Koh Samui Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Getting There, Beaches and When to Go (2027)

Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island and the easiest of the Gulf islands to reach, with its own airport and nearly 40 beaches. It has the most choice of rooms, from busy Chaweng to quiet resorts on the west coast. It suits first-time visitors, families and couples who want comfort and short transfers more than a remote feel. It is also a good base for day trips to Ang Thong Marine Park and Koh Phangan.

Where should you stay on Koh Samui?

Most visitors stay on the east and north coasts, where the main beaches are. The west and south are quieter, with fewer places to eat out.

Hotel prices are highest from about November to March and can rise sharply in peak weeks. Book early for Christmas and New Year.

How do you get to Koh Samui?

The quickest way is to fly. Bangkok Airways runs several flights a day from Suvarnabhumi, taking about an hour and a half. The airport is on the east coast, close to Chaweng and Bophut. International flights are limited, so most people connect in Bangkok.

A cheaper route is to fly to Surat Thani on the mainland and take a bus and ferry, which takes about four hours in total. Ferries leave from Donsak Pier. The Raja and Seatran car ferries take about an hour and a half; the Lomprayah catamaran takes about 45 minutes.

Overland, an overnight sleeper train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central station reaches Surat Thani in nine to ten hours. With the ferry, the whole journey takes ten to 12 hours. Buses from Bangkok take a similar time.

Koh Samui is also the hub for the other Gulf islands. Boats to Koh Phangan take 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the pier. Boats to Koh Tao take about one and a half to three hours.

How do you get around Koh Samui?

A ring road of about 50 km circles the island. Shared red pickups called songthaews run between the main beaches during the day, with fares of about 30 to 80 baht. They become rare after 8pm and do not serve the airport.

Taxis have no meters, so agree the fare first. Expect about 250 to 300 baht from the airport to Chaweng. Grab works in Chaweng, Bophut, Lamai and Maenam, and is often cheaper, but is less reliable on the west coast. Scooters rent from about 150 to 200 baht a day. Helmets are required by law and police checkpoints are common.

What are the best things to do on Koh Samui?

• Ang Thong Marine Park: a group of 42 islands about 30 km from Samui. Day trips are the main reason many people visit. See below.
• Big Buddha: a large golden statue on the small island of Koh Fan, linked to the north-east coast by road.
• Wat Plai Laem: a temple near Bangrak known for its 18-armed statue of Guan Yin.
• Hin Ta and Hin Yai: rock formations near Lamai, often visited with the Lamai viewpoints.
• Fisherman's Village: the Friday night walking street in Bophut, with food and stalls.
• Koh Phangan: 30 to 50 minutes away by boat, close enough for a day trip to its quieter beaches.

Is a day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park worth it?

Yes, if the weather is good. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park covers 102 square kilometres of sea and limestone islands. Visits are only possible with licensed tour operators. Speedboats take about 45 to 60 minutes each way from Samui. Larger, slower boats also run.

A typical tour includes snorkelling, kayaking and two short climbs. The trail to the Pha Jun Jaras viewpoint on Koh Wua Talap is about 500 metres uphill, steep, with ropes in places, and takes 25 to 30 minutes. On Koh Mae Ko, a stairway leads to a viewpoint over Thale Nai, a saltwater lake enclosed by cliffs.

The park fee is 300 baht for foreign adults and 150 baht for children aged three to 14. Some tours do not include it, so carry cash. Wear proper shoes for the climbs.

When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?

Samui's weather follows the Gulf pattern, not the Andaman one. December to February is dry, at about 24 to 30°C. March to May is hotter, with the most sunshine and the clearest sea. June to September brings frequent showers and occasional downpours.

October and November are the wettest months, with November the peak. Seas can be rough and boat trips may be cancelled. Ang Thong Marine Park usually closes from 1 November to 15 December, though the dates depend on the weather. If you are travelling then, check before booking a tour.

What should you know before you go?

• Plan around the rains. From October to December, keep a spare day in case boats do not sail.
• Carry cash for the park. The Ang Thong fee is paid in cash and is often not in the tour price.
• Agree taxi fares first. There are no meters, and fares from the west coast to Chaweng can reach 600 to 800 baht.
• Ride with care. Wear a helmet on a scooter, and check your travel insurance covers it.

Facts checked October 2026. Flight and ferry times are approximate and depend on the operator, pier and sea conditions. Ang Thong Marine Park closure dates are set each year by the Department of National Parks and can change with the weather. Taxi, songthaew and scooter prices vary.