Koh Samui, is a gem in the Gulf of Thailand, it blends serene relaxation with lively island vibes. Explore ancient temples, pristine beaches, and lively night markets brimming with local delights. In this post we have everything you need to know to plan the perfect Ko Samui getaway.
A Quick Look at Koh Samui
Country: Thailand
Population: 69,700
Language: Thai
Currency: Baht (BHT)
Best Month to Visit: December
Must See: Silver Beach
Must Eat: Galamare
Getting To Koh Samui
Reaching Koh Samui is relatively straightforward, with both air and sea options available.
By Air: The Swift Arrival
Flying is the quickest option, with numerous daily flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports to Koh Samui International Airport (USM). The flight duration is just over an hour. Several airlines, including budget carriers, offer flights, making it a relatively affordable option, especially if booked in advance. Direct flights are also available from other popular tourist destinations within Thailand, such as Phuket and Chiang Mai.
By Ferry: The Scenic Route
This option involves traveling to the coastal province of Surat Thani on the mainland and then taking a ferry to Koh Samui. This can be cheaper than taking the direct flight or more convenient if travelling on land from elsewhere in southern Thailand. Ferries depart from various piers in Surat Thani, primarily Donsak Pier. The journey to Nathon Pier (Koh Samui’s main ferry terminal) typically takes around 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the ferry type and operator.
High-Speed Option: Lomprayah High Speed Ferries offer faster catamaran services, reducing the travel time to approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Slow Option: The second option is the Seatran ferry that is cheaper but takes up to 4 hours.
Bus & Ferry Combo: If arriving via the Surat Thani airport Companies like Phantip Travel offer combined bus and ferry tickets, which can be booked at airport or via the 12Go website.
There are Multiple daily sailings are available for both companies. you can check the latest schedules and book tickets in advance online on the 12Go website or directly from the ticket office at the pier. Prices generally range from 500 to 900 baht depending on the operator.
Getting Around Koh Samui
Once you arrive on Koh Samui, you have several transportation options to explore this beautiful tropical paradise:
Songthaew (Shared Taxis): Songthaews are pick-up trucks with covered seating in the back are a common and affordable way to travel between the main towns of Lamai and Chaweng. The Songthaews will drive between the two locations all day simply flag one down tell the driver where you want to go and jump in the back. This is the cheapest option to get around and You can also hire these out privately to take you to some of the more out of the way places.
Tuk-Tuk: Tu-Tuks are also available and they are Ideal for shorter distances taking you to all the different beaches and restaurants as they can buzz around all the smaller streets within towns. They are more expensive than songthaews as they are not shared and they are probably not the best to go to some of the more mountainous locations in the islands interior as they will struggle up the mountains.
Car/Scooter Rentals: You can also hire a car or scooter for the ultimate freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Numerous rental shops are available all over the island, make sure to bring along your passport and drivers licence when renting a vehicle and then hit the road and explore at your own pace.
Where to Stay
Koh Samui has resorts and towns dotted all around the island with all types of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget:
Lamai: A well-established beach town that retains a more relaxed atmosphere despite being built up. You’ll find a wide array of hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Lamai has lots of good food options also including the fresh market.
Chaweng: The most bustling area of Koh Samui, known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful long stretch of beach, and a wide selection of resorts, bars, and restaurants. Chaweng attracts all sorts of tourists but is popular with a more younger crowd. Stay here if you are after a more lively atmosphere.
Bophut: Is located in the north east of the island and is a charming and quieter area, particularly around Fisherman’s Village, offering a more laid-back vibe perfect for couples and families seeking a place that has less crowds but all the amenities.
Mae Nam: Located further away from the main tourist hubs, Mae Nam has a long, calm beach with fewer crowds, making it ideal for families and those seeking a little more peace and quiet.
Other Areas: There are loads of other options around the Island, from secluded beach resorts with private stretches of sand to jungle retreats offering breath-taking panoramic views. Areas like Choeng Mon, Silver Beach, and Lipa Noi provide quieter alternatives.
Best Time to Visit Koh Samui
Koh Samui generally has a tropical climate with three main seasons: A dry season, a hot season and a rainy season.
The Dry Season is the best time to visit between December and April with sunny skies, calm seas, and pleasant temperatures.
The Hot Season is between May and August It is blazing hot and humid during this time it is not as busy during this period but still a reasonably popular time to visit.
The Rainy Season is between September to November. This is probably not the best time to visit with heavy downpours of rain and rougher seas. Which can put a bit of a dampener on your visit While you can still have sunny days, be prepared for potential disruptions to travel plans.
Things to Do
Best Beaches
Being an Island it makes sense that you will be spending alot of the time hanging out at the beach swimming and relaxing, here are some of the best and most popular beaches on Koh Samui.
Chaweng Beach
Famous for its 3km stretch of powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and lively atmosphere. Offers a wide range of activities, beachfront bars and restaurants. This is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Koh Samui
Lamai Beach
Another excellent long stretch of sand, clear water, slightly quieter and more laid back compared to Chaweng but still has alot going on with loads of beach lounges and a good selection of restaurants and bars.
Bophut Beach
Not as built up as the other beaches and perhaps not as visually striking, but offering a relaxed ambiance. Bophut has beautiful calm waters and is a great beach for couples or families looking for a more slow tranquil vibe.
Silver Beach (Crystal bay)
Often hailed as the most beautiful beach on Koh Samui, nestled between Lamai and Chaweng. Features pristine white sand, clear turquoise waters, framed by granite boulders and lush jungle a true paradise.
Wat Teepangkorn
This temple sits at the highest point on Koh Samui where you get amazing 360 degree panoramic views of the island all the way to Koh Pangyan and the lush forest and coastline around the island. To get there you need to take a steep bumpy road to get up there, it’s best to take a car or go on a group tour as it’s not best tackled on a motorbike. However you get up there fantastic views await you.
Hin Ta and Hin Yai
In English it translates to Grandfather’s and Grandmother’s Rocks: here there is a small rocky area just south of Lamai beach where there is a couple of rock formations that take little imagination to see how they got their names and you also get some nice views of the coastline.
Fisherman’s Village
Fisherman’s village is a walking street that is closed to traffic in the Bophut area every evening. They have market stalls, restaurants and bars that make it a great night out. This is a great place to come for sunset dinner and drinks on the beach and then wander around the market stalls after.
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
A magnificent and serene temple in the Bophut area, featuring a striking 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue. The temple is located on a small island that is joined to the mainland by a causeway. Form the big buddhas elevated platform you can also get commanding views of the coastline.
Lad Koh Viewpoint
Stunning viewpoint just south of Chaweng beach where you can see all the way down Chaweng and all the way up to the Bhoput in the north. It’s literally on the main road between Lamai and Chaweng so you really have no excuse to not stop!
Ang Thong National Marine Park
For those looking to get away from Koh Samui there are various speed boat tours available. The best of the bunch is the Ang thong national marine park. here you will take a 45 minute speed boat journey out to this stunning archipelago made up of 42 islands. There are a number of activities on the tour including snorkelling, visiting the blue lagoon a stunning emerald lagoon located inside a small island. Finishing off with a small hike to the Pha Jun Jaras viewpoint where you can see right down the whole island chain which is one of the most breath taking viewpoints you will ever see.
Where/What to Eat & Drink
You can find great restaurants all over the Island in the built up beach towns and dotted around the coast where you have beautiful coastal views. We have been to Ko Samui 2 times now and have tried a bunch of places out and here are some of our favourites.
Jungle Club
The jungle club is a bar / restaurant located high up in the mountains amongst the jungle offering breath-taking panoramic views of Koh Samui. A fantastic spot for sunset and drinks or anytime of day for fantastic views.
Summer By Coco Tam’s
Located in Bophut we come here for breakfast, it’s a bit pricey but this place served up the best western style breakfast with a Thai twist. Summer also has excellent décor and a nice vibe making it a great place for evening drinks by the beach.
Smile House
Amazing Thai restaurant that has tables right on the sand of Bophut beach. Come here around sunset to watch the sun go down with the sand between your toes and a Leo in hand and after explore the Fishermans village walking street after.
Sabeinglae
This is our favourite restaurant in Koh Samui they are located in Lamai with amazing ocean views and serve excellent Thai food especially seafood this restaurant is popular with Thai people so you know it is going to be great.
Lamai fresh Market
For those who on a budget or after some proper thai street food head to the Lamai fresh market here you will find a large selection of Thai street food from bbq, stick food , curries,som tum and southern thai food. They are open all day and have food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We went here multiple times and it is awesome.
Galamare
Galamre is a popular sweet snack in southern Thailand made from gluttonous rice and comes in various flavours. The texture will not be for everyone but definitely pick some up and try it out. There are many Aunties who make Galamare fresh daily around Hin ta and Hin yai area so be sure to pick some up when you visit.
Next Stop:
- Ultimate Chiang Mai Travel Guide
- Mountain Escape: Mae Kampong
- Ayutthaya: Discover Thailand’s Ancient Capital
Also check out our YouTube video below 👇
