Why Koh Samui is the perfect place for a culinary immersion stay with the Visa DTV
- InFusion
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
A long-term visa to experience Thailand differently
The Visa DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) allows you to stay in Thailand for several years and enjoy a deep cultural immersion. Among all possible destinations, Koh Samui stands out as the ideal setting: the island combines modern infrastructure, safety, international lifestyle, and the tropical charm that makes daily life both practical and inspiring.
A well-connected island
Easy access to the rest of Thailand and Asia
Living on an island doesn’t mean being isolated. Koh Samui has its own international airport with direct flights to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Singapore, and Hong Kong. In addition, hourly ferries connect the island to the mainland, making travel smooth and convenient.
On-site immigration services
Another rare advantage for an island: Koh Samui has its own immigration office, which makes administrative procedures much easier for Visa DTV holders.
Safety and quality of life
A secure environment
Thailand is already known as a safe country, but Koh Samui offers an even more peaceful atmosphere. Crime is extremely low on the island, making it a safe destination for solo female travellers, families with children, and retirees.
Reliable healthcare
Koh Samui has one public hospital, six private hospitals, and numerous specialized clinics. Whatever your age or medical needs, you can easily access high-quality healthcare. Families with young children especially appreciate the convenience of frequent paediatric care and the many nearby pharmacies.
An island perfectly suited for families
International schools and kindergartens
Koh Samui offers several schooling options for families:
International schools with the Cambridge curriculum (in English)
A French school
A Russian school
Multilingual kindergartens (Thai, English, Russian, sometimes French)
These schools are spread throughout the island, and most provide safe minibus pick-up services, making daily life very convenient for parents.
Social and extracurricular development
Children can enjoy a variety of extracurricular activities, from sports to language learning, creative workshops, and social clubs. This ensures that expat families can settle into an active and stimulating environment.
Modern infrastructure for a comfortable lifestyle
High-speed internet and 5G coverage
Koh Samui is equipped with fiber optic internet and 5G connectivity, making it an excellent place for digital nomads, remote workers, or anyone who values staying connected.
Services and convenience
The island offers everything you need: pharmacies, general and specialized clinics, gyms, yoga and pilates schools, and even CrossFit and Hyrox training centers. Supermarkets carry both local produce and imported goods, so you can easily combine Thai flavours with international comfort food.
A vibrant community and social life
Clubs and associations
Life on Koh Samui isn’t only about tourism. There’s a thriving international community with numerous clubs and associations:
Hiking and running groups,
Bridge and board game clubs,
Reading circles, knitting groups, and more.
These gatherings are excellent opportunities to meet people, build friendships, and integrate smoothly into local life.
Learning opportunities
Another great way to meet people is through education. On Koh Samui, you can take Thai language classes or improve your English, German, Italian, or Chinese. Language courses not only help with communication but also foster community connections.
Activities for every lifestyle
Outdoor sports and adventures
Koh Samui is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can practice scuba diving (PADI, SSI), snorkeling, jungle trekking, kayaking, jet-ski excursions, and more.
Indoor and cultural activities
For those who prefer indoor pursuits, Koh Samui has two cinemas, including one that regularly screens movies in English. You’ll also find yoga studios, fitness centers, and even archery schools. Nightlife lovers can enjoy lively beach clubs with world-famous DJs, the annual jazz festival, or the vibrant nightlife of Chaweng.
Gastronomy: a quick glimpse
We will dedicate a full article to Koh Samui’s unique food culture. For now, let’s highlight that the island’s seafood markets offer an incredible diversity of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans, while restaurants range from authentic Southern Thai cuisine to a wide array of international dining options (Vietnamese, Burmese, Russian, French, Italian, and more).
A balanced island lifestyle
Big enough, small enough
Koh Samui is large enough to provide modern infrastructure but small enough to remain safe, accessible, and friendly. Each neighbourhood has its own personality:
Lively (Chaweng, Fisherman’s Village),
Authentic (fishing villages, coconut groves),
Quiet and residential (Bang Po, Maenam).
This balance means you can choose the lifestyle that best matches your needs—whether that’s vibrant and international, or peaceful and surrounded by nature.
Conclusion: Koh Samui, the ideal destination for the Visa DTV
Combining accessibility, excellent healthcare, education, security, high-speed internet, a vibrant community, and countless leisure activities, Koh Samui is one of the best places to settle under the Visa DTV. Whether you come alone, as a couple, or with your family, the island offers the perfect blend of modern living and authentic Thai culture.
📘 To help you explore Koh Samui’s unique food culture, download our free Restaurant Guide for Koh Samui, personally curated by us. It features our favorite Thai restaurants across the island, with just a handful of international spots that we truly recommend.
If you’d like more information about our culinary training courses supporting the Visa DTV, feel free to contact us directly.
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