An Expats Guide to Moving to the Island

Most people who visit Koh Samui fall for its charm. I certainly did, so much so that I moved to the island and lived there for over a year.

Some argue that due to development Samui has lost the island authenticity it had 20-30 years ago. But that’s life…nothing remains the same. And for those discovering the island for the first time today, their experience is no doubt akin to mine all those years ago.

Yes Samui (เกาะสมุย) now has malls, yes it has lots of luxury hotels and condominiums, but it also has an abundance of natural beauty: fantastic beaches, beautiful ocean views, lots of local markets and community activities, and a perpetual air of freedom about the place that has never left my thoughts.

The thing is, spending a holiday somewhere is very different to living there full time; though I’d caveat that statement by saying that I always partly felt like was on…