What is Koh Samui known for?

Koh Samui is famous for its white-sand beaches (particularly Chaweng and Lamai), luxury beach resorts, proximity to the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, Ang Thong Marine Park boat trips, and a year-round wellness and yoga retreat scene.

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?

January to August offers the most reliable weather. Koh Samui is on the Gulf of Thailand and follows a different schedule from Phuket — November and December bring the heaviest rains. The dry season peaks in February–April when the sea is calmest.

Is Koh Samui good for families?

Yes — Koh Samui is one of Thailand's best family destinations. It has calm, shallow waters on the north coast (Choeng Mon beach), child-friendly resorts, excellent medical facilities by Thai island standards, and plenty of non-beach activities including elephant camps, waterparks, and go-kart tracks.

Is Koh Samui expensive?

More so than the mainland, but still affordable by international standards. Budget accommodation starts at ฿800–1,200/night. Mid-range beach bungalows run ฿2,000–5,000. Food is pricier than Chiang Mai but cheaper than Phuket's beach clubs.

How far is Koh Phangan from Koh Samui?

About 30 minutes by high-speed ferry from Na Thon or Maenam pier. Regular services run throughout the day for ฿200–250 each way. The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan is easily done as an overnight trip from Koh Samui — many guesthouses organise combined ferry + entry packages.

Specialist Guide

Things to Do in Koh Samui

Thailand's glamour island — beaches, boats, and barefoot luxury

Chaweng & Lamai beaches
Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan
Ang Thong Marine Park snorkelling
Big Buddha & Grandfather Rock
Luxury beach clubs & spas
Fresh seafood at Fisherman's Village

Koh Samui: More Than Just a Beach

Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island and easily its most polished. The infrastructure matches any international resort destination — good roads, international airports, and a dining scene ranging from ฿80 pad thai to Michelin-recommended seafood. But beneath the glossy exterior, Koh Samui still delivers genuine Thai character: fishing villages where boats go out at dawn, jungle-interior waterfalls, and a Buddhist spirit that pervades the island. Here's what to do with your time.

Beaches & Water Activities

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Ko Samui

4.5(3,459)

Ko Samui, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand

Sizable island with picturesque beaches, a rainforest, upscale hotels & the Big Buddha Temple.

Lamai Beach

4.3(3,614)

Lamai Beach, Surat Thani, Thailand

White-sand beach lined with bars & restaurants, with rentable lounge chairs & palm trees.

Featured

Ko Pha Ngan

4.6(2,057)

Ko Pha-ngan District

White-sand beaches & coconut trees on island known for its monthly Full Moon Party celebrations.

Bo Phut Beach

4.3(2,494)

Bo Phut Beach, Surat Thani, Thailand

Modest beach featuring Fisherman's Village, which offers shops, restaurants, diving & more.

Chaweng Beach

4.3(2,070)

Chaweng Beach, Surat Thani, Thailand

Long, spacious beach with an upbeat vibe featuring nearby resorts, restaurants & shopping.

Featured

Ko Tao

4.4(1,663)

Ko Tao

Island offering scenic white sand beaches, coral reefs & scuba diving, with numerous resorts & bars.

Activities & Tours

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Big Blue Diving School Koh Tao

5.0(4,667)

Sairee Beach, 14, 148, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, สุราษฎร์ธานี 84360, Thailand

Hawk Adventure Zipline Park Koh Samui

5.0(2,789)

Hawk Adventure Zipline Park Tambon Ang Thong, Koh Samui Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, Thailand

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park

4.7(4,315)

Ang Thong, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand

National park over an island archipelago featuring forested peaks, scenic views & abundant wildlife.

Hin Ta Hin Yai

4.2(10,602)

92 84310 126/92 Moo 3 Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310, Thailand

Storied natural rock formations known for bearing a resemblance to male & female genitalia.

Best Restaurants in Koh Samui

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THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT

4.7(8,818)$$$$

33, 67, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

THAI KITCHEN RESTAURANT

4.9(3,518)

167, 51 Beach Road, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

4 SPICES | Samui viewpoint restaurant כשר

4.9(1,853)

8/100 4 Soi Blessing Village, bang rak Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Kapi Sator Central Samui

4.9(1,508)

G floor Central Festival Chaweng Beach Rd, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Nightlife

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Coco Tam’s

4.4(6,170)$$$$

62 Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

ARKbar Beach Club & Resort

4.3(7,501)$$$$

4 1 Chaweng Beach Rd, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Elephant Beach Club

4.6(2,131)$$$$

159 moo2, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Teddy Weed Beach

4.9(1,119)

109, Lamai, 59, Tambon Maret, Subdistrict, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310, Thailand

Wellness & Spas

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Dusita Spa 2

4.9(2,641)

168/48 Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Urban Thai

4.9(2,285)

39 T, 1, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Thai Garden

4.9(1,438)

167/7 หมู 2 Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Nakee Thai Massage ( Bo Phut - Koh Samui )

4.9(1,019)

Bo Phut Branch, 17 3 ตำบล บ่อผุด อำเภอเกาะสมุย สุราษฎร์ธานี 84320, Thailand

Getting To & Around Koh Samui

By Air

Koh Samui has its own international airport (USM) with direct flights from Bangkok (45 min, from ฿1,500), Singapore, and several European cities. Bangkok Airways effectively runs a monopoly — book early to avoid high fares.

By Ferry

The budget route: fly or train to Surat Thani, then take a Raja Ferry or Seatran ferry to Koh Samui (1.5 hours, ฿200–350). Night trains from Bangkok to Surat Thani are comfortable and cheap (from ฿300). The combined journey takes 12–16 hours but saves significant money.

Getting Around the Island

Scooter rental (฿200–300/day) is by far the best way to explore — the ring road circles the island in under an hour. Grab works in the main tourist areas. Songthaews run fixed routes around the ring road for ฿50–100 per person.

Island Hopping

Koh Phangan (Full Moon Party, quieter beaches) is 30 min by ferry (฿200). Koh Tao (diving, snorkelling) is 1.5 hours (฿350). Ang Thong Marine Park day trips depart from Na Thon pier (฿1,400–1,800 including snorkelling and kayaking).

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about things to do in koh samui.

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