A day in Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand

Golden Hour - the shoreline

Wet sand cools my feet as orange and pink light lies on the water. I move slowly along the shoreline while the day fades. Chaweng is the island's main beach and its liveliest stretch, so I keep to the quieter far end.

Golden Hour - the beach

My fingers meet the painted hull of an overturned wooden boat on the sand. I stop beside it and leave my hand there a while. Bophut is less developed than Chaweng but still has plenty of restaurants, shops and bars, and it is a common starting point for diving trips.

Golden Hour - the shoreline

Cool water rises around my legs and small ripples spread as I smile. I wade a little farther into the turquoise shallows. Big Buddha Beach, also called Bang Rak, offers good swimming, and the area has developed a lot so restaurants and shops are easy to find.

Golden Hour - coastal rock

The smooth rock presses against my legs as the horizon fades. I sit with my knees hugged close and watch the line of the sea. Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks sit at the south end of Lamai Beach, and visitors come in numbers at the end of the day, so I keep to the paths.

Golden Hour - the beach

Salty air fills my chest as I breathe in and lift both arms toward the fading light. I stretch on the open beach for a slow moment. The drier stretch on the gulf side runs from about January to April, with calmer seas for diving and boat trips.

Golden Hour - coconut palms

The air under the tall coconut palms cools as the horizon turns dark. I pause here and look out over the sea. Grilled seafood is the natural choice on this island, though supply can fall short in the busiest months and popular dishes may run out.

Golden Hour - palm grove

Shadow closes around the palm grove as I give a final wave to the ocean. I turn away from the water into the shadows. Hin Lat Waterfall is easy to reach, since you can drive most of the way, and closed shoes help because the rocks around the pool can be slippery.