Koh Samui is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand because the international airport connects many countries to the island.
It offers a wide variety of experiences if you are looking for warm weather, good food, stunning beaches and unforgettable memories.
If you want to be more active, there are countless other things to do, from famous Buddhist temples, busy shopping markets and the best nightlife spots.
Plan your trip to YOUR SAMUI
A trip to Koh Samui is easy to plan, check out these tips for a smooth trip to paradise.
BEST TIME TO GO?
⚑: The best time to visit Koh Samui is from December to February, which is the dry season and when the weather is most pleasant.
The wet season is from September to mid-December, often marked by heavy rains and tropical storms.
February is the driest and least humid month, and April is the hottest and wettest.
HOW TO GET THERE?
✈ By plane The fastest and easiest way is to fly. There are many international flights direct to Samu International Airport and several daily flights between Bangkok and Koh Samu with Bangkok Airways. You can easily reach most major hotels within 30 minutes from the airport.
🚄 By ferry From Donsak Payer (40 km south of Surat Thani) you can get a ferry that departs every hour and takes about 90 minutes to reach Nathon Port in Koh Samui.
WHERE TO STAY?
There are a few main areas in Koh Samui where people usually choose to stay.
Chaweng This is the tourist area of Koh Samui because of all the big hotels and resorts, some right in front of the beach. This is also where most of the market stalls, restaurants and bars are located, and some of them are open until the early hours of the morning.
Lamai in the south has the second largest beach on Koh Samui and is slightly less crowded than Chaweng.
Bohput is the third largest area known for its Fisherman’s Village. The beach is good (not as good as Chaweng or Lamai) and everything is a bit cheaper at the local markets and street food vendors.
Nathan this is where the main ferry port is located, so you will most likely arrive here by ferry. It has some nice hotels at affordable prices.
I stayed inside Nora Buri Resort & Spa Not far from Chaweng beach for 7 nights and had a really nice time.
The resort was super comfortable and modern; the food was excellent with a delicious breakfast every morning included in the room rate. They also have their own restaurant on site.
The highlight was the private pool in the room with a gorgeous view of the beach. I really recommend this hotel. It’s also very close to the airport and easy to drive everywhere else on the island.
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HOW TO AROUND YOU IN SAMUI?
There are many different ways to get around Koh Samui, but scooters and motorbikes are the most popular among locals and tourists as the traffic is very busy.
🚲 SCOOTER Renting a scooter or motorbike is quite cheap and petrol is also super affordable. Make sure you wear a helmet.
🚗 Car In my case, because I had my son with me (then 1 year old) so I had to have more safety and comfort, so I decided to rent a car. The price was reasonable (car + car seat) and I got it straight from the airport which was also really convenient.
If you don’t want to rent a car and just travel here and there every now and then, taxis are also a reasonable option. Most taxi drivers don’t use a meter, so make sure you negotiate the price beforehand.
🚌 SONGTHAEW: The cheapest option is the Songthaew, which is basically a truck that can easily carry 8 to 10 passengers. Again, make sure you set the price beforehand.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK?
Thai food is one of the best cuisines in the world, rich in flavors and spices. You can eat some incredible food on Koh Samui, although most restaurants will also have western options if you’re not into Asian food. Here are some of my recommendations.
- Full Moon Restaurant
- Treehouse Silent Beach Restaurant
- Fisherman’s House Cafe
- Malee Kitchen Downtown
- Armando’s Beach Restaurant
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO
GO TO THE BEACH
Koh Samui is one of the best islands in Thailand if you’re looking for some quality beach time. Here are some of the main ones.
- Chaweng BeachThe biggest and most famous beach with everything you need to have the best time
- Bophut Beach: located in Fisherman’s Village, it is quiet and has a good selection of small restaurants and shops
- Llama beach. less crowded compared to Chaweng as I mentioned before which is great for a relaxing day
- Lipa Noi BeachSouth of Naughton, it’s super quiet and felt like a private beach. It is famous for Nikki Beach Club
- Taling Ngam BeachJust 30 minutes from Nathon, this beach is quiet and really beautiful. Ang Thong National Marine Park can be seen in the distance.
OLD YAY AND OLD TA
Not far from Lamai Beach, Hin Yai and Hin Ta, also known as Grandma and Grandpa’s Rocks, are fun-shaped rock formations, and you’ll quickly see why. Can you tell??
BIG BUDDHA
The Big Buddha is a 12-meter golden statue surrounded by various shrines and smaller Buddha statues. It has incredible views from the top and it’s free.
To visit these temples, remember to take something that covers your shoulders and knees (this is a requirement in almost any temple in Thailand).
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NA MUANG WATERFALLS
There are several waterfalls on Koh Samui, but the two Na Muang waterfalls are the most beautiful. There is a short hike and swimming area to get to the falls. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to visit, but if you have time, go.
A MAGIC GARDEN
The Secret Buddha Garden, also known as the Magic Garden, is a private sculpture garden created by retired farmer Khun Nim Thongsuk. The site features numerous Buddha statues and other aspects of Thai Buddhism and waterfalls within the park.
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VILLAGE OF FISHERMEN
Fisherman’s Village is a lively walking street market with lots of small shops and street food, right where Bophut Beach is located.
LAEM SOR PAGODA:
On Laem Sor Hill is the golden Laem Sor Pagoda right at the end of Bang Kao Beach. It is in a beautiful quiet area where I had the privilege of watching some of the Thai religious rituals.
WAT PLAI LAEM?
This is Koh Samui’s most famous Buddhist temple, featuring an 18-armed image of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy and Compassion named Guanyin, the protector of women and children and the protector of the sick, the poor, the unfortunate and the disabled.
Another popular statue is the fat, laughing Chinese Buddha, which represents wealth and prosperity.
MUMMY MONK AT BAD KHUNARAM
Wat Khunaram Temple is famous for the mummified monk Lun Pordeng, displayed in a glass coffin.
The monk’s body is revered by many Thais who see death as an opportunity to be reborn into the next and better life.
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SNORKE AND SWIFT
Koh Samui is close to many popular diving spots with incredible marine life. Ang Thong National Marine Park is a popular place to go. There are many shops around the islands that offer all kinds of tours.
CREATE a massage
Getting a massage is one of my favorite things to do in Thailand. Compared to Europe, the prices are cheap and the quality is excellent.
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Koh Samui is a beautiful vacation destination for beach lovers, foodies and an easy introduction to Thai culture. I also thought it was great as a family destination and for exploring the island with a small child. There is so much to do, see and experience on the island itself, so I’d say go for at least a week and you’ll love it.
📌: PIN ME.
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