Things to do, Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is known as Coconut Island by locals due to the abundance of coconut trees on the island. Just a 45 minute flight from Bangkok this island often features on the itinerary of travellers in search of idyllic beaches and laid back vibe. While some areas around Chaweng Beach are slightly ruined by rowdy tourists, but there are plenty of quieter discoveries to be enjoyed all round the island. Taxis are operated by a central system and prices are high (unlike Bangkok) instead travel by the shared open-air taxi buses (known as songthaew) that drive round the island, expect to pay 100 BHT per person per ride.

To stay

Library Hotel – the only Design Hotel on the island this minimalist and chic book-themed accommodation is luxurious and innovative in equal measure. It has wonderful facilities and great food on site but is best known for its striking ruby red tiled pool.

Banyan Tree – Isolated and extraordinary, Banyan Tree Samui is a once in a lifetime place to stay. Private villas cling to the hillside, each with an infinity pool and jaw-dropping views of the surrounding area. The rainforest spa is a reason alone to visit, set aside at least three hours to immerse yourself completely in the unrivalled facilties and treatments.

To eat

Romantic Bamboo – Found on Lamai beach this unpretentious and charming restaurant offers delicious Italian and Thai food and is a favourite for tourists and locals alike. Customers always comment that the owners are particularly friendly and welcoming.

Drink Gallery – Part of the Library Hotel complex this stylish contemporary eatery and bar offers a range of delicious Asian and continental dishes. Particularly impressive though is the varied and inventive cocktail list which features a range of tasty concoctions. The Bourbon based ‘Suave and Singular’ and ‘Vintage’ were our favourites, perfectly balanced and very easy to drink!

To see

Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) – Visible from the plane as you land into Samui this iconic landmark is a popular tourist attraction. Built in 1970s this smiling gold Buddha sits at the top of a temple, he looks very majestic amongst the surrounding run down area. Entry is free but remember to dress modestly.

Wat Plai Laem and Wat Laem Suwannaram – A short distance from the Big Buddha you will find these colourful, newly constructed temples. Marvel at the ornate and decorative buddhas, my favourite was the one we affectionately named Big Baby.

Moulin Rouge show – if you are intrigued about the Lady boy culture but don’t want to support the seedy strip and sex shows, visit Moulin Rouge on Chaweng strip to see a flamboyant cabaret performance celebrating this third gender. Expect big costumes and even bigger egos.

Chaweng Stadium – this is the place to see Muay Thai boxing, the popular but brutal Thai sport. Fights are hosted here every Friday and Saturday night, tickets start at £30 and can be bought through most hotels and hostels.

To do

Fisherman’s Village – this is a must for anyone visiting the island. From 5pm onwards on Fridays this lovely market sells homemade souvenirs and delicious street food. I’d recommend arriving just before dark so you can enjoy sunset by the pier with a Chang beer in hand.

Tour to Ang Thong Marine Park – There are plenty of tours to choose from when staying at Samui. We considered a trip to Koh Tao but were advised this excursion is best for keen divers. Instead we visited the awe-inspiring Marine Park, one hour away by speed boat with Koh Samui Tours. The day out costs £40 per person and includes hotel transfers, snorkelling, kayaking, lunch at a local village and water and snacks throughout the day. For a more upmarket option go with the highly recommended, luxurious 100 Degrees East which will cost you £90 per person for a similar, but more exclusive itinerary.

Things to do in Brighton

When I booked the train tickets from London to Brighton for the 10th January I didn’t expect good weather for the trip. Waking up in our grand Hotel du Vin room, I could see a glint of sunshine poking through the thick curtains and excitedly got dressed to explore Britain’s favourite seaside town. It was just as a day in Brighton ‘should’ be; walks on the beach, ice-creams on the pier and fish and chips al fresco, the perfect day to be by the sea.

To do

Walk along the pebbled beach and pop into the Pier arcade to play on the 10p machines and slurp an ice-cream. Do the things you can only do when you are by the sea!

To shop

Utility – Wander around the lovely Laines and you will discover numerous appealing independent shops. My favourite was Utility, a hip household store selling retro and vintage-inspired items which will bring nostalgia and flair to your home.

To eat

Regency – This fish and chips restaurant is an institution in Brighton, a favourite with families, locals and visitors. Serving up cheap and cheerful fresh fish by the sea’s edge, it is known to be one of the best of its kind on the South coast.

To see

Royal Pavilion – Extraordinary and extravagant this ‘pleasure palace’ was built for the Prince Regent two hundred years ago. Its exotic, oriental design stands out against the urban landscape and it is a thrilling architectural one-off to visit. Exhibitions inside are varied and imaginative.

To drink

Coffee at 33 – Bringing Monmouth beans to the South coast, this minimalist café offers great flat whites, tasty artisanal-style sandwiches and cookie dough to take home and bake. A joyful little stop for tired shoppers.

To sleep

Hotel du Vin Brighton – This is a particularly charming branch of the much loved chain of du Vin hotels. With spacious rooms, an atmospheric bistro and pub, there is something for everyone. It is perfectly situated: near the sea, the centre of town and just a short walk from the main station.

 

Things to do in Tiverton

Tiverton lies in a lovely area of Devon, easily reached from London Paddington with the speedy First Great Western Trains and ideal for a family weekend away.  Here are five of the top things to do and see for the perfect Tiverton trip:

Knightshayes Court – National Trust

A Gothic mansion from the Victorian era, this National Trust property has some of the best gardens in Devon with over a thousand unique plant species. The rich décor of the mansion itself makes it worth a trip in the cold winter months as well. Nice tearooms in the old stables and orangery. Kids visiting with an adult have free entry.

Tiverton Canal Co

The last horse-drawn barge in the south-west, you can float along the Grand Western Canal in style. There’s also plenty of other things to do on the canal, including boats and kayaks for hire, and the Ducks Ditty Café Bar where you can stop for a quick snack and hot drink. There’s a newly opened visitor centre at the canal basin too.

Bickleigh Mill

This scenic spot on the River Exe features three floors of shopping to satisfy your retail cravings. There is also a lovely bistro in the renovated Old Mill House which offers anything from a snack to a 4-course celebratory dinner and a great Sunday roast. The outdoor waterside gardens are lovely during the summer, and the stream flowing through the centre of the building is a point of curiosity.

Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life

This family friendly museum has much to offer. Packed full of objects and artefacts from the past to present day, and with lots of child-oriented exhibits, it is well worth a visit. Longlisted by the Daily Telegraph for Family Museum of the Year in 2012.

Yearlstone Vineyard

A huge selection of coffee blends as well as homegrown wines makes Yearlstone’s café a great stop any time of day. Currently hosting an art exhibition by a local artist too. You can pick up a leaflet with a guided walk through the (hilly!) vineyard. Amazing views down the River Exe when the mist rises.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with First Great Western trains.

Advance single fares from London Paddington to Tiverton Parkway are available from £12.50 each way. For the best value tickets and fares buy before you board at www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk or 08457 000125.