» Koh Samui Blog of Fun, Travel Stories

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There is a fast growing expatriate community on Koh Samui, with people moving from Europe and beyond to escape the stresses of western life. Thailand is known as one of the most welcoming countries in the world and as Koh Samui has developed over the years, it has gradually begun to offer all the comforts of home, but in a tropical island location.

Living on Samui is easy; the island now offers a range of excellent locations for shopping, including four large, well stocked supermarkets: Tesco Lotus and Tops, Big C and Macro. In fact, with all the modern convenience now available it’s sometimes easy to forget you are in Thailand at all. New shopping malls and entertainment centres are on this island, and Western treats like good wine and imported food that foreign residents may have once missed, are now readily available.

People who live on Samui enjoy a vast choice for wining, dining and entertainment. Thai food of course abounds, and is both tasty and extremely good value. There is also a huge choice of international cuisine with everything from fine French cuisine to fast food chains. For those who like drinking and socializing, many Western style pubs and clubs not only serve local alcoholic drinks but also offer many favourite international brands. A number of bars also show live international sporting events, so it’s possible to enjoy a cold beer in the sun whilst watching your favourite football team play in the cold wind and rain back home.

Of course Thailand wouldn’t be the same without its people. It is mainly because of their friendly nature that foreign visitors keep coming back and end up living on Samui. Most local people speak a certain amount of English, which means that speaking Thai is not necessary, although life becomes much easier if you do make the effort. Don’t expect to be living an authentic Thai life though; around 80 percent of the population on the island is made up of visitors or expats.

Samui is fast becoming a comfortable, sophisticated haven in the sun, but it is also important to remember that there are significant cultural differences that may cause frustration. Local people enjoy a relaxed approach to life, and this can take some getting used to. As long as you are prepared to meet the local people half way, living on their tropical island can be a pleasure indeed.