Thailand
Koh Samui
December to April (dry season in Gulf)
$50-150 USD
Thai (English spoken in tourist areas)
UTC+7
About
Discover 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.
Where to Stay
Best Hotels in Koh Samui
Luxury Hotels
Vana Belle, A Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui
Vana Belle is a Marriott Luxury Collection resort on the intimate headland of Chaweng Noi, offering beachfront villas and suites with private plunge pools. The resort's 80 pool suites and villas combine Thai architectural craftsmanship with extensive spa and dining facilities. It consistently earns one of Koh Samui's highest guest ratings at 9.4.
Banyan Tree Samui
Banyan Tree Samui is an 88-villa all-pool resort on a private hill cove on the south-eastern coast, with every villa featuring a private pool and sea views. The property is set on a pristine private beach accessed by a funicular, and offers a signature Banyan Tree spa, multiple dining venues, and a renowned butler service programme.
Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui
Garrya Tongsai Bay is a secluded resort on the north coast of Koh Samui with a 200-metre private beach and two pools. The 83 suites and villas are spread across the hillside above the bay, and the property is known for its wellness-oriented spa, strong sustainability initiatives, and unhurried service ethos.
Santiburi Koh Samui
Santiburi Koh Samui occupies a quiet stretch of Maenam Beach on the north coast, offering a secluded and understated luxury experience away from the busier east-coast resorts. The property has large grounds, multiple dining options, and a spa overlooking the beachfront. Its 9.3 rating reflects consistently strong service.
Conrad Koh Samui
Conrad Koh Samui is a Hilton luxury property on the quieter west coast, featuring 81 private pool villas arranged on a hillside with panoramic Gulf of Thailand sunset views. The resort's elevated position, all-villa format, and three pools make it one of the island's most private luxury experiences.
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui is a contemporary five-star resort near Chaweng and Choeng Mon beaches with five outdoor pools, a private beach, full-service spa, and Kids Club. Its newer infrastructure and brand consistency make it a strong choice for families and couples seeking reliable luxury service on the north-east coast.
Boutique Hotels
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort
SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort is a boutique property on Chaweng Beach with an all-pool-villa design and a relaxed contemporary atmosphere. The resort's intimate scale, direct beach access, and competitive pricing for the villa format make it a well-regarded option for couples and small groups seeking a private pool without a five-star price tag.
Bo Phut Resort & Spa
Bo Phut Resort & Spa is a well-regarded boutique property on Bophut Beach, a few steps from the Fisherman's Village. The resort has a pool, spa, restaurant, and tastefully designed rooms in a garden setting. Its quieter north-coast location suits travellers who prefer the ambience of Bophut to the busier Chaweng strip.
Mid-Range Hotels
OZO Chaweng Samui
OZO Chaweng Samui is a modern three-star hotel in Central Chaweng, offering clean and well-designed rooms at a budget-friendly price point. The hotel has a pool and cafe, and its central location puts guests within easy reach of the beach, restaurants, and nightlife. It is a reliable option for cost-conscious travellers who want to stay in the heart of the action.
Budget Options
ibis Samui Bophut
ibis Samui Bophut is a reliable budget hotel on Bophut Beach offering clean, air-conditioned rooms, a pool, and easy access to the Fisherman's Village. With a 8.3 rating and over 5,000 reviews, it provides consistent quality for budget travellers who want a north-coast base close to local restaurants and pier connections.
Merlin Beach Resort
A budget-friendly beachfront option on Chaweng offering straightforward rooms with air conditioning, a pool, and direct beach access at a price point well below the surrounding four- and five-star properties. Suitable for travellers prioritising beach access at the lowest possible cost.
Ark Bar Beach Resort
A Chaweng beachfront budget resort well known for its beachside bar, pool parties, and lively evening atmosphere. The rooms are basic but the direct beach location and party atmosphere attract younger travellers and backpackers. Standard rooms are affordable by Chaweng standards.
Chaweng Budget Guesthouse
The most affordable accommodation option in the Chaweng area, offering basic rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi a short walk from the beach. Suitable for budget backpackers who plan to spend most of their time on the beach and use the room primarily for sleeping.
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.
Pink Dolphins Sightseeing and Koh Tan Speedboat Tour
A full-day speedboat tour from Koh Samui searching for rare Indo-Pacific pink dolphins around the islands of Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum, combined with snorkelling at coral gardens. Pink dolphins are regularly sighted in the shallow waters south of Koh Samui.
Koh Samui Muay Thai Group Boxing Class
An introductory group Muay Thai boxing class for beginners in Koh Samui, covering basic stance, striking technique, and pad work with experienced Thai trainers. Sessions run regularly at local gyms and provide a genuine insight into Thailand's national sport.
Koh Samui Muay Thai Private Boxing Class
A one-on-one Muay Thai training session with an experienced instructor in Koh Samui, offering a more intensive and personalised boxing introduction than group classes. Suitable for complete beginners and those with some martial arts background.
Big Buddha Temple Visit (Wat Phra Yai)
The Big Buddha temple at Bang Rak features a 12-metre golden seated Buddha statue on a small island connected by a causeway. The site is one of Koh Samui's most recognisable landmarks and is free to enter, with stalls selling offerings and local snacks at the base of the statue.
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