How to immerse in true Thai culture on a getaway to Koh Samui aka Coconut Island

With its sun-drenched beaches, lush jungle and over three million palm trees, Koh Samui has long been known as Thailand’s “Coconut Island.” For centuries, coconuts have shaped the isle’s economy, cuisine and way of life. Used in traditional dishes and herbal remedies, for handcrafted goods and daily rituals, this humble fruit is much more than a pantry staple, it’s an emblem of local identity and self-sufficiency.

While tourism is now the island’s primary industry, coconut production remains its lifeblood, providing nourishment, income and deep-rooted cultural meaning. If you’re planning a trip to Koh Samui, you’re certain to interact with coconuts, and before we recommend the best ways to do that, let us delight you with a few fascinating coconut FAQs. 

Are coconuts nuts?

Despite its misleading name, the coconut is not technically a nut, but a fruit, specifically a drupe. 

Why is it called a coconut?

The name originates from the Portuguese word “coco,” meaning “grinning face” or “skull,” which refers to the distinctive appearance of the coconut shell. 

When can I eat a coconut?

Young coconuts, with their hard green shells, are harvested after about seven months of growth. Mature coconuts are harvested after about a year, when they have a rough husk on their outer shell.

Which parts of the coconut are edible?

Inside a young coconut, you’ll find soft, almost jelly-like flesh and sweet coconut water. Mature coconuts have a thicker, harder layer of meat and water that is a little less sweet. The coconut meat is used to make coconut oil, which is great for cooking (as well as for soothing sunburn and other beauty rituals). Coconut meat is blended with coconut water to make coconut milk, which is delicious in curries and desserts. 

What can I do with a coconut husk?

The husk of a mature coconut has natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties and can also be burned as a natural mosquito repellent. 

So, how best to make the most of Samui’s abundance of coconuts while discovering a richer connection to the island’s heritage? At Santiburi Samui, we invite you to experience a blend of luxury and authenticity as you immerse in our carefully curated Coconut Journey package. 

In a stay of three nights or more, we guide you through a celebration of all things coconut, delivered with Santiburi’s signature elegance and care.

Sip, savour & start the journey
The coconut immersion begins the moment you arrive as we hand you a chilled drink made from young coconut or coconut flower, served alongside a Miang Kham ball—a traditional herbal bite wrapped in betel leaf, with roasted coconut at its core. This thoughtful welcome sets the tone for a journey of sensory discovery.

Explore the Coconut Museum with a hands-on tour
The adventure continues with a guided visit to Koh Samui’s Coconut Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of coconut oil production and try your hand at every step from peeling and scraping to pressing and bottling. You’ll even leave with your own fresh, hand-made coconut oil.

Indulge in a rare coconut dessert workshop
For maximum interaction, you can choose to participate in a workshop to craft Kanom Kee Mun, a traditional Thai dessert made with the by-products of coconut oil production. This rare treat, rooted in local food heritage, offers a unique taste of Samui’s sweet side.

Relax with a coconut-inspired spa ritual
Back at the resort, a blissful experience awaits at Santiburi Spa. The Journey of Samui signature treatment features a foot bath, herbal steam, coconut body scrub, and a warm or cool coconut oil massage. With your skin glowing and mind at ease, you’re invited to plant a young coconut tree as a living symbol of your connection to the island.

Dine on coconut-inspired Thai gourmet delights
As the sun sets, indulge in an exclusive four-course dinner at Sala Thai, where every dish is elevated by the subtle sweetness and depth of coconut. Highlights include seafood coconut custard served in a mini coconut, prawn soup with fresh coconut water, duck breast red curry with lychee and grape, and a chocolate coconut parfait with raspberries. 

Sweet dreams with coconut treats
Every element of the stay is infused with Santiburi’s signature personal touches, including handmade coconut cookies or savoury bites waiting in your villa.

Whether you’re a wellness traveller, a foodie, or a cultural explorer, the Coconut Journey offers an unforgettable way to experience Koh Samui. Find out more and book your coconut escape today to uncover the authentic, luxurious side of Samui.