Koh Samui Tourism: Beaches, Resorts and Best Hotels
Koh Samui is a quiet island in the Gulf of Thailand, with its season opposite Phuket.
Koh Samui, the second largest island in Thailand, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the country’s east coast, and has its own airport.
It is also written as Koh Samui in some results. What makes it special is that it’s calmer and smaller than Phuket and greener, and you can drive around it in about two hours. The island is almost all coconuts, hills, and a string of beaches.
But the main reason to choose it isn’t quietness but the timing: its season is opposite Phuket’s. Those traveling in July and August find sun and clear seas here while western islands are in their rainy season.
Koh Samui beaches: which one to choose
Koh Samui’s main beaches: three: Chaweng for activity and services, Lamai for balance, and Bo Phut and Maenam for tranquility.
Chaweng is the longest beach on the island with the most services, restaurants, and markets, and is best for first visit and for those who don’t want a car. Lamai is a bit quieter while keeping services nearby, and its famous rock at the southern end.
Bo Phut in the north has the old village with its wooden houses and evening market, and is the quietest and closest to the airport. Maenam and Choeng Mon are almost entirely quiet and suit those seeking isolation or long stays.
Best activities on Koh Samui
The most famous attractions on Koh Samui are the Big Buddha temple, Na Muang waterfalls, and Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Ang Thong National Marine Park is the best day trip from the island: an archipelago of more than forty rocky islands, and a boat trip there takes a full day including swimming and kayaking.
Inside the island: the Big Buddha on a small island connected by a bridge in the north, the Wat Plai Laem adjacent temple, Na Muang waterfalls with their natural pool, and Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks at Lamai. Circling the island on the ring road for half a day is a fun experience in itself.
Koh Samui Hotels: Where to Stay and Which Beach to Choose
The best Koh Samui hotels for first visit are on Chaweng Beach, and the quietest on Maenam and Choeng Mon.
The island is small but moving between its beaches takes more time than you’d think, so pick the beach first, then the hotel inside it.
Best time to visit Koh Samui
Best time to visit Koh Samui is January to September, while it rains heavily in October and November.
This rule flips the usual order. While western islands have their rainy season May to October, Koh Samui is sunny in July and August, and those are among its best months. Thus it’s the right answer for a summer vacation.
As for October and November, their rains are heavy and boat trips may stop. December gradually improves. Temperatures stay around 27 to 32 degrees year-round, and the difference is in rain, not in heat.
Koh Samui Airport: Arrival and hotel transfer
Koh Samui Airport is located in the northeast of the island near Chaweng and Bo Phut, and its flights are limited and prices higher than other Thai airports.
The cheaper alternative is to fly to Surat Thani and take the ferry, but it consumes about half a day. Weigh the price difference and your time before you decide.
Getting around Koh Samui
The island revolves around a single road that can be driven in about two hours, so getting around is simpler than on any other Thai island.
- Shuttle from the resort: simplest to and from the airport, distances are short
- Renting a car: practical here since the island is small and the circular road is clear
- Taxis: available but prices between beaches are higher than expected
- Ferries: connect the island to the mainland and to nearby Koh Phangan
Book a flight to Koh Samui
Koh Samui Airport is owned by a single company and its flights are limited, hence tickets are higher than those to Phuket.
The cheaper alternative is to fly to Surat Thani and take the ferry, but it consumes about half a day. Weigh the price difference and your time before you decide.
Cost of travel to Koh Samui
The item that is higher at Koh Samui is the domestic flight to the island, higher than its counterpart to Phuket.
The item that rises here is the domestic flight to the island, higher than to Phuket. As for accommodations and food, they are close to the Thai island average, and getting around is cheap due to short distances.
How many days are enough to visit Koh Samui?
Four days are enough for Koh Samui, and five days if you want to add a trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park without rush.
The island is small and distances are short, so one day can fit a beach and an inland trip without fatigue.
Where is Koh Samui located?
In the Gulf of Thailand, east of the country, and it is the second largest island of Thailand and has its own airport.
What is the best time to visit Koh Samui?
January to September, with July and August among its best months. October and November have heavy rains.
Which is better: Koh Samui or Phuket?
Depends on the month. Koh Samui in the summer and Phuket in the winter. Phuket is bigger and more serviced, while Koh Samui is calmer and smaller.
How many days are enough to visit Koh Samui?
Four days are enough, and five days for those who want to add Ang Thong National Marine Park without rush.
Which beach should I choose in Koh Samui?
Chaweng for those who want services and activity, Lamai for balance, and Bo Phut and Maenam for quiet.
Why are air tickets to Koh Samui more expensive?
Because the island airport is small and flights are limited. The cheaper alternative is to fly to Surat Thani and take the ferry.
Is Koh Samui family-friendly?
Yes, especially Choeng Mon Bay with its calm waters and Lamai Beach, and distances on the island are short.