Updated: June 2024
Koh Samui
your ultimate travel guide
Koh Samui Island is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is one of the most popular and more tourist islands in Thailand. The island is famous for its diversity, from the mountainous inland and jungle to endless palm groves and long sandy beaches that line the coast. Koh Samui offers something for everyone- if you are looking for a holiday full of activities, or just relax on the beach, so Koh Samui will not disappoint!
How do you get to Koh Samui?
- BY PLANE
1/ BKK- USM: BANGKOK SUVARNABHUMI- KOH SAMUI
DIRECT FLIGHT
The easiest way to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok is by air. The flight from Bangkok takes just over an hour. The picturesque Koh Samui Airport is privately owned by Bangkok Airways, therefore the prices for direct flights are a much more than to other Thailand’s destinations. Prices of one-way flights start from around 3500THB (115USD) person.
2/ DMK- URT: BANGKOK DON MUANG- SURATTHANI
BUS+ PLANE + BUS+ BOAT
If you have a limited budget, you can choose to fly from Bangkok to Suratthani Airport. From Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK Airport), take a bus or taxi to Don Muang Airport (DMK). If you have purchased a flight ticket, you can use the free shuttle bus transfer. The bus leaves 2-3 times an hour and you can find it outside door exit #3, on the 2nd floor of the arrival hall.
Several low-cost airlines fly from Don Muang Airport to Suratthani (Thai Lion Air, Nok Air and Air Asia). Upon arrival at Suratthani Airport, you can purchase a combined transfer (JOINT TICKET) to Donsak port with a boat ticket.
Tip: If you are planning on changing the airports and you want to get to the island on the same day, your flight to Bangkok Suvarbnhabumi must land in the morning time. If your flight lands after 9 am, you won’t be able to catch the last ferry to the island and will have to sleep in Bangkok or Suratthani.
- TRAIN + FERRY BOAT
The night train leaves Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station to Suratthani Station. From here it takes around 45 minutes to Donsak Port by bus or minivan. The train ride takes approximately 12 hours, the departure from Bangkok is around 5 pm and the train arrives in Suratthani in the early morning hours. Expect some waiting (around 1-2 hours) before you get to the ferry port.
The ferry to the island from the port of Koh Samui takes approximately 2 hours.
- BUS + FERRY BOAT
Buses depart from Bangkok’s Sai Tai Mai Terminal (Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal). Bus tickets can be purchased at any travel agency. Private minivans and buses also depart from Khao San Road. You can purchase the tickets online or in any travel agency that will sell you a combined bus and boat ticket.
The three main transport companies operating in this area are Lomprayah, Seatran and Songserm (Andaman Wave Master).
You don’t need to worry about getting to your hotel from Nathon ferry port, where the ships arrive. There are taxis and shared minivans at the port, which will take you to all resorts and hotels around the island.
What area to stay at in koh samui?
The vast majority of tourists choose Chaweng or Lamai as their base on the island. These areas have the longest beaches on the island with the most built infrastructure. There are many restaurants, cafes, shops and beach bars. If you prefer the less commercial part of the islands, you can find good accommodation in areas like Maenam, Choeng Mon or Ban Tai.
If you want to have more freedom with your exploring and want to visit different beaches, renting a car or motorbike on Koh Samui is a must. Of course, you can pay for a taxi or take advantage of the local transport (Songthaew bus), but you will be limited in time and money. If you do not drive or dare to do so, I recommend accommodation in the above mentioned Lamai or Chaweng beach. You will be able to reach restaurants, bars and shops on foot.
Orientating and driving around the island is not difficult. The main road circles the whole island and you can come off the road to explore the beaches or head inland to the jungle and waterfalls.
I highly recommend jumping on a scooter and going around the island. You will discover empty beaches, secret bays, beautiful palm groves and old Thai fishing villages.
Beaches & accommodation
- CHAWENG -
Chaweng Beach is the longest and most tourist area and beach on Koh Samui. The northern part of the beach is conveniently located near the airport and you will find many accommodation options, from luxury resorts, trendy hotels to cheaper hostels.
Chaweng is the centre of entertainment and nightlife of Koh Samui. During the day you can enjoy the fun and pool party at the Ark Bar, located on the north side of the beach. You can enjoy some awesome fire show on the beach or head to the town to join the fun in the famous Green Mango club. Chaweng town and the main road is full of restaurants, bars and stalls and you will definitely not be bored here.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS TO STAY IN CHAWENG:
Luxury $$$:
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
The Library
Banana Fan Sea Resort
Mid-range $$:
COSI Samui Chaweng Beach
Sans Souci Samui
Mercure Samui Chaweng Tana
Low budget $:
Samui Star Guesthouse
Meewaya Hotel
City Dance Hotel
- CHAWENG NOI -
South of Chaweng Beach you will find a separate smaller beach, Chaweng Noi, which is a good choice if you want to avoid busier Chaweng Beach.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS TO STAY IN CHAWENG NOI:
Luxury $$$:
Impiana Resort Chaweng Noi, Koh Samui
Mid-range $$:
Chaweng Noi Pool Villa
Low budget $:
Chaweng Tara Hotel
- SILVER BEACH -
(CRYSTAL BAY)
Situated between Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach, this 250-meter long beach features only a few resorts and bungalows. The beach is one of my favorite beaches in Koh Samui.
Silver beach has nice sand and clear water for swimming and some snorkeling, just be aware that you will not be alone. The beach is a popular place for both tourists and locals.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS TO STAY IN SILVER BEACH:
Luxury $$:
Crystal Bay Yacht Club Beach Resort
Mid-range $:
Crystal Bay Beach Resort
Thongtakian Resort
Promtsuk Buri
Low budget $:
Silver Beach Resort
- LAMAI -
Lamai is the second longest beach in Koh Samui and one of the most popular resorts in Koh Samui. The beach is located south of Chaweng Beach and about a 40-minute drive from the airport.
Lamai Beach has a deeper gradient slope to the sea, good conditions for swimming and water sports. At the very south of the beach, you will find the famous boulders Hin Ta & Hin Yai, known as Grandfather’s and Grandmother’s rocks.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS TO STAY IN LAMAI:
Luxury $$:
Sandalwood Luxury Villa Resort
Pavilion Samui Villas and Resort
Beluga Boutique Hotel
Mid-range $:
Palm Coco Mantra
Lamai Wanta Resort
White Sand Samui Resort
Low budget $: ‘
Lamai Buri Resort
Crystal Lamai Hotel
Phannarai House
- THONG KRUT -
Thong Krut is more of a fishing bay rather than a beach for swimming. The beach is relatively muddy and stony. Thong Krut offers stunning views of Koh Matsum and Koh Tan islands, to where you can take a boat trip for sightseeing and snorkeling.
RECOMMENDED HOTEL TO STAY IN THONG KRUT:
The Beach Samui
- TALING NGAM -
Taling Ngam beach is located on the southwest of the island, from where you can enjoy views of Ang Thong National Park and beautiful sunsets.
This side of the island has more shallow waters, especially during low tide. Taling Ngam beach is very quiet, the nearest town is Nathon, about 20 minutes drive away.
When you exploring the area, don’t forget to stop for sunset cocktails in the beach bar I-Talay Beach Bar.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS TO STAY IN TALING NGAM BEACH:
Luxury $$:
Conrad Koh Samui
InterContinental Koh Samui Resort
Mid-range $:
Am Samui Resort
Beachfront TalingNgam
Low budget $:
La Kalada Resort
Samui Hill
Aforetime House @ Samui
- LIPA NOI-
Lipa Noi is one of the best beaches in Koh Samui and is located in the western part of the island, near the port of Nathon. The beach has a very quiet atmosphere, suitable for those of you looking for a rest with a book on the beach. The beach has a very gradual slope, therefore, a very noticeable tide.
There are several hotels and bungalows with local bars where you can have a cold beer and also the famous Nikki Beach Club Samui. Be sure also to stop by for a drink at the Think & Retro Cafe, delicious food, drinks and beautiful sunsets.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS TO STAY IN LIPA NOI:
Luxury $$:
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa
Viva Vacation Resort
The Siam Residence Boutique Resort
Mid-range $:
@Samui Haus
Anahata Resort
Low budget $:
Saree Lagoon Villa Koh Samui
Lipa Bay Resort
- BANG PO & BAN TAI -
Ban Tai is located in the northern part of the island, between Maenam and Bang Po beaches. Ban Tai is a kilometer long beach and one of the few “secret” places on the island that tourists do not know so much.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS TO STAY IN BANG PO & BAN TAI:
Luxury $$$:
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Mimosa Resort & Spa
Belmond Napasai
Mid-range $$
The Mud – Eco Hotel
Panalee Koh Samui Resort
Low budget $:
Bang Po Garden
Bangpo Village
- MAENAM -
Maenam is still the place to be while away for a few weeks on a low budget, staying in one of the many cheap fan bungalow operations that are dotted along the beach. However, you can also find here some 5* luxury resorts.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS TO STAY IN MAENAM:
Luxury $$:
EXPLORAR Samui – Adults Only Resort and Spa
Code Samui Hotel
Santiburi Koh Samui
Mid-range $:
Ampha Place
The Cosy Maenam Beach Resort
Coco Palm Beach Resort
Low budget $:
Samui Zenity
Baan Boom Boxes
- BOPHUT-
Bophut beach is located on the north-east of the island, just minutes from the airport. The beach is less than three kilometers long and offers views of the neighboring island of Koh Phangan.
You will find great shops, stalls and fine restaurants in Fisherman’s Village. In the evening, have a drink or dinner at the Coco Tam’s, where you can have a cocktail and watch a fire show.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS TO STAY IN BOPHUT:
Luxury $$:
Bo Phut Resort and Spa,
Celes Beachfront Resort
Zazen Boutigue Resort & Spa
Mid-range $:
Smile House
Pico Beach Bungalows & Resort
Riviera Beach Hotel
Low budget $:
The Tree Samui
Avocado Koh Samui
Gecko Hotel
- CHOENG MON -
Choeng Mon Beach is located east of Bophut, also close to the airport, in the very north of Koh Samui. This less-known beach is a quiet location, great to choose as your base or even visit for a day.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS TO STAY IN CHOENG MON:
Luxury $$:
SALA Samui Choengmon Beach
The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui
Mid-range $:
Samui Honey Cottages Beach Resort
Paradise Island Estate
Sea Dance Resort
Low budget $:
Choengmon Residence
Chor Chang Villa Resort
Sleep inn Samui
20 things to do and see in Koh Samui
1 Big Buddha/ Wat Phra Yai
The temple and statue are located in the northern part of Koh Samui, around 3 km from the airport, on the small island of Koh Fan. The statue is 12 meters high and the entrance to the temple is free. I recommend to visit in the morning or the afternoon, the temperatures are sky-high during the day.
2 Temple Wat Plai Leam
Wat Plai Leam is located not far from the Big Buddha, in the northern part of the island. Wat Plai Leam is a complex of temples and interesting statues built on and around the lake.
3 Waterfalls Namuang 1&2
Na Muang Waterfall is 18 meters tall waterfall. At the beginning of the waterfall, Namuang 1, is a small pond where you can swim. Namuang 2 is further about 20-30 min above the first waterfall. Parking costs 20THB.
4 Fisherman’s Village & Markets
Fisherman’s Village offers a large number of fine restaurants, mainly focused on fresh fish and seafood. There are also some great cocktail bars and souvenir shops. The village is located in the Buphut area and every Friday from 17.00 to 23.00 there is a night market with street food.
Apart from Fishermans Village, there are other great markets in Koh Samui. On Sundays, the market takes place in Lamai, on Thursday in Maenam and every Wednesday you will find the market in front of the Central Samui Festival in Chaweng.
5 Secret Buddha Garden
Magic or Secret Garden is located on the forest mountain in the inland part of Koh Samui. In the garden, you will find many interesting statues and formations and a small stream running through the slope.
The garden is definitely worth a visit for its relaxing and serene atmosphere, the entrance is 80THB.
6 Jungle Club
Jungle Club is a must-have viewpoint to visit in Koh Samui. Come for a lunch or dinner or just relax with a drink while taking on breathtaking views. Expect steep hill leading up to the club so if you are not that confident driver better hire a taxi or rent a car for the day.
7 Ang Thong National Park
Ang Thong National Park is located on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, east of Koh Samui, and consists of 42 smaller islands and islets. Get here with day trips, either on a faster speedboat or on a larger cruise boat with kayaks. It is also possible to stay overnight in the park during high season. Be sure not to miss the island Koh Wu Ta Lab and its viewpoint.
8 Temple Wat Teepangkorn
Another sight and viewpoint on the island of Samui, which is worth a visit. The Buddha statue is built on a hill, 605 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the whole island. There is also a small museum with artefacts associated with the history of Koh Samui.
Not far from Wat Teepangkorn you will find restaurant 360 Jungle Route. Situated at the highest point of Koh Samui, the restaurant has stunning 360 ° panoramic views of Koh Samui.
9 Trip to Koh Taen & Koh Madsum
If you like snorkeling then do not miss a trip to the islands of Koh Taen and Koh Madsum. Just 15 minutes boat ride from Thong Krut beach, the coral reef around Koh Taen offers some of the best snorkeling in Koh Samui.
Koh Madsum, also known as Pig Island, offers beautiful beaches to relax and unwind. The pigs are happy running around on the island and if you are lucky they will join you for a swim.
10 Paradise Park Farm
Great place to visit, especially for families. The farm has animals such as parrots, iguanas and deer that you can pet and feed. They have also a great pool with stunning views of the jungle and the sea.
Free entry to 90cm, up to 130cm is 200 Baht, over 130cm (regardless of age) 400 THB.
11 Leam Sor pagoda
The pagoda is located on the south-eastern tip of the island. If you manage to climb up the hill at Rattanakosin Chedi, you can enjoy the beautiful view across the bay as a reward.
12 Temple Wat Khunaram
This temple is located next to the road towards Namuang Waterfalls. Inside the temple, you can find Samui’s curiosity- sitting mummified monk.
13 Hin Ta & Hin Yai
Famous rocks, also known as the Grandfather’s and Grandmother’s rocks, can be found at the southern end of Lamai Beach. The entrance is 10 THB and I recommend to go up to the viewpoint, from which there is a wonderful view of Lamai Beach. Near Lamai Beach is also worth visiting Overlap Stone (entrance 20THB).
14 Khanom & Pink Dolphins
From Koh Samui, you can take a boat trip to the Khanom coast,
which is one of the few places where you can see pink dolphins. Do not miss the opportunity to see these unique dolphins in their natural habitat.
15 Cooking Classes
Great experience and taste of Thai culture even for those of you who are not cooking fanatics. Also the perfect activity for rainy days.
1) InFusion cooking classes and food tours in Koh Samui
2) Smiley Cook Thai cooking class Koh Samui
16 Ladyboy Cabaret Show
If you don’t know where to go in the evening and want to have fun, head to Chaweng for the famous ladyboy show at the Paris Follies Cabaret. The show is full of humour and fun dance routines. Guaranteed you will have fun!
17 Wellness & Spa
Koh Samui has some of the finest spas, wellness and treatment centers in Thailand. If you want to pamper yourself and enjoy an unforgettable day in beautiful surroundings, I recommend visiting Anodas Spa in Nora Buri Resort, Tamarind Springs Forest Spa or Wellness and Spa Six Senses Samui.
18 Muay Thai Boxing
Muay Thai matches are among one of the favourite places to visit at Koh Samui. Petchbuncha Stadium is located in Chaweng and matches begin at 9 pm, every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Matches have different levels, from amateur to professional. Entry is 1,500 THB per person.
If you are in Samui on Saturday, you can stop by in Lamai. Lamai Boxing Ring organizes matches every Saturday from 10 pm. Admission is free if you buy something to drink, and you can see more amateur matches here and the younger generation of young boxers, women and ladyboys.
19 TOP Bars
Coco Tam’s beach bar is located on Bohput Beach, right next to Fisherman’s Village. Great atmosphere, both for dinner or just a drink. The bar and restaurant are open daily from 12 to 1am. Great music and fire show on the beach.
Woo Bar @W Hotel is one of the best and stylish bars in Koh Samui. The bar is located in a luxury W Hotel, so prices are in line with quality and environment. Great place for a special occasion such as a birthday party or anniversary.
Other great bars and restaurants worth visiting:
The Social Samui, Treehouse Silent Bar, Karma Beach
20 Beach Clubs
Koh Samui has many excellent beach clubs where you can relax all day by the pool or enjoy pool parties. I have already mentioned the Ark Bar in Chaweng, which is more casual, mainly for the younger generation. If you are in the mood for something more sophisticated and stylish, then you can visit one of the more luxurious beach clubs.
KC Beach Club– Chaweng Beach, entry 250THB ( price includes sun bed, towel and a fruit smoothie. Beach Republic – Lamai Beach. Nikki Beach Club Samui– Lipa Noi, come for “Sunday Brunch”, every Sunday from 11.00 to 16.00.
There is a free entry to Beach Republic and Nikki Beach as long as you order drinks and food. Occasionally, there may be an entry fee on more special days, such as New Year’s Eve.
