Sparkling in hues of aquamarine blue, alabaster white, bamboo-wood brown and lush tropical green amidst the waters of the Thai Gulf, the island of Koh Samui remains a veritable staple on the itineraries of Southeast Asian travellers. And why not? Luxurious spa hotels cluster along the shorelines, shimmering sands sit washed over by lapping surf, and beach bars beat to undulating trance well into the night. This is where divers dive, sunbathers bathe, moneyed Russian moguls rub shoulders with neon-painted Brits, and local Thais tout knock-off fashion wear next to steaming bowls of masaman curry and khao mu krop (crispy pork with broth).

For the hedonists, the action centres on throbbing Chaweng and Lamai, a land of backpackers and beach bums that’s fun loving and commercial to the core. Elsewhere, quieter beach spots abound, with the north shore loaded with Choeng Mon and the south giving secluded Ban Hua Thanon and Laem Set. For culture buffs, Koh Samui tour guides are also at hand to reveal the mysterious Wat Khunaram concealed inland, complete with mummified monk and twisting incense fumes, while elephant sanctuaries and soothing Buddhist gardens also lurk unassumingly behind the action-packed veneer.