KOH SAMUI: TRAVEL GUIDE
Why This Thai Island Belongs On Your Bucket List
Quick facts
- Location: Gulf of Thailand, Surat Thani Province.
- Size: Thailand’s second-largest island, after Phuket. Koh Chang is third.
- Airport: Samui International Airport (USM).
- Main beaches: Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Maenam.
- Best for: Beaches, wellness, island-hopping, families and couples.
- Our recommended hotel: La Vida Samui, Chaweng Beach.
Koh Samui is a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is known for white-sand beaches, clear water and green jungle interior. The island combines a relaxed atmosphere with temples, waterfalls, good food and lively nightlife. That makes it one of Thailand’s most rewarding destinations for couples, families and first-time visitors to Asia.
10 Reasons to Visit Koh Samui
- Beautiful beaches. You’ll find white sand, palm trees and calm, clear water.
- Stunning sunsets and sunrises. The west coast is the place for sunset, and the east coast for sunrise over the Gulf.
- Excellent Thai food. Options range from fresh seafood and street food to fine dining.
- Culture and temples. Visit sites such as Wat Plai Laem and the Big Buddha temple (Wat Phra Yai).
- Jungle and waterfalls. Na Muang and Hin Lad waterfalls are easy half-day trips.
- Spa and wellness. The island has a strong reputation for spas, retreats and wellness programmes.
- Snorkelling and diving. Ang Thong National Marine Park is a group of 42 islands just off Koh Samui. It is widely said to have inspired Alex Garland’s novel The Beach.
- Shopping. Choose from night markets, Fisherman’s Village in Bophut and Central Samui in Chaweng.
- Nightlife. Chaweng is the main hub, followed by Lamai and Bophut.
- Easy to reach. There are frequent flights from Bangkok and connections from other Asian hubs.
How to Get to Koh Samui
By air (fastest): Fly into Samui International Airport (USM). Regular direct flights run from Bangkok, and some international flights connect from regional hubs such as Singapore. Most UK and European travellers fly to Bangkok and connect there.
By ferry: Car and passenger ferries run from Don Sak Pier on the mainland, near Surat Thani. The crossing takes around 1.5 hours. High-speed catamarans from Chumphon take around 3–4 hours via Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. A night boat from Surat Thani is also available.
By bus and ferry: Combined bus-and-boat tickets run from Bangkok to Koh Samui via Don Sak, often overnight. Allow around 12 hours door to door.
By car: The drive from Bangkok to Don Sak Pier is around 650 km, which is roughly 9–10 hours. You then take the car ferry across to the island.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
Chaweng: This is the island’s longest and liveliest beach. It has the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Our preferred place to stay is La Vida Samui, a boutique beachfront resort on Chaweng Beach. It has a free-form pool, a beachfront restaurant and stylish rooms, and some rooms have sea views. Guests can watch the sunrise over the Gulf of Thailand. The shops, bars and restaurants of Chaweng are a few minutes away, and the airport is around a 10-minute drive. It suits couples and families alike.
Bophut: This north-coast beach is more laid-back. It is known for its charming Fisherman’s Village and Friday walking street market.
Lamai: Lamai is on the east coast and is the island’s second-busiest beach. It has a long sandy bay and a good choice of bars and restaurants.
Maenam: Maenam is a quieter north-coast beach, popular with families and anyone looking for peace and space.
Why We Love Koh Samui
We first visited Koh Samui as backpackers in 1990, and much has changed since then. The airport opened in 1989 and brought a hotel boom. Happily, most resorts are still low-rise, no taller than the palm trees, and many have fewer than 100 rooms.
- The airport is one of our favourites. It is low-rise and open-air, and it makes arriving stress-free.
- The beaches are stunning. Outside Chaweng, most are rarely crowded.
- Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must for any visitor.
- The island is compact. You can drive around it in a day.
- Koh Phangan is a short ferry ride away. It is well worth a day trip, and there’s far more to it than the Full Moon Party.
Koh Samui FAQs
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?
The driest months are generally January to August. Koh Samui’s main rainy season is roughly October to December, which is different from Phuket and Thailand’s Andaman coast.
How long should I spend on Koh Samui?
Five to seven nights gives you time for the beaches, a trip to Ang Thong Marine Park and a day on Koh Phangan.
Which is the best beach in Koh Samui?
Chaweng is best for choice, convenience and nightlife. Bophut and Maenam suit visitors who want a quieter stay.
Where do you recommend staying in Koh Samui?
We recommend La Vida Samui, a boutique beachfront resort on Chaweng Beach. It is close to restaurants and shops and around 10 minutes from the airport.
Is Koh Samui good for families?
Yes. The calm beaches, family-friendly resorts and easy day trips make it a strong family destination.
