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Destinations / Thailand

Koh Samui

Ko Samui (เกาะสมุย)

Palm-fringed Gulf island of beaches and temples

beachescouplesluxuryfamiliesnightlife
Plan your trip to Koh SamuiSee the top 10
65,000Population
65,000Metro area
ThaiLanguage
THBCurrency
5 daysIdeal stay
$100-180Typical day

Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island, with palm-lined beaches and resorts. This guide covers the whole island and nearby islands such as Ang Thong Marine Park. Chaweng is lively, while Bophut and Lamai are calmer.

Where to start

Top 10 things to do

Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.

  1. The island's longest and liveliest beach. Bars and clubs.

    Half dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. North end is calmer.
    See on the map

  2. Archipelago of 42 islands with lagoons and viewpoints. Kayaking.

    Full dayTime needed
    recommendedBook ahead

    Tour plus park fee.

    Tip. Speedboat about 1 hour.
    See on the map

  3. A 12 meter golden Buddha on an islet. Landmark.

    45 minutesTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Dress modestly.
    See on the map

  4. Colourful temple with an 18-armed Guanyin. On a lake.

    45 minutesTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Feed the fish.
    See on the map

  5. Old wooden shophouses with restaurants. Friday walking street.

    2 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Friday night market.
    See on the map

  6. Rock formations known as Grandfather and Grandmother rocks. Quirky.

    30 minutesTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Near Lamai.
    See on the map

  7. Second biggest beach, more relaxed. Good swimming.

    Half dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Sunset.
    See on the map

  8. Two waterfalls in the interior. Swimming pool.

    2 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Wear grippy shoes.
    See on the map

  9. Hilltop garden of statues in jungle. Views.

    1.5 hoursTime needed
    about $4-8Cost
    noBook ahead

    Entry fee about 80 to 200 baht.

    Tip. 4x4 needed.
    See on the map

  10. Day trips to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. Clear water.

    Full dayTime needed
    recommendedBook ahead

    Tour fees.

    Tip. Speedboat about 1.5 hours.
    See on the map
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.
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Ready-made itineraries

Choose how many days you have.

Koh Samui in three days

Island loop day, Ang Thong day, then Koh Tao snorkel.

  1. Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)45 minutes · Free
  2. Wat Plai Laem45 minutes · Free
  3. Fisherman's Village, Bophut2 hours · Free
  4. Chaweng BeachHalf day · Free
  5. Ang Thong National Marine ParkFull day
  6. Hin Ta and Hin Yai30 minutes · Free
  7. Lamai BeachHalf day · Free
  8. Na Muang Waterfalls2 hours · Free
  9. Secret Buddha Garden1.5 hours · about $4-8
  10. Koh Tao snorkel tripFull day
Beyond the city

Day trips

Koh Phangan

Beaches and Full Moon Party.

12 mi · Ferry, about 30 minutes

Koh Tao

Diving island.

37 mi · Ferry, about 1.5 to 2 hours

Nang Yuan Island

Small island with a sandbar and clear water.

43 mi · Ferry to Koh Tao then a short boat

Khao Sok National Park

Rainforest and a limestone lake.

93 mi · Ferry and van, about 4h each way, so better overnight

Khanom

Quiet beaches and pink dolphin watching in season.

43 mi · Ferry to mainland then car, about 2h

Plan your dates

Weather and seasons

Best: December to April. Dry, sunny weather.

Busy and priceyShoulderQuiet and cheaper

Temperature

Daily high and average, by month

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

Typical inches per month

0.00.81.62.43.13.94.75.56.37.17.98.79.410.211.011.812.613.414.215.0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

81°F
Typical daily high
Average80°F
Rain5.3 in
About17 rainy days
Sun strength4.6 kWh/m²

Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.

Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.

Main events

Apr

Songkran

April 13 to 15

Water festival.

Year

Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan)

Monthly around the full moon

A large beach party on a nearby island; many visitors cross by ferry.

Year

Fisherman's Village Friday Walking Street

Every Friday evening

Weekly street market and food stalls in Bophut.

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Know before you go

At a glance

4/5
Safety

Thailand is at US State Department Level 1 (normal precautions); main risks are scooter accidents, rip currents and drink spiking.

2/5
Walkability

Beach strips are walkable but the island needs wheels.

2/5
Public transport

Songthaews circle the ring road; Grab and Bolt work.

Pick your base

Where to stay

The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.

Map: OpenStreetMap contributors. Shapes where OpenStreetMap has a boundary; dashed circles mark areas it only has a point for.
123456

1. Chaweng

$$$

Best for: nightlife, first-timers

Busiest beach.

2. Bophut and Fisherman's Village

$$$

Best for: couples, families

Charming village.

3. Lamai

$$

Best for: budget

Calmer beach.

4. Choeng Mon

$$$$

Best for: luxury

Quiet bays.

5. Bophut Fisherman's Village

$$$

Best for: couples, foodies

Charming old waterfront with restaurants.

6. Maenam

$

Best for: budget, quiet stays

Quiet beach with a local feel.

Getting there and around

Main airportSamui Airport (USM), 6 mi from the center
To the centerAirport taxi or shuttle to Chaweng takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Around townSongthaews, taxis or rented car.
Ride appsGrab, Bolt
Taste it

What to eat

Khao yum

Southern rice salad.

Coconut dishes

Samui coconuts are famous.

Seafood

Fisherman's Village.

Southern Thai curry

Spicy crab or fish curry.

Coconut desserts

The island's coconuts appear in sweets and ice cream.

Fisherman's Village street food

Friday street market with snacks.

Roti

Sweet or savoury street pancake.

Good to know

PlugsType A, B, C and O, 220 V
Tap waterUse bottled water
TippingTipping is not expected; rounding up or 20 to 50 baht is appreciated.
PaymentsCash is common for small vendors and boats; cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants.
EtiquetteDress modestly at temples, covering shoulders and knees, and never disrespect the monarchy.
  • Rent scooters only with a license and helmet.
  • Ang Thong trips depend on weather.
  • Airport fees make flights pricey; ferries via Surat Thani are cheaper.
  • Swim between flags.
  • Taxis and tuk-tuks rarely use meters; agree the fare first.
  • Check the weather before booking Ang Thong, as tours cancel in rough seas.
  • Scooter accidents are common; many insurers need a motorcycle licence.
  • The marine park fee is charged separately.

A short history

Samui was settled by fishermen from the mainland and Hainan centuries ago. Coconuts were its economy until roads arrived in the 1970s. Backpackers came first, then the airport opened in 1989. It is now an upscale resort island.

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Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Koh Samui