Ever find yourself staring at your closet and back at your empty suitcase, and feeling that panic of a meltdown rising up? Yeah, we know how that suffers. Now that you have scoured the web for the best (cheapest?) Koh Samui flights, make your departure as easy as possible with our top 3 must haves for your Koh Samui vacation. Ready? Set, Go!
Clothes
Remember the climate: HOT. Stay away from fabrics like polyester or anything that’s too thick for the tropics. Cotton is your best friend for Koh Samui’s climate.
• Tops – ladies and gentlemen alike, go for light fabrics. T-shirts, tank tops, collared shirts, and perhaps a light cardigan or a lightweight, waterproof jacket (for Koh Samui’s cooler rainy days – between October to December-ish)
• Bottoms – shorts, skirts, dresses, capri pants, leggings and yoga pants are all acceptable.
• Swimsuits and cover-ups – you can wear bikinis at the beach/pool, but cover up as you leave. Wide-brimmed hats, scarfs, pashima (which may be used as a cover-up when visiting temples) and sunglasses are smart travel essentials.
• Shoes – the Koh Samui footwear choice is flip-flops. It’s easy to pack, convenient and easy to take on/off – especially when you have to enter homes and shops, which require you to go barefoot. Bring closed-toe shoes if you are planning to visit a temple, and perhaps some running shoes too if you are feeling a little sporty, or a pair of sandals for women or boat shoes for men if you just want to dress nice for dinner.
Toiletries
If you have anything specific that you prefer, bring it with you. Don’t waste your time searching for your preferred brand (though you may get lucky) but if you aren’t brand conscious, buy in Thailand.
• Sunscreen – Just because you saved big bucks on your cheap Koh Samui flights, doesn’t mean you can skimp on your sunscreen! Never leave home without this. If you don’t require a special sunscreen, or do not have sensitive skin, or are just plain not choosy, you may avail of the Nivea or Banana boat sunscreen lotion varieties at most Thai shops.
• Branded cosmetics – these and things like; tampons, electronic toothbrush heads, western branded shampoos, and deadorants; are not readily available in Koh Samui. So pack them up with you!
• Mosquito repellant – While you can easily buy mosquito repellants anywhere in Koh Samui, you may want to bring these with you so you are ready right away. Do get in the habit of a quick spritz before heading out on an adventure and spray twice for maximum effect.
• Medicine – be it your prescription medicine or for general ailments.
Electronics
Koh Samui uses 220 volts, 50 Hz. Many electronics like laptops, and cameras, are dual voltage, so you are safe. Just be sure to check the voltage requirement of whatever electronics you may want to bring with you.
• Adapter – if you are coming from a 110 volts-country like the U.S or Canada, be sure to pack a voltage adapter with you. Koh Samui sockets have two plug types: European with two circular pins and North American with two flat blades. If you are from England or Australia, be sure to pack a socket adapter with you.
• Camera – to document your memories from this beautiful island. Place it in a waterproof pouch to protect against sand and water.
• Pocket flashlight – an ideal for the occasional brownout or for strolling along the beach after dinner.
So can your suitcase handle all the activities you have in mind for your Koh Samui getaway?
Finn's Travel Tips 