With its white-sand beaches hemmed in by coconut palms, private beach resorts reachable only by boat, and swathes of lush rainforest; Koh Samui comes as close to paradise as anywhere in Thailand. Marooned off the Gulf of Thailand coast and reachable by ferry from Chumphon and Surat Thani, Samui island is the largest of the Chumphon archipelago, and ranks second only to Phuket for the title of Thailand’s most visited island. On the east coast, Chaweng beach is the island’s party hub, lined with beach bars, nightclubs, and 5-star resorts, while Lamai Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, and Bophut offer more laid-back alternatives. Away from the beach, dramatic viewpoints abound, with highlights including Na Muang Waterfall, the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, and the dazzling gold façade of Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai). The island also makes a popular basecamp for exploring the surrounding islands and speedboats plow the route between Koh Phangan, host of Thailand’s notorious Full Moon parties, and Koh Tao, a popular scuba diving and snorkeling spot. Off the west coast, a sea kayaking or snorkeling tour of Ang Thong National Marine Park—a cluster of jungle-clad islands, ringed by jagged rocks, sandy coves, and a rainbow of coral—is perhaps the most enchanting option for a day trip.
If you come to Koh Samui in the dry season (December through February), don’t expect to have the popular island’s sunny shores to yourself. While temperatures can climb beyond 85°F (19°C) in March through August’s hot season, it’s also the best time to snorkel, scuba dive, and do other water sports, with the highest visibility. The annual Songkran (Thai New Year) festivities in April will cool you down—it’s impossible to not get wet at the world-famous "water festival."
At just 15 miles (25 kilometers) in length, Koh Samui is fairly compact, but heavy traffic and steep roads can make it tricky to travel far on foot. Songthaews (converted pickup trucks that act like shared taxis) ply the main roads and take you to all corners of the island. The quickest and cheapest option—especially if you can haggle—is to hop on the back of a motorbike taxi. Or, get your own wheels and rent a moped.
Beachfront restaurant Krua Chao Baan is popular with locals as well as in-the-know travelers. Pair your brunch with fresh-from-the-tree coconut juice, and then take to the water for a paddle—kayaks are provided free of charge for diners. Or, if you need a change from all those 200-baht cocktails and Singha beers, head to Bee’s Knees, the only brewpub on the island, which serves European-style craft beers.
Some of the most popular places to stay in Koh Samui include Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, and Chaoeng Mon along the east coast of the island, as well as Maenam Beach on the north shore. These towns boast some of the island’s best beaches, as well as being close to the airport.
...MoreSamui International Airport (USM) is Koh Samui’s airport, located just north of Chaweng village on the island’s northeast coast. Flying is the quickest and easiest way to get to Koh Samui, with direct flights to Bangkok taking around 90 minutes. You can also fly direct from Chiang Mai, Krabi, Phuket, and Pattaya.
...MoreChaweng is the buzzing epicenter of Koh Samui’s nightlife, filled with beach bars and nightclubs. Other fun things to do at night include attending a Muay Thai boxing match or a Thai cabaret, visiting Chaweng or Lamai night markets, or hopping over to Koh Phangan for the legendary Full Moon parties.
...MoreYes. Island-hopping tours are a popular choice for a day trip, exploring the many islands of the Ang Thong Marine Park or the small islands of Koh Mudsum and Koh Taen off the south coast of Koh Samui. Regular ferries also run to Koh Phangan (45 minutes) and Koh Tao (2 hours).
...MoreA minimum of three nights on Koh Samui are recommended to take in the highlights of the island, soak up the nightlife, and enjoy the beaches. However, many visitors opt to stay a week or more at one of the island’s beach resorts or use the island as a base for island-hopping tours.
...MoreSilver Beach (Thongtakian) is one of Koh Samui’s most beautiful beaches, with pristine white sands and swaying palms. While Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are deserving of their popularity, some of the island’s most photogenic beaches include Bophut Beach, Maenam Beach, Thongson Bay, and Taling Ngam.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 13 |
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Number of Tours | 392 |
Number of Reviews | 5,912 |
Currency | THB |
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