Koh Samui

Travel Guide
Bo Phut Beach featuring general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing
Koh Samui is just like the island paradise from the movies with its pristine white beaches, sapphire blue waters and legendary nightlife. This small island off the east coast of Thailand draws different types of visitors, from young travellers who come here to party every night, those looking for its relaxed culture, and others simply for the pristine beauty of the beaches and the sea. Each side of the island has something different to offer. The south and west coasts are more relaxed and casual, perfect for those looking to chill on the beach with a good book or looking to experience the local culture. The north and east coast are popular for the famous beach parties, bars and night clubs.

On the west coast is Lipa Noi, a secluded beach that’s perfect for a romantic stay. Further to the south lies Phang Ka, with a number of first-class resorts and one of the best places to see the sun set into the sea. To the south lies the Bay of Thong Krut here you can explore the fishing village or take a charter boat to nearby islands Koh Tan and Koh Mudsum where you can go deep sea fishing.

Go dancing for the evening in Chaweng, then spend the day resting on the incredibly beautiful Chaweng Noi Beach. This beach, found south of the village, is a perfect place to escape from the maddening crowd. In the northeast lies Choeng Mon, the most exclusive part of the island, where the resorts and private beaches attract a bit more of mature, more family-friendly, crowd.

Visit the Great Buddha, just north of the airport. This 12 meter high bronze statue stands on its own little island just opposite the beach. Stroll through Bang Rak and Bo Phut to see the more traditional side of the island.

The beaches are easily accessible via the ring road that runs in a along the coast. When one beach is too busy, simply drive a few kilometres to the next beach. If you'd like to explore the surrounding islands, you're just a short boat trip from Koh Phangan and the spectacular Ang Thong National Park.

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.

Chaweng City Center
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Lamai City Center

4/5(22 area reviews)

You'll love the stunning beaches in Lamai City Center, and you might want to stick around to check out Lamai Night Market, a top place to visit.

Lamai City Center
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Bophut Hills

When in Bophut Hills, you can plan a visit to Fisherman's Village Plaza and Bo Phut Beach Pier, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bophut Hills
Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Moo 2 Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is RM462 per night from 7 Jun to 8 Jun
RM462
per night
7 Jun - 8 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the family amenities in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (121 reviews)
"Great location however pool bar needs extra staff when busy,"

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach, an IHG Hotel
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
5 out of 5
99/11 Moo 5, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is RM664 per night from 5 Jun to 6 Jun
RM664
per night
5 Jun - 6 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (213 reviews)
"Staff was super friendly."

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

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
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Chaweng Beach and Fisherman's Village ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (485 reviews)
"Location is great. Beaches really nice. Restaurant was nice, with an amazing view of sunset. Staff weren’t very accommodating."

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

Fair House Villas & Spa
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.
CHUZ Villas Samui
CHUZ Villas Samui
3.5 out of 5
206/50-52 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Maret, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 3.5-star beach villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lamai Beach and Chaweng Beach are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
The best villas in Koh Samui
"Everything was amazing at Chuz Villas. Lovely comfortable villa and amazing breakfast. Thank you K ( the lovely girl with long hair ) for making each morning amazing with her smile and great customer service. Highly reccomend."

Reviewed on 27 May 2024

CHUZ Villas Samui
Pawanthorn Luxury Pool Villa Samui
Pawanthorn Luxury Pool Villa Samui
4.5 out of 5
249, Moo 2, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (68 reviews)
"The place is quiet and staffs are friendly. The next door restaurant is superb."

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2023

Pawanthorn Luxury Pool Villa Samui
White Whale Beachfront Pool Villa
White Whale Beachfront Pool Villa
3.5 out of 5
56/24 Moo6 Maenum, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 3.5-star beach villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Maenam Pier and Nathon Pier are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Amazing Quiet Place on the Beach
"Perfect quiet, right on the beach place to stay. Convenience stores, restaurants, and massage, very easy walk away. Will stay again!"

Reviewed on 11 Apr 2024

White Whale Beachfront 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 57.69230769230769%
4 - Good
96
" "4 - Good 33.56643356643357%
3 - Okay
20
" "3 - Okay 6.993006993006993%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 1.7482517482517483%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Mar 2020

Loved it!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Mar 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
14 Mar 2020

Was only there 1 day.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
12 Mar 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Mar 2020

It such a great destination , a great experience

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Feb 2020

Great , but Cinnamon Beach Resort needs a rethink