The best beaches on Koh Samui are the main reason why the island appears on the bucket list of so many travellers. With over 50 km of coastline hosting around 40 beaches, bays, and small coves, there’s no shortage of choices. Add a tropical climate that offers a yearly temperature of about 30°C and it’s no wonder Koh Samui is one of the most popular destinations in Southern Thailand.
Chaweng Beach is a popular stretch of powdery white sand on Koh Samui. The wide bay is the focal point for the development of the island's tourism industry. Its majestic 5 km long crescent of shoreline is bordered by rocky headlands on either end, with an offshore reef and the tiny island of Koh Matlam to the north.
Chaweng offers more accommodation options than elsewhere on Koh Samui. The beach is also the island's main nightlife hub, with bars and restaurants catering to every taste. On the downside, it has a very “touristy” feel, so it lacks the distinctive Thai identity you'd find in other areas of Koh ...
The Wat Saket Fair (known as Ngan Wat Phu Khao Thong or งานวัดภูเขาทอง), held at Wat Saket Ratchawora Maha Wihan (the Temple of the Golden Mount), is Bangkok’s most iconic temple fair. This 100+ year-old tradition honors the sacred Buddha relic enshrined in the 58-meter golden chedi atop the man-made “Golden Mountain.”
Typically a riot of street food, games, and cultural shows, the 2025 edition (October 29 – November 7) has been somberly adjusted to pay tribute to the recent passing of Somdet Phra Nang Chao Sirikit, the Princess Mother (announced October 24, 2025).
Entertainment and some vendor zones are canceled, shifting focus to spiritual reverence, merit-making, and quiet reflection—still a profound cultural anchor amid Loy Krathong’s glow (November 6).
The fair spans 10 days and 10 nights and is an important annual event in the heart of the city.
Wat Saket Fair 2025: Phu Khao Thong Temple Fair - Oldest Fair in Bangkok - Thailand 2025
Wat Saphan Floating Market, also known as Talat Nam Wat Saphan or Wat Saphan (Ratchaphruek) Floating Market, is a vibrant, community-driven waterside marketplace nestled along the Bang Noi Canal in the Taling Chan District of Bangkok, near the border with Nonthaburi Province.
Established relatively recently through collaborative efforts between local gardeners residing along the canal and the historic Wat Saphan temple, the market aims to revive traditional canal-based commerce while highlighting the temple’s rich heritage.
It operates as a weekend haven, open Saturdays and Sundays from approximately 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, drawing locals and visitors alike for its authentic, laid-back atmosphere that evokes Thailand’s classic floating market traditions.
The market’s layout blends land-based stalls with boat-accessible vendors, creating an immersive experience amid lush waterways lined with tropical vegetation. Wooden boats gently navigate the narrow canals, offering opportunities to browse ...
Wat Phra Dhammakaya is a prominent Buddhist temple in Thailand, known for its modern approach to Theravada Buddhism, large-scale meditation practices, and distinctive organizational structure. Located in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province, just north of Bangkok, it is one of the largest temples in Thailand and has garnered both significant following and controversy.
• Founding (1970): Wat Phra Dhammakaya was established on February 20, 1970, by Luang Por Dhammajayo (Phrathepyanmahamuni) and his teacher, Chandra Khonnokyoong (known as Khun Yay Maha Ratana Upasika Chandra), a devoted lay Buddhist practitioner. The temple was founded on a 78-acre plot of donated land with the aim of reviving traditional Buddhist meditation practices, particularly the Dhammakaya meditation technique, which emphasizes visualization and inner light to achieve spiritual purification.
• Growth (1980s–1990s): The temple grew rapidly, attracting a large following due to its structured meditation programs, modern ...
