Thailand is regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. With its amazing climate and spectacular scenery it is easy to see why visitors fall in love with this modern day paradise and return year after year.

I had been on my way to visit friends in Australia when I decided to stop off in Thailand for a few days. After all there was no additional fee to the price of my ticket and it would be nice to break up the 24 hours flight to Sydney. I decided against Bangkok (the countries capital) instead heading to one of Thailand’s beautiful islands. In my case Koh Samui, on the south east of the country. The whether is generally gorgeous all year round but May, when I was travelling is recommended to be particularly nice.

I arrived fairly late so headed straight to my hotel. I would be staying at the Central Samui Village, probably one of the more expensive hotels on the island, but compared to UK prices relatively cheap setting you back as little as £40 per night. Considering what you got for the prices however it was an incredible deal.

The hotel is partly built into the hills, with guest staying in private bungalows. My own bungalow had its own swimming pool and Jacuzzi, fabulous. With lavish features, incredible views and five star customer service the hotel was well worth every penny.

After I was all booked in, I headed out to sample island nightlife and to see if I could find someone to share my Jacuzzi. Koh Samui is similar to Bangkok in that the place comes alive in the evening. Market stores line the streets and the aroma of spices and herbs fill your nostrils at every turning.

Apart from the gorgeous climate and scenery, one reason the island attracts so many tourists is the low cost of shopping. Everywhere you look someone is selling something, weather it is cheap shoes, jewellery or deep fried crickets Koh Samui has it all. And with most things, especially clothing costing a fraction of the price it does back home make sure you leave plenty of spare room in your suit case.

Don’t expect the Nike’s or Levis to be authentic, but when you’re paying roughly £7 for a pair of Nike Air Rifts you can’t really complain.

Early the next day I headed inland to Namuag Waterfall, which was a ten minute taxi ride from my hotel. The water fall is about 2km up a steep hill. You can either walk there or as I did hire a smelly elephant and rider (about £6 for 30 mins journey). The trek to the waterfall was fairly uneventful but once we reached our destination the scenery was breath-taking with clear views across the whole island. Although the waterfall was small and easily missed, I could not resist taking a quick dip in its cool fresh waters as my bemused smelly elephant (whom by now I had named Alison after my ex) looked on.

Once back at the hotel I showered and headed back into town. As night life goes Koh Samui has its fair share of the good, bad and the ugly. If you’re after a quiet meal and a few drinks then you are spoilt for choice. Many of the bars act as restaurants selling good quality food and if you’re lucky you might get a bit of live entertainment (a three course meal with drinks can cost at little as £4).

If you’re after a late night out and fancy visiting a club or two, I would recommend you save your money. All the night clubs are aimed solely at male tourist. Most of these clubs/bars do not open till late but are unashamedly sleazy, packed with middle aged English men and under aged looking Thai girls who introduce themselves as Ping Pong or Angel Delight.

As far as the lesbian scene goes, there isn’t one. Although after a few buckets (a crude concoction of whiskey, rum, coke and red bull mixed together and served in a bucked with a strew) you might be fooled by one of the islands many lady boys. But at the end of the night expect a cock to flop out of their thong, and not a cock you buy off the internet or from Shhh! but a real life one with veins and blood.

Although the clubs should be given a miss and the lesbian scene is non existent, don’t let that put you off. Overall there is plenty to do in Koh Samui in the evening. With its great restaurants and bars and cheap shopping you should have enough to keep you busy until the early hours.

Although my trip to Koh Samui was short I definitely managed to squeeze a lot in and have some wonderful memories to show for my time away. The people were friendly; the food was top quality and the whether was perfect. I might not have found anyone to share my Jacuzzi with but at least I ended up with three new pairs of Nike's, two pairs of Converse, countless t-shirts and a nice fitting pair of Levis. I worked out I actually spent less money on holiday (including accommodation) then I would have if I would have been at home in London. Now that’s a good value holiday.

Lucy travelled with Silverbird Tours