Koh Samui Travel Guide: Best Beaches, Places & Things to Do
Palm trees, soft white sand and calm blue water — this Koh Samui travel guide shows you the best beaches, top places to visit, where to stay and an easy 3-day plan for your island trip.
SEE THE FULL THAILAND GUIDEPopular Places to Visit in Koh Samui
These are the places visitors love most on Koh Samui — from busy beaches to quiet waterfalls and islands nearby.
Chaweng Beach
Lamai Beach
Big Buddha Temple
Fisherman's Village
Ang Thong Marine Park
Koh Tao
Na Muang Waterfall
Island Road TripWhy Visit Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Thailand's second-biggest island, and it feels like a calm tropical dream. Coconut trees line the beaches, the sea is warm and clear, and the middle of the island is full of green jungle hills and waterfalls.
It is a great place to slow down. You can spend the morning swimming, the afternoon on a boat trip to nearby islands and the evening at a lively night market. There are hotels for every budget, from small beach huts to fancy villas with private pools.
Koh Samui is on the Gulf of Thailand, on the other side of the country from Phuket and Krabi. Its rainy season comes at a different time, so it can be a good pick when the Andaman side is wet. For more island ideas, read our guide to the best islands in Thailand.
Six Essential Things to Do in Koh Samui
Short on time? Plan your island trip around these six great experiences.
Relax on Samui's Beaches
Chaweng is lively and fun, Lamai is calmer and Bophut has a cozy village feel. The water is warm all year, and many beaches are gentle and safe for swimming in the dry months.
Ang Thong Marine Park
Take a boat to more than 40 green islands in the sea. Paddle a kayak, climb to a viewpoint and see a hidden emerald lake inside one of the islands. It is the best day trip from Samui.
Big Buddha & Wat Plai Laem
The golden Big Buddha is about 12 metres tall and sits on a tiny island joined by a short road. Next door, Wat Plai Laem has a colorful statue with many arms standing on a lake.
Snorkeling near Koh Tao
Join a speedboat trip to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan for some of the clearest water in Thailand. Swim with colorful fish, then walk up to the viewpoint for a famous island photo.
Night Markets & Street Food
Every Friday evening, Fisherman's Village in Bophut turns into a walking street with food, music and gifts. Lamai and Chaweng also have night markets full of tasty snacks.
Waterfalls & Jungle Viewpoints
Head into the green hills to see Na Muang Waterfall, cool off in its pool and enjoy island views from jungle viewpoints. Go after rain, when the waterfalls are full.
3-Day Koh Samui Itinerary
A simple Koh Samui itinerary for your first visit. Have more time? Add a snorkeling trip to Koh Tao or a lazy pool day.
Big Buddha & Beaches
Visit the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem in the morning. Relax on Chaweng Beach in the afternoon, then enjoy dinner by the sea.
Ang Thong Marine Park
Join a full-day boat trip to Ang Thong. Kayak, swim, climb to a viewpoint and see the emerald lake. Back in time for a quiet evening.
Waterfalls & Lamai
Cool off at Na Muang Waterfall, see the funny-shaped rocks near Lamai and swim at Lamai Beach. If it is Friday, end at Fisherman's Village market.
Plan Your Visit
Best time to visit Koh Samui
January to August is the best time to visit Koh Samui. February to April is the driest and sunniest. Koh Samui's weather is different from Phuket's — its heaviest rain comes from October to early December. At that time, boat trips may be stopped, but hotels are cheaper.
Getting around Koh Samui
One main road goes all the way around the island, so it is hard to get lost. Taxis and the Grab app are easy to use, but agree on the price first if the taxi has no meter. Blue songthaews (shared pickup trucks) are cheaper and drive along the ring road. If you rent a scooter, always wear a helmet.
Getting to Koh Samui
Samui International Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok that take about 1 hour. The airport is small and pretty, with open-air buildings. To save money, fly or take a bus to Surat Thani, then catch a ferry from Donsak Pier, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Koh Samui on a budget
Koh Samui can cost more than other parts of Thailand, but you can still save. Stay in Lamai or Maenam, eat at night markets and local restaurants, and use songthaews instead of taxis. Book boat tours a day ahead and compare prices before you pay.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
Every beach on Koh Samui has its own feel. Here is a quick guide to help you choose.
| Area | Best for | Why stay here |
|---|---|---|
| Chaweng | Nightlife, first-timers | Long, busy beach with lots of hotels, shops and restaurants |
| Lamai | Couples, mid-budget | Pretty beach, calmer than Chaweng, with a good night market |
| Bophut & Fisherman's Village | Families, food lovers | Charming old village, beach cafés and the Friday walking street |
| Maenam | Quiet stays, long trips | Peaceful beach, cheaper hotels and close to the ferry piers |
| Choeng Mon | Families, luxury | Calm water for swimming and many beautiful resorts |
Quick Koh Samui Travel Tips
- Book your Ang Thong boat trip early in the high season.
- Ask for the price before you get into a taxi.
- Cover your shoulders and knees when you visit the Big Buddha and temples.
- Wear water shoes at rocky beaches and waterfalls.
- Check the weather before boat trips from October to December.
- Visit Fisherman's Village on a Friday evening for the walking street market.
Koh Samui in Pictures
Palm trees, blue water and quiet beaches — here is a first look at Koh Samui.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Koh Samui famous for?
Koh Samui is famous for its soft sandy beaches, palm trees and calm, warm sea. It is also known for the golden Big Buddha, boat trips to Ang Thong Marine Park, fun night markets and relaxing beach resorts.
How many days do you need in Koh Samui?
Four to five days is a good amount of time. You can spend one day on a boat trip to Ang Thong, one day touring the island, one day snorkeling near Koh Tao and still have time to relax on the beach.
What is the best time to visit Koh Samui?
January to August is the best time to visit Koh Samui, with February to April being the driest months. October to early December is the main rainy season on Samui, so it is not the best time for boat trips.
How do you get to Koh Samui?
The quickest way is to fly to Samui Airport from Bangkok, which takes about 1 hour. A cheaper way is to fly or take a bus to Surat Thani, then take a ferry across to the island, which takes about 1.5 hours on the boat.
Which beach is best in Koh Samui?
Chaweng is the best for busy beach life, food and nightlife. Lamai is a little calmer. Bophut and Maenam are quiet and great for families and couples. Choeng Mon has calm water that is good for swimming.
Is Koh Samui good for families?
Yes, Koh Samui is great for families. Many beaches have gentle waves, and kids enjoy the Big Buddha, waterfalls, boat trips and the Friday night market at Fisherman's Village. Many resorts also have big pools and kids' clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bangkok famous for?
Bangkok is famous for its Buddhist temples like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, its street food, busy night markets, river life along the Chao Phraya and rooftop bars with skyline views.
How many days do you need in Bangkok?
Three to four days is enough for most travelers. That gives you time for the main temples, a market or two, some street food and one day trip to Ayutthaya or a floating market.
What is the best time to visit Bangkok?
November to February is the best time to visit Bangkok, when the weather is drier and less humid. It is also the busiest season, so book hotels early.
Is Bangkok safe for tourists?
Yes, Bangkok is generally safe for tourists. The main things to watch for are small scams, such as fake "temple closed" stories or tuk-tuk rides that stop at gem shops, and pickpockets in crowded markets.
What should I wear to Bangkok temples?
Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops and see-through clothing are not allowed at the Grand Palace. Many visitors carry a light scarf or wear loose trousers.
Where should I stay in Bangkok for the first time?
First-time visitors usually like staying by the river or in Sukhumvit. The riverside is close to the temples, while Sukhumvit has easy Skytrain access, food and nightlife.