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

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 Bo Phut Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bophut Hills
Explorar Koh Samui – Adults Only Resort and Spa

Explorar Koh Samui – Adults Only Resort and Spa

5 out of 5
44/134 Moo 1, Mae Nam Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is RM409 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
RM409
RM486 total
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Koh Samui. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (456 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel with exceptional food and great service"

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Explorar Koh Samui – Adults Only Resort and Spa
Fair House Villas & Spa

Fair House Villas & Spa

4.5 out of 5
39 Moo 1, Maenam, Suratthani, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM560 per night from 15 Oct to 16 Oct
RM560
RM665 total
15 Oct - 16 Oct
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! (605 reviews)
"Perfection! This Villa was everything we wanted, private, peaceful, beautiful setting right on the beach. The restaurant was fantastic, delicious with a great selection of meals and drinks. Breakfast is generous and The Banquet and Bbq evenings are fantastic value (bbq includes a fireshow) The gardens ..."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Fair House Villas & Spa
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui

5 out of 5
99/11 Moo 5, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
The price is RM702 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
RM702
RM833 total
29 Oct - 30 Oct
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! (328 reviews)
"Really well looked after by all the staff and our villa hosts Lee and Janine. Would definitely visit again had a great relaxing time."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
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.
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! (51 reviews)
"A great place to stay on the quieter side of the island. Staff were lovely, and the area is walkable to shops and temples"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Skye Beach Hotel
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). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
"We stayed for one week during July. Villa is beautiful and comes well equipped for two people, although we largely ate out at the restaurants nearby. Pool a good size, and enough sun loungers at all times for us to sit around it alongside other guests. Staff are very friendly, and came round with ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

CHUZ Villas Samui
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 Bo Phut Beach and Chaweng Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (27 reviews)
"Amazing staff amazing facilities"

Reviewed on 29 Feb 2024

Horizon Residence Rentals
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