Koh Samui Travel Blog: Blessed, Bitten, and Broken in Paradise
- Steve Jenkins
- Jun 18
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
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We arrived in Koh Samui hoping for rest and relaxation after the heat and chaos of Ao Nang. What we got was a bizarre, emotional, and unforgettable mix of temples, elephants, capybaras, tropical beaches, and pigs. Lots of pigs.
This was a trip full of unexpected moments. We got blessed by a monk, bitten by a dog, and emotionally flattened by elephants. We stayed in a resort that looked perfect on the surface but felt a little too polished. And we ended up on an island ruled by pigs, where Lauren accidentally became their queen. Koh Samui surprised us in every possible way.
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Beautiful But Not Quite Us
Down a quiet track near Bophut Beach, we arrived at Karma Resort. All whitewashed walls, leafy palms and minimalist vibes, it was the kind of place that hands you a welcome drink before even checking your name. And once we saw our villa, we were floored. It was stunning, spacious, serene, and complete with a terrace and freezing plunge pool just for us. We sprawled, we posed, we briefly lived our best influencer lives.
The resort itself had serious White Lotus energy. Smoothie selfies, floaty dresses, and enough posed gazes to fuel a fashion campaign. We played along, took our own dreamy photos, but something didn’t sit quite right. It was beautiful, yes, but it didn’t feel like us. Too curated, too ‘for the gram’. Looking back, the places we stayed earlier in the trip for half the price had more heart.
Still, Karma Resort gave us space to breathe. For the first time in days, we weren’t rushing anywhere. We’d made it to Koh Samui, and for now at least, we’d stopped.
Friday Night Mayhem
That peace lasted until Friday night, when we headed into Fisherman’s Village. One of the biggest night markets on the island, we expected busy. What we got was full-on gridlock. Wall-to-wall people. Shoulder-to-shoulder chaos. Crocodile on a stick, knockoff Ray-Bans, sizzling skewers, and sensory overload.
We grabbed a donut and bailed. We’re not crowd people. Luckily, just two minutes later, we stumbled into something far more up our street.
Capybaras and Chaos
Off the main strip, tucked near the big Fisherman’s Village sign, we found a café packed with animals. Capybaras, guinea pigs, parakeets, and rabbits. No signs, no warning, just sudden, snuggly madness.
As an animal lover, Lauren was in heaven. Feeding them, giggling like a kid, bonding with every oversized rodent in sight. Capybaras are warm, whiskery couch potatoes with squidgy feet, and Lauren adored them.
It cost 400 baht each, but the price included food for the animals, and we were free to stay as long as we liked. No pressure. No crowds. Just pure, random joy.
Temples, Monks and Unexpected Stillness
The next morning, we traded flip-flops for temple shoes and set out on a full-day private tour. Booked through Get Your Guide, it covered temples, waterfalls, and a few surprises.
It began at Wat Plai Laem, a serene, colourful complex guarded by huge statues and surrounded by peaceful lakes. Our guide’s English was a little patchy, but the place needed no translation.
Then came the moment we weren’t expecting, a blessing from a monk. Our guide waved us forward with a simple, "Come. I take you." Moments later, we were kneeling on a temple floor, incense swirling, water tapping gently against our foreheads.
It was calm and still and unexpectedly moving. Even for two non-spiritual people, it felt like the world had hit pause. The only hiccup came when we realised we needed to make a donation but our money was in the car. Cue an awkward sprint back and a very ungraceful envelope delivery.
Still, it was something we’ll never forget. If you ever get the chance, bring cash and take it.
Odd Rocks and Stranger Things
Next, we visited the Grandfather and Grandmother rocks. Let’s just say erosion has a wicked sense of humour. Bold. Anatomical. Unforgettable.
Even stranger was Luang Pho Daeng, the mummified monk who predicted the exact date and time of his death. His preserved body now sits in a glass case wearing Ray-Bans. Not a gimmick—they’re to shield his naturally darkened eyes. It was eerie, yes, but oddly peaceful.
Then came Na Mueang Waterfall. It was nice, but packed. A public holiday meant crowds, queues and nowhere to swim. We didn’t linger.
Elephants and Emotion
What came next hit us harder than expected. The visit to Samui Elephant Home wasn’t something we’d planned, it was included in the tour. But it turned out to be one of the most emotional moments of the whole trip.
We were cautious at first. Seeing elephants penned near the entrance raised alarm bells. But the staff explained the rotation system, the ban on chains and rides, and how the animals were slowly healing from past abuse. They told stories of broken spirits, of pain, and of the long process of recovery.
We fed them food balls, offered bananas and sugarcane, and stood quietly beside them. Just us, a guide, and two gentle giants. No rush. No crowd. Just connection.
It reminded us again how important ethical sanctuaries are, and how damaging irresponsible wildlife tourism can be.
Bitten at the Temple
As if the day hadn’t given us enough, we finished at one final temple. While taking photos, Lauren accidentally startled a stray sleeping dog. It lunged and bit clean through her trousers, missing her leg by millimetres.
Our guide shrugged. “Temple guardian bit grumpy.”
We were shaken but fine. And more than ready to call it a day.
Chaos, Calm and Curly Tails
To close out our Koh Samui adventure, we booked a private tour to the south. For 4000 baht, we had our own longtail boat and guide to take us to Koh Madsum aka Pig Island.
It’s exactly what it sounds like. A sandy, tropical island... full of pigs. Turns out, they were originally brought over by the owner of a small beach bar. Now, they roam freely, sunbathing, swimming, and stealing snacks with zero shame.
We’d read mixed reviews, especially about the mess. But when we arrived, the beach was clean, the water was beautiful, and the pigs were clearly well cared for.
Most visitors stopped for a selfie and moved on. But not Lauren. She went full pig whisperer. Within minutes, she had an entourage. They rolled over for belly rubs. They followed her around. They were loving it and so was she.
It was surreal, hilarious, and hands-down one of our favourite moments of the entire trip.
A Quick Dip and a Last Goodbye
After Pig Island, we headed over to Koh Tan for a quick snorkel. The water was clear and warm, but the reef wasn’t much to write home about. Mostly rocks and sand, not many fish. We’d hoped to make it to Koh Tao, one of the best snorkelling spots in the world, but just couldn’t squeeze it in.
Still, it was a peaceful way to end the day. The sun on our backs. The salt in the air. A few last quiet moments before moving on.
Final Thoughts
Koh Samui gave us chaos, calm, culture and pigs. It surprised us. It grounded us. And even though it wasn’t all perfect, it’s a place we’ll remember.
Looking back, we probably should’ve stayed longer. But what came next? That was something else entirely. Khao Sok National Park was calling.
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