Looking for sun, sea and tropical vibes? Heading to Koh Samui, Thailand? You’re in luck!
My husband and I just went and I can tell you—we loved it! Koh Samui has everything: white sand beaches, jungles full of life, nightlife and Thai culture. And plenty of places to stay and eat.
- And if you’re planning to go, you’re in the right place! We’ll share our top tips for traveling to Koh Samui, Thailand in this quick guide.
Why Koh Samui?
We could go on and on about why Koh Samui is one of our favorite destinations, really. We’ll try to summarise our top reasons below:
- Koh Samui has beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- This island is home to some of the best Thai food you’ll ever taste.
- Koh Samui has a rich cultural heritage—including plenty of temples and shrines.
- You’ll find lots of spas and wellness centers to sit back and enjoy a massage.
- The waters of Koh Samui are the perfect spot for watersports. The nightlife is incredible, with everything from beachside bars and swanky clubs to bustling night markets and live music. There’s something for every night owl here!
- Koh Samui is easily accessible (see the next section for details).
- Oh, and the sunsets! When the sun goes down in Koh Samui, you’ll feel mesmerised like never before.
When to Go
Koh Samui is a year round destination but the best time to visit depends on your preference. The island has a tropical climate with three main seasons: hot, rainy and cool.
- Hot Season (March to May): Peak tourist season, temperatures 25-35°C (77-95°F). Perfect for beach activities, snorkeling and diving. The island is buzzing and the energy is infectious. Just remember to pack your sunscreen!
- Rainy Season (June to October): Frequent rain showers and rough seas, not ideal for beachgoers. But great for waterfall hikes and exploring the green scenery. The rain brings the island to life and it’s a nature lover’s paradise.
- Cool Season (November to February): Coolest and driest season, temperatures 20-30°C (68-86°F). Perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking and exploring the island. Weather is pleasant and skies are clear. Best time to visit Koh Samui.
How to Get to Koh Samui
Getting to Koh Samui is easier than you think! You can fly directly into Samui International Airport or, like us, fly in from Bangkok. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, take the ferry. It’s a budget option and the views are amazing. We’ll try it on our next visit!
How to Get Around Koh Samui
There are many ways to get around Koh Samui. Songthaew are converted pickup trucks that act as taxis. But these can get busy. There are also regular taxis and motorbike taxis. If you want to splurge, rent a car or motorbike from the car and motorbike rentals.
We usually use Grab (Thailand’s Uber) for our trip. It was good and we’d recommend it!
Safety in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a safe island but as with any tourist destination, it’s always a good idea to take some precautions to have a smooth and enjoyable trip:
- Beach Safety: Always swim at patrolled beaches and be aware of strong currents and riptides. Chaweng Beach and other popular spots have lifeguards on duty so stick to these areas for a safer swim.
- Road Safety: If you’re renting a scooter, always wear a helmet and be careful of uneven roads and reckless drivers. The island’s roads can be rough so drive carefully and stay alert.
- Petty Crime: Keep an eye on your belongings especially in crowded areas like Chaweng Beach and Fisherman’s Village. Use hotel safes for valuables and don’t carry large amounts of cash.
- Health and Hygiene: Stay hydrated especially during hot season and be cautious with street food. Avoid eating undercooked meat or raw vegetables to prevent any stomach issues.
What to Do in Koh Samui
You’ll find so much to do in Koh Samui so we recommend having at least 5 days on the island to get the full experience. Here’s what we recommend to do on your trip:
Spend a Day on the Best Beaches in Koh Samui
Koh Samui’s beaches are heaven. Chaweng Beach with its lively atmosphere is perfect for those who want a mix of sunbathing, watersports and beachside dining. Imagine spending the day lounging under a palm tree, sipping on a coconut and then diving into the turquoise waters. For a more relaxed experience head to Lamai Beach to watch the sunset or Maenam Beach to stroll along its golden sands in peace. Or visit Lipa Noi Beach for a serene environment, fine white sand and stunning sunsets.
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)
If you like landmarks, the Big Buddha Temple is a must visit! This golden giant sits on a small island and can be reached by a grand staircase. Climbing to the top gives you panoramic views of the island and the sea – especially beautiful at sunset. And don’t forget to check out the food stalls at the bottom for a meal with a view!
Angthong National Marine Park
Angthong National Marine Park is a natural wonderland where limestone cliffs rise dramatically from emerald waters and hidden coves await to be discovered. Whether you’re kayaking through crystal clear lagoons, snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs or simply taking in the views from a scenic lookout, this day trip is an adventure you won’t forget. Our highlight? The stunning view from the top of the Emerald Lake viewpoint – truly a sight to behold!
Visit the Fisherman’s Village Bohput
We recommend this one personally! In Fisherman’s Village you get a glimpse of traditional Thai life and a variety of dining options and attractions. There are narrow streets with shops, handicrafts and local produce. This area is a short walk so take a stroll around the area. We loved trying the street food as we walked. And we ended the night with a seafood dinner at one of the village’s waterfront restaurants.
Psst—if you like venturing into nature, take our word for a Jungle Adventure Tour with Koh Samui Adventures!
Waterfalls and Hiking
Koh Samui is a nature lover’s and adventure seeker’s paradise with several waterfalls and hiking trails to choose from:
- Na Muang Waterfall: Located in the interior of the island Na Muang Waterfall is a great spot for a hike and a swim. The waterfall cascades into a natural pool perfect for cooling off after your trek.
- Hin Lat Waterfall: A smaller but just as charming waterfall near Chaweng Beach, Hin Lat is great for a short hike and a picnic. The trail is easy so it’s suitable for all fitness levels.
- Khao Pom Forest: This forest has several hiking trails to choose from, perfect for spotting wildlife and taking in the scenery. The trails vary in difficulty so there’s something for everyone from casual walkers to seasoned hikers.
Songkran in Koh Samui
We were lucky enough to celebrate Songkran in Koh Samui and it was so much fun! This was our first time experiencing the Thai New Year festival and we couldn’t have picked a better place to get wet. From 8am to sunset we were out on the streets, from head to toe drenched, joining in water fights, laughing, dancing and having a ball with locals and tourists. The atmosphere was buzzing with everyone from kids to grandparents joining in the fun.
The streets were full of people with water guns and water was flying everywhere! Music was playing and there were makeshift stages with DJs spinning tunes to keep the energy up. It was such a fun and unique way to celebrate and the sense of community and happiness made it an experience we would do again in a heartbeat!
If you’re in Koh Samui in mid April don’t miss out on the Songkran celebrations. Just be prepared to get wet and have a blast!
After a day of celebrations it’s time to refuel and try some of Koh Samui’s best eats.
What to Eat in Koh Samui
Here are some dishes we’d really recommend trying during your trip to Koh Samui:
- Seafood (think steamed shellfish and stir-fried prawns). One incredibly aesthetic place to enjoy this is at the Dara Serene Restaurant.
- Khao Pad (fried rice). Try this at the Andaman Thai Food and Seafood point—a tourist’s recommended spot.
- Pad Thai (stir-fried noodle dish). Consider Baan Ya Jai for this dish; they prepare their food with fresh ingredients and no MSG.
- Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup). Toh Chuan Chim is a popular place to enjoy this delicious soup—you’ll also love its curries.
- Som Tam (green papaya salad). You can devour this at the family-run restaurant, Somtum Indy.
We loved dropping by any eateries we found along the way—and tried a new dish every time. Totally worth it!
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
During our trip, we stayed at the Anantara Lawana Resort.
We were upgraded to a pool suite and it was like a dream. The resort is huge and on a hillside with Thai style suites and villas nestled in lush gardens. We didn’t have ocean views from our room but breakfast by the beach was pure heaven. Sipping our morning coffee with the sound of the waves and the ocean views was the perfect way to start each day.
Getting around the large resort was easy with the friendly staff who drove golf cart buggies. Just a call from our room and they’d whisk us down to the beach or up to reception. It was luxurious to have a driver at our beck and call especially after a long day of exploring. The combination of good service and the resort’s peaceful atmosphere made our stay truly special.
One afternoon we decided to venture out to the beach bars. We walked along the shore and found some cool spots where we joined locals and tourists and enjoyed the laid back atmosphere. A Singha beer for 90–120 THB ($2.50–$3.40 USD) and we spent the afternoon soaking up the chill. As the sun started to set we headed back to the resort just in time for happy hour at Anantara Lawana. It was the perfect way to unwind with a refreshing cocktail and the soft glow of twilight reflecting off the pool.
One evening we treated ourselves to dinner at Tree Tops Sky Dining & Bar, the resort’s signature restaurant. Perched high in the trees it was magical and the food was amazing. The menu offers gourmet dishes, fresh seafood, premium steaks and Thai-fusion cuisine. Each course was beautifully presented and the flavours were crafted to showcase the best of local ingredients.
While it’s on the pricier side it’s worth every baht for the food, service and views. While it’s on the pricier side it’s worth every baht for the food, service and views. For a special occasion or just to indulge, dining here is an experience not to be missed. And sometimes treating yourself to a memorable meal is priceless, right? We savoured each course from starters to desserts while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and breeze. It was one of the best meals of our trip and the perfect way to end the day in paradise.
We also had friends staying at Hotel Amari, an amazing property right on the beach! All their guest rooms have plenty of space as well as a picture-perfect balcony. Here, you can enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets in seclusion—as well as garden or beach views. The modern Thai architecture and refreshing color schemes will make every part of your stay worth it!
If you’re looking for a mid-range option, consider Escape Beach Resort. You will get to choose from bungalows—all the way to cozy guest rooms. (This is also a beachfront resort with an outdoor pool). You also get access to a private bathroom fully equipped with all amenities as well as an in-room TV and fridge.
For budget travellers, consider Timeless Hotel. Here, you can take a 5 minute walk to the Chaweng Beach—and enjoy the views. The rooms are clean plus comfortable, so you’ll have a good time. As a bonus, this hotel is just a 15-minute drive from the Samui airport.
Conclusion
Koh Samui was more than a holiday for us, it was a chance to re-charge and find peace after 10 days of trekking and the chaos of Bangkok. We were well and truly ready to relax. Standing on Chaweng Beach at sunset watching the sky turn pink I felt grateful and at peace. It was one of those moments when everything felt just right.
So you want a holiday with a bit of everything? Here you go! Bring your swimmers and sunnies, Koh Samui is ready for you.
