Koh Samui

Why Koh Samui? A comfortable island with its own airport: palm-fringed beaches, wellness resorts, the Big Buddha and waterfalls inland.

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What to do in Koh Samui?

For each activity you get up-to-date availability and prices — so you book ahead at the best rate.

• BeachChaweng & Lamai beachesThe island's liveliest sands with clear swimming water.
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• CultureBig Buddha & Wat Plai LaemThe golden seated Buddha and the pink 18-arm Guanyin temple.
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• NatureAng Thong Marine Park42 islands, a hidden lagoon and kayaking on a full-day boat trip.
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• NatureNa Muang waterfallsJungle falls you can swim beneath, plus a viewpoint zipline.
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• FoodFisherman's Village, BophutBoutique dining and the Friday walking-street market.
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• WellnessSpa & yoga retreatSamui is Thailand's wellness capital - detox, massage and yoga.
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• NatureSecret Buddha GardenMystical hilltop statues in the jungle interior.
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Getting there & around

The big advantage is the airport (Bangkok Airways) with direct flights from Bangkok and elsewhere - no long ferry needed, though budget travellers still arrive by bus-and-boat combos via Surat Thani. On the island, a ring road circles the coast; use Grab, songthaews (agree the fare first, as they overcharge) or rent a scooter/car. Ferries link Samui to Koh Phangan (30-45 min) and Koh Tao.

Beaches & where to stay

Chaweng is the main event - the longest, liveliest beach with the most hotels, bars and shopping. Lamai just south is a slightly calmer alternative with good sand. For quiet and romance, the northern and western coasts (Bophut with its charming Fisherman's Village, Maenam, Choeng Mon, and the far south) hold boutique and luxury resorts. Samui does high-end well, so it is a good place to splurge on a pool villa.

Highlights inland & offshore

Beyond the beach, visit the Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai) and the graceful Wat Plai Laem on the water, chase the Na Muang and Hin Lad waterfalls inland, and photograph the oddly famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai 'grandfather and grandmother' rocks. The unmissable day trip is Ang Thong Marine Park - 42 emerald islands with a hidden lagoon, reached by boat and kayak.

Food, wellness & nightlife

Samui is a wellness hub - day spas, yoga and full detox resorts abound. Eat at Fisherman's Village in Bophut (lovely for an evening stroll and its Friday walking street) and the seafood spots along Chaweng and Lamai. Nightlife concentrates in Chaweng - beach clubs, bars and the odd cabaret - lively but tamer than Phangan's full-moon madness next door.

Where to stay in Koh Samui?

Compare prices from several providers for this place in one click.

Recommended: 2–4 nights

2-4 nights for the beach, spa and day trips to the Ang Thong archipelago.

Nearby

Koh PhanganGulf of Thailand

Koh TaoGulf of Thailand

Khao SokSurat Thani (inland)

Frequently asked questions