Koh Samui

Travel Guide

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

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

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

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
Crystal Lamai Hotel
Crystal Lamai Hotel
3 out of 5
136/92 Moo 4, Maret, Koh Samui, Suratthani
The price is RM164 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
RM164
RM195 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, 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
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
5 out of 5
99/11 Moo 5, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is RM1,148 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
RM1,148
RM1,363 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (309 reviews)
"We had a wonderful 8-night stay at Hyatt Regency Koh Samui. The resort is stunning, with beautiful grounds and excellent amenities; perfect for relaxing (exactly what we wanted to do). While it’s in a quieter spot, it’s just a short drive to Chaweng, Cheongmon, or Bo Phut for more dining and activity ..."

Reviewed on 28 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 RM541 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
RM541
RM643 total
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (583 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
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 WiFi, 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 WiFi, 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
Skye Beach Hotel
Skye Beach Hotel
4.5 out of 5
8/135 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury villa in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 14 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
"The room was absolutely amazing. Best hotel I’ve stayed at in Samui. Really new building and very clean. Awesome pool area with amazing sunsets. Staff extremely nice and accommodating."

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2025

Skye Beach 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.

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