james travel koh samui

A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Samui: 32 Best Beaches & Things To Do

The perfect recipe for a great vacation.

We love Thailand and we have visited this wonderful country countless times.

The people are so friendly , the food is amazing and the beaches are plentiful!

Koh Samui is no different.

Thailand’s second-largest island really has it all.

When looking for a place to stay in January 2019 to work on our documentary film about sustainable coffee , we chose Koh Samui as our base for one and a half months.

Even if you don’t stay that long (or work while on vacation/call yourself a digital nomad), Koh Samui has so much to offer!

It’s one of the most popular destinations in Thailand – and for good reason.

In this travel guide to Koh Samui, we will tell you everything you need to know about the island and share all of our best travel tips and secrets.

And by everything, we mean around 10,000 words. So if you’re looking for anything specific, navigate using the menu below the photo.

Update: We revisited Koh Samui at the beginning of 2024 with our son Adrian and have updated the guide to reflect that visit as well.

Where to stay in Koh Samui:

• Luxury : Cape Fahn Hotel Samui – A private island!
• Value for money : Crystal Bay Yacht Club – Direct access to one of Samui’s most exclusive beaches.
• Budget : Marina Beach Resort – We stayed here at Lamai with a beachside pool on a budget.

Search for the best value accommodation in Koh Samui here .

Table of contents

Why visit Koh Samui

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Koh Samui really does have something for everyone.

First of all, if you’re going to an island in Thailand, you would probably like to sunbathe and swim, right? in Koh Samui, there are quite a few beautiful beaches to choose from.

If you ever get tired of beach bumming, you can find endless activities and entertainment as well as beautiful Buddhist temples and statues in all sizes.

The Thai food is incredible, but if you want something else for dinner, a plethora of cuisines are available.

Or you can visit one of the countless night markets to sample delicious bites and buy some souvenirs.

If you’re an enthusiastic partygoer, you won’t be disappointed with the nightlife , but don’t worry if you’re looking for peace and quiet . You can easily find that, too.

Bring your family , your partner or your friends and you will surely have an awesome time in Koh Samui.

Koh Samui may look small on a map but it’s actually the second largest island in Thailand.

It’s located in the Gulf of Thailand – off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus and it’s a part of Surat Thani Province.

Driving around the 50-kilometre long ring road of the island takes about 1.5 hours.

The middle of the eastern shores of Koh Samui is the most heavily developed part of the island with Lamai and especially Chaweng as the epicentres of tourism.

Many tourists also base themselves near the beaches of the north where parties are fewer and the hotels and restaurants cater to everything from backpackers to retirees and families.

Nathon is the political centre of the island but of relatively little interest to most travellers.

The interior of Koh Samui is mountainous and home to stunning views, waterfalls and coconut palm plantations.

North of Koh Samui are the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao and many people visit several of the islands on the same trip.

Make sure to read our travel guide to Koh Phangan or check out the Koh Tao island guide from our friends over at North South Travels.

Click the icon in the top left corner of the map to find the places we have mentioned in this Koh Samui guide.

• Chaweng Beach – Koh Samui’s most popular beach
• Lamai Beach – The second most popular beach of the island
• Silver Beach – The crystal bay near Lamai
• Bophut Beach – Quiet beach in the north
• Maenam Beach – A very long beach in the north
• Bang Po Beach – Serene with beautiful waters
• Choeng Mon Beach – A private, up-scale feeling
• Bang Rak Beach – Big Buddha Beach
• Lipa Noi Beach – Private beach with sunset views
• Taling Ngam Beach – Koh Samui’s remote southwest
• Laem Set Beach – Spectacular beach in the southeast

Chaweng Beach – Koh Samui’s most popular beach

The most developed and touristy beach is Chaweng Beach on the east coast of the island.

The huge beach is beautiful with soft sand and there’s plenty of room to find a great spot to lay on the sand or rent a sunbed.

Both the beach and the area is filled with resorts, restaurants, snack bars, souvenir shops and all kinds of activities.

The nightlife is buzzing in northern Chaweng, so if you’re looking for a party in the evening, this is the place.

If you want endless options and don’t mind sharing them with other people, Chaweng is the place for you. If you’re looking for an undiscovered beach, this is not it.

The southern part of Chaweng is quieter than the north and we had a great time staying at Buri Rasa Village Samui (adlink) .

Read more about where to stay in Chaweng here or search for the best value accommodation near Chaweng Beach here (adlink) .

Lamai Beach – The second most popular beach of the island

The second most popular beach of the island is Lamai Beach, located to the south of Chaweng.

Here you’ll also find lots of hotels, restaurants and bars lined next to each other on the beach, but it’s a little less crowded than Chaweng Beach.

Lamai is close to the waterfalls in the south.

Update: We stayed for 11 nights at Marina Beach Resort (adlink) with direct access to Lamai Beach in 2024. It’s really good value for money and located in a quiet, yet still central part of the beach.

Read more about where to stay in Lamai here or search for the best value accommodation near Lamai Beach here (adlink) .

Silver Beach (Thongtakian Beach) – Crystal Bay near Lamai

South of Chaweng and north of Lamai, you’ll find this hidden little beach surrounded by large rocks.

While it’s no longer a secret, it truly is a beautiful beach.

Silver Beach, or Crystal Bay as it’s called as well, has pure white sand and clear water.

We spent a lovely morning here and can definitely recommend it. The water is at its most azure in the middle of the day (where there are more people as well).

Read more about where to stay at Silver Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Silver Beach here (adlink) .

Bophut Beach – Quiet beach in the north

Bophut Beach is a more quiet beach with a calm atmosphere on the northern part of Koh Samui, although it’s not one of the most isolated beaches.

The prices are a bit higher than average for Koh Samui, but the stretch of sand is wide and the western part is a good swimming beach with an up-market feeling .

In the east, the sand and water aren’t as good, but it’s a better option if you want to stay close to Fisherman’s Village .

This historic area of Bophut is home to a bunch of restaurants and shops in rustic-style buildings. Today, most fishermen have moved elsewhere on the island.

Read more about where to stay in Bophut here or search for the best value accommodation near Bophut here (adlink) .

Maenam Beach – A very long beach in the north

Maenam is a really long beach on the north side of the island.

Most of the development is on the eastern part. The western half is a lot more secluded and only features scattered resorts and restaurants.

Maenam Beach is great for long walks – but beware of the fishermen’s lines in the early morning and late evening.

The street leading down to the beach has charming wooden Chinese shop houses built side by side. There are lots of cafés, restaurants and shops.

Read more about where to stay in Maenam here or search for the best value accommodation near Maenam Beach here (adlink) .

Bang Po Beach – Serene with beautiful waters

Situated between Laem Yai to the west and Maenam Beach to the east, Bang Po Beach is a long stretch of sand on the northwest coast of Koh Samui.

Though not the island’s most beautiful, the beach does hold some appeal for its combined length, calmness and views of Koh Phangan to the north.

The eastern part of Bang Po Beach is sometimes referred to as Baan Tai.

Update : We had direct access to Bang Po Beach in 2024 when we stayed for 8 nights at The Sea Koh Samui Resort (adlink) .

Though it’s not the widest of Koh Samui’s beaches, Bang Po has some of the clearest water we’ve seen on the island. And there are barely any other people.

Read more about where to stay in Bang Po here or search for the best value accommodation near Bang Po Beach here (adlink) .

Choeng Mon Beach – A private, up-scale feeling

Choeng Mon Beach isn’t a place you’ll randomly stumble into as public access is limited.

Therefore mainly frequented by holidaymakers staying at the resorts , the vibe here is different to some of Koh Samui’s other beaches.

It seems to be particularly popular with European travellers.

The sand is white and the waters are very suitable for swimming.

At the eastern tip you’ll see the two small islands Ko Fan Noi and Ko Fan Yai; only accessible by foot at low tide.

Read more about where to stay in Choeng Mon here or search for the best value accommodation near Choeng Mon Beach here (adlink)

Bang Rak Beach – Big Buddha Beach

Between Bophut and the Big Buddha Temple, you can find the more local beach Bang Rak, also known as Big Buddha Beach.

With a few private piers with boats leaving for Koh Phangan and several small boats in the water, this isn’t the most attractive place to swim in Koh Samui, although the sand is fine.

Lipa Noi Beach – Private beach with sunset views

Lipa Noi Beach is situated on the west coast of the island.

It’s definitely one of the island’s less visited beaches and you can easily find a private spot .

Walking away from the resorts in the middle part, you’ll meet more dogs and local people than tourists.

During our stay with Lipa Lodge, we got to experience the gorgeous sunsets of the Lipa Noi Beach!

Search for the best value accommodation near Lipa Noi Beach here (adlink) .

Taling Ngam Beach – Koh Samui’s remote southwest

The Taling Ngam area of Koh Samui on the southwestern corner is about as remote as you can get in Koh Samui’s exterior.

With 30 minutes of driving to Nathon and almost an hour to Chaweng, you’ll be far from the action – but never too far, should you need the facilities.

The coast is splendid with the added bonus of views on clear days to the islands of the Ang Thong National Marine Park in the distance.

Read more about where to stay in Taling Ngam here or search for the best value accommodation near Taling Ngam Beach here (adlink) .

Laem Set Beach – Spectacular beach in the southeast

Koh Samui hides some of its most spectacular beaches in its southeastern part .

Though only 15 minutes from the nightlife of Lamai, this corner of the island is enchantingly peaceful with palm tree-dotted shores framed by large boulders.

There are so many cool things to do in Koh Samui beside chilling at the beaches.

In this Koh Samui guide we will show you the best things to do while visiting the beautiful island.

Waterfalls in Koh Samui

• Overlap Stone 1 – The original
• Overlap Stone 2 – Better views from higher up
• Wat Sila Ngu – The red temple
• Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) – 12-metre tall Buddha
• Wat Plai Laem – Buddhist temple with two enormous statues
• Wat Khunaram – The temple with the mummified monk

Elephant Gate and Wat Kiri Wong Karam

• Laem Sor Pagoda and Wat Rattanakosin – Less-visited attractions in the south
• Pagoda Khao Hua Jook – Amazing view of Chaweng and the airport
• The Tarnim Magic Garden – Secret Buddha Garden

Best Koh Samui viewpoints

• Hin Ta and Hin Yai – Grandmother and Grandfather Rock

Fisherman’s Village – Lively area in Bophut

Walking streets and night markets, sport activities.

• Ang Thong Marine National Park – Catch the viewpoint of viewpoints
• Koh Madsum and Koh Taen – Islands just south of Samui

Get custom made tailored clothes

Get a massage, party with (new) friends.

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in Koh Samui, there are countless waterfalls.

The most popular ones are Na Muang Waterfall 1 & 2 .

Other notable waterfalls include Hin Lad Waterfall, Wanorn Waterfall and Tan Rua Waterfall.

We only went to Na Muang Waterfall 2, where we enjoyed the breathtaking view from the top while cooling off in the natural pool.

The waterfalls in Koh Samui are not the most spectacular we’ve ever seen, but it was really nice to go there for a refreshing swim.

If you haven’t seen waterfalls in Asia before, you should definitely check them out.

Overlap Stone 1 – The original

Overlap Stone 1 is the “original Overlap Stone”.

When we first visited in 2019, it was more akin to a DIY project than a commercial enterprise . Once Alex returned to check it out again in 2024, things had changed quite a lot.

It’s now called “ Overlap Stone Camp View “.

The entrance fee of 200 baht (~ 5.5 USD / 5.15 EUR) includes parking, a soft drink and, of course, access to the famed Overlap Stone.

While not as beautiful as it once was, it’s much easier to get to now. There are a few additional viewpoints as well.

Overlap Stone in 2019 vs in 2024

We made this caroussel post on Instagram showing the development of Overlap Stone from our visit in 2019 to 2024:

Vis dette opslag på Instagram Et opslag delt af Alex, Victoria & baby Adrian ⛰️🌴🇩🇰 (@northabroad)

Overlap Stone 2 – Better views from higher up

Overlap Stone 2 is now what Overlap Stone 1 used to be: Rustic and off the beaten path . So far, at least!

It’s located further up the same (steep) road as Overlap Stone 1. You have to hike the last few hundred metres.

Once at the top, you’ll be greeted with amazing views of Lamai and Koh Samui’s east coast.

In 2024, the entrance fee was just 20 baht. There were also free bananas.

While you don’t need much guidance in reaching Overlap Stone 1, getting to Overlap Stone 2 is a tad more difficult. Read our guide on how to get to Overlap Stone 2 here .

Wat Sila Ngu – The red temple

Wat Sila Ngu (or Wat Ratchathammaram) is a pretty buddhist temple located opposite the road leading up to the Overlap Stones on the main ring road, so it’s easy to combine the visits.

Make sure to walk down to the coast via the cobra steps .

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) – 12-metre tall Buddha

A visit to Koh Samui is not complete without spending some time with the graceful golden Big Buddha .

The 12-metre tall statue is located in the northeast part of the island, just north of the airport.

It’s actually located on a small island attached to the rest of Koh Samui by a bridge.

At the base of the stairs leading to Big Buddha, you’ll find shops with little Buddha-statues, clothing and other souvenirs. There are a few restaurants (and cute dogs) as well.

For the main attraction, the Big Buddha, you’ll not need more than 30 minutes to an hour . Remember to dress appropriately, i.e. cover your shoulders and knees.

We can recommend getting there early .

We went at 7.30 in the morning and had the statue all to ourselves in the gorgeous morning light. Sunsets should be beautiful too.

During the day the sun is strong and the steps get very hot.

It’s free to visit Big Buddha Temple, but donations are appreciated.

Wat Plai Laem – Buddhist temple with two enormous statues

Wat Plai Laem is a fairly new Buddhist temple compound very close to Big Buddha.

It’s built in Thai-Chinese style with many colours and it’s famous for two enormous statues.

The most alluring (or at least that’s what we think) is Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy and Compassion .

She is the protector of women and children and the champion of the sick, the poor, the unfortunate and the disabled.

Guanyin has 18 arms so that she can reach out and help as many people as possible!

The other statue is a fat, laughing Chinese Buddha representing wealth and prosperity.

Apart from the eye-catching sculptures, the temple complex house several other beautifully decorated buildings, murals and art.

As with all sacred places, remember to dress politely.

Wat Plai Laem Buddhist Temple is free to visit, but donations are appreciated.

Wat Khunaram – The temple with the mummified monk

In the southern part of Koh Samui, there’s a pretty temple called Wat Khunaram.

The temple is well known for the mummified monk , Loung Pordaeng, who’s displayed in a glass casket (wearing sunglasses).

The body of the monk is worshipped. Many Thai people see death as an opportunity to be reborn in a next and better life and they visit the temple to make merit.

It’s free to visit Wat Khunaram, but remember to be respectful.

As you might have guessed, Elephant gate is a gate with two big elephants .

To be honest, it’s not really an attraction, but it’s great for a quick stop and a photo.

Further down the road, you’ll find the temple Wat Kiri Wong Karam .

Elephant Gate and Wat Kiri Wong Karam are free to visit. Dress respectfully at the temple.

Laem Sor Pagoda and Wat Rattanakosin – Less-visited attractions in the south

In the most southern part of Koh Samui, you’ll find some of the lesser-known attractions of the island.

The golden Laem Sor Pagoda sits at the end of the beach of Bang Kao guarded by two large, colourful statues.

A few minutes drive from the pagoda, on a hill at Laem Sor, you’ll see a golden, lying Buddha with a white Chedi at Wat Rattanakosin (Khao Chedi).

From the viewpoint you can see the surrounding coconut plantations, the south coast of Koh Samui as well as the neighbouring islands of Koh Taen and Koh Madsum.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see these two beautiful attractions, but we’re sure they’re worth a visit if you find yourself around this area.

It’s free to visit both attractions. Donations are appreciated.

Pagoda Khao Hua Jook – Amazing view of Chaweng and the airport

If you like spotting planes, you should visit Pagoda Khao Hua Jook.

This beautiful golden pagoda has an amazing view over Samui airport .

We came just before sunset to enjoy the panoramic views of the Chaweng Lake and the surrounding nature to the sound of chanting monks .

If you walk from the main street, it’s a steep walk to the temple. You can also drive all the way up there with a motorbike.

Expect to spend around 30 minutes around the pagoda soaking in the views.

It’s free to visit Pagoda Khao Hua Jook, but donations are appreciated.

The Tarnim Magic Garden – Secret Buddha Garden

The Secret Buddha Garden, also known as The Tarnim Magic Garden , is located on a hill on the island surrounded by lush jungle.

It’s a bit of a drive, but you can easily go there by yourself if you have a motorbike or car.

The peaceful garden is decorated with numerous Buddha statues , sculptures of animals, humans and deities as well as miniature waterfalls.

Many people seem to love this place!

In our opinion, it’s not a must-see attraction, but it’s kind of cool anyway. We spent about 30 minutes in the garden.

The entrance fee to Secret Buddha Garden is 80 baht per person (~ 2.5 USD / 2.2 EUR) .

Besides views from Overlap Stone, Pagoda Khao Hua Jook and Wat Rattanakosin, there are lots of other viewpoints on the island.

Samui Viewpoint , Lamai Viewpoint and Lat Ko Viewpoint are among the most popular ones.

Valentine Stone is a “tourist attraction” as well, but it’s basically just a colourful sign on a rock. It’s close to the Lamai Viewpoint and Siva Tara Waterfall.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai – Grandmother and Grandfather Rock

Another strange view is the Hin Ta and Hin Yai (also known as The Grandmother and Grandfather Rock).

The rocks supposedly represent the male and female genitalia and for some reason, it’s a really popular attraction.

While the rocks themselves aren’t that interesting, the area is actually quite beautiful .

Hin Ta and Hin Yai is free to visit .

Once a village for fishermen (surprise), this area is now a magnet for tourists.

The original shops have been transformed into restaurants, tourist shops, galleries and accommodation.

Swing by on a Friday evening to explore the huge night market Elephant Walk on walking street between the Fisherman’s Village and The Wharf Samui.

If you like walking streets and Thai markets, you’ll be happy in Koh Samui.

You can find various markets around the island.

Besides the walking street mentioned above, both Lamai and Chaweng have walking streets.

In Chaweng, there’s also a night market next to Chaweng Lake every evening.

You will usually find lots of inexpensive food options , cocktails , clothes , souvenirs and much more.

We can’t even begin to describe the many activities Koh Samui offers.

You’ll not be bored!

Alex joined ​ Elite Gym and Fitness Classic between Bophut and Chaweng for a month where he kept in shape with weight-training and by running on the treadmill (when the sun was too strong outside).

There are several gyms to choose from around the island offering day passes as well as annual memberships.

If yoga is more your thing, there are a few good yoga schools offering retreats.

You can also opt to join the locals in the national sport Thai boxing (Muay Thai) or test your agility and balance at a tree-climbing course.

Alexander played football golf (yep, that’s a thing) with some friends in 2014, but if you’re more into regular football (soccer), you can join a team in the Samui Arena Football Stadium three evenings a week.

If you like team sport, you could also play a game of paintball . For driving, try go-karting or exploring the jungle on a quad bike . There’s also virtual reality driving inside Central Festival.

There are surprisingly many shooting ranges . We really don’t know if that’s a good thing or not?

If you prefer calmer types of entertainment, you can try petanque , golf or mini golf .

We practised archery at Flying Arrow for a few hours and found it both surprisingly hard and really fun to use bow and arrows.

You can also take a Thai cooking class or learn how to carve fruits .

As Koh Samui is surrounded by water, you can of course dive and snorkel , but there are lots of other water activities such as windsurfing , jet skiing and sailing as well.

We can’t possibly cover every option in this Koh Samui guide, but there sure is a suitable activity for everyone visiting the island!

Ang Thong Marine National Park – Catch the viewpoint of viewpoints

The Ang Thong Marine National Park is an archipelago northwest of Koh Samui that consists of 42 smaller islands in different shapes and sizes, famous for their untouched beauty.

The main island Ko Wua Talap contains the national park’s headquarters, a cave, a stunning beach as well as the main draw for most visitors to Ang Thong; the view dubbed the viewpoint of viewpoints – also called the most beautiful sight in Thailand.

So far, we have to agree.

On the other islands, it’s possible to visit an emerald lake , hike to other viewpoints, chill out on the secluded beaches or snorkel in the waters.

Many boat companies operate daily tours to Ang Thong Marine National Park. Tickets can be bought from most travel agents around Koh Samui.

There’s an entrance fee of 300 baht per person (~ 9.4 USD / 8.3 EUR)* which is sometimes included in the price.

Kayaking, snorkel gear, food and drinks are sometimes included as well, but not always – so make sure to double check with your travel agent.

We booked one of the few bungalows in the national park to be able to spend more time soaking in the beauty of this place. If you’re interested in that, make sure to read our travel guide to Ang Thong Marine National Park .

Ang Thong Marine National Park is usually closed in November and December due to rough ocean conditions.

* Prices are from 2019.

Koh Madsum and Koh Taen – Islands just south of Samui

Victoria really wanted to see the beach (and pigs! ) at Koh Madsum, but unfortunately, we haven’t visited the island or the neighbouring island of Koh Taen.

It’s possible to organise a trip to the islands by yourself if you find a boat driver in Thong Krut and agree on a price. You can also book in advance online.

Do you want a suit or dress custom made for you?

There are soooo many shops offering this.

We didn’t do it as we’re trying to be as non-shopping as possible, but if you do, make sure to find a quality tailor with great recommendations.

Just a tip: that’s usually not the ones approaching you on the street with the “I have special offer for you” greeting.

Getting a massage is one of our favourite activities!

Thai massages are so hardcore but so amazing.

And the prices are more than fair.

Usually, an hour of Thai massage will cost you around 300-400 baht (~8.4-11.2 USD / 7.75-10.3 EUR)*.

The massage parlours also offer oil massages, deep tissue massages (not for the faint of heart), Swedish massages as well as other types of beauty treatments.

* Prices are from 2024.

When we visited Koh Samui with five friends back in 2014, we had a good time visiting Chaweng at night and hopping between the bars and clubs.

On that trip, we also went to the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan .

When visiting Koh Samui in 2019, we didn’t party at all.

Extremely loud music, drunk people and neon lights are not something we enjoy being around as much as we did when we were younger, haha!

However, if clubbing and pub crawling is your thing, Chaweng is party paradise .

You’ll easily find cheap beers, buckets and new friends.

Animal entertainment

Or should we say animal exploitation ?

Please, avoid riding elephants , taking selfies with tigers or watching dolphin shows.

There are so many reasons you shouldn’t support this kind of cruelty.

Read all about it in our detailed guide Be a Responsible Tourist in Thailand: 10 Things You Need to Know .

With hundreds of hotels and thousands of rooms, Koh Samui is jam-packed with accommodation options for all types and budgets .

It can be a bit overwhelming looking through them all, so we have created a full guide on where to stay in Koh Samui with descriptions of the areas and hotel recommendations.

You can also scroll down to see specific recommendations + pictures of hotels on some of the best beaches in Koh Samui.

Where to stay in Chaweng

For lots of restaurants and (perhaps more importantly for some) bars and nightclubs, Chaweng is the obvious choice.

It’s easily the most popular area on the island and the many accommodation choices reflect that.

In Chaweng, you can find everything from cheap backpacker hostels to luxury beach resorts lining the beach avenue.

Moving from the north end to the south end, you’ll get fewer parties and more of a relaxed and quiet vibe.

South Chaweng is renowned for its nice sand and has great water for swimming and playing.

Be aware that rooms situated close to the road might pick up noise from nightlife and especially from the cars driving around blasting audio messages about Thai boxing matches and other activities.

The best hotels in Chaweng:

• Value for money: Buri Rasa Village Samui – 4-star luxury beachfront boutique resort. We stayed here.
• Luxury: The Library – 5-stars and one of the best luxury options directly on the beach.
• Value for money: Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa – Lovely villas at the quiet end of Chaweng.
• Budget: Samui Green Hotel – Calm and comfortable option with air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms.

Search for the best value accommodation near Chaweng Beach here (adlink) .

Value for money: Buri Rasa Village Samui

We stayed at this 4-star luxury boutique resort for a couple of days and we loved it.

The beachfront hotel is on the more quiet side of Chaweng Beach, there’s a pool and the room we stayed in even had a private garden with a dip pool .

Buri Rasa truly has a village vibe and the wonderful staff treated every guest with attention and great care.

Check prices and availability at Buri Rasa Village Samui (adlink) .

Luxury: The Library

If you want a truly different hotel experience while staying on Chaweng, The Library looks like an enticing option.

The hotel holds a near perfect score on most review aggregators, with people especially praising the personalized service and stylish design.

Check prices and availability at The Library (adlink) .

Value for money: Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa

Located in the far south end of Chaweng, you’ll be far away from the action at Samui Paradise – but still have access to the beach.

With the hotel’s 4-stars, you get two outdoor pools, two restaurants, a front desk open 24/7, free parking as well as air conditioning and wifi in the villas.

Check prices and availability at Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa (adlink) .

Budget: Samui Green Hotel

If you don’t expect any kind of luxury, Samui Green Hotel might just be the place for you.

Samui Green Hotel’s rooms include the modern necessities of air conditioning, free wifi and a private bathroom at a very affordable price .

It’s located in the calmer part of Chaweng.

Check prices and availability at Samui Green Hotel (adlink) .

Where to stay in Lamai

Lamai is a great option if you need less party and shopping options than Chaweng offers, but would still like to stay near lots of restaurants, massage parlours and big supermarkets.

The beach is lovely and long enough to never feel completely crowded.

Staying near Lamai makes day trips to the waterfalls of the south a breeze and also offers you a quick getaway to the less developed parts of Koh Samui.

The best hotels in Lamai:

• Budget: Marina Beach Resort – Beachside pool with direct access to a lovely part of the beach at a great price. We stayed here for 11 nights in 2024.
• Luxury: The Lamai Samui – Intimate 5-starred luxury resort with different pool options.
• Value for money: Samui Jasmine Resort – A good value 4-star hotel at Lamai’s northern end.
• Budget: Samui Sense Beach Resort – Stay centrally in Lamai by the beach in a cheap, clean room.

Search for the best value accommodation near Lamai Beach here (adlink) .

Budget: Marina Beach Resort

We stayed for 11 nights at Marina Beach Resort in 2024 and had a great time.

It has direct access to the beach, a beachside pool and perhaps most importantly: it’s budget-friendly .

While we stayed in a standard room near the road, it’s also possible to get your own bungalow closer to the beach.

The people working at the reception were very kind, and all in all we felt like we got a great deal here.

Check prices and availability at Marina Beach Resort (adlink) .

Luxury: The Lamai Samui

The Lamai Samui is situated a few hundred metres south of Silver Beach on the far end of the Lamai area, nestled between the mountains.

This means you’ll be about a 20-minute walk away from most of the tourist options, but if you’re staying at The Lamai Samui, they probably won’t be needed.

The private beachfront location has stunning ocean views and the resort offers great facilities, including a beautiful seaside pool , full-service spa and a gym .

For visiting Koh Samui’s other beaches and towns, The Lamai Samui offers complimentary shuttle services.

Check prices and availability at The Lamai Samui (adlink) .

Value for money: Samui Jasmine Resort

Check out Samui Jasmine Resort if you’re looking for a good value 4-star hotel in Lamai.

Situated on the northern end of the beach’ action, you’ll have access to plenty of restaurant options while still being away from some of the noise.

Choose between garden view or sea view, and then hop between the pool and the beach.

Check prices and availability at Samui Jasmine Resort (adlink) .

Budget: Samui Sense Beach Resort

For staying centrally in Lamai by the beach on a budget , Samui Sense Beach Resort is a great choice.

With free wifi, a private bathroom and air conditioning you have your bases covered.

Choose between lounging by the pool or on the beach – and then use the money you’ve saved on accommodation at Lamai’s many restaurants or by getting a relaxing massage.

Check prices and availability at Samui Sense Beach Resort (adlink) .

Where to stay in Silver Beach

Stay at this beautiful beach without the crowds – while still being just a short drive away from the plethora of options of Lamai or Chaweng.

Silver Beach probably had the prettiest, most saturated turquoise water of all the beaches we visited in Koh Samui. A real treat for true beach lovers.

Search for the best value accommodation near Silver Beach here (adlink) .

Value for money: Crystal Bay Yacht Club

Located behind the rocks on Silver Beach’ south end, Crystal Bay Yacht Club holds amazing views over the bay.

There’s a pool, the rooms look very nice and according to our research, this is the best value accommodation on Silver Beach.

Check prices and availability at Crystal Bay Yacht Club (adlink) .

Where to stay in Bophut

The town by the beach is a fishing village and we actually lived very close to this area for some time while staying in Koh Samui.

We found a lovely little house on Airbnb with our own kitchen and two small swimming pools shared with five other houses.

It was really nice being close to Fisherman’s Village with its many dining options.

The best hotels in Bophut:

• Luxury: Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort – For a perfect 5-star holiday on Bophut, look no further than Anantara.
• Value for money: Bandara Resort & Spa – Everything you need from a resort at a great price.
• Budget: The White Cottage – Pool, private bathroom, air conditioning and free wifi. What more do you need?

Search for the best value accommodation near Bophut here (adlink) .

Luxury: Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

For a perfect holiday on Bophut, look no further than Anantara.

At an international 5-star standard, the resort caters to couples looking for privacy and romance with its boutique take on Thai decor .

The highest level of service and amazing facilities are guaranteed.

Anantara is in walking distance to the shops and restaurants of Fisherman’s Village but just west of the walking street.

Check prices and availability at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort (adlink) .

Value for money: Bandara Resort & Spa

Like most hotels and resorts in Thailand, you get a lot for your money’s worth at Bandara Resort & Spa.

Direct beach access, clean and spacious rooms, gym, spa, swimming pools in plural and a huge breakfast all make Bandara a 4-star resort worth considering if you want to stay comfortably in Bophut.

Check prices and availability at Bandara Resort & Spa (adlink) .

Budget: The White Cottage

Staying in one of The White Cottage’s 11 bungalows is a good budget option in Bophut.

Each bungalow features a private bathroom, air conditioning and free wifi. The family bungalow sleeping up to four people looks like it’s outstanding value.

There’s a bit of a walk to the main action of Bophut, but this part of town also houses great local thai restaurants, the usual 7-Eleven and Tops Daily stores, basic shops and massage places.

Check prices and availability at The White Cottage (adlink) .

Where to stay in Maenam

Staying on Maenam Beach will guarantee you a romantic holiday with long walks in the sand .

Beach vendors are few and far between, just like other people in general.

Compared to the rest of the long beaches of Koh Samui, Maenam Beach is very quiet .

You won’t have any problems finding your own spot in the shade of the gently swaying palm trees.

Several of the hotels on the beach are for adults only.

The best hotels in Maenam:

• Ultra luxury: Santiburi – One of Samui’s top resorts.
• Luxury: Sensimar Resort and Spa – Adults only and minimalistic.

Search for the best value accommodation near Maenam Beach here (adlink) .

Ultra luxury: Santiburi

For a luxurious stay right on Maenam Beach , Santiburi is sure to meet your vacation needs.

With a jogging track, tennis courts, soccer, Muay Thai lessons and more, you won’t get bored – and for relaxing, your biggest problem will be choosing between the pools or the beach.

Check prices and availability at Santiburi (adlink) .

Luxury: Sensimar Resort and Spa (adults only)

With most of the rooms featuring plunge pools , private balconies and/or jacuzzis , a splendid private experience is all but guaranteed at Sensimar.

The design is rather minimalistic and unobtrusive, making room for romance and relaxation.

Check prices and availability at Sensimar Resort and Spa (adlink) .

Where to stay in Bang Po

If you want to stay at a quiet beach yet still have easy access to restaurants and more amenities, Bang Po might be just the beach for you.

Much of the accommodation here is a bit more upscale , but it’s also possible to find budget digs – especially on the other side of the ring road (towards the interior).

The best hotels in Bang Po:

• Luxury: The Sea Koh Samui Resort – Where we stayed on Bang Po. The ocean in front of the resort is just gorgeous.
• Ultra luxury: Four Seasons Resort – The best of the best. But expensive.

Search for the best value accommodation near Bang Po Beach here (adlink) .

Luxury: The Sea Koh Samui Resort

In 2024, we rented a big villa at The Sea Koh Samui Resort together with Victoria’s father, his wife and their friends.

Literally staying on the beach and having a private pool at the same time was (obviously) a luxurious combination. The three bedrooms had different entrances, so that’s something to be aware of.

According to a few reviews, some of the other rooms/villas are a bit run-down, but we had a great time staying in the beachfront villa.

The resort itself was nice, and we were very impressed with the water quality right in front of it. For some reason, the ocean seemed even more clear and sparkling here than elsewhere on Samui.

You don’t need to rent a villa to stay at The Sea. There are also “regular” rooms along with other accommodation options for different needs.

Check prices and availability at The Sea Koh Samui Resort (adlink) .

Ultra luxury: Four Seasons Resort

The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui isn’t technically on Bang Po but rather on their own private tip on the northwestern corner of the island.

It’s expensive , there’s no way around it, but if you want the top resort in Koh Samui , this is it.

Four Seasons Samui is about as good as a romantic getaway can get.

Check prices and availability at Four Seasons Resort (adlink) .

Where to stay in Choeng Mon

Choeng Mon Beach feels like a secluded hideaway far from the hustle and bustle. You won’t be far from great restaurant options, though.

The beach is especially popular with families . Here days go by quickly with simply enjoying your vacation.

The water is suitable for swimming and the sand is fine and white.

The best hotels in Choeng Mon:

• Luxury: Cape Fahn Hotel Samui – Stay on a private island at the tip of the bay.
• Value for money: P.S. Thana Resort – Spacious villas right on the beach at a good price.
• Eco luxury: The Tongsai Bay – Probably the island’s most eco-conscious stay.

Search for the best value accommodation near Choeng Mon Beach here (adlink) .

Luxury: Cape Fahn Hotel Samui

Cape Fahn is simply too stunning to miss.

Situated on a private island (!) accessible from land at low tide from Choeng Mon, the 22 villas all have mesmerizing views over the ocean and a truly unique location in Koh Samui.

Check prices and availability at Cape Fahn Hotel Samui (adlink) .

Value for money: P.S. Thana Resort

At a fair price, you get a spacious villa at P.S. Thana Resort right on Choeng Mon beach with access to the pool area, lush surroundings and breakfast with sea views.

Each villa has a bathtub as well as free wifi and air conditioning.

Check prices and availability at P.S. Thana Resort (adlink) .

Eco luxury: The Tongsai Bay

Long standing champ of green accommodation in Koh Samui, The Tongsai Bay is renowned for its eco-friendliness and relaxing environment.

Where to start… Leftover food is donated to an animal shelter, pesticide use is non-existent, there’s a ton of wildlife on the premises, no trees have been cut building the resort, there’s an organic garden…

All in all, The Tongsai Bay is a great choice if you want to minimize your planetary footprint while visiting Koh Samui.

And of course actually staying here looks wonderful . The rooms are beautiful, as are the pool and beach, and there’s a huge array of great activities for enjoying your holidays (guilt-free!)

The Tongsai Bay is located just north of Choeng Mon Beach.

Check prices and availability at The Tongsai Bay (adlink) .

Lipa Noi Beach

On the west coast of the island, you can find a quiet place to stay on Lipa Noi Beach.

Value for money: Lipa Lodge Beach Resort

We stayed at Lipa Lodge and thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful garden and private beach.

From the beautiful beachfront room, we could admire the ocean from sunrise to sunset and fall asleep to the sound of the calming waves.

You can see lots of pictures and read more about Lipa Lodge Beach Resort in our review or you can check prices and availability here (adlink) .

Taling Ngam

If you want a remote place to spend quality time with your family or significant other, you can escape the clubs and bars by staying in the unspoilt southwest coast near Taling Ngam Beach.

Search for the best value accommodation near Taling Ngam Beach here (adlink) .

Luxury: InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort

This 5-star luxury resort is built on a mountain overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Ocean vistas, none other than 7 swimming pools and romantic sunsets are just some of the many advantages of staying here.

The resort even has a 5-star kids’ club offering InterContinental’s signature blend of fun and games with traditional Thai culture for a unique experience.

It’s relatively close to the Elephant Gate and Wat Kiri Wong Karam, but you’ll most likely have a difficult time pulling yourself away from the enchanting resort.

Check prices and availability at InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort (adlink) .

Yoga retreats in Koh Samui

Though nearby Koh Phangan’s fame is more exclusively attained from its huge array of yoga schools, Koh Samui also offers enough options of detoxing and stretching for a lifetime.

Though it is, of course, possible to sign up for single yoga classes or weekly memberships, the best value will usually be attending a dedicated yoga retreat or buying a package including accommodation.

Consider checking out Vikasa .

Even after staying for one and a half month on the island, we didn’t get to try nearly every restaurant we wanted to.

There are so many options!

Most of the places we did get to eat at, though, were great, and some even lip-smackingly delicious.

Thai food is, of course, ubiquitous in Koh Samui, but you’ll also be spoilt for options when it comes to international dishes and modern takes on old classics.

Thai food restaurants are plentiful in Koh Samui.

Most places targeting tourists will probably serve some kind of international fare along with rice, noodle and curry dishes.

The food at these kinds of places is most likely good , but if you want to taste outstanding thai food , you’ll have to walk past the places touting “European” and “pizza”; having menus in both Russian and Chinese.

It’s actually a pretty good sign if they don’t have an English menu – although these kind of places are difficult to find.

Some of the tastiest and most authentic thai food we had in Koh Samui was at Jay Tamachad .

Everything is vegan, but don’t let that scare you away if you love the taste of flesh. They use lots of mock products, tofu and other kinds of “meat substitutes” to bring extra texture and flavour into the dishes.

If you don’t want to leave sweatin’, forego the spicy options. Some of the dishes are really hot (and so good).

This is true for all thai food!

We should also mention Khunnay , another vegan thai place just a few hundred metres west of Central Festival.

Every day they offer a buffet of thai soups, woks and curries for just 120 baht (~ 3.8 USD / 3.3 EUR) along with an extensive a la carte menu.

Indian food

Babu’s Indian Hot at Maenam deserves a shout out for reigniting Victoria’s taste for North Indian food.

We ate roti, curries and rice until our bellies almost burst and loved the deep flavours.

There are also quite a few Indian restaurants in the Chaweng area and elsewhere in Koh Samui for those lassis and samosas.

Unfortunately, we didn’t find any restaurants serving South Indian cuisine.

Burgers and pizza

There’s no shortage of burgers and pizzas in Koh Samui.

Our favourite place to go for comfort food was Hungry Wolf on the Chaweng main road.

Hungry Wolf offers lots of enticing pizza and burger options – and they have a dedicated vegan menu.

Another favourite was Homemade Burgers and Sandwiches in Maenam. Great simple burgers (including two vegan ones) and very cheap .

Middle Eastern food

We were glad to discover that it’s possible to eat rather decent falafels and other Middle Eastern inspired food on the island.

For example, there are options at Annie’s , Dodi’s Falafel and Wild Tribe .

Juice Queen on the main road behind Chaweng mainly caters to health-conscious locals with cold-pressed juices, light meals and açaí bowls.

It’s very affordable and the cool interior left us feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Don’t miss Beach Coconuts Bowls in Bophut for the best smoothie bowls of the island.

Around Chaweng you’ll also find international coffee shop chains .

Supermarkets and convenience stores

One of the reasons Koh Samui is so well-suited to longer term stays is the fact that there are numerous huge supermarkets.

They aren’t exactly charming, but you can get almost anything, which is quite handy.

Big C and Tesco Lotus are Walmart-like gigacenters offering everything from smartphones and bicycles to clothes and groceries. Both are found in the Chaweng area.

Tesco Lotus also have a location in Lamai, one on the west side of the island plus several smaller outlets called Tesco Lotus Express.

Makro is more of a wholesale experience, but still open to private persons. Everything is sold in big bulk.

We didn’t get the impression that there’s too much money to be saved by shopping here, but it was nonetheless an interesting experience to walk through the chock-full, mega tall aisles.

Tops Food Hall inside Central Festival has a wide array of imported goods along with fresh greens, a bake-off section and a salad bar. It felt cramped compared to the other supermarkets, but it’s your best bet if you’re staying in Chaweng on foot.

7-Eleven and Tops Daily are everywhere on the island. They’re both open 24 hours a day and are actually quite well stocked when it comes to snacks and daily necessities. And the prices aren’t outrageous.

Local markets

For the freshest and cheapest fruits and vegetables in Koh Samui, you have to visit the local markets.

Apart from greens, this is also where you’ll find many food stalls catering to locals with wonderful snacks and different thai dishes.

Some of the biggest markets are Lamai Market , Laem Din Market in Chaweng, Bophut Market and Maenam Market . Try to go in the morning.

Vegan/vegetarian places

We ate 100% vegan fare with delight during our stay in Koh Samui.

As we had our own kitchen most of the time, we cooked several meals at home.

Fresh produce is cheap and if you don’t go too crazy with imported foods there’s a lot of money to be saved this way.

But… As Koh Samui has so many vegan-friendly places , it would be a shame to forego sampling the many delicacies.

We actually did our very best to try them all…

Check out the Koh Samui map on Happycow for an updated overview of all the animal-friendly places to eat on the island.

Unfortunately, Koh Samui hasn’t really prioritised public transport on the island.

Almost everyone has their own motorbike or car .

It’s possible to rent your own vehicle during your stay in Koh Samui. Prices vary depending on the model and the place you rent it from.

It’s always a good idea to take pictures of the vehicle at the time you rent it. That way you will be able to prove if it was already damaged when you got it.

Luckily, we have never been scammed this way but some people have had to pay for damages they weren’t responsible for.

We rented a Honda Click motorbike for more than a month and got a great discount. We paid approximately 125 baht per day (~ 3.9 USD / 3.5 EUR), but for shorter periods you can expect to pay at least 150-200 baht per day (~ 4.7 to 6.3 USD / 4.1 to 5.5 EUR).

Insist on getting a helmet and always wear it while driving.

Just a simple warning; there’s a lot of traffic on the main road and it can be chaotic at times .

It might be helpful to know that you drive on left side of road in Thailand.

If you aren’t used to driving in cities, Koh Samui is not the best place to learn.

Instead, opt for a yellow and red taxi or an open taxi called songthaew .

The latter is usually the cheapest option, although prices can vary greatly depending on your bargaining skills, the time of day and even the mood of the driver.

The easiest and fastest way to get to Koh Samui is by plane to the international airport.

You can find direct flights between the island and places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

If you’re travelling from Bangkok, make sure to spend at least a day in the big city. There is so much to do! Get some inspiration on what to do in Bangkok in a day here .

Search for the cheapest flights on Momondo here (adlink) .

By bus, train and ferry

The cheaper option is to travel by bus or train and then hop on a ferry.

First, you need to get to Surat Thani or Donsak Pier on the Thai mainland.

From Bangkok, a good choice is to take the sleeper train from Hua Lamphong Station or one of the many buses leaving early in the morning.

From Surat Thani, the boats arrive in Koh Samui between 1 hour and 45 minutes and 3 hours after departing.

Donsak Pier is a closer (and cheaper) option with a crossing time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Schedules change frequently and vary with the seasons, so be sure to make arrangements prior to travelling if you want to lock down your itinerary.

If you have more leeway, it’s possible to simply arrive on the pier and ask about the next crossing.

The first boat usually leaves around 5 am and the last one around 7.30 pm.

Tip: Full Moon Party coming up? The ferries and boats will be full of partygoers travelling to Koh Phangan, so make sure to book in advance.

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is an all-year-round holiday spot .

The weather is really pleasant most of the time and there are lots of things to do in any kind of weather.

Throughout the year, the average temperature is about 28°C (82ºF).

Generally, there are three seasons in Koh Samui: dry season, hot season and rainy season.

There’s always a chance it’s gonna rain , but October and November are the wettest months.

February and March are the sunniest and driest months in Koh Samui.

As with any other place, the weather can change from year to year.

Dry season (December to March)

In the dry season, the weather in Koh Samui is amazing.

Peak season is from mid-December to mid-February .

If you’re planning visiting Koh Samui during these months it’s recommended to book in advance .

Make the jump to the “Where to stay in Koh Samui” section .

Koh Samui is a very developed island and there will always be available accommodation, but the best hotels, bungalows and villas might be fully booked.

We visited from January 20 to March 1 in 2019 and the weather was perfect. We only experienced rain once or twice and solely at night.

The sun is very strong , especially from around 11 am to 3 pm. We recommend that you eat lunch, take a nap or at least stay in the shade at this time.

Hot season (April to August)

In the hot season, you can expect hot daytime sunshine followed by cooling afternoon rain showers.

Because of the holidays, July and August are popular months to visit Koh Samui.

The region is one of the drier ones in Thailand during the summer months.

Rainy season (September to November)

It rains quite a lot from July to December with October and November being the rainiest months .

Like in most other tropical places, it’s usually heavy rain for a short amount of time.

You will also have many hours of dry and sunny weather even if it’s rainy season.

As always, there are pros and cons to visiting Koh Samui during the low season.

It’s much less crowded and you can be lucky to find great deals on accommodation .

You’ll have to deal with the showers, though.

• The electrical outlets in Koh Samui generally feature two round prongs, fitting both most European and Asian appliances as well as the flat prongs of USA and Japan. The standard voltage is 220 volts.
• How long to stay in Koh Samui is a difficult question to answer – you can see the highlights in a few adventure-filled days or spend weeks eating your way through all of the delicious food and exploring the hidden coves.
• Koh Samui vs Koh Phangan vs Koh Tao … If you have the time, why choose? Each island offers something unique and is just a short ferry ride away. Quickly summarized, Koh Samui offers the best value accommodation and has something for everyone, Koh Phangan has unique parties and more of an undiscovered vibe + a big yoga community and Koh Tao is much smaller and famous for its diving schools.
• Beachwear belongs on the beach . Though the Thai inhabitants of Koh Samui are used to tourists, it’s considered inappropriate to wear beachwear anywhere else.
• Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling in the high season (July, August and December to March). There will always be beds available, but many of the best hotels and resorts get fully booked months ahead.
• Koh Samui is beautiful . Make sure to bring a good camera! Here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content .
• Wifi in Koh Samui is everywhere in hotels and cafés. It’s usually super fast. If you need to stay connected while on the road, consider buying a local SIM card with data. It’s rather cheap and the process is simple.
• Koh Samui is super family-friendly . Thai people love children, and there are so many fun things to do apart from simply lazing around.
• The sun is strong . Remember your sun protection!
• Credit cards are mostly used at upscale places, so you’ll need to carry cash for most restaurants, shops and services.
• You’ll seldom be far away from an ATM and/or a place to exchange money . Usually, it’s cheapest to withdraw money in baht. Because of fees, try to limit your amount of withdrawals and go for your daily max each time.
• With several well-respected hospitals, clinics and dentists on the island, help is never far away should you have any medical issues while visiting Koh Samui. We use SafetyWing (adlink) for travel insurance (great for digital nomads and flexible travellers). We also like World Nomads and True Traveller (adlinks) . We have compared all three insurance options here .

Thanks for reading

Thank you for getting all the way to the end!

We hope our travel guide to Koh Samui has been useful.

If you’ve visited Koh Samui, it would be awesome to hear your best travel tips in the comments.

If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re glad to help.

Pin for later:

Our favourite travel resources:

• Booking.com for cheap hotels.
• Momondo for the best flight deals.
• SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller . All three compared here .

Our camera gear:

• Panasonic GH5 . Used for all of our photos and videos.
• DJI Mavic 2 Pro . Best drone out there!
• Sirui Tripod . Lightweight and strong.
• See all of our camera gear here .
• Where To Stay in Koh Samui: Best Areas, Beaches & Hotels - Everything you need to know about the best places to stay in Koh Samui with specific hotel recommendations
• Overlap Stone 1 + 2 in Koh Samui Travel Guide: How to Visit & What To Expect - Everything you need to know about the experiences
• Ang Thong National Marine Park, Thailand: How to Visit & What To Expect - How to stay overnight on Koh Wua Talap and experience the viewpoint of viewpoints at sunrise or sunset
• Koh Samui: Na Muang Waterfall 2 Viewpoint Travel Guide - All you need to know about visiting the Na Muang Waterfall 2 viewpoint in Koh Samui
• Video: Gulf of Thailand (Samui, Phangan & Ang Thong) - A travel video from Thailand

17 thoughts on “ A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Samui: 32 Best Beaches & Things To Do ”

Going on may and this post is going to save me!! One of the most complete travel guide i’ve ever seen, congrats for both of u !

best regards,

@_nicolascunha

Thank you so much for your kind words, Nicolas. We really appreciate it and are very glad to hear that you found the guide useful. We hope your trip is going to be awesome!

It doesn’t matter if it is your first time to Samui, or if you are experienced. This guide is both interesting, colourful and helpful. Well done Peter

With this coming from such an avid and passionate visitor of Thailand like you, it means a lot. Thank you, Peter!

Wow – what a great article with stunning photos and really good informations about Ko Samui. I feel in the mood to go there – and inspired to see and do a lot of things on the island. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

Thanks Lars, your compliments are much appreciated! Perhaps you’ll return to the island someday and put the tips to good use 🙂

We want you to come with Northabroad on this journey by reading stories. You can imagine the world around you through someone else’s eyes and hopes to inspire you to experience the world alone.

As I dreamed of visiting a lovely place, I kept spending time! As I said, I heard from several people now that. I and my friend used to be in this beautiful place, so I do not know how good our performance in haha ​. Still, it pays to try exactly as I said. Beautiful photos in this publication. By the way, you really capture the beauty of places.

wow!! so many great things and amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing this.

Thank you so much for your kind words Mahima!

Such a helpful Website, thank you very much. I guess I nearly inspect all the mentioned points and checked them out. My favorite one: The Wat Rattanakosin in the south. Really amazing place. After I saw the 2 small islands nearby, I decided to take a boat tour and I was surprised to find some pigs were relaxing on the beach. Awesome tour. Highly recommend. Looking forward to my next vacation on Koh Samui. I need to go home tomorrow.

Very comprehensive guide for first time travelers! Every information can be found here, I don’t need to check multiple websites for infos. But just one question, how do I rent a place for 1 month? Should I book online and where to book?

Hi James, thanks a lot for your kind words. There are several different ways to rent a place on Koh Samui for a month. We would suggest searching Airbnb for offers. You might be lucky with some good discounts on month-long rentals. Joining Koh Samui Facebook groups and searching/asking there is also a good option. Best of luck to you and have a great trip!

Saved as a favorite, I love your website!

Hello nice review on Samui!

Just want to mention that the picture you added at the article about Silver Beach / Crystal Bay is not taken at that beach. The pictures shows Chaweng beach instead. Grt. Eric

Thank you so much!

The two photos from Silver Beach were indeed shot on Silver Beach. Are we talking about the same photos? Here they are:

Thank you so much for writing this guide – I am sure it took a lot of your time.

It has literally saved us, keep referring to it and saved in my favourites!

Hi Olga, that means a lot to hear. We’re really happy you’ve found the guide useful and that you’ve had or will have the best time on wonderful Koh Samui!

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 island jetski tours, morning tours  only   hotel transfers   qualified lifeguards   full insurance.

3 Tour Options

The Island Jetski Tours to Koh Tan, Koh Matsum, Koh Rap and 5 Islands are a must whilst visiting Koh Samui.

The islands are located in the Gulf of Thailand neighbouring the tropical island Koh Samui.

Explore the Pig and Coral Island, discover the beautiful unspoilt beaches, hammocks hung between the coconut palms , or snorkel in the warm tropical waters.

Discover the colourful marine life, the coral and the reefs.

View the stunning coastline and the islands close proximity to Koh Samui making it a perfect travel time across the ocean for families to join our Island Jetski Tours. 

Swim, sunbathe, sip cocktails, walk amongst the mango forest and enjoy the Thai food and hospitality. Walk amongst the wild boars and their babies roaming the island of Koh Matsum.  

Whatever you choose to do, our island jetski tours are an experience of a lifetime. 

50 baht entrance fee per person.  Payable to island staff on arrival at Koh Madsum and Koh Rap Islands  Not included in the tour price

The charge is for the upkeep of the islands and the surrounding natural areas.

Insurance & Safety 

Please read the insurance and safety polices before confirming tours. follow the link .

Cancellation

Koh Samui Watersports reserve the right to cancel the watersports with only 2hrs notice. We have no control of the weather and the ocean . Our first priority is the safety of our guests and our crews. The managers decision is final. We apologise in advance Guests will be notified at the earliest opportunity.

Samui's Neighbouring Islands

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Insurance is provided.

You will receive a safety briefing before you depart for the tour.

Signing the Insurance Disclaimer confirms your understanding of the safety rules and guidelines.  All customers must hold personal travel insurance including medical costs. We do not cover personal injury  or medical expenses .

NOTE: Read the full safety and Insurance policies. Follow the link

Children              

  The tours are not only fun for the children they are educational too. Our crews are very knowledgable about the islands, the marine life, the landscape and the wild animals. We encourage the children to explore and ask questions to understand a different style of life and culture. 

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My 9 Favorite Experiences On Thailand’s Stunning Koh Samui Island

• Destinations

Koh Samui ( koh meaning “island”) embodies a tropical island paradise for the 2 million-plus annual visitors. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, off the lower east coast of the Thai-Malay peninsula, it is the kingdom’s second most popular island destination. And for good reason. 

It has long sandy beaches, inviting turquoise waters, coconut palm-filled lowlands, densely forested mountains, and that year-round tropical climate. Water sports, jungle adventures, entertainment and shopping for all ages, plus spa and wellness for every budget. Add in the famous Thai hospitality and world-renowned cuisine, and Samui has it all.

With the construction of roads on the island in the 1970s, backpackers started flocking here to hang out in beachside bamboo huts enjoying languid island life. Today, Samui’s tropical beach holiday options cater to all with accommodations from simple to high-end international resorts. Notably, the island has retained a more natural tropical feel due to a long-held requirement that buildings be no higher than the tallest coconut palm.

1. Beautiful Beaches 

Koh Samui, at 13 miles long and 10 wide, is easy to navigate, with a ring road getting you to most corners. With 20-plus beaches around the island, the east and north coasts host the most popular selection.

Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach on the central east coast is Samui’s most famous beach, and at 2.25 miles of fine sand and calm waters, its attraction is understandable. By day, sunbeds, friendly beach vendors, swimming, and water sports like jet skiing abound. As the evening arrives, sun loungers make way for fairy lights and lanterns as the beachfront resorts entice diners. 

Lamai Beach

A short drive south is my favorite, Lamai. A gentle crescent-shaped beach just under 1.5 miles long and easily accessed by beachfront roads. Bring your own beach mats or rent a shaded beach chair or cozy bean bag at beachfront restaurants. Lamai is beach bliss with great swimming and a relaxed holiday feel. In the streets behind the beach are casual boutiques, laid-back bars and cafes, and low-key resorts.

Bo Phut Beach

On the island’s central north coast is the family-friendly Bo Phut beach with its coarse golden sands. Bo Phut is also home to Fisherman’s Village Walking Street Market on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights, beachside bars and restaurants, and trendy boutiques. 

Many visitors hire motorbikes and spend their days exploring the island’s lesser-known and glorious beaches. 

2. Ang Thong National Marine Park

Though snorkeling opportunities are available from some of Samui’s beaches and headlands, Ang Thong National Marines Park is the best option for exploring these tropical waters. Situated 17 miles west of Ko Samui, this marine national park comprises 42 islands. Visitors can experience towering limestone cliffs, thick jungles, white sand beaches, waterfalls, hidden coves, and marine lakes. It’s a 35-square-mile area of rich biodiversity.

Activities to expect when on the highly popular day trips to Ang Thong include snorkeling, hiking, sea kayaking, diving, and simply relaxing.

Pro Tip: With numerous tours on offer, I recommend choosing a long-established, safety-first operator who places guests’ comfort and overall tour experience as their top priority. One such company is 100 Degrees East , and we loved our day at Ang Thong with them. Restricting guest numbers to 12 on their 35-foot twin-engine boats means space and comfort. And with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:3, the staff’s attention was outstanding, in and out of the water. The quality of equipment, snacks, and lunch provided by the English-speaking crew added to the overall experience.

3. Koh Samui Boat Charter

A collection of islands newly opened to day visitors is visible from the southern end of Samui. You could negotiate with local fishermen to take you to the islands on his long-tail boat, but I recommend an outing on a classic Thai wooden yacht with Ko Samui Boat Charter .

Snorkel the coral reefs off Koh Taen and savor the onboard chef’s freshly prepared Thai-fusion lunch. Visit Koh Rap and feed the resident deer, relax on a secluded beach, loll in the clean, clear waters, or head to the island’s bar for a cooling beverage. The return journey along Samui’s southern coastline provides lasting memories of this tropical paradise.

4. Samui Elephant Sanctuary

Elephants have long been part of the Kingdom of Siam’s history, leading kings and armies into battles. To this day, Thai people hold the elephant in the highest reverence. Elephants were used in logging Northern Thailand’s teak forests until logging was banned in 1989. Those elephants were then used for trekking and other tourist-related activities. 

Wild elephants continue to be captured, broken, and used for tourism or breeding programs. However, in recent years trends have changed. Additionally, international visitors have moved away from riding and elephant bathing scenarios, where elephants are chained and there for the visitors’ “entertainment.”

Samui Elephant Sanctuary is where rescued elephants are provided with a chains-free home and can live the remainder of their lives being elephants and released from the need to amuse, entertain, or transport people. Ethical sanctuaries like this allow visitors to observe, feed, and be near the elephants while these aging giants live in peace. 

We loved our afternoon making and feeding nutritious snacks to the herd as we wandered with knowledgeable staff around the sanctuary’s bushland, learning about these rescued animals’ sad backstories. Your tour admission fee goes directly to the feed, upkeep, and medical care for the now-retired elephants. This is humanity in action in the best possible way.

5. Tamarind Springs Forest Spa

Thailand’s ancient massage and natural therapy traditions are well known, and most international visitors experience this first-hand when traveling in the Land of Smiles. Pampering options seem endless, from the beach and street-side massage parlors to high-end day spas in the island’s hotels and resorts. 

Tamarind Springs Forest Spa is a must-do when looking for therapeutic pampering. Since opening in 1998, it has achieved international recognition, with some heralding it as one of Asia’s most unique and outstanding destination day spas.

Tucked away on a forested hillside in Lamai, Tamarind Springs is a stunningly beautiful green hideaway. The facilities are integrated into the giant granite rock formations native to the site. For example, steam rooms are built between 20-foot tall rocks that have kissed together at their skyward tips, while walkways and plunge pools also utilize the natural granite formations of the site.

Pro Tip: Try the 4-hour Forest Dreaming package. You spend the first hour and a half drifting between the steam caves and plunge pools, which are interspersed with self-administered organic body scrubs. Then comes your choice of massage (2.5 hours) in one of the open-air forest pavilions. Pampering while surrounded and ensconced in nature? Bliss!

6. X-Quad Samui ATV Tours

Getting atop Samui’s highest hills and close to its jungle vegetation, plus experiencing incredible panoramic island vistas and a visit to a hidden waterfall, is what X-Quad Samui ATV Tours promised, and they delivered. 

With a 1.5-hour beginner’s tour and a 4-hour mountain top tour for experienced Quad bikers, anybody 12 years of age and above can experience the more natural side of Samui’s hinterland, with the adventure of Quad biking as a glorious bonus. 

You can pilot your own vehicle or buddy up as we (Quad bike newbies) did. The hilly trails were on wide dirt roads surrounded by green. Attendants at the front and back kept the group together, allowing for a leisurely pace while two “outriders” scooted alongside overseeing Quad bikers.

We 60-something first-time Quad bikers loved this adventure and thoroughly recommend it to those keen to add some more kicks to their holiday.

7. Beach Clubs

Beach clubs are much more than restaurants or beach bars with sunbeds. They differentiate themselves by offering guests the experience of enjoying a beach day while combining luxury, comfort, design, music, good food, delicious cocktails, and excellent service. Here are two Samui beach clubs I can personally recommend.

On the island’s north, Chi Samui sees itself as Samui’s premier beach bar and restaurant, serving modern, fresh cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails. Its 82-foot saltwater infinity pool with a swim-up bar fronts Bangrak Beach. Spend your day lazing on the beanbags, sunbeds, loveseats, and sunloungers, hang out on the swings, or party into the night with the DJ’s vibe. Their new cannabis-infused experiences may add an extra buzz to your day. Open daily from 10 a.m. till late.

Nikki Beach Club

On Samui’s western shoreline — ideal for stunning sunsets — Nikki Beach Club traces its roots to the original Florida beach club of the same name. Now with beach clubs across the Med, Caribbean, Oman, and Miami, Nikki Beach Clubs have been dubbed the “Sexiest Place on Earth.” Guests at Nikki Beach Club Samui can relax on day beds around the pool and by the beach while sipping signature cocktails and dining on Nikki’s globally inspired menu.

8. Coco Tam’s

A day out and about experiencing Samui’s delights is often made complete with well-crafted cocktails on or near the beach. Sun setting, a balmy tropical night descending, friends or loved ones at your side, and attentive staff keeping the drinks flowing. One beachside bar in Bo Phut’s Fishermans Village has turned sunset drinks into a must-do experience. 

Coco Tam’s extends onto the sand each afternoon with rows of large comfy bean bags and low occasional tables. Mixologists turn out the drinks while cool DJ house beats set the relaxed, linger-longer mood. Sunken into your bean bag, toes in the sand is the ideal way to enjoy your sundowners. Stay (or return after dinner) for the nightly fire show.

9. Supattra Thai Dining

Many consider Thai cuisine a favorite, and it is recognized accordingly on the international stage. From street-side vendors, local family-run noodle shops, and beachside eateries to upmarket restaurants, it’s all available on Samui. Add to those options cafes and restaurants specializing in international cuisines from Japan to Europe and beyond. 

Given that depth of offering, it’s challenging to create a list of recommended dining. So instead of plowing into a Samui dining list, I want to highlight one local restaurant that was a happy surprise. 

Supattra Thai Dining is a small, unassuming alfresco restaurant in Bangrak, open evenings only from Tuesday through Saturday. Lady Thai Chef Supattra helms the kitchen and produces an ala carte daily blackboard menu focused on the quality fresh seafood and ingredients she has sourced from trusted local suppliers and markets. Partner Thomas, originally from Austria, looks after the service team and has curated an inventive wine list, including several natural, biodynamic Demeter-certified wines .

What To Order At Supattra Thai Dining

Though seafood is dominant, meats and vegetarian dishes are also available. Regularly available signature dishes include blue crab in yellow southern curry with betel leaves and the Australian free-range lamb with massaman curry sauce. Reservations are essential.

Getting There And When To Visit

Samui is Thailand’s second largest island, and it sits in the lower Gulf of Thailand. Surat Thani, with its rail and bus connections and a major regional airport, is its nearest mainland city. Access to the island is easy, either by a 45-minute direct flight from Bangkok or ferry from the mainland port of Donsak in Surat Thani province. 

Samui’s 31-mile ring road makes navigating the island easy, with car and motorbike rentals available for those wanting independence. Taxis and local transport called Songteaw are readily available in all the main tourist areas, and your hotel concierge will quickly arrange one as needed.

Thanks to its year-round tropical climate, you can visit Samui throughout the year. There are both dry and rainy seasons, although there are usually plenty of hot, perfect sunny days, even during the wetter months. Any rainfall usually comes in heavy showers that clear quickly. 

The best (and most popular) time to visit is between December and March when the weather is most settled (72 to 82 degrees), and ocean water visibility is excellent. April to September are the hottest months, with daily averages ranging from 75 to 91 degrees. October to early December sees the most rain, with daily average temperatures around 80 degrees.

Editor’s Note: Planning your trip? Don’t miss Michael’s 3 Meaningful Travel Experiences I Loved In Northern Thailand .

Michael is a member of TravMedia , and IFWTWA (International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association).

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Travelers guide the amazing island of Koh Samui, find out the best things to do, places to go, travel tips and advice.

Koh Samui Travel Guide Contents

Places To Go | Things To Do | Hotels & Resorts | Tours | Weather & When To Go | Getting There & Around | See & Do | Where To Stay | Day Trips & Excursions | Typical Costs | Money Saving Tips | Safety Tips | Recommended Resources | Transport | Travel Blog

Hello and welcome to Thailand Travel Hub's ultimate guide to Koh Samui, Thailand's third-largest tropical island and an idyllic, sun-drenched getaway with spectacular beaches, lush vegetation and enough day trips and activities to keep everyone happy. Located in the Gulf of Thailand (as opposed to the Andaman Sea for Phuket), it has a slightly different feel and attracts a different type of traveler, being close to the world-class scuba destination of Koh Tao, and the infamous party island of Koh Phangan. Samui is located in the Ang Thong National Marine Park and as such boasts some of the best snorkeling sites on the globe, but also has an excellent array of accommodation, restaurants, bars and nightlife.

Here you can find information about the best hotels and resorts, the best beaches, the best activities and the best places to shop and eat on the island, along with our essential travel tips and advice, travel resources and booking information, all at your fingertips. Koh Samui is a fantastic destination, whether you are a couple, a family, a backpacker or a single traveler; you won't fail to have a great time on the island. Plus, wherever you choose to stay, Samui is always a great choice and you can look forward to an amazing holiday experience surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and magnificent world-class beaches.

Places To Go View All

Laem Sor Pagoda

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Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)

Chaweng Beach

Things To Do View All

Top Cats Resort

Health Oasis Resort – Detox Weightloss Program in Thailand

EasyKart Koh Samui

Hotels & Resorts View All

W Retreat Koh Samui Hotel

Price ฿11000 - ฿30000

Lamai Wanta Beach Resort

Price ฿ 2500 - ฿ 8000

The Tongsai Bay

Price ฿ 8000 - ฿11000

Banyan Tree Samui

Price ฿ 26000 - ฿ 100000

Tours & Activities View All

Samui: 7-Hour 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour Including Lunch

Price from ฿1200 / $39.45

Koh Samui Brunch and Snorkeling Cruise

Price $127.80

Sea Kayaking at Ang Thong National Marine Park from Koh Samui

Price $88.49

Koh Samui Round Island Sightseeing Tour

Price from $35

Koh Samui Travel Guide Map

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Weather & When to Go to Koh Samui

Samui has three seasons; "cool", "hot", and "monsoon", but the seasons are not as distinct as in many western countries, in fact sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference. The best time to visit is between November and April when you will find that the conditions are optimal for enjoying the beaches and engaging in water-sports or boating activities, with a good amount of sun and minimal rain.

If you don’t like it too hot, try and visit during the cool season which is from November to February, when the average temperatures during the day will be around 25°C. Or, if you love the heat, come between March and May to experience temperatures of 30°C and above, but take care during the middle of the day as the heat can be oppressive. Between June and October comes the monsoon season, which features torrential downpours on an almost daily basis, but it will still be warm with temperatures around 26°C to 28°C. So, in reality, you can visit Samui any time of the year and have a great time, just make sure your schedule is flexible if you come during the rainy season, and take extra care on the roads.

How To Get To Koh Samui

Koh Samui does have it’s own (very tiny) airport, with regular flights to and from Bangkok, plus a handful of other destinations. Unfortunately, Bangkok Airways has a monopoly on the airport so the ticket prices are very steep for such a short journey, with one-way tickets starting at 3000 baht ($100), about four times the price of flights to Phuket.

Plane (direct) – To get from Bangkok to Koh Samui by plane, you will need to get to Suvarnabhumi airport as there are no flights from Don Mueang. You can buy tickets at the airport but expect to pay around 50% more, and the flights are already pricey. Budget for at least 3000 baht ($100) if you can book several days in advance, and 5000 baht ($165) once at the airport. The flight time is a little over an hour. Once you've landed you can take a minibus or taxi to your destination, with taxis charging around 300 baht ($10) to go to Chaweng.

Plane (via Surat Thani) – As mentioned, flights to the island’s airport are expensive, but you can fly to nearby Surat Thani for as little as 850 baht ($28) and then hop over on the ferry for 200-300 baht ($6.60-$10). This will be the most convenient option for many.

Bus and ferry – By far the cheapest option is public bus and then ferry. The public buses depart from Bangkok’s southern bus terminal and take up to 12 hours to get to Surat Thani for around 500 baht ($16.65) or even less. At Surat Thani, you can then buy a combined bus/boat ticket which takes you first to Donsak Pier (takes about an hour) and then a ferry to Koh Samui, which takes around 90 minutes. So your total cost is around 700 baht ($23.35) and takes 12-16 hours depending on layovers. This is great for backpackers, the fact that you can sleep on the overnight bus means you save money on a night in a hotel.

Train – Thai trains are slow and uncomfortable. A second class sleeper bunk to Surat Thani costs around 1100 baht ($36.30) and should take 12 hours, but Thai trains almost always run late. Allow for a 1-3 hour delay. Upon arrival you will have to buy the bus/boat ticket at 200 baht, bringing the cost to around 1300 baht ($43) and taking 17-20 hours in total.

Airport shuttles – These can be booked in advance quite easily online to take you to your hotel with the minimum of fuss. However, many hotels and resorts will have their own service, so check before you arrive.

Transport Recommendation: There are plenty of ways to get to Koh Samui, the most convenient way is to fly direct to Koh Samui Airport, the only downside to this is that it is a little expensive. You can also fly to Surat Thani and get the ferry across, which is much cheaper or you can take the bus, train or taxi and ferry. All methods of transport can be conveniently booked in advanced online. We highly recommend 12Go Asia , they have an easy-to-use booking system and helpful staff on hand to help you with your bookings.

Check Transport Routes and Book Tickets on 12Go Asia

Getting Around Koh Samui

Rent a motorbike – Like the other Thai islands, if you are a confident motorcycle rider and have a valid license, renting a bike can save you a small fortune, plus you can dodge the constant stress of being overcharged. Rentals start at 250 baht ($8.25) a day and petrol is very cheap, but make sure you ask for a helmet and do not leave your passport as a deposit.

Taxi – Taxis will invariably try to not use the meter and overcharge, but savvy travelers can download the NaviGo App which will save you both time and money. Taxi drivers will try and get you to agree a price upfront, which can be as much as 5-10 times what they would charge a local using the meter.

Songtaews – Songtaews offer great value for money if you know where you are going. Just wave one down and jump on, and ring the bell to get off. Trips start at 50 baht – don’t negotiate a price or the driver will give you the private taxi service costing several times more. Remember that as a foreigner, almost everyone will try and charge you more for transport – if the quote sounds like a lot to you then it almost certainly is, don’t be afraid to walk away and ask somewhere else.

Hire a car or jeep – You can also hire a small car for around 1000 baht ($33) per day, but take care when it’s raining as there are many dirt tracks on the island which become treacherous during a downpour.

Where To Stay In Koh Samui

Chaweng is home to the island's largest and most popular beach, which is approximately 7 km long. It is the most developed part of the island, with a dizzying array of accommodations, restaurants and bars on offer, as well as by far the best nightlife options on the island. As such, the area attracts a wide range of different travelers, however, it does not seem popular with Thai holidaymakers and everything is very much aimed at western tourists. Chaweng offers every kind of amenity that you could need, with banks, money exchanges, ATMs, pharmacies, massage and spa studios, tailors, the ubiquitous fast-food restaurants and many more besides. If you are wanting a relaxing, quiet getaway, this is not the place for you.

Lamai is Samui's second-largest destination, and as such is home to a great range of accommodation and attractions, but slightly less bustling and noisy than Chaweng. It is more laid-back and slightly cheaper but still has a great range of restaurants, bars and nightlife, and travelers looking for the superclub-type experience only need to travel to Chaweng, which is about half an hour away. Lamai also has a great beach and plenty of entertainment to choose from, but the nightlife revolves more around girly bars and the beer bar complex than Chaweng. In short, Lamai is a good compromise for many people, but it doesn't have the buzzing nightlife of Chaweng, neither could it be described as quiet and relaxing.

Mae Nam is a much quieter destination. It is noticeably more laid back and relaxing with a village feel, and the beach is more secluded, making this an ideal choice for families or couples looking to get away from the hustle and bustle. Mae Nam does have a handful of restaurants, shops and some bars, but there is no real nightlife to speak of, possibly some live music but don't expect anything past 11 pm. It is also home to some of the cheapest accommodation options on the island, so may be a good choice for backpackers on a budget. It's a great place to relax and unwind, and is only half an hour's drive to the shopping and entertainment mecca of Chaweng, with many places renting cars from as little as 750 baht ($25) per day.

Bophut is the choice for people who want a more authentic experience as it's one of the only places on the island to retain some of the original Thai/Chinese feel, although the area is expanding and developing rapidly to cater for the tourism industry. The area is centred around what is known as the Fisherman's Village, which comprises of narrow streets lined with traditional Chinese-style shophouses, in direct contrast to the neon commercialism of Chaweng. Shopping options are generally limited to small souvenir shops and boutique stores, however, there is a good selection of restaurants and bars in the area, with Bophut having a reputation as one of the best places to eat in Samui.

Choeng Mon is only 15 minutes from Chaweng, but is much, much quieter and consists of several bays with beautiful white sand beaches and inviting waters. There are a few restaurants, notably close to the larger beaches, but in general, there is not much to see and do in the area as it mainly consists of upmarket resorts with people traveling to nearby Chaweng for shopping and entertainment. There are a few local restaurants, a tailor and a massage shop, but by and large, most of the entertainment is offered on-site in the resorts. Choeng Mon, therefore, tends to attract the package holiday visitors, a slightly older crowd predominantly from Europe.

Accommodation Recommendation: Koh Samui is packed with excellent accommodation for all types of budget, from budget hostels, guest houses, beach front bungalows, budget hotels to five star hotels and high end resorts. It's best to book online before you go especially in peak season. We recommend Agoda.com and Booking.com for online bookings, both companies offer good cancellation policies in case your travel arrangements change and have excellent customer service. Another bonus is that you can checkout other peoples reviews and experiences about the accommodation to help you find the perfect place to stay for your trip.

Check Out Our Top 16 Best Places To Stay In Koh Samui

Best Things to See & What to Do in Koh Samui

Visit Koh Samui’s Amazing Temples

Koh Samui has many temples, with some very grand and important temples being especially interesting for visitors. Of particular note are two very large and impressive local landmarks; the Samui Big Buddha which is a huge golden Buddha on the north-east of the island visible for miles around, and the huge statue of the 18-armed goddess Guanyin. There are also numerous Thai and Chinese-style temples dotted around the island, all of which welcome tourists.

You won’t be able to see all the temples on the island as there are simply too many. A great idea is to plan to see a few temples in the morning before doing something different after lunch, this will prevent you from becoming “templed-out”. All the temples on the island are fully functioning places of worship, and as such you will see the locals attending and praying, so you must show the proper respect by being quiet, removing your shoes, and wearing the correct dress (women especially need to ensure that shoulders and knees are covered).

Explore Koh Samui's Beaches & Watersports

Samui has some world-class beaches with spectacular white sands and warm, crystal clear waters ideal for swimming and water sports. There are many beaches, from the tourist-packed Chaweng beach to much more secluded spots where you may well be the only person within sight. You can easily cover the entire island in a single day, checking out the different beaches and enjoying the scenery and the weather before deciding on the perfect beach for topping up your tan.

Or, for the adrenaline junkies, the more popular beaches have several water sports options including jet-skiing, kayaking, kiteboarding, parasailing, windsurfing and wakeboarding. Whether you are a complete beginner or a veteran, there are packages to suit you at very reasonable prices, with jet-skiing starting at as little as $45 for a half-hour session. It is also possible to take a high-octane ride aboard an extreme speed boat at Bophut, with a 20-minute ride costing $60, definitely an experience that you won't forget.

Experience a Real Thai Massage & Spa

Every visitor to Thailand should make sure that they have an authentic Thai massage at least once during their trip. Relaxing, rejuvenating and stimulating, the experience will make you feel fantastic, and the icing on the cake is that they start from as little as 200 baht ($6.60) for an hour. Massage and spa studios are found all over the island and are a fantastic place to unwind after a hard day’s shopping or swimming in the sea. There are a huge number of choices, with massages including full-body, head and shoulder, leg and foot, ayurvedic massage, hot oil massage, hot stone massage, Swedish massage and many, many more besides.

Or, if you want to take it a step further, there are even certificated massage courses available on the island, with training workshops from one day to many weeks in length. They are also incredible value, with 150-hour courses from 15,000 baht ($495), a fraction of what it would cost you elsewhere.

Go Diving and Explore the Underwater World

Samui is a great place for a spot of scuba diving, whether you are an advanced diver or a complete beginner, there are plenty of deals at great prices to suit you. You can purchase individual dives from under 2000 baht ($66), or buy packages of 3 dives from around 4000 baht ($132), plus you can undertake PADI certificates or more advanced qualifications, also at low prices. There are a huge number of amazing coral formations and tropical aquatic wildlife to see around Samui, and snorkeling is also available if scuba diving isn't your thing.

There are loads of dive shops on the island, so feel free to shop around for the best deal, and don't be afraid to haggle, especially if several people are booking at once. The price for a dive usually includes a meal on board the boat and refreshments, although be aware that some operators have hidden charges such as equipment hire, insurance, and a boat fuel fee, so make sure you check before making a booking.

Experience the Buzzing Nightlife in Koh Samui

The island has a comprehensive range of nightlife options, varying from quiet ex-pat bars to the full-on Ibiza-style experience which can be found in Chaweng. Samui has some of the best nightlife in the country, with huge nightclubs, beer bar complexes and two red-light districts. Even the quieter beaches will have a few small bars where you can enjoy a couple of drinks and a game of pool in the evening, with Lamai also having a well-established beer bar complex where you can party until the wee hours. The hedonistic nightlife spots such as Solo Bar, Reggae Bar and The Green Mango in Chaweng are popular with younger travelers and can get seriously busy as the night progresses.

Be warned that in Lamai and Chaweng, much of the nightlife will not be family-friendly with local girls plying their trade throughout the evening. However, if this is something that offends you it can be easily avoided by staying in one of the more sedate parts of the island.

Indulge in the Amazing Cuisine of Koh Samui & Learn to Cook Thai Food

On the island you will be able to find almost any type of cuisine that you fancy; the restaurant scene is very developed and caters to visitors from all corners of the globe. You can find pizza and pasta restaurants, fish and chips, Russian food, Indian curries, Mexican tacos, as well as high-end steak and seafood restaurants, the island really does have something for all tastes and all budgets. There are also the usual fast-food chains if you want something familiar.

But you didn't fly halfway around the world to eat pizza and burgers, so make sure you taste the authentic local dishes which are absolutely delicious and amazingly cheap. Try the duck noodles available from roadside vendors for as little as 40 baht ($1.33) or a massaman curry and rice for 60 baht ($2). And if you like the food, cooking lessons start from under 1000 baht ($33) for a half-day and are a great way to impress your friends and family when you get home.

Explore Koh Samui’s Jungles and Waterfalls

Samui is a huge island with many untouched areas covered with dense vegetation and teeming with local wildlife. If you want to investigate further, you can book a tour with a guide, and you can choose whether you would like to ride in the back of a 4x4 or drive yourself on a quad bike. You will get to see many of the beautiful sights on the island and have a chance to ask your guide questions, as well as numerous amazing photo opportunities for you social media addicts. It is amazing to see that there is so much stunning, untouched jungle just a few kilometres from the development of Chaweng and Lamai.

There are many striking waterfalls to discover which have lagoons of clear blue-green water where you can cool off with your friends if you arrange it with your guide. Jungle tours start from around 1500 baht ($49) per person, which will include all the safety gear and a tutorial on how to ride the bike, plus longer tours will include a stop for lunch.

Explore the Ang Thong National Park

Ang Thong (which means “bowl of gold”) is a huge marine national park which includes 42 islands as well as 50 km2 of sea. The park encompasses huge, steep limestone formations, dense jungle and pristine beaches as well as numerous waterfalls, natural lakes and coves for visitors to explore. The Ang Thong National Park is home to a bewildering array of wildlife including tropical fish and coral which make it an excellent site for scuba diving and snorkeling. It is a modern-day tropical paradise and became famous for featuring in "The Beach" which was a book and a film featuring Leonardo DiCaprio (in case you weren't aware!).

The best way to experience the park is through a guided tour, there are many operators to be found on Samui who offer several different packages. Whether you are interested in a bit of hiking, kayaking or topping up your tan on one of the many beaches, there will be a tour package to suit you, with half-day trips starting from as little as 900 baht ($29.70).

Editors Note: There are so many awesome things to do in Koh Samui, from exploring the island and beaches, jungle trekking, waterfalls, water sports, cooking classes and workshops and so much more, to find out more about what to do in Koh Samui checkout our Top Things to Do In Koh Samui: The Ultimate List!

Top Things To Do In Koh Samui: The Ultimate List

Tours, Day Trips & Excursions In Koh Samui

Sightseeing & Exercise Tours - There are guided mountain bike tours through the jungle ($9 and up) for those wanting to get some exercise, and quad bike tours ($45 and up) through various parts of the island, which can be either half-day (which means 3-4 hours in practice) or a full day with a stop for lunch. You can take in remote jungle locations, waterfalls, beaches and scenic vantage points offering some great photo opportunities. Or a simple half-day tour of the island in a minivan starts at around 900 baht ($30) and takes in temples, markets, beaches and other points of interest.

Dirt Bike Tours - There are also dirt-bike enduro tours of the island for the more adventurous, which can be booked for anything from 2-8 hours from around 4000 baht ($133) per person. This includes all safety gear, insurance, water and petrol.

Boat Trip & Tours - There are dozens of different boat tours, which start with a simple sightseeing trip for around 600 baht ($20). Or, you could do a beach-hopping trip, a snorkeling adventure, or dabble in some deep-sea fishing. A 6-hour fishing trip includes everything you will need including refreshments for around 1400 baht ($46), and like most trips, will need to be booked the day before.

Ang Thong National Park - For around 3000 baht ($100), you can do a full-day excursion through the Ang Thong National Park, taking in the dramatic limestone cliffs, the beaches and the famous blue lagoon, before coming back to have dinner as the sun sets over the park. This tour includes kayaking, snorkelling and swimming stops, with visits to some of the most spectacular coral formations in the park.

A great family day out - A great day out for the family is the Samui Big Boop Boop Tour – this takes in seven incredible canopy zip lines, swimming at the beautiful Namuang Waterfalls, and a chance to have a go on the jungle water slides before having lunch at a tropical garden restaurant, which includes an exotic fruit tasting session.

Magic Alambic Rum Distillery - You might be surprised to hear that Samui has it's very own rum distillery, called the Magic Alambic Rum Distillery which is included in many packages. You can experience a guided tour of the facility and a tasting session, followed by a walk around the tropical gardens. A bottle of the excellent rum makes a great gift to take home with you.

In short, remember that almost all the tours and excursions that you book on the island can be tailored to your specific needs, so if there's a specific place you want to stop at for lunch, for example, make sure you mention that when booking. And if you are booking a tour for several people at the same time, don't be afraid to ask for a discount, the tour operator will be well aware that there is stiff competition for your business on the island.

Tours & Activities Recommendation: There are plenty of travel agents and tour companies in Koh Samui. However, if you prefer to book conveniently online then we recommend Get Your Guide and Viator . Both companies are very well established and provide excellent customer service. Another advantage to booking online is that you can read customer reviews and experiences before you make your booking! Get Your Guide and Viator also have a good cancellation policy on most bookings, just in case your travel arrangements change.

Check The Best Koh Samui Tours & Activities On Get Your Guide

Prices, Expenses & Typical Costs In Koh Samui

Accommodation - Accommodation ranges from a bed in a dorm room at 100 baht ($3.33) per night, all the way up to huge villas in 5-star luxury resorts at 50,000 baht ($1665) per night. The best value is probably to be found in the boutique-style guest-houses, from around 900 baht ($30) per night. Most resorts will offer large family rooms or bungalows from around 2000 baht ($66) per night.

Transportation - Short hops of 1-2 km on a motorcycle can be as little as 50 baht ($1.65), with taxis and tuk-tuks charging something in the range of 150-300 baht ($4.95-$9.90) for a similar journey. These charges can add up throughout a 2-week holiday, but a motorbike rental can be as little as 200 baht ($6.60) per day if you shop around.

Food and Drink - The cheapest street food meal will cost from 30 baht ($1), with a green curry and rice costing around 100 baht ($3.33) in a local restaurant. Fast food meals will be 120-240 baht ($4-$8), and at western-style steak/seafood joints, the sky is the limit. Beers start at around 40-80 baht ($1.33-$2.66) in most places, with cocktails costing noticeably more, and foreign wines being very pricey due to steep import tax.

Recommended Budgets

Backpacker - Backpacker traveling solo with no alcohol or partying: $25-$30 per day per person.

Average traveler - The average traveler, staying at decent guesthouse/hotel, exploring some attractions and a few drinks in the evenings: $70-$80 per day per person.

Nightlife enthusiast - Nightlife enthusiast staying at 3-star guesthouse or hotel, lots of drinking, entertainment and eating at restaurants: $120-$140 per day per person.

Family of four -Family staying in a family room in a nice hotel or resort, with attractions, taxi/tuk-tuk transport and restaurant meals, plus shopping budget: $240-$300 per day per family.

Luxury traveler - Luxury traveler, 5-star hotel, taxis, cocktails and evening entertainment: $320 and up per day per person.

Koh Samui Money Saving Tips

Don't be afraid of the street food, the Thais know that some of the freshest and tastiest food is served on the street and it's the best value as well, with meals starting from as little as 30 baht ($1). These places might look a little unorthodox to you, with the plastic chairs and rickety tables, but they are clean, tasty and cheap, indeed you can have five street food meals for the price of a McDonald's meal.

Never, ever buy Thai baht in your home country. You don't need to, and you can lose 15% or even more of your spending money instantly. In Thailand the rates are amazingly good; dollars, pounds and euros (as well as many other currencies) are accepted at all the exchange kiosks, which are dotted around the island (there are seemingly hundreds of them, and are very easy to find). Beware, however, that any damaged or defaced bills will be refused.

In touristy areas, many bars and restaurants will offer promotions, usually at specific times of the day. With savings of up to 50% on offer, it pays to keep an eye out for these deals, and besides, you may well encounter people handing out money-off vouchers at various locations such as shopping malls or markets. Laundry charges at resorts and hotels can be excessive, as much as 100 baht ($3.33) per item. If you go out into the street, you will very likely be able to get your whole load done for that price. You can often buy a new pair of shorts for less than what the hotel charge for laundering your old ones!

Is It Safe to Travel Around Koh Samui?

Koh Samui, like most Thai destinations, is very safe. By far the biggest dangers are the roads and traffic, followed by attempts at scams and petty theft, which can be avoided with a little common sense. You will be at a greater risk of crime late at night, particularly if you have been drinking, so be aware of your surroundings and keep your wits about you if you’re enjoying the nightlife.

Thailand now has the most dangerous roads in the world as measured by road deaths, and the island roads are worse than the mainland. With this in mind, take utmost care if you decide to drive, especially if riding a motorcycle, and only do so if you are confident in your abilities. Also, take extreme care when crossing the road as law enforcement is very inconsistent and drink driving is rife.

Petty theft can and does occur, so take some basic precautions to stop it from ruining your holiday. Don't bring lots of expensive gadgets and jewellery to Thailand, in most cases it's not needed, and when you go out make sure that you put any valuable items in the safe. When out and about, especially in bars, avoid flashing the contents of your wallet or other overt displays of wealth, Thai people are honest and decent but unfortunately, there are still some bad eggs.

Like practically any tourist destination on the planet, there are several common scams taking place. Thais are generally shy and reserved and not great with English, so when an English-speaking Thai propositions you in the street to go somewhere or do something, politely decline. Even with the worst scams, you are very unlikely to be in any physical danger, if you are being pestered then a firm “no” and walking away will suffice.

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The Best Hotels and Resorts in Koh Samui, Thailand

By Hannah Summers

From safari-style tents to private island villas and life-altering wellness retreats to splash parks and ball pits, the small Andaman island of Koh Samui in Thailand has it all when it comes to hotels. The island’s first five-star hotel opened here back in the mid-1980s, followed by a slow trickle of new openings to what exists today: Thailand’s most luxurious island, but also somewhere with hotels for virtually every type of traveler. And where there’s a beach, there’s now a palace to sleep—and drink and eat—right next to it.

Many of Samui’s most luxe places sit in the northeast corner, some with their own bays—some even on their own islands. And although it’s one of Thailand’s livelier destinations—with its bars, markets, massage parlors, and impressive restaurant scene, you will still find serene stays. It’s also the starting point for hops over to the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao—but with Koh Samui hotels this good, you may not see the need to leave.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Arrow

It’s the island’s priciest place to stay (just shy of $1,250 a night in the low season, and double that in high), but it is also the very best. A stay at Four Seasons Samui is like stepping into the White Lotus life—part of the reason why season three of the hit HBO series was reportedly filmed here. It’s easy to see why it was chosen—it’s serene and seriously photogenic, with 78 residences and villas cut into a steep jungly hillside (and former coconut plantation). Architect and interior designer Bill Bensley can take full credit for the stylish and luxe feel, from the jazzy artwork to the very cool Coco Rum pool bar, where striped sofas line a palm-dotted pool with sea views beyond.

Koh Thai, the open-air restaurant, has food as good as the views (handily, you don’t have to stay to eat here). It’s the same spot for breakfast, where an incredible French pastry chef prepares the most delicious matcha madeleines, vanilla brioche, and chocolate financiers—every morning is a surprise. There’s a spa, naturally, with treatments using Thai herbal products, a breezy outdoor yoga pavilion, and a small kid’s club in a treehouse. Snorkel offshore, laze on a lounger the size of a super-king bed on the beach, or sip spirits in the rum vault (one of the many drinking spots) before a lantern-lit meal on the beach.

Six Senses Samui Arrow

One of the most sustainable stays on Samui is on a sloping jungle-clad headland on the island’s northeastern tip. The bamboo walls and high thatched roofs of 66 multi-level villas (most with private pools) give the feeling of staying in a luxe treehouse.

The vibe is chic, yet fun: natural wood tones are combined with pops of color from the neon-green and sherbet-yellow cushions and loungers, and staff stroll around in millennial pink and dusty rose linen two pieces. The first is quiet (one of the island’s best and biggest infinity pools), the other buzzier and next to the beach, on a cove shared with neighboring hotels—one of the only clues that you’re on a popular island rather than a remote hideaway. Mornings start with a shot of ‘rocket fuel’ (cider vinegar and citrus) at breakfast, and there’s an excellent menu of mocktails, free ice cream, and several scenic restaurant options, where fragrant curries are served up next to sunset views (although the best views at sunset are from the spa). Little and large guests love the on-site farm, where they can pet and feed a herd of well-preened goats.

Anantara Lawana

Couples and families mingle happily together at Anantara Lawana, a resort-style hotel located close to the nightlife of Chaweng on Samui’s east coast. Sociable types should go for one of the standard bedrooms, located in the soft gray two-story Thai-style houses. For sunshine? You’ll need to head to the buzzy pool or beach, a great spot for a paddle at low tide or a proper swim at high tide, when colorful long-tail boats bob on the water just along the shore.

Those seeking quiet may prefer the private pool villas—with their tiled floors and traditional dark wooden furniture, including four poster beds, they feel very grown up. The spa is another sanctuary in the hotel, where discreet therapists deliver back-crunching bamboo massages and Ayurvedic Shirodhara therapy. Crab Shack is your sand-between-the-toes sunset cocktail spot, while Tree Tops, built in a treehouse-style wooden structure wrapped around a century-old tree, is the hotel’s romantic dining option (book early to catch the sunset here). The kids club is a hive of activity, with wooden tractors and play kitchens.

Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui

There are plenty of lovely beaches on Samui, but Tongsai Bay? This curve of golden sand, with its gently tumbling turquoise waves, feels impossible to beat—and, unless you’re willing to paddle in by kayak, it’s only accessible to Garrya guests. The hotel that opened here back in the mid-80s was the first five-star resort on the island and has been welcoming loyal guests, some of them as many as 20 times, since.

A recent rebrand to a Garrya resort has kept some of the much-loved elements of the hotel, like outdoor bathtubs, and refreshed others: high-ceilinged rooms are simple yet luxurious, with calming beige and burnt orange palette and varnished wooden floors. There’s a spa, breezy outdoor massage cabanas set inches from the waves, and three restaurants, including beachside dining at Fish Tales (don’t miss the vegan chocolate ice cream), and Evo, where much of the food is made with produce taken from the hotel’s garden. Then there are decisions to make—the half-moon adults-only pool, the curvy beach-level pool, or a spot on the beach itself.

Ritz Carlton Koh Samui

This sprawling hotel, built across 58 hilly acres on a former coconut plantation, works hard to impress—and delivers. Kids will be overjoyed at the island’s best kids club: a huge light-filled space of ball pits, slides, and toys, with an outdoor crazy golf course and playground. For adults there’s the Spa Village, which is indeed a village—with eight standalone treatment rooms (try the pre-spa Songkran Spa Ritual) and a large barely-used adult-only pool dotted with cabanas.

The View serves up some of the island’s highest sea views alongside creative tasting menus, while Baan Talta is modeled on a Thai street food market, but there are several more options should you dine here each night. A Muay Thai boxing ring, basketball, and tennis courts are great if you get restless, while a beautiful beach of cream-colored sand and a large curvy pool if you long to just laze. There are 175 bedrooms, suites, and villas, but oceanfront pool villas have the real wow factor: outdoor decks and infinity pools, you can gaze over the edge and see nothing but turquoise water and hear nothing but the waves meeting the rocks below.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa Arrow

To call Kamalaya a hotel wouldn’t be doing it justice: yes, there are hotel rooms and villas dotted across this bougainvillea-draped hillside on the island’s quieter south coast, but at the heart of this sanctuary is a focus on wellness, both physical and mental. Most guests here book in on dedicated programs, whether it’s detoxes and cleanses or programs such as Embracing Change, in which you’ll spend time with Life Enhancement Mentors, unravelling past trauma with talk therapy and meditation. Treatments—many of them Ayurvedic—are all tailored to your specific issues, with acupuncture and heavenly massages. The site is built around a 300-year-old mediation cave, which you can still use today, plus there’s walking meditation, yoga, and a peaceful stretch of sand for late-afternoon siestas. Solo travelers here may like the communal dining, where everyone from opera singers to burnt out CEOs gather to knock back green juices at breakfast and feast on sugar-free curries in the evening, but you’d also feel entirely comfortable dining solo, reading a book over meals, or simply gazing out at the water.

One of Samui’s best—and most luxurious—places to bed down isn’t actually on Samui, but even better: a private island around 100 yards offshore (you’ll be whisked there and back in a small speedboat or glorified tractor depending on the tide levels). Here, you’ll find 24 villas, from Ocean Cottages to two-bed family villas, all with private pools where you can snooze to the sound of birdsong and gently lapping waves.

All other spaces are pure bliss, too: like the breakfast terrace views and the peaceful, sun-soaked adjoining room, not just because of its pretty canary yellow cushions and bamboo-style chairs, but for its spread of pastries, baked in house; or Hue restaurant, where you can gaze out past the pin-stripe loungers, pool, and palms to the shimmering sea beyond. Long Dtai, overseen by Michelin-recognized chef David Thompson, is worth a visit even if you can’t stay here: not just for the panoramic views over the turquoise Andaman, which are arguably some of the best restaurant views on the island, but for the menu: the Southern egg curry being a highlight. Despite being one of the Samui’s most expensive stays, it’s also one of the most relaxed: where retired business owners wander the same winding paths around the small island as young honeymooners .

Twenty-three contemporary villas, cut into a meticulously landscaped flower-filled slope on the north-east of the island, every one staggeringly luxurious and big on views: strictly speaking Samujana isn’t a hotel, but it operates very much like one, with added privacy and space, making it particularly popular with large groups of family and friends.

Unlike a lot of villa stays, you won’t need to lift a finger: breakfast is provided in the villa every morning, rooms are made up and turned down, and there are team members on hand to rustle up meals. It’s hard to choose the best: perhaps it’s villa 12, with its own boxing gym, basketball court, games room, and cinema room, or maybe the ludicrously photogenic villa 30, with 360-degree views and the country's best infinity pool—a serious accolade when the competition is fierce. Others, with their sun-flooded, open-plan, open-air communal areas, large pools, and calm-inducing minimalist styling are so lovely that you could happily lose a week or two here, never venturing out at all.

Kimpton Kitalay

Choeng Mon beach, with its fire shows, jet skis, and beach bars, sets the tone for Kimpton Kitalay , a buzzy hotel in Samui’s north. It’s built in the style of a fisherman’s village, with six low-rise blocks of rooms wrapped in dark wood. You can bed down in two-bed villas, but entry level rooms are large and stylish, with Victorian-style tiles, curvy freestanding bathtubs, and jazzy blue rugs.

The main pool is a sociable spot, as is the splash park and kids club, but there’s always a quieter place to escape to—especially if you opt for a swim up suite on the ‘quiet’ side, or book time in the spa. There are four restaurants and bars, and if you tire of Thai food, Fish House serves excellent steak and huge sides, plus fresh-off-the-boat fish. You may spot one or two dogs strolling the grounds: the hotel works with a local rescue dog charity, and dogs that are up for adoption visit every fortnight to meet guests.

Silavadee Resort

Young honeymooning couples and equally loved-up retirees happily mingle at Silavadee, a boutique resort built across a hillside on a quiet peninsula on the east coast of Samui. Although the entry-level rooms are pretty, with their outdoor hot tubs and airy interiors, if you’re staying here it should be an Ocean Front Pool Villa. Our pick? Number three: With its separate living room, freestanding bathtub, huge bedroom, and even bigger pool, you could happily spend your entire stay in the privacy of your villa, floating in your pool or gazing out at miles and miles of empty sea. There’s a simple spa where efficient therapists expertly deliver tension-relieving Thai massages, and the two open-air dining spots are both romantic and well-priced (the wine pairings, in particular, are generous and a steal). Lively Lamai beach is a short scooter ride away, or if that’s too taxing, you’ll find some of the best snorkeling on the island right off the hotel’s quiet curve of beach—handily, for guests, it’s a small cove that’s near impossible for anyone else on the island to access.

Travelers gather for days to months to work from their laptops, live well, and eat well at Kapuhala, a boutique hotel that has the relaxed vibe of an Airbnb . Food is central to a stay here—a small but perfect menu of Sicilian plant-based recipes (Kapuhala’s second outpost is on the Italian island), features delicious spaghetti soy ragu and light arancini, all topped with pipettes of extra virgin olive oil, with the olives plucked and pressed at their Sicily property. Breakfast, meanwhile, is a feast of fruit and freshly baked muffins and strong Italian coffee.

You can venture high up the hill in Chaweng Noi on a moped for a meal, but then you’d miss what makes this place so special: easing into your day in the open air restaurant space, with its swaying rattan lamps and hessian bean bags, getting to know the friendly team and feeling inspired by the island’s remote working views across the infinity pool and over the sea below. Choose from four simple light-filled ‘ tiny houses ’ or one of five large safari-style tents, where the sides fold up so the breeze can flow in while you gaze out.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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• A 101 Guide to Ko Samui: A Tropical Paradise of Leisure and Culinary Delights

First time in Ko Samui? Here are places you should know about.

Southeast Asia Surat Thani Koh Samui travel Thailand

With its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush tropical landscapes, Ko Samui has long captured the hearts of travellers seeking tranquillity and adventure. Whether you're a sun-seeker, a cultural explorer, a nature enthusiast, or even a naturist, this island has something to offer everyone. Thailand’s second-largest island offers an incredible range of activities, hotels, and gastronomy to suit all budgets. It’s also a fantastic launchpad for partiers and yogis visiting the lush, green island of Ko Phangan and diving enthusiasts from around the world who descend on the smallest island, Ko Tao. To help you navigate the lay of the land, we've compiled a tour of the beaches, an overview of the island’s main activities, and handpicked some of the finest hotels, so you don’t have to…

For convenience, Karma Samui is close to all the amenities. The hotel inhabits a remote ocean-side position. Staggered down a hillside above the ocean, Karma Samui’s 36 pool villas all have water views. It has its own private beach, as well as a health spa and gym, rendering trips into town completely optional. Located on the far northeastern tip, Six Senses Samui is the place to embrace wellness and sustainability. This eco-friendly resort offers stunning ocean views, private pools and rejuvenating spa experiences. The hotel itself is a collection of private villas dotted about the landscape of natural vegetation on the northeastern tip of the island. Further round the headland to the east, Choeng Mon Beach is a smaller and more secluded beach. The beach is both convenient and surprisingly tranquil and ideal for travellers looking to escape the crowds to enjoy a quieter environment. The bay is sheltered and features clear waters, making it suitable for swimming and relaxation. Kimpton Kitalay Samui is a California-born brand that has made itself at home here in Thailand. The hotel stands over Choeng Mon Beach, and in its style, it’s a lively blend of contemporary design and traditional Thai motifs. It’s a substantial resort, encompassing some 138 rooms, suites and villas. While there’s some variety across the range, even the smallest rooms are a sizable 60 sqm.

Adventures Beyond the Beach

• Explore Angthong National Marine Park: Embark on a day trip to this archipelago of 42 islands, where you can kayak, snorkel, and hike to breathtaking viewpoints.
• Try water sports galore: Try your hand at scuba diving, kite surfing, or paddleboarding. The island's clear waters and vibrant marine life make it an ideal destination for water enthusiasts.
• Visit the temples: Marvel at the 12-metre-tall golden statue at Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) and soak in the panoramic views from the temple grounds. Nearby Wat Plai Laem, meanwhile, boasts intricate architecture and a striking statue of the Guanyin, the goddess of compassion.
• Jungle adventures: Explore the island's lush interior on an ATV or zip-lining through the treetops. The Secret Buddha Garden offers a serene escape amidst nature. Explore Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks: Explore these cheeky and unique rock formations, at the south end of Lamai Beach, that resemble male and female genitalia. They’re not only a geological wonder but also a quirky photo opportunity.
• Discover Secret Buddha Garden: Trek through the jungle to discover this hidden garden filled with sculptures and statues, showcasing the island's spiritual side. Embibe in the nightlife and entertainment: From beach parties to cabaret shows, Ko Samui's nightlife caters to every mood. Chaweng Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife scene.

Ko Samui beckons with its captivating landscapes, rich culture, and diverse activities. Finding the right place to stay is pivotal to crafting a memorable vacation. Whether you prefer opulent resorts, charming boutique hotels, or wellness retreats, the island caters to all tastes. And with a plethora of activities to choose from, your days will be as exciting or relaxed as you desire. Prepare to fall in love with the allure of Ko Samui. Looking for a place to enjoy amazing food? Check out our recommended spots selected by our experts here .

A writer and editor for the worlds of international development and business management, James balances this serious side with his creative pursuits; namely music production, a DJ podcast and food blogging.

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Are you thinking of staying in the tropical paradise of Koh Samui?

Discover the island and its secrets..

We have gathered some information that we think is useful to know. We do not have the claim to be tour guides from Thailand and Koh Samui, but we present to you these few pieces of information, from our long experience of Koh Samui. The details provided below are far from exhaustive, as there is so much to see and do in Koh Samui, but we have retained what we think is essential.

We highly recommend reading these few lines but, especially if you plan to rent a vehicle, scooter, motorbike or car in Koh Samui, read our full tips for any rental , which will save you a lot of hassle. They are filled with warnings and tips that will make your island experience even more enjoyable.

• Presentation of Koh Samui .
• Activities and Discoveries : What to do and what to see in Koh Samui ?
• Weather and climate in Koh Samui: What is the best time or season to go to Koh Samui ?
• What are the periods of heavy rains on Koh Samui ?
• What is the cost of living at Koh Samui ?
• How to get to Koh Samui ?
• Transfer / shuttle / transport service to and from the piers and the airport of Koh Samui .
• How to get around on Koh Samui Island ?
• Accommodation in Koh Samui .
• Rent bungalow or villa in Koh Samui .
• Which neighborhood to choose for holidays in Koh Samui ?
• Real Estate Investment in Koh Samui .
• Food : What can eat in Koh Samui ?
• Shops and shopping in Koh Samui .
• Exchange Rates - Currency Exchange - Use credit cards in Thailand and Koh Samui.
• Walking street : These unavoidable charming night markets .
• Beach and idleness in Koh Samui .
• Nightlife and parties in Koh Samui .
• Get to Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan from Koh Samui.
• What are the dates of the Full Moon Party for 2019 ?
• See a Muay Thai Boxing fight on Koh Samui .
• Tropical Fauna of Koh Samui.
• Health & Medical , hospitals , medicine in Koh Samui.
• Immigration office - Visas and length of stay in Thailand .
• Can and should we negotiate prices in Thailand ? In Koh Samui?
• Should I leave a tip at a restaurant , massage or hotel in Koh Samui?
• Thai New Year and Water Festival , pour water for Songkran Festival .
• Feet in Thailand .
• Head in Thaïland .
• Wai , the traditional Thai salute .
• Polite dress code required to visit a temple in Thailand .
• Security and theft at Koh Samui .
• Always keep your passport and the departure card with you or in a safe place.

Presentation of Koh Samui:

Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, in the province of Surat Thani, located off the southeast coast of Thailand. Its surface is 250km2 and the road that goes around it (the ring road or main road) is 51 km. Koh Samui is known as one of Thailand's most luxurious and popular seaside resorts but still retains many very authentic parts.

This tropical paradise is covered by a lush jungle of palms, and coconut trees, offering every day, sumptuous sunrises and sunsets, and enjoying a relief typical of islands, between white sand beaches and green hills.

Enjoy its tropical climate with 30 degrees Celsius all year round, the intense sun sometimes soothed by some refreshing showers, and discover its charms and traditions, navigating between some very touristic areas and the authentic neighborhoods a few streets, populated by locals and offering typical local markets.

Activities and discoveries: What to do and see in Koh Samui?

Relax in one of the many spas and massage parlors, very inexpensive or more luxurious, there is something for all tastes and budgets.

Explore the waterfalls like the beautiful Namuang waterfall, take a picture in front of the surprising rocks Hin Ta and Hin Yai, located by the sea and curiously resembling intimate parts of the human anatomy, go sea kayaking, visit the sanctuary of elephants, walk the jungle and refresh yourself in several waterfalls, come to you gather in one of the many temples (Wat Plai Laem and Big Buddha Wat Phra Yai) or in a secret garden with many Buddha sculptures in the heart of Koh Samui.

Meet extraordinary animals at the Tiger Zoo or Crocodile Farm, or if you prefer gastronomy to strong emotions, why not risk a few Thai cooking classes?

The most adventurous, and thrill-seekers, will test the tree climbing and their zip lines, or giant slides, pool parties, parasailing, jet ski, and so many other water sports.

If relaxation and spirituality are your main interests, renowned yoga centers offer internships or sessions all year round.

Koh Samui is also the ideal base for trips to nearby islands, snorkeling, scuba diving (as at Sailrock), where you can admire corals, barracudas, turtles and manta rays (Samran Pinnacles, Koh Kradan), explore the wilderness at Ang Thong National Marine Park, discover an almost uninhabited island in Koh Tan, and finally of course, attend the famous Full Moon Party, taking place every month, about 30 minutes by boat from Koh Samui.

You can also easily book at every street corners, trips to the sea, whole day or half-day, in speedboat or catamarans, with meal and activity options around the treasures of Koh Samui.

As you can see, the activities and possibilities for discovery are endless in Koh Samui. Explore by car or scooter, walk the steep verticals of the center of the island to unceasingly discover splendid landscapes, especially since the many arranged points of view. Enjoy white sandy beaches, with crystal clear waters, visit the tropical gardens of this idyllic area, relax and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze in the shade of palm trees, and find calm and serenity in the heart of Buddhist temples on the island.

Weather and climate in Koh Samui: When is the best time or season to go to Koh Samui?

In Koh Samui, it's hot all year long, count on average 30 degrees Celsius, with some night refreshments in January and February, but only rarely under 20 degrees. May and June are usually the hottest months, and the temperature felt is sometimes intense. It is usually in April that the UV index is the highest, remember to protect yourself because the sun burns.

What are the periods of heavy rain in Koh Samui?

The rain can fall at any time of the year, but the period from October to the end of December even early January is the most conducive to heavy tropical showers, which can last several days and cause flooding. It is not impossible, however, at any time of the year, to have to deal with some heavy tropical showers, usually short, or to suffer a few days of a cloudy sky. As in most islands, it is common to see a neighborhood under water, while another part is in the sunshine.

What is the cost of living in Koh Samui?

The cost of living in Koh Samui is slightly higher than the average in Thailand, as this is often the case on islands. Indeed you will often pay more for the same product or service, most of which must be shipped by ship from the mainland.

If you are eating in a European restaurant, expect to pay a price close to prices in Europe, depending on the origin and quality of the products. By eating locally will save you a lot of money, from 50 to 80 baht for a bowl of fried rice or pad thai, or count 120 to 150 baht for a curry accompanied by steamed rice. These prices vary greatly depending on the location, a table having feet in the sand risking, of course, to cost you more than a small, simple, roadside snack bar.

For accommodation, again, the amount will vary greatly depending on location, season and level of the services offered. Count a minimum of 600 baht per night, for a double room with private bathroom and air conditioning, close to the main tourist areas, and about 800 to 1000 baht for the same room in high season. No limit for the maximum, as it is possible to devote a very substantial budget on Koh Samui for upscale accommodation in one of the many luxury hotels or resorts on the island, or for rent a villa on the heights, for breathtaking views (and sometimes prices).

How to get to Koh Samui?

There are 2 main ways to get to Koh Samui, by plane or boat.

The only airport of Koh Samui (USM international code), allows going there in about 1 hour from Bangkok, the Thai capital, or from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, or from many other destinations like Singapore or China. The Bangkok Airways company holds the monopoly on this international airport, that's why tickets are relatively expensive, and prices tend to increase rather than go down.

Another cheaper but much longer option is by sea. Count, indeed, 150 baht per person per way without a vehicle, to cross the sea by ferry for about 1h20, from the mainland via the port of Donsak. Embark with a vehicle remains possible, for a very reasonable budget, but remember to book, especially around the Full Moon Party events.

You can reach the port of Donsak by road, and shuttles allow you to get there from the far cheaper airports in Surat Thani (SRT) or Krabi (KBV), both international airport, or the more distant Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST). Note that several low-cost airlines connect these airports to Bangkok but beware, most planes take off from Don Muang (DMK) and not from Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Pay attention to the name of the airport written on your ticket to Bangkok to not miss a connection if you must reach the other airport in Bangkok.

Transfer service, shuttle, transport, to and from the port and airport in Koh Samui

You arrive in Koh Samui by plane or boat and would like to rent a vehicle to visit freely the island? James Rental Samui has a wide selection of cars and scooters, and delivery and return are possible anywhere upon prior request, so you avoid expenses additional taxis or shuttle on your arrival and the day of your departure. excellent new, if you decide to rent a vehicle from James Rental Samui, we offer you this service free from 3 days rental. Contact us now to learn more and book your rental.

How to get around on the island of Koh Samui?

To move on the island of Koh Samui, no tuk-tuk, but many pickups arranged with benches, or taxis (with rarely used meters), so it is better to negotiate ride before climbing. Koh Samui offers plenty to see and explore, so it's better to opt for the rental of a vehicle and be free to move according to your desires.

To move on the island, here are the main means of transport:

• Car or motorbike rental: by far the best option for you to move freely day and night.
• Taxis: The meters are rarely or never used, negotiate the price of the ride before going up,
• Moto-taxi: like a taxi but on a motorbike, not always comfortable, especially for 2 passengers, but very fast and cheaper,
• Song-teow: these many pick-up trucks with benches in the back, which pick you up on the side of the road and will drop you almost everywhere on their circuit established on the main axes.
• Cycling: Bicycle is rare and not well adapted to traffic in Thailand.
• Mini-van: convenient for transfers between ports, airport, and hotels, count 150 Bahts per person. Many hotels can contact them and book a transfer for you.
• Walking: not always practical because of the absent or congested sidewalks, watch out for stray dogs at night.

Accommodations in Koh Samui:

On Koh Samui, you will find all the facilities to accommodate you. From dormitory accommodation for backpackers to bed and breakfasts or basic comfort hotels to European standards, hotels, spas, luxury resorts often by the sea, villas, and residences with sea views and infinity pools, clubs, and family hotels ... Everything is possible in Thailand, and especially in Koh Samui, and generally without spending a disproportionate budget.

Chaweng, Phut Bo, Mae Nam, Bang Rak, and Lamai are the most touristic areas of the island, but you may prefer more remote areas and their tranquility.

Rent a bungalow or villa in Koh Samui

Everywhere on the island of Koh Samui, you will find individual bungalows or villas available for rent for short and long term. Whether you want to stay there for a week, a month or even a year, it is very quick and easy to find ideal accommodation on the island.

Most owners are Thai, some will sometimes speak little English, but you always find an arrangement or someone to assist you and understand your interlocutors.

Usually, you will pay in advance for your entire stay and a guarantee deposit which will be returned to you at the end, if you have not caused any damage and returned all the keys.

You will easily find individual bungalows with a single room for about 10,000 baht per month (around 280 euros), some with shared pool, sometimes much less expensive if you move away from tourist areas.

If your budget allows you, you can also opt for more spacious accommodations and, why not, a villa in the heights of the island. We can guide you if you wish more information on accommodation in Koh Samui.

Which neighborhood to choose for a holiday in Koh Samui?

To the east of Koh Samui, Chaweng is probably the most popular area among tourists. You can easily find places away from traffic and noise, and enjoy the wide range of nightlife and shopping available in this area.

Further south, but still on the east coast of Koh Samui, Lamai is also well supplied with bars and restaurants, but in a quieter and generally less crowded environment, excepted during the Sunday night Walking Street, this night market that attracts many passersby, and makes the main axes of the district closed to the circulation, and during the free Muay Thai boxing fights, taking place on Saturday night in the middle of the neighborhood bars.

Going further north from Chaweng this time, following the main road to the west of the island you will discover Bophut and the famous Fisherman's Village, this ancient village of fishermen, today become one of the most popular areas of Koh Samui. Indeed, for many years, this village has become the perfect place for tourists willing to pay the price to eat in many restaurants with high-quality European cuisine. It reigns there a rather calm and relaxed atmosphere although the clientele is generally more demanding and elegant than in Chaweng. The main road of the village is generally closed to the traffic in the evening for its market every Friday night, the Walking Street, extending to The Warf, a set of shops facing the sea, and connecting it to the main road of the island.

Going along the north coast of the island and following the main road to the west, you will arrive in Mae Nam, nice village rather well supplied in restaurants too, but much less than the neighborhoods previously mentioned. Mae Nam wants to be very relaxed, and its beautiful beach is perfect for those looking for a beachfront hotel without getting too far from amenities or over-budgeting.

Returning between Bophut and Chaweng, make the detour to Bang Rak and Plai Laem while leaving the main road. You will find most of the speedboat piers for various excursions, as well as departures (and arrivals) to the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Many bars, restaurants, and small shops will welcome you, and it is here that you will see the best sunsets without getting too far from the road leading to the Big Buddha Temple, this impressive Buddha perched on a promontory and offering a superb view of Bangrak Bay and on Koh Samui airport.

Not far from the Big Buddha, if you continue to Choeng Mon, you can also visit the beautiful Wat Plai Laem, this temple surrounded by water where you can obey the tradition by feeding the innumerable and insatiable fish.

Before returning to the Chaweng animation, you will discover the family-friendly village of Choeng Mon, its beautiful beach, its calm and relaxing shops, and restaurants.

Many other parts of the island could be described here, but we will not dwell on it not. Everywhere else, know that if you risk feeling a little far from everything by choosing accommodation outside the areas described above, however, you will find many accommodation solutions often cheaper and offering absolute calm.

A small exception to this calm, the city of Nathon, located at the west of Koh Samui, and which is the capital city and main arrival of ferries connecting the island to the mainland, to the port of Donsak and the city of Surat Thani or Krabi. Nathon is not very touristy, but you will find the best bargains there and observe the "real" life of the locals.

Real Estate Investment in Koh Samui:

Like many tourists visiting Koh Samui, you may well be tempted to take the plunge, and get started in the lucrative real estate investment on the island, or simply acquire your second home, or like many retirees, elect domicile in the tropics. You would be right because this tropical paradise offers high-return investment options and solutions. Do not hesitate to push the door of well-established agencies or to ask us our recommendations.

Dining: What can we eat in Koh Samui?

In Koh Samui, you will find a local and international cuisine, fried rice, the famous pad thai, curries, a glutinous rice dessert with coconut milk and mango, pizzas, burgers, specialties from many European countries (Greek , Italian, French, Australian ...) but also Indian as well as some vegetarian or organic addresses.

Seafood and freshly caught fish, smoothies prepared under your eyes, ice rolls typical of the country, do not expect to deprive you at the table in Koh Samui! Enjoy every day fresh tropical fruits like you have never tasted, and do not be afraid to take a few pounds during your stay.

Shops and shopping in Koh Samui:

If for you, "holidays" rhymes with shopping, or if you just want to find a little fresh air in the city center, the big shopping mall Central festival offers brand shops and many tourist restaurants.

Make your main food shopping at supermarkets like Makro , Tesco Lotus or Big C and its wide selection of products imported from Europe (including the Casino brand), or Tops Market located at Central Festival .

For small purchases at any time, you will find essentials and fast food at great prices in all Family Mart or 7 Eleven, known to never close and to be at each crossroads of Thailand. You will not be able to do without these shops for your cigarettes or cravings, any time of the day or night.

Exchange rates - Foreign exchange offices - use of credit cards in Thailand and Koh Samui.

The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht symbolized by the 3 letters THB. Its value depends on the current exchange rate that changes constantly, and it is good to check the exchange rate throughout your stay.

At the time of writing, 1 Euro is trading for around 36 Baht and can rise to 37 or 38 the next day. If you have cash in another currency such as the US Dollar or the Euro, you will easily find currency exchange offices throughout Thailand, at least in urban and tourist areas.

In Koh Samui, these offices are everywhere, but few are open at night, so think about changing before closing. Most exchange offices will ask for your passport to complete the transaction. Compare the rates that each office offers, there are sometimes strong differences, and better to choose the best rate.

If you prefer to make a withdrawal in ATM, you will find ATMs in every street, these ATMs with the colors of the main banks in the area. You can trust its distributors but beware, here too the exchange rates will sometimes be very different from one machine to another.

All these ATMs will add 220 baht of transaction fees for each withdrawal from foreign cards, so do not hesitate to withdraw larger amounts directly, with most ATMs limiting you to 20,000 baht per withdrawal.

Finally, it is generally not advisable to make card payments directly in the shops but you should prefer doing a cash payment instead. Note that most merchants who are equipped with payment terminals will probably charge a commission of 3% or more, rarely less, for the fees associated with this payment method.

Due to frequent cases of credit card fraud in Thailand, we recommend that you use this method of payment only at trusted institutions such as national banks, large hotels, and large chain restaurants.

Walking street: These must-see charming night markets.

All week long, all year round, you'll find the Walking Street, a roaming market offering a wide range of food and souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and fabrics ... Prices are generally very reasonable.

Here is the schedule (subject to change):

Monday: Fisherman's Village Bophut (smaller than Friday). Tuesday and Wednesday: Central Festival Chaweng on the Lake Side Parking, from 17:00 to 23:00 (5 pm till 11 pm). Thursday: Mea Nam, from 17:00 to 22:00 (5 pm till 10 pm). Friday: Fisherman's Village Bophut, from 17:00 to 23:00 (5 pm till 11 pm). Saturday: Large car park at Chaweng Lake, in front of Central Festival, from 17:00 to 23:00 (5 pm till 11 pm). Sunday: Lamai, from 17:00 to 22:00 (5 pm till 10 pm).

Beach and idleness in Koh Samui:

On the beaches and idleness side, a few places stand out, such as the sumptuous Silver Beach / Crystal Bay, or Coral Cove / Beach Republic, between Chaweng and Lamai, or the quiet and family-friendly Choeng Mon beach to the Northeast.

Less accessible but equally wonderful are the creek beaches in Choeng Mon, accessible for example by the Melati Hotel, not far from the impressive Big Buddha Temple.

These beaches are just our preferences near the James Rental Samui agency, but nothing beats going around the island and discovering its many accesses to the sea, sometimes reserving you some wonderful surprises, like some beaches often deserted in the southwest or north of Koh Samui.

Nightlife and festive in Koh Samui:

Samui is also known for its vibrant nightlife.

Know that night falls before 7 pm all year round, so night activities start early. Enjoy food markets, these night markets at great prices, where you can taste many local dishes while discovering the culture of the island's inhabitants.

To continue the evening, you will be spoiled for choice among the many reggae bars, electro, live bands, hip-hop club, and R'n'B as the Hush Bar, bigger clubs like the Green Mango, or the huge and must-have Beach Club and Resort Ark Bar.

Follow passers-by to know the hot spots of Koh Samui nights.

Get to the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan from Koh Samui

The Full Moon Party is a world-famous festival, attracting tens of thousands of people to gather once a month on a single beach in Haad Rin on Koh Phangan Island to dance on the sound of electronic music, about 30 minutes from Koh Samui by boat.

Each establishment proposes its musical programming with DJ, lights, and show of fire. The monthly event has been taking place on every full moon, for more than 30 years and every transition to the New Year.

Since most of Thailand is a Buddhist religion, dates are sometimes adapted to avoid certain "Buddha days" during which alcohol consumption is prohibited. Alcohol flows afloat in the buckets, the bucket full of alcohol in which party animals drink with a straw, covered with paint and fluorescent clothing as tradition dictates.

If you plan to attend a Full Moon Party, we recommend that you find accommodation in Koh Samui and get there in the evening, by the many boats making the shuttle all night long, in order to avoid the inconvenient congestion and room rates of Koh Phangan at this time.

Full Moon Party dates for 2019 are as follows:

Sunday, January 20, 2019 Wednesday, February 20, 2019 Wednesday, March 20, 2019 Friday, 19 April 2019 Sunday, May 19, 2019 Monday, June 17, 2019 Thursday, 18 July 2019 Thursday, August 15, 2019 Friday, September 13, 2019 Monday, October 14, 2019 Monday, November 11, 2019 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Tuesday, December 31, 2019

See a Boxing Muay Thai fight in Koh Samui:

It would be inexcusable to have a stay in Thailand without attending a Thai boxing event, the famous Muay Thai, which sees local and often international fighters fight with feet, elbows, knees, and punches in a traditional musical atmosphere.

There are several Stadiums competing on the island, and you will not miss the flyers and promotional cars that pace the streets, the days before and the same day of every event. Prices vary depending on the stadium and the level of the fighters at the same time. Expect to pay more than 1000 bahts to access the stadium, and attend, being seated, several fights during the evening.

If you are not sure to enjoy the show, or if you prefer to save your money to other centers of interest, you can attend free fights on Saturday night in the central ring in the middle of bars of Lamai. The atmosphere is generally nice, but the fighting is not always of the highest level.

Tropical fauna of Koh Samui:

During your stay on the wonderful Koh Samui, you will often encounter a surprising tropical fauna, composed of harmless (but sometimes venomous) snakes, spiders, rare scorpions, cockroaches and roaches, flies and mosquitoes serving as many geckos, these little cute lizards usually cohabiting with you. You will probably have the chance to see some birds with sublime colors, this other characteristic peculiar to the tropics.

Health and Medical, Hospitals, medicine in Koh Samui

Know that most hospitals in Koh Samui provide quality care, but their services are mostly very expensive. Remember to subscribe to insurance before your trip to Thailand, and then enjoy a treatment in the best hospitals on the island. Ask about the coverage offered by your payment cars such as Gold Mastercard or Visa Premier before you purchase third-party insurance.

You will find many pharmacies everywhere, selling all kinds of medicines at reasonable prices, often without a prescription. No need to overload yourself with medication, except of course, if you depend on a particular treatment (think in this case to carry with you the order, in case of control by the customs on your arrival).

Immigration Office - Visas and Length of Stay in Thailand:

Visa regulations and exceptions are sometimes complex and change very regularly. We prefer not to give you any information about this, but you are strongly advised to contact the Thai Embassy in your country, in order to get the latest updates.

Once in Koh Samui, many travel agencies are specialized in the advice and the obtaining of visas or the extension of stay. You can also go directly to the immigration office located in Mae Nam at the following address: Google Maps

Can we and should we negotiate prices in Thailand? In Koh Samui?

Some countries see price bargaining as an insult, others as an inevitable game with every purchase. In Thailand, trading is common in tourist markets, much less in more remote areas seeing few foreigners. In Koh Samui, sellers are accustomed to tourism, and often display already increased prices for foreigners. Even in pharmacies, it is likely that a Thai resident pays only a third of the price written on a medicine package.

To the extent reasonable, you can try to divide by 2 or 3 an advertised price, but know subtly recognize the receptivity of the seller. As in many countries, do not start the game of negotiation if you do not really want to buy, out of respect for the seller who seeks above all to make a living.

For any transport not explicitly priced, for example a taxi who does not start the meter (which is theoretically illegal), you will have to negotiate the ride before going up, and do not hesitate then to sacrifice the prices announced by the driver who will surely try the jackpot, especially at night, seeing some tourists drunk or disoriented.

Finally, it is not uncommon to see groups negotiating a price at the restaurant or in the markets, free to try this practice often considered stingy by locals, but they could accept rather than see to leave a large group at their more cooperative neighbor.

Also note that in many markets in Koh Samui, prices are somehow fixed to avoid extreme competition and that a restaurant will, therefore, be reluctant to grant you a price cut, but will prefer to reward your sympathy with some extra food.

Should you leave a tip at the restaurant, massage or hotel in Koh Samui?

The tipping policy is also rather random, from one country to another. In Thailand, the tip is not systematic, but of course, always appreciated. The challenge is to know how to estimate the local value.

For example, in Koh Samui, a restaurant waiter will probably be paid around 10,000 baht a month and will eat a local dish for around 50 baht. It is therefore up to you to judge whether or not the staff deserves a tip, often depending on the total amount of your bill.

In hotels, as in restaurants, employees will always appreciate a tip as a thank you for their attention to you.

In a spa-massage, most masseuses receive a minimum of 150 baht per hour of massage, regardless of the price paid by the customer, rarely more, except for certain specialties, and most are only commissioned and do not touch therefore any fixed salary.

Feel free to reward staff who have treated you particularly well.

Thai New Year and water festival, pour water on the occasion of Songkran Festival:

Every year, on April 13 and for several days, Thailand is celebrating the Thai New Year, Songkran Festival, celebrated by watering all passersby, preferably foreigners, sometimes very cold because loaded with ice cubes, water not always very clear but often abundant.

On the island of Koh Samui, the authorities usually limit this famous feast of water to 1 or 2 days, to avoid any shortage of water, the reserves being sometimes very low in this very hot and dry season.

It is also good to brush the faces of passers-by with a paste made of talc and tiger balm, this mixture giving a sensation sometimes refreshing, sometimes hot, but always as amusing (as long as the eyes are not affected).

If you visit Thailand or Koh Samui during this period, you will not be able to escape these rituals unless you stay cloistered at home. Enjoy this unique atmosphere to mingle with the crowd, and water yourself. Invest like many, in a good waterproof pouch to protect your most fragile belongings, and in the most powerful water guns that you can find. For smaller budgets, a simple bucket will do, and you will find large basins of water along the roads to recharge your weapons.

Of course, it can be quite imprudent to drive in crowds who will not hesitate to water you anyway. The choice of renting a car rather than a motorcycle during Songkran Festival is not a bad idea, and the more cautious will be able to cross the streets and admire the festival, undercover.

Feet in Thailand:

Most tourists who come to Thailand are not familiar with the customs and culture of the country. It is often considered unhygienic by tourists, and impractical to take off shoes to enter a trade or housing, it is, however, the rule almost everywhere.

For this reason, it is strongly recommended to be in the local fashion, by adopting flip-flops, these easy open shoes that are quick to remove and step over a door. You will generally understand that you have to take off your shoes when you see several shoes left, often in disorder, outside an establishment.

Do not worry, there are few thieves and you should find your shoes when you leave. Not taking off these shoes to enter a place will be very poorly perceived, and comparable to an insult, the non-respect of the culture.

Often more difficult to understand by strangers, it is very bad to point someone or something with your feet. This practice is also perceived as an insult to the person being pointed. So be careful, especially in transport, not to direct your feet towards someone, or to approach your feet of the head of another passenger.

The head in Thailand:

In Thailand, it is perceived as an insult, or a lack of respect, to touch the head of others, especially of a man, with the hand. If this gesture may seem commonplace in our cultures, it is here a sign of inferiority and humiliation. Remember this information before touching the head or hair of a Thai man, even a young boy.

The Wai, the Thai salute:

Globally recognized as a sign of respect and humility, the Thai greeting responds to specific rules. The Waï (pronounced why) is a salute made with both hands clasped in front of you, often associated with an inclination of the head towards the ground as a sign of prostration.

There are many variations of this salute, and the height of the hands, from the torso to the forehead, will often indicate the level of respect you have for the greeted person. Do not abuse this greeting, reserve it rather to the people who will be most devoted to you, as a sign of thanks, good morning or goodbye, but it is useless to greet any seller or waiter by simple politeness.

Reserve the most respectful wai, ie hands at the highest of the front or nose, to monks or to members of the royal family. If you really want to master this gesture before your stay, you will find many videos about it on the internet .

Proper dress required to visit a temple in Thailand.

If you wish to visit a temple or any religious place, you will be specifically asked to take off your shoes and wear a proper dress. You will often be asked to cover your elbows and your knees. Pants or light veils are sometimes available for free at the entrance of the temples. During your days of discovery of Koh Samui, remember to bring a simple veil or light pants with you.

Safety and thefts in Koh Samui

Except on the roads, as stated in our hiring and driving tips, Thailand is a pretty safe country. At least if you're not looking for a fight with Thai people who are usually all Thai boxing passionates (Muay Thai).

Like everywhere else, drinking or being in group can sometimes turn and heat people's minds, so it's a good idea to avoid conflict with your hosts, and remember that you'll probably always be wrong in any delicate situation because the other Thais generally defend their compatriots.

Know that there are many Thai people with firearms or knives, so stay away from any altercation and prefer to apology, rather than to cause a trivial situation.

Do not trust the stoutness of Thai people, you may be surprised by the violence of the clashes sometimes taking place on the street.

The thefts are rather rare in Koh Samui, and it seems that they are more often perpetrated by foreigners, taking advantage of their holidays to commit some crimes, thinking, wrongly, to be safe from any law repression. No need to tempt thieves by leaving your valuables unseen and apparent anyway.

Also, think that the average Thai salary is around 10,000 baht a month and that counting your bundles of 1,000 baht banknotes in public could attract the most ill-intentioned.

Always keep your passport and departure card with you or in a safe place.

Do not lose the little white shutter filled when you arrive in Thailand. This "Departure Card" must be returned when you leave the country, and you may be delayed for several hours if you are no longer able to present it.

It may happen that this paper, stapled to your passport by the immigration officer when entering the country, is detached and lost during, for example, photocopying by your hotel or agency rent a scooter or car.

Always be sure to find your passport and this Departure card easily throughout your stay.

We wish you an excellent stay in Koh Samui and hope that your holiday will remain an unforgettable and wonderful experience.

Read also our tips for driving in thailand and renting of vehicles in koh samui.

Travel Guide – Surat Thani to Koh Samui Ferry

Planning your trip from Surat Thani to Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is the largest island in the east coast of Thailand. Known for its gorgeous beaches, oceanfront resorts and lively nightlife scene, it is one of the most famous islands in Thailand.

Getting to Koh Samui from Surat Thani is straight forward. Koh Samui is located just 30 km from the mainland. There’s ferries crossing over about every hour with a travel duration of just 90 minutes or 45 minutes via the high speed catamaran.

The ferries depart from Donsak pier which is located outside of Surat Thani city. Joint tickets that include a transfer from the city, the train station or airport are a convenient and affordable way to reach Donsak followed by the ferry to Koh Samui.

Getting from Surat Thani to Koh Samui

Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang and Koh Lanta are where the majority of tourists are coming from and only pass through Surat Thani to hop on a ferry to Koh Samui or one of the nearby island Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.

If your route starts in one of the above destinations and you don’t plan spending any time in Surat Thani, it is a better option to purchase a joint ticket. These all-inclusive joint tickets conveniently combine a bus and ferry journey. The bus travels directly to the pier where the ferry is waiting. This means there is no additional costs or in-between transfers needed which would cost time and money.

Below are the popular routes which can be clicked to view more details ⤵

Phuket → Koh Samui (joint ticket) Krabi → Koh Samui (joint ticket) Ao Nang → Koh Samui (joint ticket) Koh Lanta → Koh Samui (joint ticket)

Questions and answers

Most ferries from Surat Thani to Koh Samui complete the journey in 90 minutes. The Lomprayah high speed catamaran is the fastest with a travel time of 45 minutes.

The seatran ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Samui completes the journey in 90 minutes and departs from the company’s pier in Donsak.

There is 3 companies operating between Surat Thani and Koh Samui. The pier for Raja ferries is in Lipa Noi. Seatran docks at Na Thon pier. Both these pier are on the west coast of Koh Samui and about 40 minutes from popular areas like Chaweng, Lamai and Bo Phut. Lomprayah has ferries that dock in Maenam on north Koh Samui which is more convenient.

Surat Thani to Koh Samui Ferries

The ferries to Koh Samui from Surat Thani depart from one of the piers in Donsak which is about 1 hour drive outside the city.

There’s a frequent schedule of ferry departures approximately every hour. The first ferry is operated by Raja ferries and departs at 5:00 am with a travel time of 90 minutes. The last ferry is at 7:00 pm and also offered by Raja ferries. View ferries and schedules.

How to get to the piers in Donsak

There is no buses that go to Donsak pier. The best way to travel from Surat Thani to Donsak is by taxi. While you’ll find metered taxi in Surat Thani, drivers often don’t turn on the meter. Therefore you’ll need to negotiate a reasonable price which should be around THB700. GRAB online taxi isn’t that popular in Surat Thani.

If you book online there is also the option to purchase tickets that include a bus transfer from Surat Thani city, the train station or bus station to the ferry. The bus will take you directly to the pier for whichever ferry you booked. It’s the cheapest and most convenient option.

How to book ferry tickets

While tickets can be purchased directly at the pier in Donsak on the day of travel, I would recommend reserving your seats online. Not only does this give you peace of mind but you can also view ferry schedules and departures and compare prices. Also, online you’ll have the option to book tickets that include transport to the pier.

Arriving in Koh Samui

Raja Ferries docks in Lipa Noi and Seatran docks in Na Thon. Both these piers are on the west coast of Koh Samui. Lomprayah has a daily ferry that goes to their pier in Maenam located on North Koh Samui.

Related | Best time to visit Koh Samui

How to get to hotel from the pier

When arriving in Koh Samui you have a few options to get to your hotel. All the options I will list apply regardless of which pier the boats docks in.

Songtaews are pick up vans fitted with benches in the back and are the local public transport. These vans go to different parts of the island and leave once they are full. Let the one of the drivers know where you are going and they’ll show you which van to hop on. You can also rent out the van similar to a taxi, just agree on a price beforehand.

Taxis are also on option. While the taxis have meters they are rarely used and fixed prices are notoriously expensive. Expect to pay at least THB1000.

If you’ve already booked accommodation in Koh Samui, make sure to check if they offer a shuttle service. Certain high end properties may offer this service free of charge.

On board the ferry you may also have the option to book a shared transfer. These transfers usually cost around THB150.

Where to stay in Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is a big island with different areas to stay that offer a different atmosphere.

The majority of tourists stay somewhere in the northeastern portion of the island. This is where the best beaches are found and also the largest concentration of hotels and restaurants are in this area.

Below are the 3 most sought out places to stay in Koh Samui. Or you may want to read this detailed guide about the best areas to stay in Koh Samui.

At a glance: nightlife (clubs and bars) – dining – shopping – nice beach – busy

Chaweng is home to the most popular beach in Koh Samui. Consequentially, Chaweng is also the most popular place to stay in Koh Samui. It’s the most developed part of the island and is where you’ll find the largest concentration of hotels, restaurants, bars, tour agents and even the liveliest nightlife scene.

The best places to stay in Chaweng ⤵

You may also like → The best beachfront resorts in Chaweng

At a glance: nightlife (bars) – dining – nice beach – laid back

About 20 minutes drive from Chaweng, Lamai is a favorite area to stay in Koh Samui among families and couples because of it’s laid back atmosphere. There’s a number of accommodation on offer from budget to luxury. And along the main beach road is where the majority of hotels, restaurants and bars are located. Lamai is still lively but not quite as busy as Chaweng.

The best places to stay in Lamai ⤵

Fisherman’s village

At a glance: dining – nice beach – family friendly – romantic – luxury

For those seeking a really nice atmosphere that is more organized and tourist friendly, Fisherman’s village is the answer. It’s a pedestrianized road parallel with a white sandy beach. The hotels are mid to high end and there is a variety of western restaurants, chic cocktail bars, cafes and beach lounges such as the popular Coco Tams which has a popular evening fire show.

The best places to stay in Fisherman’s village ⤵

Because you’re going to Koh Samui

Below are the best rated and most booked tours in Koh Samui. Whether you book these online or through an agent is up to you but I can highly recommend these 3.

Where to go after Koh Samui?

Where are you going after Koh Samui? There are various places to go after Koh Samui. An option is to jump onto a boat and island hop the nearby islands Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. You can easily reach these via a 1 hour to 2 hour fast ferry.

Other places worth considering are Krabi, Ao Nang, Phuket, Khaosok or even Phi Phi island.

All these destinations can easily be reached from Koh Samui with the most popular travel option being the ferry+bus combo tickets. Or if you’re going to Phuket to book a direct flight.

You can click on any route below and view departures after entering your travel date ⤵

→ Koh Samui to Krabi → Koh Samui to Ao Nang → Koh Samui to Phuket → Koh Samui to Khaosok → Koh Samui to Koh Phi Phi island

Also related to Koh Samui

→ Koh Samui 4 day itinerary → Best beaches in Koh Samui → How to get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui

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——— ABOUT US ———

We're Jackie and James, now in our late 30's, we've been traveling on and off for 5 years now. After living our entire lives on a tiny island named Malta, we set off to explore Asia on a budget while writing detailed guides about awesome destinations. We hope our travels help you realize that traveling doesn't have to cost a fortune.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Na Muang Waterfall 1

Spilling down from the island's highest points, this is the first of two waterfalls – close to each other – that are lovely in full spate, pouring frigid…

Fisherman's Village

This concentration of narrow Chinese shophouses in Bo Phut has been transformed into cool boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars. The accompanying…

Wat Phra Yai

At Samui’s northern end is Wat Phra Yai. Erected in 1972, the modern golden Buddha (sitting in the Mara posture) stands 15m high surveying an area…

Hin-Ta & Hin-Yai

At the south end of Hat Lamai, you’ll find these infamous genitalia-shaped stone formations (also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) providing…

Laem Sor Pagoda

Framed against the sea, Laem Sor Pagoda, at the southern end of Samui, is home to an intriguing, highly venerated old Srivijaya-style stupa with scenic…

Samui Elephant Sanctuary

The (high) entrance fee here reflects visitors desire to support a project genuinely caring for rescued elephants, and the half-day experience is more an…

Ko Samui Central Mosque

This photogenic green and gold, domed mosque, built in the Mughal style, sits in the heart of Ko Samui's historic Muslim village. Arrive outside of prayer…

Orthodox Church of the Ascension

Ridiculously photogenic, this beautiful, baby blue, Russian orthodox church with gold onion domes (similar to the nearby mosque) sits halfway up a…

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Jan 8, 2020 • 6 min read

Whitney and Megan Bacon-Evans have found the perfect LGBTQ+ honeymoon destination: Ko Samui, Thailand. Here are their tips for the ultimate romantic break.

Jun 4, 2009 • 2 min read

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7 ways to go to james bond island.

7 WAYS TO GO TO JAMES BOND ISLAND

James Bond Island stands out among all other islands in Phuket, Thailand. As I was planning my trip there, I was stacked on ways to get there. I had to dig further, and I came across seven ways to get there offered by different tour companies. In this post, I am here to tell you the different ways to reach James Bond, which ways are reliable and convenient to you, let’s see together which are the best 7 ways to go to James Bond Island,

All about James Bond Island

If you prefer to check right away the best james bond island tour by speedboat, here you have it.

James Bond island tour by Speedboat from Phuket [with Island relax and National Park included]

If you wish to read more about James Bond Island and Phang Nga bay please go on reading!

James Bond Island is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands where you can enjoy cruising in the spectacular scenery of the beautiful Phang Nga Bay, one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand.

The tours to this island are generally a full-day tour, and after the famous James Bond Movie, it became a tourist center: The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed in 1974 on the island. The island was previously referred to as just one of the other islands in the Phang Nga Bay.

You can enjoy the serenity and tranquility of this most beautiful region on this James Bond Island Tours, and then you can visit the gorgeous Hong Island (in Phang Nga Bay, let’s not forget there is also another Hong island in the Krabi province archipelago) and have fun canoeing in Hong’s mangrove forest.

James Bond Island Tours has a lot of beautiful, mouthwatering deals for tourists and highlights. The most popular is the rock that stands upright. The rock is called the most charming and one of Thailand’s most popular rocks because it’s shaped like a Scooby doo.

Being a full day trip, you have the opportunity to engage in various activities and water sports such as canoeing, sailing, kayaking, sightseeing, and taking pictures of beautiful and unforgettable moments.

Tours to James Bond Island are usually conducted via speed boat, large boats, long-tail boats, catamarans, this helps to shorten travel time and extend the time you use to engage in various Island activities, move smoothly throughout the various islands of the itineraries. You can also enjoy sightseeing on the island of Panak.

The James Bond Tours Packages or day trips will provide a great opportunity for visitors to explore the beautiful kayaking or canoeing lagoon and passages. This will give you the chance to see the spectacular scenery, where hidden lagoons are available to enter the magnificent, majestic caves.

For anyone who wants to get the true picture of Thailand’s beauty, James Bond Island Tours are recommended. It’s a wonderful place to relax with friends and family and enjoy a memorable escape from work stress.

One of Phuket’s top things to do is a trip to Khao Phing Kan or James Bond Island.

Read about these seven ways to get from Phuket to James Bond Island.

Whole afternoon on James Bond Island by full-day water safari

Try a full-day water safari, offering easy hotel pick-up from the west coast of Phuket. Choose whether you want to travel by streamlined speedboat or traditional longboat from Thailand and trace a route north to Phang Nga Bay.

Your host will treat you to a seafood feast fit for 007 before arriving at James Bond Island.

The whole afternoon is devoted to discovering the wonders of James Bond Island, where you can search inside caves for villains, sunbathe on the beach where Roger Moore performed his famous duel, and discover Ko Tapu, the iconic mushroom-shaped rock.

This adventure gives you the most time on the beautiful shores of James Bond Island, of all the things to do in Phuket.

Visit multiple islands in the Phang Nga Bay in a single day

James bond island by big boat.

These tours are going to take you where you want to go. A full-day excursion to Ao Phang Nga National Park, where James Bond Island is nestled next to more than 100 protected islands, helps you to jump on the island.

Your guide breaks the journey with stops on the islands of Talu and Naka, with chances of swimming along the tour route, cave, and kayaking.

While circumnavigating James Bond Island, your guide will tell you about the technical challenges involved in filming the film with local lore.

Until leaving, drive into the emerald shallows near Ko Tapu and see if you can see the mysterious lurking Francisco Scaramanga in the greenery of the jungle.

Spend extra time exploring Phang Nga Bay

Premium James Bond island tour by Speed boat – Phuket [with Naka island – from Royal Phuket Marina]

A full-day deluxe tour helps you to immerse yourself completely in the collapsed cave systems and ancient archeological sites of the island.

Come to think about it; it’s possible that Bond, too, would have wanted to spend some extra time here exploring. In the morning, the interior lagoon of kayak Hong Island explores its otherworldly shades of emerald and turquoise blue.

Go to James Bond Island in the afternoon, where your guide will allow you to apply your MI6 skills to get to know the hidden caverns of the island. You are also invited to explore the eastern beach, where local vendors are offering shell and wood souvenirs.

All the way to Ao Phang Nga National Park

Full-day tour of James Bond Island and Ao Phang Nga National Park, filled with Thai breakfast and lunch, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sights of the serene marine park.

Stops on Hong Island and Naka Island complete the experience as well as the opportunity to ride a long-tail speedboat to the fishing village of Koh Panyee.

An afternoon visit to James Bond Island reveals the filming locations of the resort, as well as details on the island’s geological history and its surroundings.

If you wonder what to eat back in Phuket, refuel with Lucky 13 late-afternoon snack.

Visitors go crazy about their cheeseburgers, while hearty sandwich options such as falafel and local chicken after a long boat trip are a welcome treat.

Likewise, you can go to Patong Beach to wet your whistle at the Iguana Beach Club with a made-to-order cocktail— an idyllic seaside bar that seems to have been pulled straight from a spy movie.

James Bond Island from Phuket

James bond and khai islands tour, the premium james bond and khai islands speedboat.

Premium James Bond and Khai islands Speedboat from Phuket

Speedboat Premium James Bond and Khai Islands Speedboat provide free land transfers from Kamala, Patong, Kalim, Phuket Town, Kata Beach, Karon, and such a low fee, just 100 Thai Baht per person for land transfers from all other Phuket locations.

This is always considered a premium Speedboat tour and James Bond, and Khai Islands Natural Park Fees included in the price!

Departure is from the famous Boat Lagoon luxury Pier

Fast speedboat tours to James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay are one of Phuket’s best island tours. You will visit the islands and the Bay, a must-see in the area, with Premium James Bond and Khai Islands.

The most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see in Phang Nga Bay!

Speedboat’s Premium James Bond and Khai Islands take you to explore one of Phuket’s best tours, James Bond Island, where the James Bond movie Man with The Golden Gun was shot in 1974, Khai Island, a small gem just south of the most spectacular Phang Nga National Park.

James Bond island tours carry you to the mountains, to see spectacular island cliffs, to see beautiful magnificent caves where deep lagoons open up.

Love all these inclusions with James Bond island tour packages such as transportation from you to the pier and back, soft drinks, check-in at the beautiful Boat Lagoon Pier or the nearby Royal Phuket Marina for light coffee and tea breakfast, drinking water, lunch buffet, natural park fees. Life jacket, insurance, tour guide.

Experience sightseeing on the island of Panak and Hong Island, canoeing in the mangrove forest on the island of Hong, visiting the island of James Bond and Khao Ping Kan, having a great lunch buffet in the fishing village of Panyee Island, exploring ice cream caves and diving and snorkeling on the island of Khai!

James Bond tour by big boat

Phang nga canoe highlights tour by big boat.

James Bond island by Big boat – Phuket

James Bond island big boat tour from Phuket

Phang Nga canoe highlights tour by Big boat – Phuket

Phang Nga canoe highlights tour offers free land transfer from Chalong, Patong, Kalim, Kata, Karon, Kathu, Kamala, Phuket Town.

An easy and low price of 200 Thai Baht per person for land transfer from Naithon, Naiyang, Rawai, Nai Harn, Surin beach, Bang Tao and Laguna, Sirei Bay, and Panwa.

This tour also has as well the National Park fees already included in the price!

The canoe of Phang Nga highlights Big Boat tour–Phuket is an Exclusive Big Boat full-day trip.

The canoe of Phang Nga highlights the Big Boat tour–Phuket. Exclusive Big Boat full-day trip.

Discover James Bond Island, where the James Bond movie Man with The Golden Gun was shot in 1974, experience four great moments of canoeing at four incredible locations like James Bond Island, Panak Island, Hong Island, Lawa Island, and enjoy visiting James Bond Island and Khao Ping Kan.

Discover all the most famous sites of the beautiful Phang Nga National Park with canoeing, witness the most spectacular scenery from the sea, explore the secret lagoons, the caves.

This trip is highly recommended for enjoying canoeing and getting a true view of nature in Thailand and taking amazing pictures.

Phang Nga canoe highlights Phuket’s Big Boat ride. There are Soft drinks, coffee, teas, drinking water, buffet lunch on the deck, four canoeing experiences. You will be provided with a Life belt, tour guide, coverage.

The Phuket Sunrise James Bond island tour by speedboat

Luxury sunrise james bond island tour by speed boat.

Luxury Sunrise James Bond island tour by Speed boat – Phuket

Explore Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island, Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai, Hong Island, Phi Phi Island and other popular luxury tours.

Phuket’s full-day ride. Sunrise James Bond Speed Boat Island Tour is always one of Phuket’s most sought after island tours.

Discover one of the best tours in Phuket, James Bond Island, where the James Bond movie Man with The Golden Gun was filmed in 1974, located in the Phang Nga National Park with the most spectacular scenery in South Thailand.

Sunrise James Bond island tour brings you where secret lagoons open up in the rocks to meet the amazing majestic caves.

This trip is highly recommended to get a true picture of nature in Thailand and shoot amazing pictures.

Luxury Sunrise James Bond island will take you to all new and amazing destinations by speedboat, our goal is to show you all the most beautiful spots when there are no crowds and other tourists.

Enjoy all these inclusions with the Luxury James Bond Island Tour Package, such as transportation from you to the pier and back, soft drinks, coffee and tea, drinking water, lunch buffet, park fees! There is a provision of a Life jacket, insurance, tour guide.

Enjoy a fantastic sightseeing tour on the island of Panak and Hong Island while canoeing in the mangrove forest on the island of Hong.

You will visit James Bond Island, enjoying a great lunch buffet on the island of Koh Yao Noi, exploring ice cream caves and swimming and relaxing on the island of Koh Yao Yai!

The top sunrise tours and premium tours .

If you also want to check the Premium serviced tour route to James Bond Island and the Bay of Phang Nga.

Sunrise James Bond island tour offers free to pick up and drop off anywhere in Phuket at your hotel!

Check-in at the Pier and Light Breakfast Luxury Royal Phuket Marina.

3 great points of this tour?

• Fees of the Natural Park included in the ticket cost as well!
• There is a vegetarian menu on request!
• Transportation is here. Sunrise James Bond Island Tour starts with pick-up from your hotel and move to Royal Phuket Marina (Phuket’s most luxurious pier) for check-in in our lounge and light but full breakfast.

James Bond island long-tail boat tour

The very typical tour to james bond island with local longtail boat.

Delicious lunch included in the tour rate, fees included in the cost of the National Park!

James Bond long-tail boat tour on the island–free hotel pick up and drop off from Patong, Karon, Kata; only 200 Thai Baht per person for land transfers from Phuket Town, Chalong, Rawai, Nai Harn, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao, Laguna, Nai Yang, Mai Khao.

In the region, it’s a must-see and one of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see! James Bond Island by Speed Boat takes you to discover one of the best Krabi tours, James Bond Island, where the James Bond movie Man was filmed in 1974 with The Golden Gun.

Located in the Phang Nga National Park, the most stunning scenery used to film some of the helicopter scenes in the Jurassic Park movie.

James Bond Island Tour takes you where secret lagoons open up into the rocks to meet the amazing majestic caves.

Also, this trip is highly recommended to get a true picture of nature in Thailand and shoot amazing pictures, because you will be riding the local longtail boat that gives so many picturesque moments to shoot really nice unique pictures.

Enjoy all these inclusions with the James Bond Island Tour Package, such as transportation from you to the pier and back, soft drinks, coffee and tea, drinking water, lunch buffet, park fees! Life jacket, insurance, tour guide.

Enjoy canoeing in Talu Island’s man groove forest, visiting the island of James Bond and Khao Ping Kan, enjoying a great buffet lunch in the fishing village of Panyee Island, exploring the ice cream caves!

James Bond Island by Speed boat

The island of James Bond by speedboat. James Bond island travel package with buffet lunch, soft drinks, coffee and tea, drinking water, natural park fees! Life jacket, security, tour guide.

Enjoy sightseeing on the island of Panak and Hong Island, canoeing in the mangrove forest on the island of Hong.

Visiting the island of James Bond and Khao Ping Kan, enjoy a great lunch buffet in the fishing village of Panyee Island, exploring the ice cream caves and swimming and relaxing on the island of Naka or Lawa!

Once again this is for most of the visitors the first choice, and not by chance because this tours will give you the little thrill adventure feel of riding a speedboat, with so many inclusions and basically very low prices.

• James Bond tour of the island Natural Park fees included in the rate. James Bond Island by Speed Boat Offer Free Land Transfer ONLY from Patong, Kalim, Kathu, Kata Beach, Karon,
• Only 200 Thai Baht per person for Land Transfer from Kamala, Surin Beach, Bang Tao, Laguna, Phuket Town, Chalong.
• Speedboat tour of James Bond Island is always one of Phuket’s best island tours. In the region, it’s a must-see and one of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see!
• James Bond Island by Speed Boat takes you to explore one of Phuket’s best tours, James Bond Island, where the James Bond movie Man with The Golden Gun was shot in 1974. It is located in the Phang Nga National Park, with the most spectacular scenery used to capture some helicopter scenes in the Jurassic Park series.
• James Bond Island Tour also takes you to the hidden lagoons.

James Bond island from Krabi

The krabi tours.

James Bond Island full day Speed boat tour–Krabi Now accessible regular by minivan and long-tail cruise on the latest James Bond Island tour from Krabi! Free pick up and drop off at Your Hotel in Krabi Town / Klong Muang / Ao Nang–the Tour Price includes delicious lunch!

Speedboat tour of the James bond island is always one of Krabi’s best island tours. In the region, it’s a must-see and one of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see! James Bond Island Tour brings you to discover the amazing majestic caves where secret lagoons open in the rocks.

This trip is highly recommended to get a true picture of the nature of Thailand and to take amazing pictures.

You will love all of these inclusions with the James Bond Island Tour kit, such as transportation to and from the pier.

There are soft drinks, coffee, and tea, drinking water, buffet lunch, park fees. Life jacket, cover, a guide for the tour. Experience sightseeing at the Phan Nga river, sightseeing at the Raman Waterfalls, and canoeing at the Suwant Tokuha Cave Temple.

Love a trip to James Bond Island and Khao Ping Kan, enjoy a great buffet lunch at Panyee Island’s fishing village.

James Bond Island from Khao Lak

James Bond island tour by Speed boat from Khao Lak

You will Love all these inclusions with James Bond island tour packages such as transportation from point to pier and back, soft drinks, check-in at the beautiful Royal Phuket Marina for light coffee and tea breakfast, drinking water, lunch buffet, natural park fees.

There is a provision of a Life jacket, insurance, tour guide. Enjoy sightseeing on the island of Panak and Hong Island, while canoeing in Hong Island’s caves and lagoons. Visiting the island of James Bond and Khao Ping Kan, and you will have a fantastic buffet lunch in the fishing village of Panyee Island, discovering ice cream caves and swimming and snorkeling on Khai Island!

The Island and the Bay itself are the region’s must-see, the Phang Nga Bay has the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see!

James Bond island tours bring you where hidden lagoons open up into the rocks, to see spectacular island cliffs, to see magnificent caves.

James Bond island tour from Khao Lak is always one of the best island tours from Khao Lak. James Bond island tours Natural Park fees already included in Khao Lak Hotels and Resorts price and land transfer.

Why is Phuket so famous? Here we come up with a list of many ideas why!

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destinations

travel ITINERARIES

Google pins, koh samui, thailand: a complete island travel guide, asia , koh samui , thailand.

Koh Samui is a popular resort destination in the Gulf of Thailand that also serves as a gateway to the diving mecca of Koh Tao and the world renowned full moon parties of Koh Pha Ngan. Of these three Surat Thani islands, Samui is the most upscale, catering to the luxury traveler with an array of five-star resorts, private pool villas, world class spas and fine restaurants. And fittingly, it’s the setting for season three of the HBO series White Lotus . Below is my complete guide to Koh Samui including the best resorts, beaches, offshore islands, waterfalls, night markets, day trips and transportation options.

This post contains affiliate links. When you click these links I may get a small commission that won’t cost you anything, but it does help me run this website.

The 19 arms of Wat Plai Laem. Outfit details: Saylor dress, linked here .

HOW MANY DAYS ON KOH SAMUI?

FOUR DAYS. Four full days on Koh Samui is enough time to see the sights, relax at the best beaches, enjoy the night markets and even take a day trip to offshore islands.

Day trips to offshore islands are easy to do on Koh Samui.

WHEN TO VISIT KOH SAMUI

JANUARY THROUGH MARCH . Unlike most of Thailand, Koh Samui’s rainy season spans October to December. The island sees far less rain July through September than Phuket, making a great alternative for late summer travel. That said, the best months for sunshine and dry skies are still January through March. April and May are the hottest months of the year.

Koh Madsum is a 20-minute longtail boat ride from Koh Samui. Outfit details: Lovers + Friends one-piece, linked here .

EXPLORE KOH SAMUI

CORAL COVE BEACH

Visit on a calm day for the ultimate paradise vibes on Coral Cove. The stretch of beach sparkles every shade of turquoise, but it’s the massive granite boulders that add all the character to this slice of paradise.

HIN TA HIN YAI

Located at the far end of Lamai Beach, Hin Ta Hin Yai are large granite rocks that resemble phallic symbols. Hence the nickname “Grandpa and Grandma Rock.” The beach is beautiful, but very touristy – not a place for peaceful sunbathing. Arrive early to avoid tourists.

KOH ANTHONG MARINE PARK

Koh Anthong Marine Park is a stunning archipelago of 42 islands located east of Koh Samui. It’s home to limestone peaks, caverns, dense jungle, remote beaches, coral gardens and marine lakes. Speed boats shuttle visitors out for the day, but it’s also possible to camp on Koh Wua Ta Lap (main island with park headquarters) if you coordinate with your tour operator.

Koh Madsum is a 30-minute longtail boat ride off the south coast of Koh Samui. The island is a little slice of paradise, home to soft white sand, ocean swings, clear turquoise shallows and a handful pigs that roam the beach. Many more pigs used to live on the island’s main beach, but idiot tourists fed them human food, and they slowly started to die off.

If you don’t have time to visit Koh Tao, it’s possible to visit Koh Nang as part of a half-day trip from Koh Samui. The island is the epitome of paradise off the coast of Koh Tao. Iconic granite boulders surround the island where a thin strip of sand connects different parts of the island. Almost looks like a sandbar. It’s a 15-minute hike up to the viewpoint, one of the prettiest island views in Thailand. It’s easier to avoid crowds, and explore Koh Nang at leisure if you visit by longtail boat while actually staying on Koh Tao. A tour group from Koh Samui is a last resort.

KOH TAO SCUBA DIVING

If you don’t have time for a separate trip to Koh Tao, it’s possible to book a dive trip from Koh Samui. A full day of diving includes two dives at two of Koh Tao’s world class dive sites, as well as lunch on the boat.

Another offshore island reachable via a 20-minute longtail boat ride. The island is not developed, and feels very off the-beaten-path. There is a palm tree swing in front of the island’s only restaurant where the longtail boats dock.

NAMTOK NA MUEANG WATERFALL

Namtok Na Mueang isn’t the most epic waterfall, but it’s a nice change of scenery if you’re looking for a break from the Koh Samui coastline. There are technically two waterfall hikes by the same name – the second one is the prettier hike, if you can make it to the pool at the top of the falls. Note that to get to the waterfall, you’ll pass an awful elephant camp – just ignore it, and keep walking. The elephants are mistreated – DO NOT give this camp any money.

NAMTOK TAR NIM & MAGIC GARDEN

Sculpture park on Pom Mountain, just north of Namtok Na Mueang Waterfall. Moss covered stone statues are scattered throughout the forest, and have all the feels of a fairytale.

OVERLAP STONE

A strange, massive boulder that sits upright on a viewpoint surrounded by lush banana trees, palms and greenery. Located near Lamai Beach.

TAMARIND SPRINGS FOREST SPA

Beautiful spa set in the forest that offers an array of services including massage, facials, natural rock plunge pools and herbal steam caves.

WAT PHRA YAI

Also known as the Big Buddha Temple, Wat Phra Yai is located on Koh Faan, a small rocky island, in Bophut. The Golden Buddha sits at the top of a staircase where locals come to make offerings including incense, flowers, food and money.

WAT PLAI LAEM

Wat Plai Laem is a modern temple, located in Bohput near Wat Phra Yai. The 18-armed statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy rises up over the complex that sits on a serene lake.

Cute coastal cafes on Koh Samui.

Colorful fruit stands on Koh Samui. Where’s the passion fruit?

KOH SAMUI RESTAURANTS

CHAWENG NIGHT MARKET

Popular night market packed with food vendors selling all the favorites including seafood, crab curry, pad thai, fruit shakes, stir-fry and more.

COCO TAM’S

Open-air restaurant in Bophut that serves Western dishes in a Boho beachside setting. Menu includes pizzas, pastas, salads and cocktails. Fire shows take place on the beach in front of Coco Tam’s Sunday through Thursday, at 8 PM and Friday and Saturday, at 7:30 PM and 9 PM.

Solid Italian option on Koh Samui if you need a break from Thai food. Duomo serves bruschetta, pasta and wood-fired pizza.

HAAD BANG PO

Delicious restaurant on the beach that serves up popular Thai and seafood dishes including whole fish, curries, prawns, shrimp and more.

Another solid beach option in Bophut that serves a variety of pastas and fresh seafood.

SABEINGLAE RESTAURANT

Popular seaside restaurant that serves classic Thai dishes, as well as delicious fresh seafood options (highly recommend the tamarind prawns, one of the signature dishes).

Tamarind prawns at Sabeinglae Restaurant – so delicious!

KOH SAMUI HOTELS

FOUR SEASONS RESORT KOH SAMUI

Far removed from the bustle of Bohput and Chaweng, the Four Seasons sits on the northwest tip of Koh Samui. It feels a world away from the night markets, walking streets and airport, but all are just 20-minutes by taxi. There are more than 60 pool villas and private residences scattered across the resort, all home to spacious sundecks and private infinity pools. This is one of the filming locations for season three of the HBO series White Lotus .

THE RITZ-CARLTON, KOH SAMUI

The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui is loaded with everything you’ll need for a complete five-star resort experience – pool villas overlooking the ocean, 11 restaurants, a spa village, infinity pools, a private reef, secluded beaches and Thailand’s only ocean swimming pool. And the resort’s coastal location in Bophut is ideal, a short drive from local temples night markets and some of island’s best beaches.

SIX SENSES SAMUI

66 private villas sit perched in the hills on the northern tip of the island, many with sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand. The luxurious rustic elements of Six Senses Samui are folded into lush vegetation, you’ll find infinity pools, fine dining, a spa and even a small farm all surrounded by tropical greenery.

W KOH SAMUI

For an ultra modern vibe, book one of the 74 private pool villas at the W Koh Samui . The villas offer a very comfortable stay mostly because everything is wonderfully oversized – the bedrooms, the bathrooms, the ceilings, the villa windows and the sunken tubs. If you can peel yourself away from your villa, the resort also boasts a full-service spa, the Woo Bar, beach access and on-site restaurant.

I was obsessed with The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui spa pool, and I had it to myself every afternoon.

GET AROUND KOH SAMUI

You’ll need wheels on Koh Samui to access the tourist sights, beaches, hiking trails and night markets that are scattered across the island. The most affordable option is to rent a scooter for the duration of your time on Koh Samui. If a scooter isn’t a viable option, then taxi will be the most convenient mode of transport.

We met a man at this coconut farm who makes 70 baht for every 100 husked coconuts.

GET TO KOH SAMUI

Koh Samui is one of the more expensive islands to reach in Thailand because the airport is owned by Bangkok Airways. They operate almost all flights to and from the island, limiting the schedule, route and pricing options for passengers. Direct domestic routes include Bangkok , Chiang Mai, Phuket , Pattaya and Krabi , and direct international flights to Singapore .

Wat Phra Yai.

Hi!!! Amazing OST with super useful information. May ask where exactly (restaurant/beach/location) is the swing of the photo? I guess it’s in Koh Tan but could you send the location? Thank you so much 🙂

It’s on Koh Tan, which is super tiny so you can’t miss it. When you dock at the pier, the swing is down the beach to the left (if the water is behind you).

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The 14 Coolest Things To Do In Koh Samui In 2024

Let’s head to the Gulf of Thailand to explore the beautiful island of Koh Samui! I’d been hearing about it for quite some time but I didn’t really know what to expect when I went there. The great thing about Koh Samui is that the island is quite big (the second biggest in Thailand after Phuket actually) so I figured. I’d certainly find enjoyable activities to do there.

And indeed I was glad to find out that Koh Samui offered a wide range of activities. You can relax on its beautiful beaches, party until the crack of dawn, hike, discover the local culture, try great local dishes, and so on.

This blog post is my take on the things (14 of them) not to miss out on in Koh Samui. First, let me give you some advice on how to get to Koh Samui and where to book your hotel.

Let’s get right into this! 🙂

How To Get To Koh Samui

There are two major means of transportation to get to Koh Samui. The fastest and most convenient is to fly from Bangkok , Chiang Mai or another major city in Thailand. I took a domestic flight from Bangkok that took a little less than an hour.

Although it takes more time, the other cheaper option is to go first to Surat Thani (by plane or train) and then take a ferry to Koh Samui. FYI, the ferry trip takes a little less than 2 hours.

As far as transportation in Koh Samui is concerned, you can take taxis which aren’t that cheap but still cost cheaper than in Europe. To give you an example, a transfer from the airport to Chaweng costs about 400 baths or about $13. Alternatively, you can also rent a scooter for the negotiated price of 200 baths a day or about $7.

Where To Stay In Koh Samui

The island is quite large so it is important to choose the location of your hotel according to your plans and convenience. If you want to stay in a central area with a festive atmosphere, you will have to opt for Chaweng Beach. If you’re traveling with a partner or with family and are looking for a quieter place to stay, then Lamai Beach will be a better choice. If, like me, you’re into “chill” and hippie atmospheres, then get closer to Bophut Beach.

Once you decide where you want to stay, check out these hotel recommendations for each mentioned area.

Chaweng Beach – Banana Fan Sea

The Banana Fan Sea hotel is located in the southern region of Chaweng so you’ll be staying in a quiet area while still being close to the main attractions of the region. The Banana Fan Sea is a seaside hotel so you’ll be able to swim in the sea as well as in the superb swimming pool of the hotel.

Lamai Beach – Beluga Boutique Hotel

The Beluga is a charming boutique hotel located south of Lamai Beach. There you will find everything you need for a relaxing stay. It is also right next to the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks which I’ll talk about below.

Bophut – Peace Resort

In the Bophut region, you can stay at the superb Peace Resort . The beach is great and the resort offers really beautiful bungalows. I find it not that expensive considering the luxurious accommodation it offers.

What To Do In Koh Samui – 14 Must-Try Activities!

Travel tips and good addresses aside, here are the 14 places I liked best on Koh Samui! Below is the complete list with a map to locate all the places I’ll be talking about. We’ll go over each of them next.

• Chaweng beach
• The Big Buddha
• Wat Plai Laem
• Bangrak Market
• Samrong Beach
• The fishing village of Bophut
• Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
• Silver Beach, Crystal Bay
• Lamai Beach
• Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks
• The Chinese shrine of Guan Yu
• Namuang Waterfalls
• The Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim & Magic Garden)
• Nikki Beach

1. Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach is central to Koh Samui, so to speak, certainly not geographically but rather in terms of population density. Chaweng is the largest city on the island and also has the largest beach I think. So tourism in Samui started on Chaweng Beach which gradually became the most crowded beach on the island.

Chaweng Beach has many shops, hotels, and restaurants. It is also the liveliest area of Koh Samui. If you are going to Thailand to party, you should love it. FYI, one of the most popular bars in Chaweng is the beachfront Ark Bar. It gets crazy until 2 AM but the party goes on at the Green Mango if you’re up for it. 🙂

Even though Chaweng is a popular beach, it is still a beautiful spot with fine sand and crystal clear water. A must when visiting Koh Samui Island.

2. The Big Buddha

If you want to know more about Koh Samui’s culture, the Big Buddha should be on top of your list. The official name of this temple is Wat Phra Yai and it is situated northeast of the island. Access is free so you can admire the magnificent 12-meter high golden Buddha statue free of charge.

Behind the Buddha’s head, you will notice a sort of halo which is, in fact, a wheel. It is the Wheel of Karma and is one of the most important symbols in Buddhism. It symbolizes the idea that all our actions have consequences and therefore karmic justice should be expected.

3. Wat Plai Laem

If you want to explore another Buddhist temple in Koh Samui, go to Wat Plai Laem! It is a 15-minute walk from the Great Buddha statue. As you can see, there is a lot of Chinese influence in the structure of this temple. The statue in the picture above is not Buddha but Budai who is a highly revered Chinese monk.

And as for the statue that has 18 arms, it is Guanyin, the goddess of compassion and mercy in the pantheon of Chinese Buddhism.

4. Bangrak Market

We’re still in the same region of Koh Samui where you can visit the Bangrak market. Freshly caught fish, as well as many fruits and vegetables, are sold there.

If you go there in the evening, and for only a few bucks, you can get a taste of the local dishes in the small bar in front of the market.

5. Samrong Beach

If you want to relax on a beautiful uncrowded beach, head to Samrong, towards the northeast of the island. If you’re planning to go there in the afternoon, I recommend going to another nearby beach to enjoy the most memorable of sunsets! This beach is located here and is a bit difficult to access but as you can see in the picture below, it’s worth it. 🙂

By the way, for more beach recommendations in Koh Samui, feel free to check out this blog post: Best Beaches in Koh Samui .

6. The Bophut Fisherman’s Village

The village of Bophut was definitely one of my favorite places in Koh Samui. I spent a couple of weeks there while I was in Koh Samui. As a fisherman’s village, I expected to come across many fishermen during my stay.

But the name comes from the fact that several Chinese fishermen immigrated to this village during the 19th century. Several families in Bophut are direct descendants of those fishermen and that’s how the village’s name came about.

What’s so special about the village of Bophut? Mainly the very relaxed atmosphere but also its beautiful beach. It reminded me a bit of Canggu in Bali .

If you’re looking for nice beach bars and restaurants, get down to Coco Tam’s, this blog post was born there! You can try their great fusion cuisine and enjoy the beachfront setting. There’s a great atmosphere both day and night at Coco Tam’s.

I highly recommend La Cantina if you’re looking for a good restaurant. This one serves delicious Mexican food. A wonderful sea view will accompany you while you enjoy your meal.

A friend of mine and I had chicken fajitas, roasted camembert and some more roasted chicken with a Martini and a Mojito to wash it all down with. A treat!

By the way, La Cantina is run by a very nice Frenchman who goes by the name Tato (meaning big eyes in Thai). If you go there, say hi to Tato for me, please! 🙂

7. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

In the mood for a mindblowing boat tour? This is a tour that will take you to the magnificent Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park, more commonly known as Ang Thong. This is actually a group of really beautiful small islands that are located west of Koh Samui.

A car will first pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the harbor.

You will then make several stops on some of Ang Thong’s islands and you will be given enough time to visit the surrounding area. However, make sure to stick to the scheduled departure times so as not to keep your group waiting.

I don’t think you need a detailed description of the tour, so I’ll leave it to you to discover the rest of it. In any case, keep in mind the tour includes a kayak tour, lunch, and a great snorkeling session.

To book this tour, you can buy your tickets online ahead of time (recommended option) or at a travel agency in Koh Samui.

8. Silver Beach In Crystal Bay

If you ask me, the most beautiful beach in Koh Samui would probably Silver Beach. It is located just north of Lamai, in Crystal Bay (about the bay’s clear water). I remember it was the first beach I visited in Koh Samui and when I got in the water and saw the beautiful mountains surrounding the bay, I remember thinking, how beautiful is all of this! 😀

By the way, if you want to have lunch with a breathtaking view of Crystal Bay, you can go to the restaurant called The Cliff which, as its name suggests, is located on a cliff overlooking the bay. It serves excellent Mediterranean cuisine!

9. Lamai Beach

Lamai Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Koh Samui. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing and the beach is mostly visited by couples and families with children. It has lots of shops and is a convenient starting point to visit the attractions in the south of the island. As far as nightlife is concerned, there are of course a few bars and good restaurants, but it is still a bit less popular, especially compared to Chaweng.

And if you really want to relax in Lamai Beach, you can also book this amazing Yoga Retreat .

10. The Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks

Going down south from Chaweng Beach, you will come to a rocky point where the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks are found. Hin Ta and Hin Yai literally mean granny and grandpa’s rocks. It’s actually about two rocks that have quite suggestive shapes. This is Grandma’s rock:

And this is Grandpa’s rock, still very much in shape as you can see! 😀

This place is fun and the view is great so I really recommend you visit it. And don’t hesitate to have some coconut ice cream at the entrance, just thinking about it is mouth-watering!

11. The Guan Yu Chinese Shrine

On my way back to Lamai one evening, I came across this huge statue representing Guan Yu, a Chinese warlord. The statue is made of bronze and is 16 meters tall. There’s also a small (although slowly expanding) Chinatown in front of the temple.

12. Namuang Waterfalls

In the mountains of the south of the island, you can visit the beautiful waterfalls of Namuang. They are accessible quite easily by motorbike or car. You will have to walk for about 10 more minutes and you’ve reached the waterfalls. Many people swim at the foot of these waterfalls so don’t hesitate to jump in if you like.

13. The Secret Buddha Garden (Tarnim & Magic Garden)

This garden is one of the most beautiful places I have visited in Koh Samui! Nestled in the heights of the south of the island, it has a really pleasant atmosphere and good vibes. I understand why it is called the Magic Garden.

The garden is not part of a temple but is private property. It belongs to a farmer who made a fortune selling durian (the famous stinky fruit). The entrance costs 80 baths (~ $2) I think.

14. Nikki Beach

Let’s end our tour of the island of Koh Samui with even more relaxation in one of the trendiest beach clubs of the island. Nikki Beach is on the west coast of the island and I spent a really nice afternoon there. The setting is really great and since it is facing west, it has the dreamiest of sunsets!

Don’t I look tough? :p

Prices are of course a bit more expensive than in other bars. Food is still affordable but the wine is the most expensive (~$80 per bottle).

Don’t Miss The Night Markets

There are night markets four days a week in Koh Samui. They take place in different spots depending on the day of the week:

• Wednesday at Choeng Mon Beach
• Thursday at Maenam Beach
• Friday in the village of Bophut
• Sunday at Lamai beach

Night markets in Thailand have a really special atmosphere and Koh Samui is just as special. You can find a little bit of everything there, from clothes to souvenirs and local specialties. The atmosphere is always festive, so make sure to visit at least once during your stay. 🙂

Visit Koh Tao

That’s it for Koh Samui, people! But you should also visit its beautiful neighboring island, Koh Tao. People have been recommending it to me for quite some time now and when I got there, I immediately understood why. I tell you more about it in this dedicated blog post: Koh Tao Thailand .

I hope you liked this post about the island of Koh Samui. I spent a whole month there and I’ll surely go back regularly because I loved it.

If you have a question or a comment, leave it in the comments below. And even if you don’t, let me know if this blog post was helpful to you in any way, I’d really love to know! 😀

You can find also check out my best shots on Instagram .

See you soon for more adventures in Asia! 😉

PS : For more tips on Thailand, this is where it’s at: The Best Places To Visit In Thailand .

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Home » Southeast Asia » Thailand » Koh Samui

EPIC KOH SAMUI Itinerary! (2024)

Koh Samui is a popular tourist destination in the Gulf of Thailand, off the east coast of the Republic of Thailand! It is Thailand’s second-biggest island and has seen exponential growth in its tourism industry in the last forty years.

Sandy beaches, abundant snorkeling and diving opportunities, and a vibrant night-life have made the island popular with travelers from around the world! It offers the added bonus of various activities focused on its interior jungle setting, which many of the mainland’s cities do not.

The islands around Thailand are well known for beach parties and nightlife and Koh Samui is no different, offering numerous walking streets and world-class food and cabaret shows. But, it also retains a deep appreciation of traditional Thai life! Temples and Buddhas adorn the landscape, and the Fisherman’s Village remains one of the island’s main centers!

Getting to Koh Samui may involve a plane or a boat. Both are fairly easy to source from Bangkok! So, what can you see and do on this awesome island? We’re glad you asked. Read on for a Koh Samui trip itinerary that takes in all the good stuff and then some!

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Best time to visit Koh Samui

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Is it ever not a good time to visit an island paradise? We think not. But some times of the year are better than others, something to consider when planning a trip to Koh Samui!

For the best conditions possible, visit Koh Samui between December and April. This goes for visiting South Thailand in general. This is when there’s less rain and lots of great sunny days! Visitors swear that the sunniest months are February and March, but that’s really a matter of statistical fractions. This entire period seems to have been designed for sunbathers and beach bums!

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Koh Samui has a fair amount of rainfall every year. Thankfully, a lot of this is concentrated in specific months. October and November are very wet. It may be quite frustrating to sit under covers waiting for a beach day around this time! The upside is that this is the low season for tourists, so you may be able to score a discount on your accommodation. And there’s still a lot to do on the island anyway!

April and May tend to be very hot. There’s often a mild and quick shower, but it hardly bothers and is actually welcome in the heat! In fact, the heat also can work in your favor, as many tourists find it simply too hot and humid to be out and about, so you can experience a calm vacation. In terms of what to do in Koh Samui at this time, April and May is the best time for diving and snorkeling!

This should give some idea of when to visit Koh Samui.

Ok let’s look at where to stay in Koh Samui . The Thai Gulf island of Samui can accommodate those looking for a lively, action-packed holiday, or those looking for a more sedate, relaxing slumber-vacation.

Chaweng Beach is the busiest town on the island! It’s a hotspot for tourists, there’s plenty of nightlife, and the beach is a hive of activity day and night. Beach bums will enjoy the myriad watersports on offer. Revelers can have their pick of bars, restaurants, and shopping, most of which are within a stone’s throw from the white sands of the beach!

Lamai Beach in the southeast is slightly quieter. The appeal here is the presence of many more resorts that offer more inclusive deals. There’s still a fair amount of nightlife, though, so it’s not completely off-the-beaten-track!

Up the coastline, Bophut is a more traditional experience. It’s an old fishing village that now offers a down-to-earth tourist experience and still maintains a local flavor.

Maenam Beach is popular with backpackers because it offers lots of budget options and a fair amount of watersports and fun activities, which is important for the ultimate Koh Samui Itinerary. Maenam beach is relatively quiet though, and great for passing away warm afternoons in peace. On the downside, the nightlife is slow, compared to Chaweng.

Best Hostel in Koh Samui – P&T Hostel

Spacious rooms and a great location add to P&T’s appeal, but it’s the on-site bike rental and great food that puts it over the top! The fact that most of the guests here remember the staff by name should tell you a lot about the level of friendly customer service! The restaurant below the hostel is a cheap but great value. 

Best Airbnb in Koh Samui – Private Resort Room Close to the Beach

Located only 300m away from the beach and walking distance from all the shops, restaurants and massage parlours, this highly rated boutique resort is an excellent choice for a stay in Koh Samui for your first time. This full size air conditioned room includes a king bed, a wardrobe, a flat screen TV, a private balcony and fast WifFi. Guests also have access to a shared swimming pool, a pool table, a restaurant, a bar and a library.

Best Budget Hotel in Koh Samui – Samui Hills

Huge air-conditioned rooms, all with satellite TV channels, a swimming pool, and a choice of American and Continental breakfasts! This small resort hotel out in the countryside is surprisingly budget-friendly while offering facilities that would usually only be seen at a much larger hotel establishment!

If you’re looking for a rest spot away from the major tourist hubs, this should be top of your list to check out! It’s fairly close to Na Muang Waterfall, the Taling Ngam Caves, and the Koh Samui Snake Farm! So, you certainly won’t be at a loss for things to do!

Best Luxury Hotel in Koh Samui –  Six Senses Samui

You’ll not find a more picturesque setting for your luxury trip to Koh Samui! Built upon the rocks, overlooking the Gulf of Siam at the northern tip of the island. The Six Senses Resort’s blend of wood aesthetic, superbly-designed lighting and outstanding service make it the proverbial jewel of the island!

The views from the elevated infinity pool are also second to none and the spacious, breezy feel of the rooms will relax even the most stressed among you.

And if you’re really looking for a memorable stay, consider checking out an Eco-resort in Koh Samui where your contribution will help protect the environment and support the local communities.

In terms of getting around, Koh Samui isn’t particularly huge – only around 15 miles end-to-end. That said, in going through your Koh Samui things-to-do list,  you’ll want to explore as much of the island as possible, especially the coastline. So you’re likely to need a combination of transport options.

The most expensive way to get around is by conventional meter-taxi. There’s only one operator on the island, and their yellow and purple cabs are quite distinctive.

A better option is the Songthaew, which is a pick-up truck with a modified back end. These operate a little like buses in that they follow set routes around the island. You can hop on one for around  $2 USD, depending on where you’re going. The idea is to get to the general vicinity of your destination and walk from there.

You may be surprised to know that the world-famous tuk-tuk does not actually enjoy a presence on Koh Samui. You will find motorbike taxis, though, which may be quicker than four-wheeled vehicles, but definitely aren’t as comfortable!

Renting your own scooter motorbike is a popular option for tourists. They are dirt cheap at around $10 per day. The downside is that you will need to be quite a confident rider. Roads can be poor, and conditions may not help if it rains. You also will not be insured if you are not internationally licensed.

Scooters will also not be the best option if you plan on getting into the interior, which is hilly, has poor roads, and basically requires a 4×4 or all-terrain vehicle to traverse.

If you’re already in the general area you want to be, walking between Koh Samui’s attractions and highlights is the best option. There are also a few bicycle rental spots if you’re feeling particularly energetic.

Big Buddha | Tree Top Zipline | Tan Rua Waterfall | Mummified Monk At Wat Khunaram | Cabaret Show at Chaweng or Lamai Beach

When you vacation over 2 days in Koh Samui, it’s good manners to start our visit by paying respects at the glorious, golden Big Buddha! From there, expect an adrenaline rush, peace and calm, some wonder, and spectacular entertainment! Pack a bottle of water if it’s hot, and let’s hit the island!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Big Buddha

• Why it’s awesome: It’s a distinctive and treasured landmark for Koh Samui
• Food nearby: Try the fish and chips and a fruit smoothie at Prayai

 If you arrive in Koh Samui by air, one of the first landmarks you’re likely to see is the Big Buddha. Technically, it sits on a small island called Koh Faan but is connected to Koh Samui by a causeway. This is a good place to start your Koh Samui itinerary, as it gives you a good idea of the piety and respectful nature of the Thai culture!

The Big Buddha is a 12-meter-tall statue, which sits at a temple called Wat Phra Yai. The temple is fully operational, and devotees can be seen attending prayers and offerings daily. Live music can be enjoyed in the adjacent secret garden on Sundays!

Insider Tip: The Buddha is one of the most sacred Koh Samui landmarks! It is also worth seeing at night when it is lit up. The scene is quite beautiful, bathing the statue in a golden, some say ‘holy’, glow.!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Tree Top Zipline

• Why it’s awesome: It’s the island’s longest zip line experience
• Cost: $60 USD
• Food nearby: It’s a jungle, so options are few! Best to stock up on some snacks and water for a backpack beforehand.

Time for a small adrenaline spike! The Tree Top cable ride tour is a 780m long zipline adventure through the jungle canopy. A treetop to treetop cable provides a thrilling scoot over and through the branches and trees. Viewing decks also offer great views of the island!

Don’t worry if you’ve never done this before, the instructors will be with you all the way, and getting the hang of ziplining is as easy as stepping off a platform! It’s no different from stepping into a pool, really.

Navigating the 11 lines is an exhilarating and active way to spend three hours, and if you book via the website, they’ll even pick you up from your hotel. 

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Tan Rua Waterfall

• Why it’s awesome: Off the beaten track, but easily accessible after a zipline adventure
• Food nearby: Tree Bridge Coffee Samui nearby is up a tree – the iced coffee is a popular choice!

The first of the waterfalls on our Koh Samui Itinerary!

The falls themselves are set among tall trees and rocky cliffs, perfect for a relaxing moment after the thrills of the zipline. At some points of the walk, you’ll hear other zipliners whizzing overhead – wave when you can!

You’ll need to walk at least half a mile from the last vehicle parking to get there! Maybe this is why the site is also referred to as the ”secret falls”.  But don’t worry, the walk through the jungle is refreshing and beautiful!

Insider Tip: Wait for good rain and head there immediately afterward. You’ll experience why it’s called the most beautiful waterfall in Koh Samui!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – The Mummified Monk At Wat Khunaram

• Why it’s awesome: It’s an unusual monument that provides insight into Buddhist philosophy surrounding death
• Cost: Free, but donations to the temple are welcome
• Food nearby: Get unbelievably good, authentic Thai wok street food made to order at Jea Yean. Try anything here, seriously!

Stop by Wat Khunaram to see one of the most bewildering Koh Samui attractions you’re likely to come across! Thai Monk Luong Pordaeng died in 1973, and his body has been housed here since. What makes this unusual is that his body is mummified, and is placed in a glass case in the meditation pose in which he died!

For some Westerners, this may seem somewhat macabre. But, in Thai culture, the mummified monk is a reverent figure than invites reflection.

Allegedly, Luong Pordaeng instructed his followers to cremate his body, should it decay! To this day, his body has shown remarkably little decay, given that it’s been nearly forty years since he passed.

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Attend a Cabaret Show

• Why it’s awesome: It’s an essential part of Thai entertainment and it’s great fun
• Cost: Entrance from $10USD upwards – but beware drinks can be expensive
• Food nearby: $10-15 USD

The wildly popular Thai drag show involves classic pop tunes, amazing costumes, amazing choreography and tongues firmly in cheeks! Chaweng Beach is where various cabaret performances compete for your custom, and most of them are jolly fun.

Take your pick from the more risque Paris Follies Cabaret, the more sophisticated Starz Cabaret Samui, or Cabaret Lamai Beach (also called The Stage) for the finest shows! Thailand celebrates its transgender community like few others, and the cabaret show is its calling card!

Most shows run for about an hour, and several times every evening. Some may ask you to participate, so, be prepared to explore your own show business ambitions. No Thailand visit is complete without a cabaret show – it’s easily one of the craziest things to do on a Koh Samui itinerary!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Laem Sor Pagoda | The Secret Buddha Garden | Sailing on a Hobie Cat | Coral Cove Beach | Visit a Walking Street

After last night’s revelry, why not start out with a little bit of peace and quiet?

Gradually, we’ll head to the beach, graduating to sail on the open seas, and eventually hit the night market to get the feel of a walking street! One day in Koh Samui is not enough – a 2-day itinerary in Koh Samui is the minimum requirement for maximum enjoyment!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Laem Sor Pagoda

• Why it’s awesome: Possibly Koh Samui’s most beautiful corner
• Food nearby: Try a refreshing fruit shake or some prawn fried rice from iBeach Bar

The south end of Koh Samui tends to be a little quieter than the tourist-laden east coast. This is where we’ll start our day, seeking some peace and calm after the previous evening’s fun and excitement!

At one end on Bang Kao Beach sits the gleaming Laem Sor Pagoda, one of Koh Samui’s prettiest points of interest. Made from yellow tiles, it glows golden in the warm, Thai sunlight!

Close by is a boat hall, where a wax figure of the pagoda’s builder – a monk – resides. You are free to make a wish and perhaps drop a smaller replica boat into his!

Take the time to climb up the hill to see the Khao Ched, too. The views from the top of the hill are unmatched – you can see for miles around. Then, find an hour or two of inner peace in the Meditation Forest, or on the beautiful Silver Sands Beach.  

Day 2 / Stop 2 – The Secret Buddha Garden

• Why it’s awesome: It’s a years-long personal labor of love
• Cost: $3 USD
• Food nearby: Ask for the whole coconut at the Peak Eye View Restaurant

Drift into the interior of the island, to visit a most unique garden, in which dozens of statues from Thai folklore are found communing! Quite a few things make this attraction worth seeing, not least that it is set in the middle of the jungle.

The garden was started by a local fruit farmer who simply started placing the statues on his land. He decided to continue until his death at age 91, creating this marvel of personal ambition in the process!

Also known as the magic Garden or Heaven’s Garden, the site takes a little effort to get to! But once there, the peaceful jungle surroundings are complemented by the sound of trickling water of the stream that runs through it.

You’re going to want to take a camera! Each of the statues and sculptures is said to have a particular story behind them. And, if you really want to be amazed, the view from the site of the surrounding coconut plantations and rolling hills are astounding!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Go Sailing on a Hobie cat

• Why it’s awesome: It’s an exciting and most unusual way to see the coastline
• Cost: $40 USD per hour – $200 USD for the day
• Food nearby: Samui Potato Beach Club makes a killer shrimp pad thai

Hobie cats are small catamarans that can carry a maximum of five people. Much like a kayak, they can be used to explore the coastline in a unique and very intimate way!

Hobie’s can be rented with or without a captain. If you prefer to go solo, you’ll need some experience – about 20 hours on a catamaran is expected! Essentially, you’ll need also to demonstrate that you know what to do, should the Hobie capsize. The team will brief you about the areas, offer some tips, and off you go!

Alternatively, you can ask for a captain to accompany you, and he’ll do the work as you simply take in the sights. Being out on the actual ocean will offer close-up views of the abundant fish and sea life.

Sea turtles and barracuda are common and there is the occasional dolphin! It’s a very different, but mesmerizing way of touring Koh Samui and its coastline!

Day 2 / Stop 4 –  Coral Cove Beach

• Why it’s awesome: It’s a bit hidden away, so better chance of some private beach time
• Food nearby: Vikasa Life Cafe is health-focused – try a tasty vegetarian indulgence here!

Among the rocks that dot the coastline on the stretch between Chaweng and Lamai, is a small alcove and beach called Coral Cove Beach! The waters are great for snorkeling and taking a closer look at the beautiful coral reefs just off the beach. 

The beach is small – just 600 feet – but it is set between resorts, and the bordering boulders and rocks make it slightly secluded from road traffic. The bar and snack hut is also right within reach, so it makes for a good, relaxing day out in the water!

Insider Tip:   The beach here can be rocky underfoot, hence the abundant sea life within the cove! It’s therefore not recommended for swimming with small children. That said, casual snorkelers will be more than enthused by the marine sights just a few yards from the shoreline.

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Visit a Walking Street

• Why it’s awesome: A walking street is the social center of any Thai town
• Cost: Free, not counting whatever you choose to buy
• Food nearby: Take your pick of any number of restaurants and vendors – this is what a walking street is for!

Koh Samui, like the rest of tourist-friendly Thailand, has a number of markets and spots for visitors to shop, eat and drink! These are locally known as Walking Streets but are essentially streets and rows of bars, restaurants, clubs or shops.

On Koh Samui, there’s an odd synergy between the markets. Many are open only one day a week, but chances are you will find at least one open on any given day! Most will offer shops and bars and restaurants to try out or relax at.

The biggest of these is Fisherman’s Village Walking Street, which only opens Fridays. On Sundays see the second-largest market on the go in Lamai Town. On Saturday, try the Big C Supercenter Walking street!

The Maenam Market is in the Chinatown district and therefore has a more Chinese character. It opens Thursday evenings, good timing for a sunset  (you can see Koh Pangan from the beach). On Wednesdays, you can head to the Central festival Samui Market near Chaweng Lake!

If you’re unsure, Chaweng Night Market, not surprisingly, is open every day! Except for Sundays. The focus here is food, so try a bit of everything! It’s the perfect cap to your 2-day itinerary in Koh Samui.

Insider Tip:   If there’s been heavy rain in the afternoon, especially in the monsoon season, the market may not open. Ask your accommodation to call ahead or advise if in doubt.

P&T Hostel

Spacious rooms and a great location add to P&T’s appeal, but it’s the on-site bike rental and great food that puts it over the top! The fact that most of the guests here remember the staff by name should tell you a lot about the level of friendly customer service!

• Free City Maps

Waterfall Hunting | Samui Football Golf and Frisbee Golf | Muay Thai Fight | Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks | Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts

The days here can be lazy and long, but there’s plenty more you can do to fill them up. If you’re staying a little longer, try these awesome to-dos on an extended 3-day itinerary on Koh Samui!

Go Waterfall Hunting

• You can go at your own pace
• Find some peace and quiet on your own
• When in doubt, ask a local – it’s tough to get lost!

There are plenty of touristy things to do on Samui, but how about just heading out on your own with a map? The idea is to find the waterfalls that are less crowded because they tend to be as beautiful and pristine a sight as you could imagine! 

If you’re up for a sort of Koh Samui walking tour, commit to visiting Hin Lad Waterfall, as the hike is at least as wonderful as the falls themselves. The first falls into a pool – you can take a swim there! The real reward is right at the top, though – you’ll want to budget around an hour to get there if you walk at a decent, comfortable pace.

You might choose instead to head for Namuang Waterfalls One and Two!. Again, while the lower waterfall offers a cool dipping pool to frolic in, the real rewards will be found when you trek further up to the top. Hike for around 30 minutes until you reach the top rockpool. Cool yourself with some of the best views from a natural pool you’re likely to experience first-hand!

The point is to grab a map and go hunting! The idea is to explore and find a bit of yourself along the way! Maybe you’ll get lucky and stumble on a completely secluded fall, long forgotten and uncharted.

Samui Football Golf and Frisbee Golf

• Combines sports in an unexpected way
• Work off some of that holiday food and drink
• You might get to meet the real-life Scorpion Queen

Some people play golf, some play football. In Koh Samui, an innovative entrepreneur found a way to combine the two beloved sports. The idea is to traverse the 18 holes of the course, using your feet to direct a football. Like golf, the idea is to complete the round in as few strokes as possible. 

The course, set among coconut trees on a plantation on beach road near Chaweng, is around 1600 yards long. It offers beginner and expert options, and a free keyring with your score when you complete the course.

Another nice touch is the free soft drink on holes 11 and 18. Of course, there’s also a reception area that doubles as the “19th hole”, which might be a factor when considering what to do on Koh Samui.

Another related option is disc golf or frisbee golf. There’s a much more competitive feel here, with leagues and tournaments as well as casual play. But it’s a great afternoon out, set in a fruit orchard! The club sells American style snacks at the

Muay Thai Fight

• Thai fighting tradition at its most exciting!
• Might get a bit rough if you’re sensitive about fighting
• Your best bet for good sports fix on Samui

There’s something truly unique about the atmosphere at a Muay Thai fight! Muay Thai is a traditional Thai form of boxing that has a reputation for being tough and graceful at the same time. It is poetically known as the Art of the Eight Limbs, and anyone who has seen a Muay Thai fight would be able to explain why.  The disciplined use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins to strike opponents is quite the spectacle to witness.

Muay Thai comes with its own history and traditions for the Thai people, so you will find many that take the contests very seriously! This adds to the electric atmosphere of typical fight night.

Ceremony plays a big part in Muay Thai. You may see a mongkhon (headband) and pra jiad (armbands) being worn to the ring! Historically, it has a significance in wartime, but today is usually signifying allegiance to a gym – your  “colors”, as it were.

These are placed in the corner when the fight begins – a symbol of pride, in many respects. A Buddhist monk may bless the garments before the fighter enters the ring! It’s all part of a great spectacle that is a Muay Thai fight, as authentic a local experience as any!

Grandfather & Grandmother Rocks – Hin Ta & Hin Yai

• Samui’s own version of a common Thai chuckle
• Offers great views and nice relaxing beach alongside
• Take a camera for not only the rocks but for sea life as well

Thailand has a number of ‘saucy’ sites that locals take great joy in showing to visitors! It usually involves oddly shaped trees or other natural formations that resemble male and/or female anatomies! This is something the local people find quite amusing, and judging by their popularity, so do visitors!

On Samui, this honor is reserved for Hin Ta and Hin Yai. Translated as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai) rock.

The legend tells of an elderly couple who undertook a boat journey to meet another family about a marriage between their clans. Unfortunately, they met with an untimely death at sea. Such as it is, the rocks around where they died took on a certain form and were named for them!

Close by is a relaxing beach, though swimming isn’t recommended. The view from the rocks and surrounding area is serene, and at times the water is so clear, you can see the local exotic aquatic life from the rocks with the naked eye!

Stalls and vendors sell Ta- and Yai-themed postcards and refreshments nearby. It is recommended that you take the opportunity to try the local Thai delicacy, galamae , a caramel candy of sorts!

Try a retreat

• Work on some inner healing
• Get in touch with your spiritual side
• Re-energize and relax

Thailand is a relaxing and spiritual place which makes it the perfect destination for a retreat. You can find anything from yoga retreats to spa retreats, or even fitness retreats and meditation retreats .

If you’re not short on time, you should definitely try to work a weekend retreat into your visit to recharge your batteries and work on some inner healing.

Koh Samui has plenty of retreats on offer, so it’s best to look around to see what’s on offer. Many hostels offer retreats too, so you might even be able to enquire with your accommodation.

Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts

• Learn to cook like a master chef, Thai style!
• Improve your knife skills to expert level
• Visit the sources of the food you use in your creations

At SITCA, you can sign up for three-hour courses that offer chef-level training! Best of all, whether it’s for lunch or dinner, you’ll get to eat your very own creations and share them with the class.

But, that’s just the very basic option. If you are spending more time in Koh Samui –  3 days or more – you can sign up for several days-long intensive training courses.  This is one that even experienced chefs have been known to do. No doubt you’ll emerge with an eye for fine cuisine, and in-demand at any future dinner party!

If you’ve ever wondered how ordinary Thai street vendors perform those magical cut-ups of their fruit for your snacks, the SITCA carving courses are for you. Over a few days, you can learn the intricacies of carving delicate designs into fruits and veggies, which will impress your friends to no end!

SITCA also offers farm-to-table tours, where you’ll be able to visit farms and sites from which the foods are sourced. This initiative was started as a drive for sustainable tourism and consumption!

It’s an informative excursion into the lives of farmers, fishermen, and even the coconut-harvesting monkeys of Southern Thailand! Perfect to add onto your 3-day itinerary in Koh Samui!

A general rule in Thailand is to enjoy yourself responsibly! This means that even though the atmosphere of partying and enjoying yourself hangs thick in the air, it’s always best to have your wits about you.

In general, tourists and visitors are safe in Thailand. From time to time, travelers may have one too many drinks, and get into a heated disagreement, or fall prey to a quick scam. Usually, this will mean only losing a few dollars with no real physical threat or damage. It is advised that you drink respectively when out and about.

When it comes to renting motorcycles and scooters – renters may not ask for them, but you need a license to legally drive these in Thailand. If you don’t have one, you could open yourself up to trouble with the law. At any rate, driving around on a scooter, or any other vehicle, on Koh Samui might take a bit of getting used to!

Thailand has a really high road accident rate! Many roads are in poor condition, and driving rules can be ‘loose’ for locals. Also, be on the lookout for wildlife darting across or just standing on the roads. The best way is to drive carefully and be very aware of your surroundings.

Because of this, it is much easier to use the abundant, local public transport options to get to all those amazing Koh Samui points of interest!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Koh Samui

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Got a few more hours to spare? There are a number of day trips on offer for a Koh Samui itinerary. Day trips from Koh Samui put the best of the island’s surroundings in well-planned packages for your convenience. Here are just a few of the best day excursions from the island paradise.

Charter a Private Sailboat to Visit Other Islands

One of the best things to do in Koh Samui is to get a taste of the highlife with a private boat charter. The clincher here is that up to four people can go, so it’s a great opportunity to share the expense with other travelers, making it surprisingly affordable!

The sailboat drifts across the Gulf of Thailand, heading to explore Koh tan and Koh Mat Sum south of Samui. Get off the boat and head to Koh Mat Sum’s beach and its beautiful white sands. Have a drink at the beach bar, taste a pancake and relax on the beach for a while. Alternatively, go snorkeling!

Later, you can also explore Koh Tao’s coral reef, and walk through its beautiful mangroves. Finally, the boat will head to Crystal Bay, after which you’ll drift back towards home. All the while, you can help yourself to some soft drinks and snacks on the boat.

Board the Fishing, Snorkeling and BBQ Boat!

Get a feel for the old Thai lifestyle as you jump aboard a traditional, wooden fishing boat for the day and head out to catch your dinner!

The boat heads out from Koh Samui, but you’ll drift by neighboring Koh Taen and Koh Mudsoom. You’ll be given a rod and line, and you can spend the day relaxing while fishing at the best spots that the skipper recommends!

Don’t worry about being weather dependent either. Short of an actual storm, you’ll go out in sun and rain, just like real fishermen do! When you’ve had a good catch, your skipper will start up a barbeque, and you can perhaps enjoy the spoils of your adventure!

Explore Koh Phangan with a 4×4

A speedy catamaran leaves Mae Nam early in the morning and takes just 25 minutes to reach Koh Phangan. Your transport on the island for the day is a 4×4, which will take you around the various points of interest on the visit.

After a quick snack you’ll head towards your first photo opportunity, a special coconut tree that seems to bow towards the ocean. Push on towards a hidden beach where you’ll swim in the pristine water and relax.

Lunch is served at a restaurant from where you can see Kho Tao across the water. Then it’s off to another beach for a post-lunch swim. In the afternoon, you can experience the famous 360-Degrees bar, so named for its views from the top of a hill. The cocktails here are good, especially after a long day in the hot sun.

Finally it’s back to the catamaran for another thrilling trek across the water.

Kayak Around the Ang Thong Marine Park

One of Koh Samui’s most amazing attractions is the Ang Thong Park. And without a doubt, the best way to see it is by kayak!  A guide will instruct you on open sea kayaking, and then you’re off to the park.

The first thing you’ll do when you get there is touring the Green Lagoon and discover the saltwater, Emerald Lake in the middle of the island! After lunch, you’ll get to explore the caves and coves close-up, and even snorkel with the colorful fish!

Or Skip the Workout and Enjoy a Sunset Cruise

If you’re not too sure about working up a kayaking sweat, opt for a gorgeous sunset cruise on a beautiful Thai yacht. These are designed with elements of a classic Thai sailing boat, with some modern amenities added in.

The nine hours excursion includes a trip to the Ang Thong Marine Park archipelago, where you can choose to join guided snorkeling and kayaking or course, or stay on the boat and take advantage of the sundecks and drinks.

On the way back to Koh Samui, the boat sails past the Five Islands to enjoy a fantastic Thai sunset at sea.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Koh Samui itinerary.

What are some unique things to do in Koh Samui?

Spend some time in the serene settings of the Secret Buddha Garden on the interior of the island.

What are the best things to do in Koh Samui for couples?

The beautiful Coral Cove Beach is the perfect spot to spend some quality time together.

What are some great things to do in Koh Samui with family?

The kids and adults will love spending a day on the Tree Top cable ride right in the heart of the jungle.

What are some Koh Samui hidden gems?

The Tan Rua Waterfall is pretty off the beaten track and there’s a zipline there too!

You’re probably on vacation in Koh Samui to experience a holiday of the hot and beachy variety! That shouldn’t mean that you don’t get to experience a whole bunch of other varieties of activities while you’re there, as this itinerary for Koh Samui reveals!

Pack the cameras and beach gear, but fit in a pair of walking shoes, too. With our complete Koh Samui itinerary in hand, you’ll be able to make the most of this tropical paradise!

Clair Cathryn

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