Welcome to Life on Koh Samui – The Real Story
Thinking about moving to Koh Samui? Wondering what it’s really like to live here — or invest in a slice of tropical paradise?
This blog is for anyone curious about island life:
🌴 The lifestyle (yes, it’s as good as it looks)
💰 The investments (10%+ returns are possible)
🥂 The little things — can I drink the water, is that ice in my cocktail safe?
After we moved here in early 2023, my husband David, began writing a book — part personal memoir, part no-nonsense guide to relocating, living, and investing in Thailand. Think real-world advice, not just the glossy stuff.
To keep things fresh and useful, we’ve also created a Facebook group called Moving to Koh Samui where we share regular updates, tips, and stories — all in one place.
So if you’re dreaming of changing your life - or just changing your view - you’re in the right spot.
Thinking of Moving to Koh Samui? Here's What Life Really Costs in 2025 – Gym, Groceries & More
Thinking of moving to Koh Samui? Here’s what it really costs to live here in 2025 — from rent and groceries to gyms, massages, and medical care. A straight-talking guide based on local experience.
Buying Property on Koh Samui – Investment, Lifestyle, or Both?
Thinking of buying property on Koh Samui? Whether you're chasing strong returns, a lifestyle upgrade, or both — this guide breaks down what foreigners can own, how leasehold and freehold work, and why owning a villa here might just be the smartest decision you make.
Getting around Koh Samui - An Intro to Transport on the Island.
Thinking of renting a scooter or car in Koh Samui? This honest, no-fluff guide covers everything you need to know — from rental scams and police checkpoints to safety tips and local road rules (or lack thereof). A must-read before you hit the road in paradise.
🐾 Bringing Pets to Thailand (and Getting Them Home Again)
Thinking of bringing your cat or dog to Thailand? It’s easier than you might think — but getting them back home, especially to New Zealand or Australia, is a much bigger challenge. In this post, we share the real-life experience of moving pets to Koh Samui, what to expect with airlines and local landlords, and why rabies regulations might keep you here longer than planned.
Things that Bite In Samui - and no - I don’t mean the locals!
Things That Bite in Samui – and No, Not the Locals!
From harmless green snakes to dengue-carrying mozzies and the rare but deadly jellyfish, here’s a light-hearted but practical guide to the bitey side of Koh Samui. What’s really out there, what’s just hype, and how to stay safe (and sane) in paradise.
Internet and Connectivity in Thailand
Think Thailand’s tech is behind the times? Think again. With free Wi-Fi nearly everywhere and cheap mobile data that actually works, Thailand’s internet setup leaves most Western countries in the dust. Here's what we learned — the hard way — about staying connected.
Health, Hospitals and Dentists
Thinking of moving to Koh Samui and wondering what the healthcare’s like? From top-tier private hospitals to affordable dental care, this guide shares our first-hand experiences with doctors, dentists, and even an MRI scare — all in true island style. It’s not dirt cheap, but it’s fast, professional, and better than you might expect.
Koh Samui - The Jewel of the Gulf
Thinking of relocating to paradise? This is the no-fluff, mildly cheeky guide to Samui, its neighbours, and why the ice in your cocktail probably won’t kill you. (But the airfare might. hurt a bit)!
Is Koh Samui A Safe Place to Visit and Live?
Safety is one of the first things people ask about when considering a move to Koh Samui. While the island is generally safe and friendly, there are a few key risks worth knowing — from road accidents to dodgy property deals. Here’s a local’s honest take on what to watch for and how to stay smart.
Choosing Where To Live on Samui - A brief snapshot.
Thinking about buying or building on Koh Samui? Each area of the island offers something different. Here’s a local’s guide to choosing the right spot for your goals.
Jane - why I Chose Real Estate in Samui (and Why I’m Glad I Did)
Like many expats, I didn’t come to Samui planning to work — but after building our home and navigating the property market firsthand, real estate found me. Here’s how I turned that experience into a new career helping others find their place in paradise.
🏗️ Building Our Dream Home in Koh Samui: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
We didn’t come to Samui to play it safe. We sold up in NZ, packed our lives into a few suitcases, and built our dream home from scratch — in a foreign country, in a foreign language. Here’s what went wrong, what went right, and what we’d tell anyone thinking of building a villa on Koh Samui.