Koh Samui Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lamai Beach showing a beach
Bo Phut Beach showing kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views
Bo Phut Beach which includes kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views
Koh Samui
Koh Samui

A holiday on a welcoming Thai island is a lovely way to relax and refresh. Have fun, eat great food and enjoy the sunshine and gorgeous weather.

Koh Samui is one of the great spots in southern Asia for an idyllic holiday away from the office, away from your worries and out enjoying the sunshine and blue water. Even better than the fantastic natural attractions, the people on the island are especially friendly, welcoming tourists from around the world. When you visit Koh Samui, be immersed in warmth, from both the climate and the people. Embrace the Thai concept of sanuk and simply have fun.

Things to do in Koh Samui

Warm blue waters and sparkling white sands tempt Koh Samui visitors to spend the entire holiday on the beach. Whether you want to swim, snorkel, jog along the sand, relax under a beach brolly or top up a tan, you can find a spot along Chaweng Beach. This strip of white sand stretches for 4 miles (7 kilometres) along the Gulf of Thailand just east of the main town of Koh Samui. Beaches actually encircle the island, so you can find sand, palm trees, accommodation and beach cafés nearly everywhere along the coastline.

Away from the beach, see other natural landmarks. Hin Ta Hin Yai are eroded granite rocks nicknamed as Grandfather and Grandmother. For ecotourism, visit Ang Thong Marine Park, about 40 islands surrounding Koh Samui. Engage a registered tour guide and enjoy snorkelling, canoeing, kayaking, beach strolls and hiking. On one of these islands, you’ll find Emerald Lake, a distinctive saltwater feature with the appearance of a perfectly coloured blue lagoon.

While beach destinations are top of mind for travellers of all types during a Koh Samui visit, you’ll also want to explore cultural highlights. As Thailand is primarily a Buddhist country, look for signs of this spirituality around the island. Wat Plai Laem features an 18-arm statue of Guanyin. Nearby, the Big Buddha Temple has a giant seated golden Buddha statue at the Wat Phra Yai on a small island.

Shop for Thai souvenirs when you visit Koh Samui. At the Chaweng Walking Street or Lamai Night Market, you can find coconut food products, items carved from coconut shells, wood carvings and luscious Thai silk garments.

Visit Koh Samui in May for the Samui Regatta. Roughly 500 yachts from more than 20 countries participate in this sailing challenge. The event takes place over several days, with great racing to watch and parties to attend.

Dining, nightlife and culture in Koh Samui

You may find it surprising when you visit Koh Samui that hot weather is a great match with hot curry. Try massaman curry, a good compromise as a flavourful, not too spicy stew of carrot, onion, potato and chicken in a coconut curry sauce. Cool any hotness with a dessert of mango sticky rice with a non-spicy coconut sauce.

Be adventurous and sign up for a Thai cooking class. Learn to make tom yum soup, satays, curry, pad thai, mango salad or other Thai favourites with fresh produce, spices and seafood from the fresh market.

Seafood is popular here, with many options for beachside dining. Chaweng and Lamai to the south of Koh Samui are great neighbourhoods to find restaurants along the water. Head north to Bophut Fisherman’s Village or continue on to Maenam for even more choices.

Stroll along the Chaweng Beach area for pub-hopping. Beachfront bars and clubs offer lively music long after the gorgeous sunsets. Dance all night to EDM techno music.

Be sure to see a Thai cultural show while you visit Koh Samui. This might include traditional dancing, fire dances or Muay Thai boxing matches. Phetch Buncha Samui Boxing Stadium offers evening martial arts matches. At the Dusit Dhewa Art and Cultural Centreon the west side of the island, you’ll find a concentrated look at Thai architecture and art. Even Fisherman’s Village Walking Street in Bophut mixes culture in with souvenir shopping. The night market frequently has demos of boxing and traditional dance.

Getting to and around Koh Samui

Make a flight connection through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to visit Koh Samui. For getting around the island, go local. Hop on a songthaew, the simple bus built on the back of a truck. Alternatively, rent motorbikes or use bike-share services. Taxis are plentiful too. Walking is always a good holiday option to offset the calories you’re taking in with the region’s exceptional food and drink.

Visit Koh Samui for its gorgeous weather, but take appropriate caution. Pack or purchase reef-safe sunscreen for the tropical climate and insect repellent for mosquitoes. Be sure to have beach coverups as the local dress code is more modest than revealing. Do as locals do and take frequent breaks in the shade and post-lunch naps when you can.

Where to stay in Koh Samui

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Chaweng City Center

4.5/5(51 area reviews)

Chaweng City Center is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Chaweng Beach and Central Festival Samui Shopping Center.

Chaweng City Center
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Lamai City Center

4/5(22 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Lamai City Center, you might enjoy its beaches and shopping. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Lamai Beach or Lamai Night Market.

Lamai City Center
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Bophut Hills

When in Bophut Hills, you can plan a visit to Fisherman's Village and Big C Supercenter, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bophut Hills
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
5 out of 5
99/11 Moo 5, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is £173 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
£173
4 Jul - 5 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Koh Samui. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (308 reviews)
"Staff were friendly and always willing to help. Rooms were very clean and comfortable and food options were very good."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
Fair House Villas & Spa
Fair House Villas & Spa
4.5 out of 5
39 Moo 1, Maenam, Suratthani, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is £127 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£127
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Koh Samui. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (582 reviews)
"My wife and I loved fair house villas it’s a perfect location offering a range of options like dinner, markets, beaches and party areas."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Fair House Villas & Spa
Crystal Lamai Hotel
Crystal Lamai Hotel
3 out of 5
136/92 Moo 4, Maret, Koh Samui, Suratthani
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £31 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
£31
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Koh Samui. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Lamai Beach and Chaweng Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (90 reviews)
"Great stay, nice spacious room, great location, bed a bit firm but would definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

Crystal Lamai Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa The Wave 2 Residence
Villa The Wave 2 Residence
4 out of 5
93/104 Moo 3, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lamai Beach and Chaweng ...
9/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
"Great views and location"

Reviewed on 16 Apr 2025

Villa The Wave 2 Residence
Horizon Residence Rentals
Horizon Residence Rentals
3.5 out of 5
10/11 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Koh Samui. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Chaweng Beach and Fisherman's Village ...
"Amazing staff amazing facilities"

Reviewed on 29 Feb 2024

Horizon Residence Rentals
Villa Palm Vista - Luxury, Private Pool Villa
Villa Palm Vista - Luxury, Private Pool Villa
4 out of 5
19/6 Moo 4 Bophut Bangrak, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Popular attractions Fisherman's Village and Chaweng ...
"Great place to stay. Very nice, clean, everything is there at the villa to make for a good stay"

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2024

Villa Palm Vista - Luxury, Private Pool Villa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Koh Samui

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
165
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
96
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
20
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved it!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing place to visit. Would definitely recommend & go back.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Was only there 1 day.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Although there is more chaos than usual in Chewang due to the roads being taken up, still very lively!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It such a great destination , a great experience

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great , but Cinnamon Beach Resort needs a rethink

Cities near Koh Samui