Koh Samui
Tropical island paradise with palm-fringed beaches
Listing data updated
About Koh Samui
Koh Samui strikes a balance that few Thai islands manage: developed enough for comfort but still lush and scenic. The 25-km ring road loops past coconut groves, luxury villa compounds, and fishing villages that predate tourism entirely. Chaweng Beach has the buzz — beach clubs, shopping, and nightlife — while Bophut's Fisherman's Village offers a quieter strip of boutique hotels and waterfront restaurants.
The island's interior is surprisingly wild. The Na Muang waterfalls cascade through thick jungle, and the viewpoint hikes near Lamai reveal just how green Samui still is. It's also the main jumping-off point for Ang Thong National Marine Park (42 islands) and the Full Moon Party on neighboring Koh Phangan, a 30-minute ferry ride away.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). Ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs — a cheaper option.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay in Koh Samui
We compare prices across these trusted booking sites — pick whichever fits your trip.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Things to Do in Koh Samui
Koh Samui offers 574 curated places to explore across 8 categories. Choose from 76 hotels and resorts for your stay. Discover 90 restaurants and dining spots. Visit 70 temples and cultural landmarks. Explore 19 beaches and islands. Book from 140 activities and tours.
Browse by category below or scroll down to see top-rated picks in each category. Every listing includes Google ratings from verified visitors, price ranges, and direct booking links where available.
Pick where to stay in Koh Samui
Browse live hotel rates across the major booking sites.
Sponsored links — we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Hotels & Resorts
View all
Explorar Koh Samui
Stylish beachside resort in Mae Nam with infinity pool, gulf views, and highly rated service.
Amari Koh Samui
Upscale beachside resort on Chaweng Beach with three dining options, a spa, and an outdoor pool.
Baan Haad Ngam Boutique Resort & Villas
Beachfront boutique resort on Koh Samui's quieter north coast, with villa-style rooms and attentive staff.
Silavadee Pool Spa Resort
Cliffside luxury resort on Koh Samui with infinity pools, a full spa, and sweeping Gulf of Thailand views.
Restaurants & Food
View all
THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT
Hilltop restaurant and bar in Koh Samui with panoramic jungle and ocean views, iconic hanging nets, and all-day dining.
THAI KITCHEN RESTAURANT
Highly rated Thai kitchen on Bo Put Beach Road, open daily until 2am with home-style cooking and fast, friendly service.
Phensiri Thai Restaurant
Authentic Thai cooking on Chaweng Beach road, open daily for lunch and dinner at mid-range prices.
Day & Night of Koh Samui
A Bo Put dining spot open daily from 11am to midnight, serving the north coast of Koh Samui.
Temples & Culture
View all
Wat Phra Yai
A iconic gilded Buddha statue from 1972 sits atop a hilltop temple complex with panoramic sea views.
Wat Plai Laem
A colourful lakeside temple complex on Koh Samui, home to a towering 18-armed Guanyin statue and abundant fish.
Tarnim Magic Garden
A quirky hillside sculpture garden in Koh Samui's jungle, built by one man in 1976 and quietly unlike anything else on the island.
Lad Koh View Point
A hilltop shrine and viewpoint in Bo Put offering coastal panoramas and a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
Beaches & Islands
View all
Ko Pha Ngan
A laid-back Thai island of white-sand beaches, jungle interior, and the legendary monthly Full Moon Party.
Ko Tao
A small Gulf of Thailand island renowned for white sand beaches, coral reefs, and world-class scuba diving.
Lamai Beach
A laid-back stretch of white sand on Koh Samui, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beachside dining.
Ko Samui
A sizable Thai island offering stunning beaches, lush rainforest, vibrant nightlife, and cultural landmarks.
Markets & Shopping
View all
Central Samui
Koh Samui's largest mall, with indoor and open-air wings, international brands, a food court, and a staffed children's play area.
Samui Airport
Koh Samui's open-air island airport feels more like a tropical resort than a transit hub.
Fisherman's Village Night Market
A nightly beachfront walking street in Bo Put with street food, seafood, souvenirs, and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Lotus's Samui
A large hypermarket in Bo Put combining supermarket, retail shops, food court, and kids' entertainment under one roof.
Activities & Tours
View all
Hin Ta Hin Yai
Free-entry coastal rock formations on Lamai Beach, famous for their striking natural shapes and scenic ocean views.
The Jungle Club
Clifftop restaurant and bar in Koh Samui's hills, offering sweeping coastal views and Thai cuisine.
Big Blue Diving School Koh Tao
PADI-certified diving school on Sairee Beach offering courses and guided dives for all experience levels.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
A stunning island archipelago national park offering snorkelling, kayaking, trekking, and dramatic limestone scenery.
Nightlife & Bars
View all
ARKbar Beach Club & Resort
Beachfront bar and resort on Chaweng Beach, known for its lively after-dark atmosphere and ocean views.
Coco Tam’s
Beachfront bar on Bo Put Beach famed for nightly fire shows, sand-level seating, and surprisingly good pizza.
Elephant Beach Club
Beachfront bar and club on Koh Samui's quieter northern shore, open daily with mid-range pricing.
Rock Bar
Laid-back reggae bar by the sea in Koh Samui's Maret area, with multi-level seating and ocean views.
Wellness & Spas
View all
Dusita Spa 2
A highly regarded spa in Bo Put offering Thai massage, hair spa, and nail services in a calm, cosy setting.
Urban Thai
A highly regarded health club in Bo Put offering authentic Thai therapeutic treatments away from the tourist crowds.
Urban Thai Massage
Traditional Thai massage studio in Bo Put, Koh Samui, offering a calm alternative to busier beachfront spas.
Hansar Samui Resort & Spa
Beachfront resort and spa on Bo Phut Beach, combining spacious sea-view rooms with wellness facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Samui
Why are flights to Koh Samui so expensive?
Bangkok Airways owns and operates Koh Samui Airport, giving them a near-monopoly on flights. One-way fares from Bangkok often run ฿3,000–6,000. The budget alternative: fly to Surat Thani (Nok Air, AirAsia from ฿700) then take the ferry combo ticket, which adds 2–3 hours but saves significantly.
Which is better, Koh Samui or Phuket?
Samui is smaller, greener, and more relaxed. Phuket has more dining options, bigger nightlife, and better access to the Similans. Samui wins for couples and wellness seekers; Phuket suits those who want variety and a busier scene. Samui's Gulf Coast weather also means different monsoon timing — it's sunny when Phuket gets rain.
Is Koh Samui good for families?
Very much so. Chaweng and Maenam have shallow, calm water during fair-weather months. The island has water parks, the Samui Aquarium, and plenty of villa-style accommodation with pools and kitchens. Roads are relatively safe compared to smaller islands, and international food is widely available.
When is monsoon season on Koh Samui?
Samui sits on the Gulf Coast, so its monsoon hits October through December — the opposite of Phuket and Krabi. November is typically the wettest month, with occasional flooding on lower roads. January through September is generally dry and warm, making Samui a solid rainy-season alternative to the Andaman side.