and delicious noodle dishes. Although it may not look like much on the outside, it's best not to judge a book by its cover. Perfectly spiced noodles served in a bowl made out of a coconut shell will surely hit the spot for any traveler. The restaurant is all outdoors, meaning that you'll be enjoying your kiwi shake and noodles under the shade of an umbrella. Authentic and down-to-earth, Kala Noodle Restaurant is a must-visit in Koh Samui.

Address: 399/1-4 Moo 1, Koh Samui, 84330, Thailand

Hotel: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Distance: 9.6 km

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Wat Samret

This hidden gem is a beautiful example of Buddhist temple architecture and a tranquil haven this goes undiscovered by most tourists.

Discover this century-old temple in the south of Koh Samui as you travel off the beaten track. Samret is Thai for success, and pilgrims come to this temple to pray for prosperity in all areas of life. Visit the traditional monastery to appreciate a glimpse of time-honored Buddhist practices and ceremonies. The main feature here is the carved white jade Buddha, housed in the stone chedi at the center of the complex, believed to be one of the oldest on the island. Besides the main building, visitors can also tour the neighboring pagoda which houses row upon row of seated Buddha statues, a truly mesmerizing sight. Built in the ancestral style, the complex features a main temple, prayer halls, and shrines to revered monks.

Address: Off 4169 Ring Road, Moo 5, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui, 84310, Thailand

Hotel: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Distance: 17.5 km

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Saona

Browse the wind-swept racks at sunny Saona for boutique fashions with a tropical twist!

Fisherman's Village has become Koh Samui's destination for high-end boutiques and shopping. Saona offers respected women's fashions, from dresses to purses. The boutique shop also features a number of stylish bathing suits, displayed beneath a tropical palm-frond canopy. Saona can easily dress a woman from head to toe, with straw hats, daywear, floral bags and fashionable sandals.

Address: Fisherman's Village, Bophut, Koh Samui, 84320, Thailand

Hotel: Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Distance: 26.5 km