Imagine yourself basking under the warm sun on a postcard-perfect island, where palm trees sway gently along powdery beaches, and crystal-clear waters shimmer endlessly. Welcome to Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island and a must-visit tropical paradise that enchants travelers from around the globe. In this all-in-one Koh Samui travel guide, uncover the island’s hidden gems, explore its cultural landmarks, and find out why this breathtaking destination deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list. Whether it’s relaxing on secluded beaches or visiting ancient temples, your unforgettable Koh Samui adventure starts here! Location and Naming History Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island, with a distinct area of 228.7 square kilometres. Situated on the east coast of the country, the island is a place blessed with natural scenic beauty. In Thai, the word “Ko” means island. However, the origin of the word “Samui” is still unknown. Local people believe that the island got its name from the native tree named Mui. Others associate the Sanskrit-Tamil root “S̄mwy” as the origin, which means “sea weather.” Read more: Discover Ha Long Bay: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Vietnam’s Natural Wonder Koh Samui has always been a great attraction for travellers. According to a 1998 report, the island used to receive around 700,000 visitors. In 2020, that number declined due to COVID-19's global impact. Even so, 2023 has observed a steep increase, measuring over 200,000 annual visitors. How to Reach Koh Samui Only two islands in Thailand have international airports; Koh Samui is one of them. Travellers can directly reach the island by air. However, most travellers like to take off in Bangkok or Phuket first and then take a second flight to Koh Samui. It takes about an hour to land in Koh Samui from both airports. But once you are in Thailand, you can also take a bus and ferry combined route. Many tour agencies and private service runners offer combo tickets. This may require you to change your vehicles multiple times and be a much slower journey; nonetheless, it will make your travel more meaningful by letting you see more of Thailand. Read more: Ultimate Pattaya Travel Guide: Top Things to See and Do in Thailand’s Coastal Gem

Nestled serenely within the expanse of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has lured travelers with its opulent allure. The pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts have made it an icon in high-end travel. Yet, for those with a more budget-conscious spirit, some exotic tourist destinations in the heart of Asia can offer almost similar experiences. Let’s take a look into some of the most popular budget-friendly Asian alternatives to the Maldives. 10 Best Budget-Friendly Alternatives to the Maldives in Asia Phi Phi Islands, Thailand This tropical paradise, along with its mesmerizing blend of stone and sand beaches, is located in the Andaman Sea. Among this island group comprising six distinct islands, Phi Phi Don is renowned for its Monkey Beach and Maya Bay. In the case of spending the night, Tropical Garden Bungalows come with a jungle vibe with modern amenities. The airfare to Phitsanulok, the nearest airport to this place, from Bangladesh starts at USD 230 (BDT 25,264.65 at an exchange rate of USD 1 = BDT 109.85) per person. Meals cost approximately THB 417 or BDT 1,289.45 (THB 1 = BDT 3.09) per day, while local transportation is estimated at THB 253 or BDT 782.33 daily. The average cost for a couple's hotel stay in Koh Phi Phi is THB 2,956 (BDT 9,140.58). Read more: Beach Bucket List: 9 Magnificent Sea Shores in South Asia Koh Lipe, Thailand This hidden gem, located in the Andaman Sea, offers hiking opportunities to take in the island's natural beauty from elevated vantage points. The island provides a variety of amenities, from bars and open-air restaurants to cafes and massage shacks.

Manpura Before 2009, Manpura was just another island on the southern edge of the Meghna River in the Bay of Bengal. Thanks to Giasuddin Selim’s Magnum Opus “Manpura” movie, the island came into the limelight. Ever since the blockbuster, there has been a growing interest in Manpura as a new travel destination.  Here’s everything you need to know about the Manpura island, how to get there, what are the attractions, and many more.  Where is Manpura island?  Manpura island is situated in the northern Bay of Bengal. It borders the exit of the Meghna River into the bay. The island is formally known as Manpura upazila under the Bhola district. It is surrounded by the two of the biggest islands of Bangladesh – Bhola and Hatia.  Read more: Tinap Saitar Waterfall Travel Guide: Visit a pristine natural fountain in Bandarban

Often considered the tropical paradise of the Atlantic, the Bahamas is an archipelago chain consisting of over 700 small islands and cays. The islands offer pristine beaches, serene turquoise water, and a thriving flora and fauna. The Bahamas is known for being the perfect tropical getaway, attracting millions of tourists each year. Let’s look at 10 of the most interesting places to visit and exciting things to do in this Atlantic archipelago.  10 Best Places to Visit in the Bahamas  Nassau  You can start the retreat from the capital of the Bahamas itself, Nassau. Nassau City is known for its history and untainted natural beauty. Almost all major airlines fly into the Lynden Pindling International Airport, located in the heart of Nassau.  Nassau is one of the more crowded destinations in the Bahamas. As a result, the vibrant straw market and the cable beach attract tourists from different countries around the world. From vibrant parties to late-night shenanigans, Nassau has it all. To explore the historic side of things, head over to Fort Charlotte. Read more: These are the countries you can visit visa-free with a Bangladeshi passport in 2023 Accommodation in Nassau will range between 150 to 400 USD per night, depending on the guesthouse or luxury resort.