December to April (dry season in Gulf)
$50-150 USD
Thai (English spoken in tourist areas)
Thai Baht (THB)
Overview
About Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island, located in the Gulf of Thailand in Surat Thani Province. With an area of roughly 230 km², it is known for its well-developed tourism infrastructure, diverse beaches, and a range of accommodation from budget guesthouses to some of Thailand's most exclusive private villa resorts. The island receives approximately four million visitors annually and has direct international flight connections through Koh Samui Airport (USM), making it one of the most accessible Thai island destinations.
Chaweng Beach, on the island's east coast, is the most developed and popular stretch of sand, lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, and shopping areas. It is lively during peak season but can feel crowded. Lamai Beach, the second-largest, is a few kilometres south and has a similar profile but with a slightly quieter character. On the north coast, Bophut is home to the Fisherman's Village, a preserved street of old Chinese shophouses converted into boutique restaurants and guesthouses, which hosts a popular walking market on Friday evenings.
The island's natural highlights include the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks near Lamai — unusual rock formations with a local legend attached — and Na Muang Waterfall in the island's jungle interior, accessible by short hike. The Big Buddha temple at Bang Rak, featuring a 12-metre golden statue on a small island connected by a causeway, is the most visited religious site.
Koh Samui is also the primary departure point for excursions to the surrounding Gulf islands. Ang Thong Marine National Park, an archipelago of 42 limestone islands about 31 km northwest, is known for its emerald lagoons and dramatic scenery and is visited by speedboat day tours. Koh Pha Ngan, famous for its Full Moon Party on Hat Rin Beach, is a 30-minute ferry ride north. Koh Tao, a top scuba diving and snorkelling destination, is around two hours by catamaran.
The island has two airports: Koh Samui Airport (USM), operated by Bangkok Airways and handling domestic and some international flights, and the original location accessible from the mainland by ferry and bus from Surat Thani. The dry season runs from December to April, with the northeast monsoon bringing the heaviest rain to Koh Samui from October to December — the inverse of the Andaman coast pattern. June to August is generally drier and good for travel.
Accommodation
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui
resort · €€€ · Chaweng Noi
Experiences
Things to Do in Koh Samui
Day Trip to Ang Thong Marine National Park
Ang Thong Marine National Park is an archipelago of 42 islands northwest of Koh Samui, featuring emerald-green sea caves, limestone pinnacles, and the famous inland saltwater lake on Ko Mae Koh. Speedboat day tours include kayaking through caves, a viewpoint hike, snorkelling, and a beach stop.
Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan with Lunch
A full-day speedboat trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, one of Thailand's top diving and snorkelling destinations, and the twin-peaked Koh Nang Yuan island. The tour includes snorkelling at multiple reef sites, a beach stop at Koh Nang Yuan's sandbar, and lunch.
Guided Boat Tour of Ang Thong Marine Park with Kayaking
A guided boat tour of Ang Thong Marine National Park combining kayaking through sea caves and mangrove channels with a visit to the saltwater lagoon and panoramic viewpoint. The tour includes snorkelling and a beach lunch on one of the park's secluded islands.
Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Tao and Nang Yuan with Snorkel
A private full-day longtail boat tour from Koh Samui to Koh Tao and the sandbar of Koh Nang Yuan, with snorkelling equipment included. The private format allows flexible scheduling and personalised stops at the most active reef sites around the two islands.
Koh Samui Island Sightseeing Tour by 4x4
A shared full-day 4x4 tour of Koh Samui's interior and coastal highlights, including the Big Buddha temple, Na Muang Waterfall, Hin Ta and Hin Yai rock formations, coconut plantations, and local villages. The off-road format reaches areas inaccessible to regular vehicles.
Guided Tour of Ang Thong Marine Park by Big Boat
A shared boat tour to Ang Thong Marine National Park departing from Koh Samui, visiting the park's main islands by larger vessel. The tour is the most affordable way to experience the park and includes kayaking, snorkelling, and a visit to the saltwater lagoon.
Samui Rescued Elephant Sanctuary Tour
A guided visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary on Koh Samui where rescued elephants live without performing or carrying riders. Visitors observe elephants at close range in their natural habitat, feed them, and learn about the sanctuary's rescue and rehabilitation work. A light meal is included.
Private Half-Day Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Mat Sum
A private half-day longtail boat excursion to Koh Mat Sum (also known as Pig Island or Koh Tan), a small island off the south coast of Koh Samui. The tour includes snorkelling at coral reefs, beach time, and the opportunity to snorkel alongside the island's resident pigs.
Practical Info
Koh Samui Travel Tips
Airport
USM
Timezone
UTC+7
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
Population
63,000 (island)
Information
Frequently Asked Questions
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