The concept of “slow travel” has shown up on every year-end list as a growing trend among tourists, and judging by the observations of travel companies, the trend continues to grow. Visitors from countries such as the United States and Australia are taking longer vacations and spending more time in their chosen destinations.
Nowhere is the slow travel trend more felt than in Thailand. Data published in 2023 by the non-government organization Tourism.co.th shows that experiential tourism is on the rise with 11 million tourists visiting cultural sites and the combined segment of wellness and culinary tourism showing growth of up to 20% since 2017.
Related Reading: How Thai Culture Is Expressed in Koh Samui
What Slow Travel Means for Koh Samui Villa Guests
The impact of slow travel is present in Koh Samui, which is experiencing its own surge in tourism in the past few years. The island is still considered one of Thailand’s more relaxed alternatives to destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, and guests in Koh Samui’s luxury private villas are often surprised by the island’s quiet charm.
For villa guests in Koh Samui, the relaxed pace of the island lends itself well to slow travel or at least a slower pace when it comes to touring and savoring the island experience. Here’s how villa guests can incorporate concepts of slow travel into their own itineraries.
1. Embracing the Natural Koh Samui Ambiance
While the island of Koh Samui has its own tourist hangouts in Chaweng and Choeng Mon, several of the island’s luxury villas are located far from the action, especially in coastal locations like Mae Nam and Lipa Noi. The distance of these villas from the main enclaves gives villa guests a chance to embrace the natural ambiance of the island.
From hillside villas to beachfront properties, villa guests are so taken by Koh Samui’s own natural beauty that some of them are known not to leave their villas at all, choosing instead to frolic by the beach or lounge by the poolside deck to take in the spectacular views.
2. Participating in Immersive Experiences
Koh Samui guests are also less likely to participate in any activities that require jam-packed scheduling, such as group tours or shopping trips. This trend is also in line with the concept of slow travel, as it encourages guests to savor their time on Koh Samui and absorb the local culture as well as the natural landscape.
Some of the immersive experiences available for luxury villa guests include cooking classes, nature adventure tours, locally guided temple visits, and even island-hopping day trips.
3. Seeking Out Quality Authentic Local Products
One of the priorities set by Thai authorities for their tourism initiatives is the promotion of “Must Buy” authentic local products. Whether it’s a silk scarf, a piece of jewelry, a bag, or a work of art, prioritizing quality products from local small-to-medium enterprises is meant to boost the Koh Samui economy.
This also follows “slow travel” principles for promoting sustainable tourism and cultural exchange, especially when it comes to shopping at local stores and night markets in Koh Samui.
Related Reading: Luxury Boutiques and Quirky Finds: A Guide to Shopping in Koh Samui
4. Encouraging Interactions with Locals and Their Customs
While exploring the rest of Koh Samui can be an eye-opening experience, guests can also start their immersive experiences from within the villa as well. In-villa staffers such as managers, housekeepers, and private chefs can act as resources for learning Thai language and customs.
Interactions like these can also help with booking unique experiences, such as massage sessions and Muay Thai matches.
5. Being Fully Present in The Moment
Whether you’re staying in the villa or exploring the coastal beaches, the most important thing about traveling “slow” in Koh Samui is enjoying the moment for what it is, as it happens. It doesn’t even have to be a massive statement, either; sometimes all it takes for a guest is to arrive where they intend to go and stay a little longer.
The key is to enjoy the journey at a leisurely pace and absorb the experience as much as possible, preferably without the stress of rushing through activities and attractions.
Related Reading: The Most Picturesque Viewpoints on Koh Samui
Take the Slow and Steady Route to Enjoying Koh Samui
Ultimately, slow travel can be defined by how travelers choose to pace themselves and enjoy their destinations. There is no hard-and-fast rule for “slow travel” in general, and especially for luxury villa guests who prioritize comfort and safety during their visits to Koh Samui.
Embracing the relaxed pace of Koh Samui, getting to know the local culture, and staying in the moment are significant steps for luxury travelers to make the most out of their visits to the island.
Reach out to our friendly staff members and Guest Experience services to make the most out of your visit to Koh Samui and savor the island lifestyle.
Read more about the laid-back Koh Samui Lifestyle.
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Featured Image by Expedia
